The Power of Positive Words

The Power of Positive Words: What You Say Makes a Difference

Author: Stan Toler

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

Publication Date: March 12, 2019

Length: 192 Pages








About the Author
For many years, Stan Toler served as vice president and instructor for INJOY, John C. Maxwell’s Institute for training leaders to make a difference in the world.

Words Play a Role in Our Success or Failure
Our words are more than just what we speak. Rather, our words play a significant role in our outcomes toward success or failure.

Mr. Toler has written a fascinating book about the importance of words and how they have shaped our past and can affect our lives in both positive and negative ways.

The author tells about many famous speakers who have used positive words to communicate with people and make a difference in the world. He also explains the importance of silence and listening. Even though this is a book about positive words, Mr. Toler warns readers about the destructiveness of negative words.

This is not a strongly Christian book, but the author uses the final pages of the book to teach the reader how to have a conversation with Jesus Christ, our heavenly Father.

My Thoughts
I found this book inspiring and informative. Mr. Toler is an excellent and experienced writer and expresses his thoughts in an organized and insightful manner.

I really enjoyed reading one story after another about how the power of words can change situations in a positive or a negative way. I also found the chapter about the importance of silence and listening very interesting. 

We can all benefit from thinking about the words we use. Knowledge and words are powerful. This book will give you a practical background and guide for the use of positive words and how they make a difference.


MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

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

Thank you for visiting my blog. Please FOLLOW and share your thoughts in the COMMENTS section below.

Book Review: The Approval Fix by Joyce Meyer

The Approval Fix: How to Break Free from People Pleasing

Author: Joyce Meyer

Publisher: FaithWords

Publication Date: June 3, 2014

Length: 139 Pages



About The Author
Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. Joyce has authored nearly 100 books, which have been translated into 100 languages.

Breaking Approval Addition
Many people struggle with "approval addiction." They want to feel accepted and approved by peers and family members. Mrs. Meyer presents proven principles, personal stories and Bible text that will help readers overcome their addiction to people pleasing.

This book is divided into the following four sections:

• Accepting Who You Are
• Breaking Approval Addiction
• Putting an End to People Pleasing
• Finding Freedom from Comparison, Rejection and Control

The author believes that we should be "God Pleasers" instead of "people pleasers." Mrs. Meyer has first-hand knowledge of what approval addiction can do to a person's spiritual, emotional and physical health. This book offers information and encouragement to all who are ready to make positive changes in their lives.

Favorite Quotations
"True freedom never comes until we fully realize that we don't need to struggle to get from others what God freely gives us: love, acceptance, approval, security, worth, and value."

"If you feel you have lost something or someone you cannot do without, you are wrong. The only thing or person in life we absolutely cannot do without is God."

"When you enter into a new relationship, be careful how you get started. What you allow in the beginning will come to be expected throughout your association with that person."

"The person who is most likely to be controlled is someone who has always been controlled, so being controlled is a habit, a way of life."

"We should do what we do for the love of God and others. Being motivated by fear instead of love or faith does not please God."

My Thoughts
I have read many of Joyce Meyer's books in the past. I have followed her ministry for over 15 years and have been blessed by her teachings and publications.

This book is briefer and more concise than many of her previous books. I like the way the author gets right to the heart of the matter with fewer stories and anecdotes.

This book provides life-changing information for all who desire a life of confidence, acceptance, love, peace, joy and strength.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary 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: A Search For Purple Cows by Susan Call

A Search for Purple Cows: A True Story of Hope

Author:  Susan Call

Publisher:  Guideposts

Date:  October 1, 2013






About The Author
Susan Call is a speaker and author who enjoys sharing her insights from life's valley, offering hope and wisdom to her audiences. She holds an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Eastern Nazarene College and a BA in Computer Science from Susquehanna University.

From Victim to Victor
As a young wife and mother, Susan Call found herself in a a cycle of abuse and betrayal. Her husband was handsome and charming but he also had a dark side. He was an alcoholic and controlled his wife with verbal and emotional abuse.  The last straw came when Susan discovered that her husband was having an affair with their former nanny.

God spoke to Susan's heart as she listened to a Christian radio station. As her faith strengthened, Susan had the courage to take her children and leave her abuser. This is the story of her journey of faith, courage and hope.

My Thoughts
Research shows that the most dangerous time for an abused woman is when she is preparing to leave her abuser. This is a true story about how Susan Call was able to leave a very abusive marriage and start a new life with her children.

Ms. Call gives God the glory for guiding and protecting her during the difficult days of her separation and divorce. She describes how she feared for her life and the lives of her family members because of the threats that her husband made. 

It seemed like helpful people always showed up in Susan's life when she needed them the most.  She knew this was no coincidence. God protected her and had a good plan for her future.

Susan Call lived with her children as a single parent for several years.  She was able to work with her ex-husband so that the children would be able to visit him on a regular schedule. God provided a job that she could work from home and she eventually met her new husband through her work team. 

Susan described how she has forgiven her ex-husband and moved forward in her life. Susan is not a victim. She has found victory through her faith in Jesus Christ. 

This book will provide hope to other women who find themselves in an abusive relationship. It is a testimony to God's faithfulness and grace. Highly recommended!

My Rating:  5 Stars Out of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary print copy of this book from B & B Media Group for an honest review.

Please share your thought in the Comments Section below.

A Powerful Testimony

Sharquent Webster shares the story of her tragic childhood in "He Kan't Kill Your Future: For I Know the Plans I Have for You Declares the Lord...". The good thing about this book is that it has a happy, joyful ending. This book is a testimony about how the love of Jesus Christ can change lives.

I now realize that I have lived a very sheltered life. I have to admit that many parts of this book were difficult for me to read. I never imagined that there are children in the United States who are living in this kind of poverty and abuse.  It was difficult to put this book down because I really needed to find out how this courageous young woman could overcome such a horrific childhood.

Mrs. Webster is not a professional writer but she writes from the heart and soul. I felt like she was talking directly to me when she was writing about how she was the seventh of ten children in a family growing up in South Central Los Angeles. Her father left the family and her mother suffered serious mental problems as she struggled to keep her family fed. Her mother dealt with the pressures of caring for her large family by dumpster diving and hoarding. She often left her children alone while she walked the streets in search of food and treasures.

Sharquent provides vivid details about how she walked the streets, was molested, raped and developed a drug addiction before she was old enough to drive. She hustled and snatched purses to finance her drug habit. She dropped out of school in junior high and spent her teenage years running with gang members and drug dealers. She eventually spent some time in jail but this did not heal her craving for PCP and crack. She had two children and lost custody of both of them.

Sharquent finally "hit bottom" and decided to enter the Victory Outreach Rehabilitation Center. This was a Christian home for young women who were homeless and broken. She spent a year at Victory Outreach and graduated from the program. She learned about the love of Christ and the fact that He had good plans for her life. The Lord could heal her and use her to help other hurting women.

Sharquent Webster is a powerful example of how God can take a "no-good dirty drug addict" and use her to bring Him glory. Jesus saves.

I want to thank Mrs. Webster for sending me a copy of this book to read and review. Reading this book was an experience that I won't soon forget.

Please post your thoughts in the Comments section below.

Easter Blessings

I want to wish each of you a very happy and blessed Easter weekend. I would like to share a beautiful Easter song with you that was written by my friend, Mary Buford. This song expresses the true joy of Easter morning.

Words and Music by Mary M. Buford. All Rights Reserved.

Easter Dawn

When Mary sadly trod the garden path

That Easter dawn,
And looked within her Savior's tomb
And found His body gone.

She started back in great dismay,
And through eyes dimmed with tears;

She thought she saw the gardener there,
And brought to him her fears:

"My Lord is gone...I know not where...
But, Sir, if you would know;
Where He is laid, please tell me now,
That to Him I may go."

One word He spoke, her name, t'was all,

But then she knew! SHE KNEW!
Oh, glory of the lighted mind! Oh, love that shatters fears that bind!
Oh, wonder of God's grand design! All He foretold comes True!

"HE LIVES!"
The bells of all the years of Easter mornings ring!
And joy abounds like Mary knew,

In hearts where Christ is King!

"HE LIVES!"

Indeed He conqured death for all who come to Him.
Oh!, now we see Thee, Lord of Life;

Our eyes no longer dim.

From Cana to Gethsemane, we meet our risen Lord.
From valley deep to mountain steep, we're lifted by His Word.
And, Oh, those precious moments when, like Easter morn anew,
We meet with Jesus once again, in those who love Him too.

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.

Once In A Lifetime

Today I have the privilege to write about a book that is near and dear to my heart. Rev. Clyde E. Nichols has been an important part of my life and I am so glad that he has written this book. "Lift Up Your Eyes" is a book of Christian devotions that Rev. Nichols has written over the past four decades. He has written a weekly newspaper column, "Lift Up Your Eyes",  for the Temple Daily Telegram (Temple, Texas) for the past 46 years. The first column ran on May 8, 1965, and it has been a regular feature in the Saturday edition since then.

Rev. Nichols has chosen the very best of his columns to include in this book of 366 devotions (one for each day of the year plus Leap Year). There are extra devotions at the end of the book for holidays (Martin Luther King Day, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Easter, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Father's Day and Thanksgiving).

The name of the book comes Psalms 121: 1-2, "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord..." Each devotion is based on a true story from history, literature, a movie or the personal experiences of Rev. Nichols. There is a Scripture verse included with each devotion.

Rev. Clyde E. Nichols served as senior minister of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Temple, Texas, from 1963 to 1986. He served as an associate pastor at LaPorte Community Church (Laporte, Texas) in the early 1990s. My husband and I grew to know and love Rev. Nichols during these years. In November 1991, he performed our marriage ceremony. In 1992, he was by my side after I was seriously injured in a head-on car wreck with a drunk driver. Rev. Nichols baptized both my husband and I in the Chapel at LaPorte Community Church in 1993. He was everything you could ask for in a pastor.

I have read many Christian devotional books, but this book is truly a once-in-a-lifetime reading experience. The book is inspirational, motivational and will lead you to a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. This book is now available on the AuthorHouse site in hardcover, paperback and e-book format.

Rev. Nichols provided me with a free copy of this book in digital format to read and review. I hope to travel to Temple on April 30th to celebrate the publishing of this book and Rev. Nichol's 90th birthday. I will purchase a signed hardback copy of this book and keep it on my nightstand. I will read a devotion from this book each night to end my day.

Meet Mrs. Smith Delirious? Book Giveaway

Meet Mrs. Smith: My Adventures with Six Kids, One Rockstar Husband, and a Heart to Fight Poverty, by Anna Smith, is the story of a devoted Christian woman and her life as the wife of a Christian rock star. Mrs. Smith opens her home and her heart to share what life is like when her husband is leading worship on stages all over the world. Anna is not only the wife of Martin Smith but she is also the mother to six children.
Anna's story begins with a terrible car wreck that seriously injured Martin as they drove home late one night. It was during his recovery that he decided to make his Christian rock band a full-time endeavor and Delirious? was born.
Mrs. Smith shares incredible insights and behind-the-scenes adventures that she has experienced over the past 20 years. Many time Anna was left behind to care for the children while Martin toured the world. The Smith family was often separated but they always stayed connected and devoted to each other. The entire family would sometimes join Martin on his foreign tours. They traveled to America, India, Australia, Cambodia, Africa and many other destinations. The entire Smith family experienced a close-up look at extreme poverty when they visited India, Cambodia and Africa. Anna and Martin worked together to form CompassionArt, which raises money through art and music to help the poor around the world.

My Thoughts
The honesty of this book really touched my heart. Anna provides a realistic look at what it is like to be the wife of a rock star. She admits that things are not always easy, but she is devoted to her family and adjusts to all the challenges that come her way. She makes it clear that God is first in her life, then her marriage and children and finally her husband's career. Anna does not let the fact that her husband is a celebrity go to her head. She keeps her priorities straight and is leading a very rewarding life. This book is a real inspiration.

Thank you to the B & B Media Group for providing a free copy of this book for me to read and review.

Companion Book
I recently read and reviewed Delirious: My Journey with the Band, a Growing Family, and an Army of Historymakers by Martin Smith. This is a companion book to the book that I reviewed today. Please click HERE to read my review.

Delirious? Book Giveaway
I am giving away the following TWO books in this book giveaway;

Delirious: My Journey with the Band, a Growing Family, and an Army of Historymakers

Meet Mrs. Smith: My Adventures with Six Kids, One Rockstar Husband, and a Heart to Fight Poverty

These books have been read one time (by me) and are in very good condition.

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 Delirious? books!" That is all there is to it. On Monday, March 28th, 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, March 30th 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 March 28, 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.

Delirious? By Martin Smith

Martin Smith opens up his heart and tells the story of his life as a worship leader with the contemporary Christian band Delirious?.  "Delirious: My Journey with the Band, a Growing Family, and an Army of Historymakers" tells about Martin's childhood days growing up in a middle-class Christian home in England. He learned to play a guitar at a young age and started leading worship in his home church as a teenager. He married Anna, a pastor's daughter, and became involved in his church's outreach events. 
In 1995, Mr. Smith was involved in a near-fatal car accident.  During his weeks of recovery, he decided to become a full-time musician. He became the lead singer for the band Delirious? and his career quickly took off.  Martin and the other members of the band were talented song writers as well as performers.  The band toured all over the world and drew huge crowds at Christian events.
The author honestly tells about the many advantages and trials that come with touring and being a member of a popular Christian band.  He is brutally honest about some of the challenges that they faced.  He is very quick to give God all the glory for the success that he and the band experienced.  It was important for him to stay connected to his home church and to limit his touring schedule to not exceed ten days at a time.  Mr. Smith expressed the difficult feelings that he had to face when he left his wife and six children to travel with the band.
Joyce Meyer invited the members of Delirious? to lead worship at their conferences in the United States and abroad.  Mr. Smith writes about how his life was changed when the band traveled to India to lead worship for a Joyce Meyer conference with over four hundred thousand people in attendance. The author met Farin, the daughter of a prostitute living in a Mumbai slum. This girl was the same age as one of his daughters, and without help she too would end up facing life as a sex worker.  Mr. Smith felt the Lord calling him to help the poor people in India.  He organized CompassionArt to raise money to help relieve the extreme poverty in third world countries.
The last part of the book tells about the transition period that Mr. Smith and his family are experiencing since the band broke up.  His faith is stronger than ever and the future is bright for this talented musician. 
On a personal note, I first saw Martin Smith leading worship at a Joyce Meyer conference in November, 2010. The huge crowd of worshipers at Lakewood Church were on their feet the entire time that Mr. Smith led the worship.  I wrote about this experience on this blog in a post named, "Joyce Meyer Washes Feet."  Joyce was teaching from John 13: 1-17 and acted out the story of Jesus humbling himself and washing his disciples' feet. She asked Martin Smith to sit down in a chair, take off his shoes and socks so that she could wash his feet. 
This book is fascinating and inspirational.  I was touched by Mr. Smith's strong faith in Christ during his long journey with Delirious? and beyond. 

Thank you to The B & B Media Group for sending me a free copy of this book to review.

Coming Soon:  I am currently reading Meet Mrs. Smith: My Adventures with Six Kids, One Rockstar Husband, and a Heart to Fight Poverty. This book was written by Martin Smith's wife and tells about her experiences. I will be posting my review of this book soon!

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below. 

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.

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.


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.

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.

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 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.

Brighten The Corner Where You Are

In 1913, gospel meetings were popular, spurring lagging faith with song, personal testimony, and shared experiences.  Ina Duley Ogden's wish as a young woman was to join the Chautauqua circuit as an evangelist and bring to thousands her strongly felt message of love and Christian belief.  Unfortunately, Mrs. Ogdon's father was an invalid who required constant care and attention.  Ina abandoned her dreams and decided to spend her life caring for her father.  She poured her heart into writing songs that would express her Christian faith.  When she wrote the lines, "To the many duties ever near you now be true," she could well have been thinking of dishwashing, sweeping and cleaning, which to her became work God had assigned her. 
Homer Rodeheaver, a famous evangelist, selected "Brighten The Corner Where You Are" as his theme song.  Thus, though she never reached the attention of thousands of people as a Chautauqua speaker, her message has come to millions through music.

Brighten The Corner Where You Are

Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,

Do not wait to shed your light afar,

To the many duties ever near you now be true,

Brighten the corner where you are.

REFRAIN

Brighten the corner where you are!

Brighten the corner where you are!

Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar;

Brighten the corner where you are!

Just above are clouded skies that you may help to clear,

Let not narrow self your way debar;

Though into one heart alone may fall your song of cheer,

Brighten the corner where you are.

Here for all your talent you may surely find a need,

 Here reflect the bright and morning star;

Even from your humble hand the bread of life may feed,

Brighten the corner where you are.



Prayer Changes Things

Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, author of The Power Of Positive Thinking, had a three part formula for praying. 
Step 1. "Prayerize". Go about every day discussing with God in a natural, normal manner the questions you will have to decide upon later on in the day. Ask for His guidance.
Step 2. "Picturize".  Print a picture on your mind of what you believe to be God's will for you. But first pray about it and put the matter in His hands.
Step 3. "Actualize".  Work hard and intelligently so that your prayer may come true, if it is God's will that it should.

"Four things for success: work and pray, think and believe". Norman Vincent Peale

 "When you pray for anyone you tend to modify your personal attitude toward him".  Norman Vincent Peale 

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not here to see;

If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears of me;

I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,

While thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,

And each time you think of me I know you'll miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,

That an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand,

And said my place was ready in heaven's glorious land.

When I walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home.

When God smiled at me and said "This is eternity and all I've promised you.

Today your life on earth is past, here it starts anew".

"I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,

And since each day's the same day, there's no longing for the past.

You have been so faithful, so trusting, and so true.

You have been forgiven and now at last you're free."

So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart.

For everytime you think of me, I'm right there in your heart.

This poem was read by Mrs. Virginia Walker at Debra Holton's memorial service. March 6, 2010

Book Review - Fearless

"Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear", by Max Lucado, is a book that I needed to read. What would my life really be like without fear, worry and dred? Max Lucado teaches us how to use the teachings of Jesus Christ to deal with fear and life a free and rewarding life.

"Fear not." Those simple words are the basis of this book. Jesus said those words many times as he taught and ministered to people. This book examines many kinds of fear and then attempts to answer the question; "What would Jesus do?"

There is no magic formula for making feelings of fear go away. Prayer, reading the Bible and fellowship with other Christians will help us face and overcome our fears. We are not alone and we should not be ashamed of our fears.

Jesus said, "Take courage, I am here". (Matt. 14:27 NLT) I believe those words and I will make them my motto.

There is a study guide at the end of the book for individual or group use. I plan on going back and really working on the issues presented in this book. I can only imagine a life without fear - this book is a wonderful resource for making a "no fear" life a reality.

Are You Ready For Halftime?

Is my work the center of my life and identity?

What is my truest purpose? My life work? My destiny?

What do I want to be remembered for?

These are some questions that Bob Buford asks in his book, Halftime®: Moving from Success to Significance® .

Do you dream about the day you can retire from your 9 to 5 job? This is a dream that can turn into a nightmare if you are not prepared. You need to be working on a plan for the halftime of your life right now.

I worked as an elementary school librarian for many years. In 2002, I had worked enough years to take an early retirement. This decision was made in haste and I had no idea what I would do with the rest of my life. My identity was connected to my job. I found myself frantically trying to get another job in a school library. I eventually learned that looking back with regrets was not the path to happiness.

This book tells you exactly how to change your way of thinking from making money for yourself (success) to making a difference in the world (significance). What does it really mean to "have it all"?

Bob Buford has chosen the following epitaph: 100X
This means "100 times". This was taken from the the parable of the sower in Matthew 13. Mr. Buford wants to be remembered as the seed that was planted in good soil and multiplied a hundredfold.

Halftime®: Moving from Success to Significance® was orginally published in 1994. This newly updated and expanded edition includes a foreword by Jim Collins, new questions for reflection or discussion at the end of each chapter, brand new "halftime" stories of men and women enjoying a second half of significance and specific "halftime" assignments to guide readers into their second-half mission.

This book should be required reading for anyone thinking about retirement. What are you going to do with the rest of your life?