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A Woman Who Reflects the Heart of Jesus: Book Review and Birthday Giveaway
Hi Ladies!
Yesterday was my birthday! Yes. I am now 36 years old. Last week my washing machine went out. I am soooo excited! My new washer and dryer was supposed to be delivered on my birthday, but there was a delay so I get it on Tuesday. My husband bought me a Samsung HE front loading, stainless steel set. I’ve been waiting for that washer to die forever, seems like!
Did you know that 2011 is A Virtuous Woman’s 10th year anniversary? I’ve been meaning to celebrate somehow all year long, but just never seemed to get around to it. So, I thought that since it’s my birthday we could celebrate AVW’s birthday, too with a giveaway!
A Woman Who Reflects the Heart of Jesus by Elizabeth George
30 Days to Christlike Character
Want an easy way to get to know Christ better and become more like Him? This book is just that. Each day’s devotion is short enough that even a busy, over worked, mom-on-the-go can find the time to fit it into her schedule.
Topics range from Approachable to Worshipful, 30 ways you can reflect the character of Christ. Elizabeth George offers practical, insightful ideas that are easy to apply to your life.
This book is our November/ December selection in the P31 Sisters Book Club. This brand new version of our book club has just opened, so be sure to join!
If you would like to win a copy of A Woman Who Reflects the Heart of Jesus, all you need to do is leave a comment below!
The winner will be announced on Monday, November 21, 2011!
UPDATE: Gina Toothe is the winner! Congratulations! Please email me with your information so we can mail this book out to you!
One Thousand Gifts
When Zondervan offered me the chance to review One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp, to say I was thrilled would be an understatement! I had wanted to get my hands on the book for several weeks!
What I liked about the book…
Very few books have ever touched me in the way that One Thousand Gifts has. In a word the book is profound. Raw is another word that comes to mind. Poetic. It leaves your soul open to all that God has to give. The first chapter of the book is gripping as Ann shares deep wounds that have shaped her into the woman she is today.
In many ways Ann’s search for a full life well lived is very much like my own which is perhaps what spoke to me the most. My desire to live life to the fullest, to enjoy the moments I have with the people I love, not wasting time on the unimportant, is something that I have shared over and over again with you. I have spent much time over the last few years evaluating and re-evaluating my life and what I want to do with my life. Ann’s search for holy joy is pure and unadulterated the way I want my own search for the meaningful to be.
She writes:
“I wake to the discontent of life in my skin. I wake to self-hatred. To the wrestle to get it all done, the relentless anxiety that I am failing. Always, the failing. I yell at children, fester with bitterness, forget doctor appointments, lose library books, live selfishly, skip prayer, complain, go to bed too late, neglect cleaning the toilets. I live tired. Afraid. Anxious. Weary. Years, I feel it in the veins, the pulsing of ruptured hopes. Would I ever be enough, find enough, do enough?
…It’s the life in between, the days of walking lifeless, the years calloused and imply going through the hollow motions, the self-protecting by self-distracting, the body never waking, that’s lost all capacity to fully feel – this is the life in between that us the wild walking dead.” (p. 27)
Have you ever felt that way? I know I have! Reading this book has opened my eyes to the smallest details – God’s details – all those things He wants me to know are from Him that I so often take for granted. Ann writes:
“Thanksgiving is the evidence of our acceptance of whatever He gives.” (p. 39)
Do I accept the life I have been given? Am I thankful? Later she goes on:
“I may have always know that change takes real intentionality, like a woman bent over her garden beds every day with a spade and the determined will to grow up something good to strengthen the heart.” (p. 43)
Am I willing to work for change?
What I didn’t like about the book…
The last chapter left me feeling uncomfortable. I just couldn’t get into the whole sexual imagery of making love to God. There. You have been forewarned.
Final thoughts…
Ann’s writing style is unique, very poetic and full of word pictures. This writing style may not be for everyone. I personally enjoy the poetic prose.
All in all, this book has inspired me to live a life of thanksgiving daily. Don’t get me wrong. I believe I have lived with a thankful heart and an appreciation for the precious lives God has put in my care, but this book has inspired me to take it a step further, to really see my life as a gift, moment by moment.
Ann has also inspired me to begin my own list of 1000 gifts. Will you write one, too?
My One Thousand Gifts
1. Eggs borrowed for corn pudding
2. Baby sparrow rescued
3. Snow peas from the garden
4. A husband to love
5. Little girls who laugh
6. A house to clean
7. Dishes to wash
8. A new dress
9. Two loyal dogs
10. Quiet time to write
11. Ace Bandage for a sprained ankle
12. Friends who care enough to help
13. Teaching Primaries at Campmeeting
14. Hugs from little children
15. Air conditioning for the summer heat
16. Baby chickens
17. A soft bed to sleep in
18. A book to read
19. Sunshine on my face
20. A water balloon fight
Day-Votions for Women: Book Review and Giveaway
Day-Votions for Women by Rebecca Barlow Jordan
It’s always fun to find a new book that gives you something to think about while encouraging you at the same time. This little devotional book does just that! Day-Votions for Women is part of a series of books designed to give women refreshment.
From the inside of the book:
In the middle of life’s chaos and demands, women need more than just a “surface” faith. It’s time to go deeper and grow stronger in your relationship with God. Day-Votions is the perfect way to begin.
In each of these forty devotions, you’ll pause and reflect on an inspiring story and its nugget of Biblical wisdom. Then, you’ll find suggestions for applying spiritual truths to your life. A short prayer encourages deeper communication with the one who loves you the most.
Come and discover:
- How God is faithful to keep His promises.
- Why you are never alone.
- How to persevere through challenging times.
- Why joy is possible even when life is difficult.
- How God is involved in the smallest details of your life.
In the beginning of the book is a quote from the author that I really loved. “A woman who knows she is deeply loved, completely forgiven, totally accepted, and inwardly treasured by Christ will most likely teach others the same truths.”
Four chances to win the book:
- Leave a comment.
- Mention this giveaway on your blog (with a link).
- Mention this giveaway on your facebook page (with a link).
- Mention this giveaway on twitter (of course with a link).
Come back here and let me know what you did and your name will be thrown in the bucket once for each thing you did! Have fun!
The DRAWING will be held on Monday, February 28, 2011!!
The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast: Book Review
The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast by Kristen Feola
When I saw the title for this book published by Zondervan, I was immediately intrigued. I thought, what better way to start the new year than with prayer and fasting? So, I chose this book as the first selection in our P31 Sisters Book Club for 2011.
From the back of the book:
The Daniel Fast is a unique opportunity available to anyone who is hungry to know the Lord in a deeper way. As you deny yourself certain food – such as sugar and processed ingredients – you will not only embrace healthier eating habits, you’ll also discover a greater awareness of God’s presence. The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast equips you with practical tools to enrich the spiritual and physical impact of your fasting experience, while allowing you to feast on foods that are good for you.
The book includes three parts:
- The Fast explains the origins of the Daniel Fast and why it can change your life today.
- The Focus provides 21 devotionals that will help you feed on God’s truth.
- The Food contains more than 100 nutritious, easy to prepare recipes that follow the guidelines of the Daniel Fast.
In a conversational style, Kristen Feola helps you structure your fast so you can spend less time thinking about what to eat and more time focusing on the Lord. As Kristen reminds you, you can do it! Best of all, you will discover that “to fast” means “to feast” on the only thing that truly nourishes you – the powerful Word of God.
So, as I began to prepare for my own Daniel Fast, I spent some time reading the book in preparation. Kristen tells us that there are basically four types of fasts:
- Absolute
- Supernatural
- Liquid
- Partial
The Daniel Fast is a partial fast, where we simply do not eat certain foods. The Daniel Fast comprises of a vegan diet based on legumes, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, oils, and water. Foods that are not allowed: dairy, meat, sugar, sweeteners (honey, Splenda ®, syrups, etc.), yeast, refined and processed foods, deep fried foods, and solid fats. Kristen has provided a complete lists of foods that are okay to eat and foods you should avoid in the book.
The Daniel Fast is a complete guide. Kristen Feola has included everything you need to make your experience easy! Aside from the short daily devotionals, there are 100 delicious and healthy recipes plus ingredient lists to aid in your shopping list and weekly menu plan suggestions. I have to say, I was also impressed with variety of yummy looking recipes! I can’t wait to try many of them!
If it is your desire to seek a closer relationship with God through fasting, The Daniel Fast is a good place to start. I love how Kristen reminds us:
“All of us can think of a food item that we will miss while on the Daniel Fast… While we’re fasting, we shouldn’t complain or be grouchy because we’re not able to enjoy what we are used to having (Phil. 2:14) Fasting is a time of self denial; it’s not supposed to be comfortable. Remember that your Daniel Fast is a voluntary act of worship. You have chosen to do it. Maintain an attitude of gratitude by continually thanking the Lord for the food you are eating, just as the Bible says to do in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: ‘Give thanks in all circumstances, this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.’”
A Plain & Simple Christmas: Book Review
by Amy Clipston
When I saw this book, the cover was what initially drew me to it. I love the book cover! I don’t have a lot of time to read for fun, but I do try to read in my downtime – i.e. riding in the car, waiting for an appointment, etc.
We had a trip to Florida this month, a 15 hour drive, so I had a lot of “downtime!” In fact, I was able to finish three books on the drive home! A Plain and Simple Christmas was one of those books.
This novella is a wonderful read. The story reminds us of how important how loving each other and learning to forgive one another really is.
From the back of the book:
Four years after being shunned for marrying an “Englisher,” Anna Mae McDonough wants to reconcile with her Amish family. And what better time than Christmas? But when her surprise visit doesn’t go as planned, she begins to question her place in the family.
Is Anna Mae determined enough to follow God’s will so the family can heal?
This heartwarming tale of faith, family, and forgiveness is the plain and simple Christmas inspiration you’ve been waiting for.
I really enjoyed reading the story. I loved the way Anna Mae and Kathryn listened to God’s voice even when everyone around them questioned their resolve. Definitely an inspiring story! Oh, and if you are part of a book club, there are group discussion questions in the back of the book, too. After reading this story, I am excited to find more books by Amy Clipston. I hope you have a chance this holiday to enjoy A Plain and Simple Christmas, too!
Everything Christmas: Book Review
Everything Christmas: Celebrate the Joy of the Advent Season with the Best of
I was excited to receive this delightful book from Water Brook Press. I love Christmas time! Even more than that, I love the time I am able to spend with my family making memories that will last a lifetime. This book is packed with ideas!
From the back of the book:
Christmas is a time of celebration and wonder, a time to embrace longstanding traditions and establish new ones. It’s a time for meals filled with memories and heartwarming stories shared around the fireplace. It’s a time for worship, reflection, and remembrance of God’s greatest gift.
Everything Christmas is divided into 24 sections beginning with December 1 and ending with December 24. Because of this, it can be used as an advent calendar if you wish. Each day is filled with old-fashioned stories, Scripture verses, quotes, jokes, poems, Christmas carols, recipes, trivia,and more! In addition to all the wonderful stories and tidbits are a number of sections about how countries around the world celebrate Christmas.
This book could be used at breakfast or dinner time around the table, at bedtime, during family worship, or even during homeschool time. There is something for everyone in this little book!
I did want to mention that “Father Christmas” and “Santa Claus” are mentioned in a few places in the book, but these little sections could easily be skipped if that offends you.
And of course one of my favorites is always the recipes. I was delighted to find a recipe for Christmas Snowballs – a cookie my own mother made for use every Christmas and that I now make for my own family. The recipe is found on page 199 of Everything Christmas:
Christmas Snowballs
4 sticks butter, melted
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups finely chopped pecans
6 tbsp. confectioner’s sugar
4 cups all purpose flour
Confectioner’s sugar (to roll cookies in after baked)
Preheat oven to 325 F degrees.
Mix first five ingredients well. Form into 1 inch balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 20 minutes until cookies turn lightly brown. Remove from oven; cool for 5 minutes. Roll each cookie in confectioner’s sugar.
When cool, roll again until well coated. If cookies break up while rolling in sugar, cool for another 5 minutes. Makes about 100 cookies.
I received this book from WaterBrook Press in exchange for doing this review. I am glad I did!
The Berenstain Bears Discover God’s Creation: Book Review
The Berenstain Bears Discover God’s Creation
by Stan and Jan Berenstain with Mike Berenstain
I remember nights snuggled up next to my mother for the bedtime story. My usual pick was one of our many Berenstain Bears titles. I loved the Berenstain Bears! As a mother now, I am often reading aloud stories that my own children pull off the bookshelf. More often than naught, I am reading a beloved Berenstain Bears book at bedtime.
One of the things I have always loved about this series of books, is that each one has a lesson to be learned. The books are sweet and charming and fun. Kids just naturally love them! And moms can feel good about what they are reading.
The back of the book tells us…
Mama Bear pulls the plug on TV, and the Bear cubs are upset! What are they going to do now? All it takes is a peek outside for Brother and Sister to see that God has given them a beautiful world that is far more fun than the TV screen.
The Berenstain Bears Discover God’s Creation is no different. Published by Zonderkidz, this delightful little hardback book is filled with engaging prose. Mama Bear begins the book saying:
“It seems to me, you cubs watch much too much TV!”
I love that! I am one of those moms who severely limits my kids television viewing. And every afternoon that the sun is shining, I tell the kids to go outside. I want them to experience God’s creation on a daily basis and appreciate the gifts of nature. I think Mama Bear is pretty wise!
She continues (after the cubs protest) saying:
“Watching all that TV slush will surely turn your brain to mush. I will not argue. You have no vote. I will keep the TV remote.”
Mama Bear gets my vote! I actually keep our TV remote up all the time. The kids have to have specific permission to turn on the TV. This book will encourage your family to watch less TV and get outside more. If you have young children like I do, this book is surely one for the bookshelf.
A Year of Family Worship: The Bible Story
The Bible Story Books.
You have probably seen those blue hardback Bible Story books in the doctor’s office, dentist office, or hospital. I remember my mother reading stories from them while we sat for what seemed like hours in the waiting room at the doctors office when I was a little girl. We didn’t own a set of our own back then. Well, now I have a set of my own. In fact, in our house, we have several sets and even recently purchased a set for each of our children. We found used sets on ebay.
I highly recommend you purchase a set for your own home, if you have not already! The books authored by Arthur Maxwell, are written in a classic story like fashion. The illustrations are charming. But the most important thing about these books, would have to be that they teach you the Bible! They are perfect for children and parents alike! If you are a mom, like me, who didn’t grow up with a solid knowledge of the Bible and the stories, this 10 volume set is perfect! You will learn so much from just reading the stories.
From The Bible Story Book Website:
Imagine for a moment your family sitting down together for a regular Bible story at bedtime. That’s better than some silly—or disturbing—television program, isn’t it? And it’s a wonderful influence for good…
Each short, five-minute chapter in The Bible Story can help give your children the strength to stand up to the temptations they face. Each story can help build a foundation of values upon which your children can establish happy and successful lives.
- Easy to read and understand
- 411 stories in 10 volumes
- 1,200 color illustrations
- Stories are true to the Bible
You should visit their website, and learn more. And if you can’t afford the price of new books, get some used ones! They are usually in excellent condition! These books will be a welcome addition to your Family Worship time.
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Each Wednesday, we will add a new post for A Year of Family Worship and you can do the same. Share your goals, experiences, and ideas for family worship with the rest of us!
If you don’t have a blog, you can add your comments in the comment section! You can read about A Year of Family Worship here. And you can see the 52 Weeks of Family Worship here.
If you do not have a blog… you can either post your ideas here in the comments or even join our Proverbs 31 Sisters Network and get a free blog that way!
Busy Mom’s Bible: Review
It’s funny how God works. Way back in October 2009 I was in a Bible book store and was looking at all the beautiful new Bibles wishing I could justify the expense of a new Bible when the one I have is perfectly good. In fact, the Bible I carry with me was given to me by my husband twelve years ago before we were even married. (Not to mention the dozens of Bibles in my home.) But I wanted something smaller and something prettier than the typical burgundy leather I already owned. And then I had the opportunity to review this Bible.
The Busy Mom’s Bible is just that. It is smaller, one of Zondervan’s new Slimline NIV editions. It is also a really fun and pretty pink, hot pink, and brown. This Bible is designed for busy moms who don’t have a lot of time to study, but who desire a closer relationship with Christ. It offers 52 devotions on topics that are near and dear to moms everywhere. Topics like God as the Creator, Disciplining Children, and Guilt.
These 52 devotions are broken up into three segments – 1 minute Readings, 5 minutes to Reflect and Pray, and 10 minutes for further Study. The format of the Busy Mom’s Bible is simple to use and definitely will make morning devotions easier for moms whose time is already stretched to the max.
In the back of the Bible you will find a concordance, maps, 10 minutes study index, additional 5 minutes Reflect & Pray, 5 minutes reading about Jesus, and 5 minutes reading about the women of the Bible.
One aspect that I really appreciate is that this Bible does not include commentary. I prefer to do my own study rather than rely on the opinions of a scholar whose theology I may not agree with. The words of Jesus are also printed in red. In all honesty, I do prefer the King James Version, but for ease of reading, the NIV doesn’t take a lot of concentration and thought.
This Bible is one I will be using quite often – especially when I am on the go. The size is perfect for traveling and carrying around.
Green Mama: Book Review & Giveaway
Green Mama: The Guilt Free Guide to Helping You and Your Kids Save the Planet
by Tracey Bianchi
Today is St. Patrick’s Day and I thought it would be fun to play around with the whole “green” theme with this book review and giveaway. A couple of weeks ago, Zondervan sent me a nice big box of Green Mama to review. I couldn’t resist having a big giveaway at the same time!
Green Mama is a book that will help you figure out ways to be more “green”. In other words, be kind to God’s creation.
The author, Tracey Bianchi, begins with a tale of how she went from being a thoughtless consumer to being a environmentally friendly mom living in the suburbs. I was slightly shocked by the mention of marijuana in the Introduction, but I realize that was the story of then – not now.
I am not a “tree hugging liberal.” Did I say that? I am what a lot of people would call “crunchy”. I took the quiz on Facebook and yes, it confirmed that I was indeed a “Crunchy Granola Mama”. Whatever that means.
- I am a vegetarian
- I cook nearly everything from scratch
- I gave birth at home
- I homeschool my kids
- I prefer herbal remedies to traditional medicine
- I have come to loath frivolous purchases
- I used cloth diapers
- I love camping in a tent and cooking over a campfire so much that I think I could just live in one forever
- I have a small organic garden
- I compost nearly everything I can
On the other hand, I really am just a regular mom. I live in a regular house in a neighborhood in a small town. I have regular kids. I live a pretty ordinary life. The reason I was interested in reviewing a book on how to be green was that even though I do not believe in global warming and I don’t think we need to control whether people drive SUV’s, I do believe that God has entrusted to us His creation to care for until He returns. So what does the author of Green Mama have to share with us? Bianchi encourages moms to do something. She says:
This book does not demand impossible changes for your life. You do not have to compost every banana peel, ditch your microwave, or convert to organic gardening to make a difference (although these definitely do help) You do not need dreadlocks or a hemp handbag. Instead, let’s look at the simple solutions that make the biggest differences. Like this one: Americans toss 60 million of those plastic water and beverage bottles into our landfills everyday. There is a cheap, family-friendly, and even money-saving solutions for this plastic problem: Drink froma reusable bottle. You can do this.
While you may not agree with everything in this book or feel that every idea is perfect for your family, you are certain to find many ideas about how you can be a better steward of this earth we share. Near the end of the book, Bianchi asks this question: “Am I part of the plan?”
This is a painful question, mostly because I think the answer is yes. The escape plan looks something like this. I start seriously considering what is truly important in my life. I limit what I own and need and want. I make educated decisions on what I buy and who I buy it from. I take the time to invest in renewable energy sources, limit my water use, turn off a few lights, and get some canvas bags. I teach my children that wrapping paper is not from the North Pole, and I take them outside on Christmas Eve to find a star. I teach them that Jesus loves them not for what they have but for who they are. I pray as often as I can about the harsh realities of this world… Becoming a Green Mama means we live in a way that honors God and other moms… So Green Mamas, be empowered. God is behind you and in front of you, and what is left of his glorious creation is all around you. Hug your kids, hug your friends, hug a tree; and you will help another mom across the world do the same. This is to live wisely and well. Green Steps:
- Plant a tree.
- Find responsible recyclers
- Pray.
Bianchi discusses everything from how to understand the “eco” language (What does natural mean anyway?) to celebrating the real meaning of Christmas. She will help you with the “I Want More” syndrome that seems to affect Americans everywhere. She will give you practical tips on how you and your family can be kinder to this earth. She will make you think.
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If you would like a chance to win a copy of Green Mama by Tracey Bianchi, all you need to do is comment below! I have 10 of these books to give away! You must comment on the original post not on Facebook to be eligible to win!
Want Extra Chances to Win?
- Comment below.
- Join our Facebook group.
- Follow us on Twitter.
- Mention this on your blog.
Mention what you did in the comments below and you’ll get an extra chance for each one! Winner will be announced on March 31, 2010! Good luck!
