Enter to win a Kindle Fire from Rachel Hauck and RSVP for 5/28 Facebook Party!

Rachel Hauck is celebrating the release of Once Upon a Prince with a fun "Royal Wedding" Giveaway and connecting with readers at her May 28th Facebook Party.

One "royal" winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 27th. Winner will be announced at the "Once Upon a Prince" Facebook Author Chat Party on May 28th. Connect with Rachel for an evening of book chat, wedding trivia, laughter, and more! Rachel will also be sharing a sneak peek at the next book in the series and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Once Upon a Prince and join Rachel on the evening of May 28th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 28th!

The Thoene’s “When Jesus Wept” iPad Giveaway and Facebook Party 4/23!

Celebrate the release of When Jesus Wept with the Thoenes by entering their iPad Mini giveaway and RSVPing to their {4/23} Facebook Author Chat party!

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A brand new iPad Mini
• A book club kit - 10 copies of When Jesus Wept

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 22nd. Winner will be announced at the "When Jesus Wept" Author Chat Party on 4/23. Connect with the Thoenes, get a sneak peek of the next book in the Jerusalem Chronicles series, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be fun giveaways - gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of When Jesus Wept and join Bodie and Brock on the evening of the April 23rd for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

“Ephesians” Online Bible Study – JOIN ME!

Ephesians: Discovering Your Identity and Purpose for Christ. Join the online Bible study (4/15 - 6/17) with Sue Edwards! And invite your friends to join you.

 Sue will be posting weekly on the Year of Discovery Facebook Page and interacting with groups and individuals around the country going through the study at the same time. Women will be able to discuss the study with each other and ask questions via Facebook. Edwards will launching the Ephesians study with an April 11 Facebook launch party. The online study will begin the following week.  (April 15 – June 17)

Completing each lesson requires about one-and-a-half hours. Readers still receive in-depth Bible study but with a minimum time commitment. For those who desire a more thorough study, including an opportunity to learn more about the history, culture and geography related to the Bible, Edwards has provided “Digging Deeper” questions. Answering these questions may require outside resources such as an atlas, Bible dictionary or concordance and challenge readers to examine complex theological issues and differing views more closely.

More about the Ephesians study: This insightful Bible study uses the example of Paul’s church in Ephesus to show readers how they can be victorious Christians, living in God’s Word, and free from sin. Part of the discovery series, the Ephesians edition includes tips for either individual or group use, inspirational sidebars and short, 3-5 minute teaching videos.

Purchase a copy of Ephesians and join the on-line Bible study today.

If you join the Ephesians Bible Study - add this button to your blog: (just copy the code and paste it into a blog post or your blog sidebar) “Ephesians” Online Bible Study – JOIN ME!

<center></b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/DiscoverTogetherSeries"> <img alt="Kregel Sue Edwards Revelation Bible study" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/EphesiansFBParty.png" height="200" width="200" /> </a></center>

Loving the Moments

I love my little girl's smile!  She is just so precious to me!  Hehe I took my camera out to snap her smile and she lifted up the bowl too.  Life has been up and down as of late, but totally learning that even in the hard times or in the middle of her melt downs---seeing her grow up and actively learning and speaking to me...everything in all its melt downs.... all of it--IT IS WORTH IT!

I write this as my daughter's down for a nap, and I get my little moment of break...so maybe I'm in a better mood!

"Don't you see that children are God's best gift? The fruit of the womb His generous legacy?"

--Psalms 127:3

How Reading the Bible in a Year will Change Everything for You

My Initial Thoughts and End Thoughts about this Book in a nutshell:

I have been struggling in reading this book titled Passages by Brian Hardin. Hindrances Distractions, and Disinterestedness seemed to really hail on me as I set about reading this book.  Sorry Brian my first thought through the 20 first pages was...I'm a bit bored.... I had to fight tooth and nail in order to get through finishing this book, but it is of no fault of the author. In retrospect I believe there was a spiritual battle taking place that I did not know of because of the impact it will have on my life as a believer.  I'll have to reread the first pages again with my new-found perspective!

At first I hated this book, I wondered "WHY? Did I Sign Up to Read it!?" Reading the Bible in a year, I have heard this before, and quite truthfully I felt like I did not want some guy telling me I needed to. I rather liked the pace and level of Bible reading I did.

Though the deeper I got into the book, the more I understood the importance of reading the Bible for more than just a tid bit of encouragement for the day. At first it was bittersweet reading, and then it was like the sweetness and ripeness of what I was reading slowly started to hit my tastebuds.

God's Word has the power to change lives even yours.   Throughout the book, I kept hearing Hardin challenge me to take on this challenge. At first I brushed it off. But because of his persistence and I have to say his ability to really pinpoint my reasons for not reading the Bible and ability to tackle them and persuade me otherwise is quite a God thing. Hardin called me out on some things I do to "fix" my self and my life. Here is one thing he mentioned that I had to laugh my little heart out at. I shake my head knowing that Hardin hit me in the gut with this one! I laughed nervously I think because this way never works and yet I keep doing it.

We're high on a mountain in the blinding snow, but we've convinced ourselves through distractions, addictions, and busyness that we're actually on a path leading somewhere. In the deepest parts of the evening, though, while we lie in bed trying to stare past the ceiling to the heavens above, we feel the emptiness of it all.... We feel the hunger of our deepest soul crying out for nourishment, but we simply don't know where to begin.

We start making a checklist.

1. Get in Shape. If I got in shape, I'd feel better about myself.
2. Get more Culture. If I understood the world better, I'd be a better person and could help more people.
3. Get Organized. If things were a little more in order, life would feel more manageable.

I cannot tell you how often I try to feel fulfilled in life by way of Checklist! I have tried to take control of my life and fix myself by way of Checklist and doing things apart from God and His Word. And in the end the checklist makes me feel more sunk in the black hole after a couple of weeks.

 I can taste and see the change God has done through him as a result of reading the Bible as a Whole.  I can sense the thrill of placing God and His Word priority through the testimony of others...and I want it for myself. I know the thrill of watching what I want to, and it ends. I know the pleasure of spending money and shopping--and the pleasure fades.

I am persuaded that if I give God my time, my life--He will do something with me that will leave me fulfilled, joyful, and living life the way He created me to live. Hardin talked about how he started, and as he says he was shocked! He did not expect to find himself in a community where they've committed to reading along with him. He was enriched by fellowship, and even a ministry he was not exactly looking for.

Conclusion:

When I first started reading, I did not want to be challenged. Quite frankly the Bible seemed like a dry crusty piece of stale bread. Yes, I read it. When I get in trouble or feel like my world started becoming chaos, I'll come running to God's Word to read something of hope or encouragement from God. God does not want me to treat the Bible as an h'orderve either. Snacking when I feel convenient. In fact the Bible was meant to a daily part of life impacting the way I view my role as a parent (being an example), living life moment by moment, decisions I make, etc. Above all I look forward to knowing Him more through it. I look forward to that peace and joy that comes too.

Want to be challenged?  Desire to be changed?  Think life is boring even in Christ?  On the couch a bit depressed?  Need a thread of hope?  Reading the Bible as it was meant to be read as a Passage can do more than help you.  It'll change you if you stay with it!  I am fully persuaded in the power of God's Word (Hebrews 4:12).  He created the universe by His Word!  

Daily Bible Reading & Devotion!

As you can see I have greatly enjoyed it. By the end of the book, I was thankful that I too can take up the challenge of reading for the author has included several types of Bible Reading Plans in the back of the book. Whether you want to follow along with the Daily Audio Bible Schedule, read the Bible Chronologically or Historically--it's right there at your fingertips.

More about Brian Hardin

Brian Hardin is a speaker, photographer, record producer and an ordained minister. In 2006, he created the Daily Audio Bible, an online podcast that now delivers 1.5 million downloads a month. He has produced over 150 albums and works with artists and the arts extensively. He is married to Christian musician Jill Parr. Find out more about Brian at www.dailyaudiobible.com.

Find out what others are saying about this book in our Blog Tour:http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13507671/brianhardin 





Disclosure:  I received a review copy of this book for the purpose of providing my honest oopinions. 

Cravings {The Devotional} Review and a Giveaway!

What is Cravings? Now in the world there are many cravings --such as something sweet and creamy, salty and crunchy, etc.  But what today I am excited to introduce to you Cravings {The Devotional} kind!  Carey Bailey was inspired by God one day to create something truly nifty for moms who are swept away by the swift tide of motherhood.  There are periods in my life that I neglect my time with God, and sitting down with God seem so hard to do!  I feel like a Martha so often but I desire and crave to be seated at the feet of Jesus like Mary.

 About the Author: Carey Bailey is a recovering perfectionist, wife, proud mama and Family Life director for her church in Surprise, Ariz. On the side she loves party planning, crafting, and pursuing her dream of writing. She has a degree in religion from Westminster College and writes at her blog at www.carebaileyonline.com.

My Experience:  In my life, Cravings {The Devotional} gives me a helpful bite of Scripture throughout the day--a sweet and sour Word from God if you will! A little bit of the sweetness that comes from the Bible as well as the sour tartness of a challenge too!  Each of the 40 cards come with a Bible verse or two and a little devotional to go along with it!  Personally I have found it nice to have a devotional geared to a mom who is "on the go" a lot.  I also find it refreshing to look up from my dish pit to see this little cupcake cheering me on with the Word and a little encouragement.

Amidst all my husband's miscellaneous gadgets and gizmos and my daughter's toys and other odds and ends, stands this delectable Craving.  It is sort of my piece among everyone's clutter.  I find that it is really nice claiming my own spot on top the window sill.

The cards are easy to read while I wash dishes and cook meals.  I have my Cravings in my Kitchen. The cards have a nice glaze on them that keeps them relatively waterproof.   I found that when my obnoxious and quite active cat jumped on the window sill the heavy cupcake which is actually quite stable was knocked from its place and right into my sink.  Lucky for him I was right there to wipe the cards down.  The cards did not suffer too much damage.  A few cards soaked in some water, but after pressing them and wiping them--I could not tell which ones got soaked!  But apart from my kitty knocking it down, I find that the cupcake holder is stable and nice and heavy.  I think that it would be great if I could get these cards laminated to really make them waterproof.  I would compare the finishing on them more like to playing cards--durable, good thickness to it, nice and slick.

Will this make a great gift?  Absolutely.  I would recommend this as a gift to those women and moms who are believers.  I feel that they would greatly benefit from Cravings {The Devotional}.  But I do have to say, I will not underestimate the power of God's Word and wisdom towards any person--His Word will not come back empty and void it will accomplish what it was made to accomplish!  But yes, this devotional was specific for Moms!  I know I have personally loved this devotional.  Not only has it helped me most every day, but it is nice having something womanly (utterly pink and obviously girly amidst all the other miscellaneous items that might be on someone's window sill!) and designed for moms in specific.  You can purchase Cravings {The Devotional} at the Dicksons Gift Shop.  

Also to read other reviews of Cravings {The Devotional} please feel free to check it out! Blog Tour Schedule

The Giveaway!

Enter Today - 4/23-5/12!

Win a Minute-for-Mom gift pack from Carey Bailey! "When I became a mom I lost my God time," says Carey Bailey. "I couldn't figure out how to fit it in, since everything but that time was a priority. So I made note cards that I set around my house with scriptures written on them. Even when my arms were too full of babies, laundry, and diapers to pick up a Bible, I could easily read God's words of encouragement that I was starving for"

And Cravings--The Devotional was born. Celebrate with Carey by entering her Minute-for-Mom Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• $50 gift card to Erin Condren Shop (Your one-stop-shop for all things awesome!)
• $50 gift card to Victoria's Secret® (For something pretty.)
• $25 gift card to Bath & Body Works® (For a little spa treatment.)
• 2 Sets of Cravings - The Devotional (For you and a friend.)
• Scentsy Plug In and 2 Bars (A lovely scent for your space.)

Hurry, the giveaway ends on 5/12/12. The winner will be announced 5/14/12 on Carey’s blog!

Just click one of the icons below to enter! Tell your friends about Carey's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Disclosure: I have received the product free in exchange for my honest opinion and review of the product. I was not compensated in any other way.

Vulnerability Invites Romance: Guest Post by Sandra Ralya

 
  Vulnerability Invites Romance
 

                                                                                                            source

It has become second nature for women to defend themselves. For untold generations, women have been hurt, taken advantage of, and diminished in their value. With the advent of the Women’s Liberation Movement, women came out swinging against the injustices they’d endured and, in the process, they lost something of great value—their vulnerability.
There is something so inviting about vulnerability.
       Vulnerability is armorless.
       Vulnerability draws others in.
        It invites others to look deep inside.
This invitation to look inside is exactly why so many avoid vulnerability at all cost.
It’s dangerous.
If you offer vulnerability to your husband, what will he do with it?

Hurt you?
Take advantage of you?
Think less of you?

These risks overshadow vulnerability’s beauty until you consider the consequences of a life lived defensively.
Living defensively is like living in a fortress—walls built up and weapons ready. The face behind the wall is tense, scanning for threat.

     A life lived on the defense is a life spent without rest, joy, or freedom.

Many women dwell behind walls that inadvertently keep their husbands out, and they    wonder    why    they    do    not    feel    known.

Since true romance involves being known and desired, to invite your husband to romance you must take the risk of being vulnerable, tearing down your defensive walls.

For instance, when you get hurt, do you retaliate in anger, or are you vulnerable with your husband and admit your feelings?

Retaliating in anger may satisfy your thirst for justice, but it won’t give you the increased romance and intimacy you want.

     No one approaches a fortress when arrows are flying from it—unless they are prepared for battle!

It takes more courage to admit your feelings of hurt than to defend yourself. It requires you to trust God to keep you safe when you expose your hurts, and to heal you if your husband is not gentle. The good news is that God promises to do all these things and more in Psalm 91:
. . . The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.”
You must come to recognize what triggers you to defend yourself rather than to admit your pain.
Perhaps it’s a fear that your needs won’t be met or that you’re not valuable.

When the triggers come, remind yourself that God loves you and He’ll  defend and protect you if you put your trust in Him.

Shooting arrows of anger over your walls doesn’t provide your husband the safety he needs to know, desire, and pursue you.

Allow God to protect you and go before you, leveling your defenses and making way for your husband to romance you.
 Do you offer your husband vulnerability?

Special Note: If you are in an emotionally or physically abusive marriage, exposing your vulnerability could be damaging to you instead of healing. I urge you to seek the help you need. Contact the Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE, or call your church and ask to be referred to a reputable Christian counselor.

Romance Blooms with Showeres of Confidence: Guest Post by Sandra Ralya

                 Romance Blooms with Showers of Confidence

                                  
Men are highly sensitive to signals of doubt because doubt plagues them. If you continually give off signals of doubt, you will confirm the fear of inadequacy that lurks deep within your husband.
If a man believes he doesn’t have what it takes to please you, there’s not much chance he’ll attempt romance.
 “A wise woman builds her house, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands” (Proverbs 14:1).
Doubting your husband and his abilities tears away at a man; conferring confidence builds him up. A confident man is grateful to the one who believes in him.
Do you have confidence in your husband, or do you find yourself regularly second-guessing him?
Do you struggle with doubt when it comes to his abilities?
He needs to be supported by your confidence in him

• at home
• in the workplace
• and in his dream for the future.

 At home, I wanted Tom involved with the discipline of our children but was rarely pleased with his methods. I thought he was too strict and should be more understanding. Instead of communicating clearly with Tom about my concerns, I undermined his authority by smoothing things over with the kids behind his back.
                     My actions conveyed a lack of confidence in my husband.
I sabotaged our parenting and our marriage.

• Our kids learned their parents weren’t always on the same team, so if they worked on the more lenient parent, they might get their way.
• Tom felt hurt and angry.

Doubting my husband didn’t open any doors to romance!
The media constantly broadcast fear and doubt concerning the future. Against this tidal wave of doom and gloom,
it’s difficult for a man to confidently believe that God has planned a hopeful future for him.
When my husband was going through a job transition a couple of years ago, it became apparent he was struggling with doubt over his ability to succeed in a new venture. He was really down one day when he commented, “Most men don’t make a job change at fifty.”
I asked,
“Who says?”
 He rewarded me with a smile from ear to ear.
Tom’s words weren’t so much a statement of fact as they were a question—he was asking me if I believed he could successfully make a job change at fifty.

A wise wife counteracts the media’s message of fear with a daily dose of confidence.

Inspiring confidence in your husband is like pouring water on dry, thirsty ground.
What seeds of potential lie dormant within your husband, waiting for the showers of your confidence?
What does your husband dream of doing?
Let your husband know that you believe in him. 

If you don’t, who will?

Breathe words of confidence into your husband today and watch as he stands taller with every word spoken.
That said, pray about which ones to encourage. If your husband’s dreams take him in a direction that worries you, consider your concerns.

The Beautiful Wife Book Review, Giveaway, and Blog Tour!

About the book:

The Beautiful Wife uses these inspiring stories along with biblical principles to guide and encourage any wife looking for God’s best in her marriage. The Beautiful Wife answers serious questions women have about their roles as wives. Discussing everything from romance and money to beauty, communication, and sex, Sandy challenges women to open up and share their journeys so that together they can see God’s plan for their marriages. “It is my passion to help women discover God’s heart for their marriage, just as the other women helped me,” writes Sandy. “When women share with each other the details of their journeys with God as wives, it’s a beautiful thing indeed.” The Beautiful Wife has two companion resources – Prayer Journal and Mentor’s Guide.
You can buy the book here.

About the Author

Sandy Ralya is the founder and director of Beautiful Womanhood, a marriage mentoring ministry based near Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her marriage testimony was the focus of a popular three-day interview on FamilyLife Today, TV’s Walking by Faith, and Time Out for Women. Sandy is a sought-after speaker, presenting Beautiful Womanhood seminars to hundreds of women each year at MOPS groups, women’s retreats, and church leadership conferences across the country and in Canada. Sandy and her husband Tom have been married since 1980; they have three adult children and a growing number of grandchildren.  www.beautifulwomanhood.com

Celebrate with Sandy by entering her Kindle Touch Giveaway and coming to her “Beautiful Womanhood” Facebook Party {3/8}!

One beautiful winner will receive:

• A Brand new Kindle Touch with Wi-Fi
• The Beautiful Wife By Sandy Ralya
• The Beautiful Wife Prayer Journal and Mentor’s Guide

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/7/12. Winner will be announced at Sandy’s “Beautiful Womanhood” Facebook Party on 3/8. Sandy will be hosting an evening of chat, laughter and encouragement – bring your friends! She’ll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, prayer journals and a live chat with Sandy for your Bible study or small group!
So grab your copy of The Beautiful Wife and join Sandy and friends on the evening of March 8th for an evening of fun.

Don’t miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on March 8th!


My Book Review:  
This book is very well written and very easy to read. But do not get me wrong, very easy to read and understandable--but I found myself spending days just reading the same chapters and meditating on portions of the book. Sandy, only by God, has put together a really good book, that I can really glean a lot of wisdom from and desire to reread over and over again.

I have been married for about 4 years now, and as a young woman, I very much appreciate this book and really hope to start a small group with the women at my church.  I think this book can really help build up relationships and really open up us to each other so that we can just be less surface and more deep in our relationships with one another.

On a personal level, Sandy really touched on points that were right on.  I loved that she offered Biblical perspectives and verses to back up what she said.  I have had many "Aha" moments throughout this book where I have gained such valuable wisdom into being the woman I need to be and become.
  
One of these challenges came out in the first few chapters--the Perfect Ten mask.  Have you ever tried to hold it all together?  At least tried to give the appearance that "I've got it all together"?  Well...this is my mask that I wear a lot when Wednesday Bible Study and Sunday church comes around.  I smile.  I'm carefree.  Everything is going great!  Inside I'm a hot mess.  Bible reading on my personal time is scarce, and I am desperately holding on to keep this family together!  I have a lot of worries and fears....but on the outside--"I'm totally in control and blessed by God" as Sandy puts it!  Anyways...I really appreciate that she leads on to say that if we had it all together or even acted like we did--then what is my view of Jesus on the cross?  If I'm not relying on him or allowing myself to be real and genuine to others how can I ever show the work of God in my life? 

I love this book and cannot believe that I had the opportunity to read and review this book along with the Prayer and Mentor books.  I recommend it fully, and believe that it will help me and others to become the women we need to be not only as wives but as a person.  The Prayer Journal is very helpful in that it helps me cumulate all my thoughts together.  It is something that I have to do a little bit at a time.  I do hope to use it in a group setting soon.

  She offers wisdom that is practical for me and things that I know that I wish someone would talk over with me!  Here's just a few chapters and topics she has in this book: Managing Money, Thinking Differently About Sex, Opening Lines of Communication, and Cultivating Mystique. 

LitFuse & Kregel Publications sent me the above book for review purposes. I was allowed to keep the book. I have no other connection to and have received no other compensation from Litfuse or Kregel. The blog tour schedule can be found here.

Some Encouragement Words for today.