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Reviews

Book Review: Courageous Women of the Bible & a Giveaway!

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Courageous Women of the Bible offers a refreshing look at familiar people, and shows how courage was needed in their lives. But it goes one step further, by connecting the past with the present. How does this apply to life now? Latan Roland Murphy weaves the narrative so masterfully; you don’t even realize the mirror is in front of your face!
Latan Roland Murphy is the author of Becoming A Woman of Interior Elegance and co-author of God’s Provision in Tough Times. She teaches God’s Word with a beautiful use of words to illustrate the story and how it relates to the reader.
The book promises a life of confidence and freedom, in exchange for fear and insecurity. It accomplishes that goal by showing how obstacles become opportunities when God is by our side. Time after time, LaTan shows how women “can courageously act and react with godly character, even in times of suffering.”

Courage whispers we are enough when fear of failure tells us otherwise. ~ Latan Roland Murphy

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“Women included are:
• Deborah-Wife, judge, and ruler of Israel. Courage is needed to lead our families and others.
• The Woman with an Issue of Blood-Physically sick woman. Courage is needed when facing rejection.
• The Widow with Two Coins-Poor widow. Courage is needed to give generously in our financial hardships.
• Jael-Wife, warrior, divided household, decisive and courageous. Courage is needed to seize opportunities-using what’s in our hands in the midst of obstacles.
• Abigail-Faithful wife to a selfish, foolish man. Courage is needed to do the right thing, even when your spouse or others do not.
• Bathsheba-Exposed bathing beauty caught in a web of sin. Courage is needed when we’ve acted in sin, were abused, molested, or feel violated.
• The Samaritan Woman-Person with a troubled past of multiple marriages. Courage is needed to simply believe there is redemption and to tell others what Christ has done for us.
• Mary Mother of Jesus-Young mother. Courage is needed to have a baby, especially in unpredictable times. Mary delivered the Son of God amidst great odds and pressure around her, and we are bearers of life in uncertain times.
• The Shulammite Woman-Hopeless romantic. Courage is needed to express our physical love, knowing the marriage bed is undefiled.
• Jochebed-Mother of Moses. Courage is needed as we surrender our children and the people we care about to God.
• The Shunammite Woman-Hospitable wife. Courage is needed to show hospitality, taking an others-minded approach to life by welcoming others into our private lives, even when our prayers are unanswered.”
LaTan uses transparency to reveal unstoppable faith. She is an encourager with a contagious enthusiasm for biblical characters. Her words are soothing and measured. She reminds us Jesus notices all women in every arena of life. Get this book and be reenergized in your walk with the Lord!
I am giving away a copy of Courageous Women of the Bible to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) and answer this question, “Who is a biblical woman you admire, and why?” You will be entered into the drawing to be held on Saturday, June 9 at 4 pm. I can’t wait to hear about your favorites!
Sally
Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Blog About Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Reviews

Book Review & a Giveaway: Lies Moms Believe

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Are you plagued with nagging mommy guilt? Do you feel like you are never enough, when you look at your life? This book set is for you! Lies Moms Believe and The Companion Bible Study offer hope for tired hearts. Author Rebekah Hargraves says the goal of the book is in “arming you with the arrows of discernment, wisdom, and Biblical truth that are required in order for you to easily recognize and combat the lies Satan likes to throw at you as a mom.”
Rebekah Hargraves’ blog, Hargraves Home and Hearth, is a place where she celebrates home and hospitality. She is a student of God’s Word and a homeschooling mom of two. She is on a journey to discover God’s truth, sharing it with other moms along the way.
Rebekah says the study of theology is needed in motherhood, in order to rightly model God’s character for our children. She uses that study to reveal 32 lies that take moms captive, and says it is through motherhood the Lord continues to impact the next generation.

Motherhood is the stewardship of little lives entrusted to us. ~ Rebekah Hargraves

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Do you wonder how you can fulfill the Great Commission as a stay-at-home mom? Rebekah says when we see our children as our mission field, we can find purpose even in the mundane.
Are you a working mom? This book is for you, too. With topics like “I Have to Be a Perfect Mom,” “I Am Responsible for My Child’s Happiness,” and “The Most Important Thing Is My Child’s Education,” moms in all walks of life will find tools to apply.

Rebekah Hargraves takes an academic approach to motherhood, yet does it vulnerably and with gentleness. It’s refreshing to read someone’s words and then to study God’s Word to see what He says about the topic. The accompanying Bible Study does just that. In fact, I would recommend using the Bible Study to look at each topic, then read the corresponding chapter in the book. The questions are well written and thoughtful, and provide a sounding board for personal reflection.
I am giving away a copy of Lies Moms Believe and The Companion Bible Study to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) and answer this question, “What mommy lies have you believed?” You will be entered into the drawing to be held on Wednesday, May 2 at 4 pm. I recognize the lies Rebekah highlights, because I’ve believed them, too. I can’t wait to hear how you’ve overcome them!
Sally
Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of these books from The Blog About Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Reviews

Book Review & a Giveaway: Live. Save. Spend. Repeat.

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Live. Save. Spend. Repeat. is a primer about getting a handle on your budget, but it is so much more than a book on finance. Author Kim Anderson tackles the why behind what motivates one to save or spend, live on credit or thrive debt-free.
Kim Anderson is not a banker. She’s not an investment broker. She’s not a CPA nor does she have an MBA. What Kim does have, is a success story of getting out of debt and paying off her home mortgage. On one income. $93,000 eliminated in two years.
Her book outlines the Easy Sync Budget she developed to create a plan of attack, the dreams that became Momentum Milestones, and the day that changed her beautiful perception of debt.
Kim debunks the theory of using credit cards to earn rewards with the real facts of interest rates and convenient money. If it’s easy money, then why are the banks so eager to hand out cards?             Live. Save. Spend. Repeat. is an important book for an era when so many live on credit. In fact, Kim says, “Americans as a whole have gotten in the habit of using money that we don’t actually have. Carrying around debt only leads us to a constant cycle of stress and dissatisfaction.”


What do you trade for your money? Entertainment? Keeping up with the Joneses? How about boldly wanting more out of life and funding it with your own hard earned money, instead of interest building up against your payments? Kim teaches you how to do that, with questionnaires for self-reflection, charts for breaking down the budget into bite-size portions, formulas for your lifestyle and places to dream about your life goals.

I don’t want to wake up one day to find myself mourning a decade of half-fulfilled dreams. ~ Kim Anderson

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Kim Anderson allows you to see her own life unfiltered, in order to help you live a life without regrets. Isn’t it time to become strategic about your legacy?
I am giving away a copy of Live. Save. Spend. Repeat., courtesy of Harvest House Publishers, to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) and answer this question, “What goal would you pursue, if there was room in your budget?” You will be entered into the drawing to be held three days from now, April 17. I can’t wait to hear the dreams you would fuel!
Sally
Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through The Blog About Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Reviews

Book Review: The Power to Be, by Twila Belk

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The Power to Be is a testament to the power of the Resurrected Christ, the power that is available to all who believe in Him. It is a meaty 40-day devotional with personal stories of God’s provision. The author, Twila Belk, is someone who has been seasoned by life’s trials and is able to offer sage input to the insights she’s gained there. She talks about the grace to forgive when a drunk driver killed her mom, and left her in the hospital. And she talks about joy that permeates an act of gratitude. She finds illustrations in wheelbarrows and dogs hanging out of car windows. Her stories bring practical application.
Twila Belk, the Gotta Tell Somebody Gal, is a Christian communicator with a goal of taking important truths and making them easy to understand. Twila served for ten years as executive assistant to author Cecil Murphey and seeks to help writers in their next steps. She’s published seven books, and contributed to several others. Her mission is to do whatever she can to make God famous.
The Power to Be unwraps the benefits of difficulties and how we can mine them for the jewels found there. Twila’s enthusiasm is contagious; she shares ways God has shown Himself faithful, and says, really, we don’t wait in the difficult seasons alone, but God waits with us.

Thanksgiving is the gateway to peace. ~ Twila Belk

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The Power to Be is an important reminder that we can be still, we can be grateful, we can be strong and we can be courageous, when we rely on the power the Lord provides. Get a copy to remind yourself that it matters who God is in our lives; He doesn’t expect us to muster up our own strength, but to know He is the One who overcomes the giants we face.
One of my favorite features of the book is the call to response. Journaling prompts are provided for reflection, and prayers give voice the focus of the daily devotion. Here’s one that particularly spoke to my heart:
“Lord, as I think about the crazy things you ask me to do, I can’t help but smile because I’ve seen how you work. The things you ask usually aren’t normal or easy, and most of the time they’re scary. They challenge me to trust you. But that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it, Lord? You want to keep reinforcing who you are and how big you are. You want to keep reminding me that anything you call me to do will have your equipping, power, and presence involved. Thank you for teaching me that when I trust and obey, then get out of the way, you always show up and show off. May you receive all honor, glory, and praise.”
Let The Power to Be encourage you to a faith that is greater than fear, because of the One who shoulders your needs!
Sally
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Reviews

Book Review: The Air I Breathe, by Louie Giglio

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Louie Giglio says, “Worship is our response to what we value most,” and then goes on to demonstrate his statement by highlighting where we spend our time and energy. Is it possible to separate our everyday activities from a life of worship? He says, “No,” and backs it up with illustrations that capture the essence of worship, in his book, The Air I Breathe.
Louie Giglio is Pastor of Passion City Church in Atlanta, Georgia and the Founder of the Passion movement. He is the author of national-bestseller Goliath Must Fall, The Comeback, I Am Not But I Know I Am, and Indescribable: 100 Devotions About God & Science. In The Air I Breathe, Louie turns a complacent view of worship upside down with a call to relationship with the One we adore.
Louie asks, “Why do we crave something to worship?”
He lands on the response:  we are designed that way. He explains that design as an internal homing device that perpetually longs for our Maker. We’re seeking Him, but He is seeking us, too. And that’s the beauty of a personal connection to the Lord, we aren’t battling out a way to get to Him, He is in it with us.

When we choose our own way, we’re saying God is not good enough. ~ Louie Giglio

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Louie says worship happens because we trust God to be who He is, even when our circumstances don’t agree with what we know of God’s character. It’s because our attention is on Him, rather than our own importance. We can still praise Him when we can’t see Him. And when our worship turns into service to God, it becomes a way of life.
Louie Giglio’s writing style is like an easy conversation; you want to hear more because you can relate to the speaker. Discussion questions enable a group setting to dig in further, and short chapters are packed with meat to digest. I’m already thinking about ways to use this book with the women of our church!
Sally
FTC disclaimer: “I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.”

http://www.BloggingForBooks.com

Reviews

Book Review: Thin Places by Mary DeMuth

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Mary DeMuth says thin places are where the mundane meet other-worldly, where we get a glimpse of eternity. Her memoir, Thin Places, is the opportunity to see how God intersected the story of her life to bring redemption to rape, abandonment and fear. It is the profound grace of sharing painful realities and yet finding hope on the other side.

Mary E. DeMuth is an author, speaker and mentor. In over 30 books and with five translations, she seeks to bring truth and transparency to difficult places. Her work with authors is legendary and purposeful in bringing art to the surface.

Mary’s words touch the raw places of my heart, where the deepest fears lie. Am I loveable? Am I worthy to be given attention? Does God see me? The result of wrestling with God is where we learn God is enough. He is there for us. He allows the difficult so that we will lean on Him and find grace enough to share with all who will listen.

Mary gives examples of ways others spoke redemption over her life by kind observations and affirmations. It makes me wonder how often I spread praise, and if it is enough to lift someone else out of their despair? She says the kindness of others created opportunity to glimpse the lavish kindness of God. We really never know the full impact for good we can make on another life. And Thin Places provides motivation to try harder!

If you’ve ever struggled with the need for approval, jealousy or being critical of yourself, you’ll resonate with this book. Mary’s writing compels you to take a look at pain and release it so that you can find contentment in God alone. Is He enough? Will He understand me? Will He be okay with my messy heart? “Yes,” Mary says, “because He redeems my messes. Cleans them up. Polishes them until they shine so bright the reflection of Jesus smiles back.”

Dig into this book and find a holy anticipation welling up within you. Mary says, “I get to the end of myself more often now. Before, I found this perturbing, but now understand it to be God’s severe mercy. He loves me enough to show me how silly my lists are, how futile my self-flagellation is. He shows up in my need, my weakness – His paradoxical way of wooing me to His way of thinking. My way does not produce life in me. But when I acknowledge my need for Jesus, when I dare to let Him be my conscience, I experience… freedom all over again.”

Running from enemies blurs my vision to the heroes God has given me. ~ Mary E. DeMuth

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Yes, freedom is God’s design for our thin places!

Sally

Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book plus a book bundle from Zondervan in exchange for my thoughts and opinions of Breaking Busy.

Holidays, Reviews

SenseSational Christmas!

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Fluffy pillows and cozy blankets make our homes warm and welcoming. ~ Terry Willits

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It’s been fun highlighting the five senses this week. Today, we’ll look at the fifth: the sense of touch. In what way can you add your personal touch to Christmas? Make an extra effort to send cards? Add a distinct flourish to packages? Even attention to details on a gift card can make someone feel special because their name has been emphasized.
What makes you feel cherished? Chances are, sharing that gift with someone else will bless them too. I grew up in a home where we held hands around the table as we prayed for God’s blessing on the food. We passed that gift of touch on to my family, even though it was a stretch for teenagers. Now, I’m reaping that contact with my grandchildren and I’m soaking it up!
Be generous with your hugs. We all need connection.
Terry Willits pulls it all together by saying, “The God of all Comforts came to this earth as a child and experienced for himself loving human touch. Christmas is about giving. Touch is about giving, too. And touch is a precious gift to give in our homes at Christmas. Just as Mary gave Jesus her tender touch, we can share loving touches to make our homes a place of comfort this holiday.”
Let the touches you add to your home say, “You are welcome here!”
Sally
Originally published at Sally’s Words
Leave a comment: In what ways do you add the sense of touch to your day?

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Holidays, Reviews

Do You Hear What I Hear?

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What are the sounds that sing of Christmas for you? The choir practicing? The bell-ringer standing at The Salvation Army bucket? A favorite carol?

A lovely bell is a quick Christmas decoration and holiday greeting to family. ~ Terry Willits

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One of my favorite albums is Amy Grant’s: A Christmas Album. And I love the day after Thanksgiving, when our radio station plays non-stop Christmas music! However, in Simply SenseSational Christmas, Terry Willits says “At least one night this Christmas season, when the kids are in bed, turn off the television and enjoy the precious sound of silence. Take in the beautiful silence of a snowfall or a quiet, starry night. Sit on the sofa and talk with a loved one, or read a book in front of a crackling fire with no more sound than the turning of a page.”
I have to admit that the silence of Christmas is just as precious as the music. I love that time of the evening when everyone else is asleep and I can sit in front of the tree with all the rest of the lights off. The popping of the firelight casts images across the ornaments and settles me into a reflective mood. Yes, there are wonderful resolutions made in those quiet moments. Maybe that’s why God chose a silent night so long ago to announce the birth of His Son!
Lord, fine-tune my hearing, that I might be receptive when you speak. Amen
Sally
Originally published at Sally’s Words
Leave a comment: What are your favorite sounds at Christmas?


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Holidays, Reviews

The Tastes of Christmas

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When you look at Christmas treasures and smell the beautiful aromas, your mouth begins to water!  Aren’t you ready for some of those family recipes that are especially pulled out at Christmas?  Two of our must-haves for the holidays are my Mom’s homemade Eggnog, and Monster Cookies with red and green peanut M&M’s. Our taste buds add to the fun of the season!

Terry Willits reminds us that we need to be sure to serve up healthy but simple meals during this season of sweet temptations.  Our immunities need an extra boost when we’re sampling all of that extra sugar.  

For an easy, hearty dinner, serve soup and sandwiches. ~ Terry Willits

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Aren’t you glad the Lord gave us taste buds?  We have the ability to experience flavors because we have 10,000 taste receptors in our mouths!

The Bible also tells us to taste and see that the Lord is good.   Make time to read His Word. Get to know the Author. Sit down at His Banquet Table prepared for you. The Bible is filled with good morsels to chew and ingest.

Did you know that people get a taste of what’s inside of you when you speak?  What rolls off of your tongue?  Do your words build up or tear others down?  Look for ways to soften stress in someone else’s life by encouraging them today!

Here’s another Christmas decorating tip from Terry Willits:  “A wooden bowl filled with a variety of nuts invites anyone to sit down and crack open a healthy holiday snack.  For function as well as a festive look, have a nutcracker soldier stand guard beside the bowl.”

Here’s my favorite recipe for Hot Cocoa:

 

Hot Cocoa Mix

Instructions for a hot mug of deliciousness: Stir 4 tablespoons mix into one cup hot water to make one serving. Add a dash of mini marshmallows.

1 c powdered sugar

½ c unsweetened cocoa powder

1 c non-dairy cream powder (French Vanilla is incredible!)

¼ tsp salt

2 ¾ c instant nonfat milk powder

Whisk all together in 4 c container with a tight-fitting lid. Label with instructions for individual servings.

 

Happy Sampling!

Sally

Originally published at Sally’s Words 

Leave a comment: How do you taste God’s goodness?

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How’s your Sense of Smell? 

The Five Senses of Christmas

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