Advent In Narnia

About The Book:  "Walking into Advent can be like walking through the wardrobe."
With its enchanting themes of snow and cold, light and darkness, meals and gifts, temptation and sin, forgiveness and hope--and even an appearance by Father Christmas--C. S. Lewis's The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe fits naturally into the Advent season. As the reader seeks a storied king and anticipates the glorious coming of Christmas, these twenty-eight devotions alternate between Scripture and passages from the novel to prompt meditation on Advent themes. Each devotion also includes questions for reflection. The book also provides several resources for churches, including four sessions for small group discussion and ideas for creating a "Narnia Night" for families. Readers will ultimately come to know God better while journeying through Narnia.
About The Author:  Heidi Haverkamp grew up in Hyde Park, on the South Side of Chicago, and now serves as parish priest of a small Episcopal congregation in the Chicago suburbs. She is a Benedictine oblate (or lay associate) of Holy Wisdom Monastery in Middleton, Wisconsin.  Haverkamp enjoys writing about Christian spirituality, the life of a pastor, the Bible, Benedictine monasticism and spirituality, and the spiritual landscape of suburbia - especially Bolingbrook, where she lives and works. She is  married, with two cats and a beagle.
My Thoughts On The Book:  I introduced my children to The world of Narnia by C.S. Lewis when they were young and they loved it.  I still have the copies of the books I used when I read to them.  I have seen the movies too and that is why I asked to review this particular book.  I love the stories, I love Advent season, I love reading C.S. Lewis.  I felt this was a win-win situation for me and I was not disappointed.  This book I found to be a wonderful  way to celebrate Christ with my church family as their pastor.  I have used it every Sunday so far during the Advent Season.  This is not an easy read.  The questions are tough.  It is an inspiring read, at least it was for me.  This is one of those books you need to have on hand....always.....and especially at Christmas.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this e-book free from Netgalley as part of their Blogging Review program.   I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!  

25,000 Mornings

About The Book: 
In 25,000 Mornings, the award-winning author of Keepers of the Testimony and Smooth Stones & Promises serves up daily portions of ancient wisdom.
 In her first devotional, Fay Rowe writes for both the young and young-at-heart on varied subjects such as:
•           Starting Out and Starting Over
•           Believing Words
•           Resting on the Rock
•           Talking to God
•           Never Giving Up
•           Being Yourself and Living with People
•           Clocks and Calendars
About The Author:
At conference events, women's clubs, Sunday morning services and Bible studies, as well as in fourth grade classrooms and over coffee at Tim Hortons, Fay Rowe has shared truths from the Word of God with simplicity, candor and humour. A wife, mother, grandmother, former school teacher and award-winning author, Fay believes in refusing to settle for anything but God's best plan. (More about Fay here.)

Passionate about God's integrity and faithfulness, Fay writes with a perspective that helps believers to:

• trust God, and grow in faith
• rise above fear, one promise at a time 
• effectively share their faith with the next generation

My Thoughts On The Book:  What an awesome book to read.  Each page contains stories that any reader can find in their own lives.  The book is an easy to read devotional filled with nuggets of encouragement and little reminders of God's importance in our lives.   It was a quick and easy read but one you want to keep in your personal library to refer back to time and time again.  The book contains topics that we can all relate to like:

Starting Out and Starting Over

Believing Words

Resting on the Rock

Talking to God

Never Giving Up

Being Yourself and Living with People

Clocks and Calendar

It was like having a conversation with a good friend.  I loved it!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Netgalley Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger Programs. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!  

 

All I Really Want

About The Book:  Sometimes the happiest and holiest time of the year is also the hardest for people to enjoy. These daily readings offer the skeptic, the over-committed the opportunity to make room-perhaps just enough room for God to show up. The weeks leading up to Christmas can spark a strong spiritual longing for more. Although it may never be articulated, we sense beneath those longings is a yearning for an experience of God. These brief writings address the challenges and realities of the season and include a simple action, ritual or meditation designed to gently steer the reader toward the deeper meaning that underlies the season. Smart, witty, edgy—and always hopeful—readings by Quinn Caldwell include a brief prayer for each morning and evening during the entire Christmas season. This book takes seriously the modern person’s hunger for meaning and import in a season that feels increasingly frivolous. Includes a calendar with one easy task to do each day.
About The Author:  Quinn G. Caldwell is a native of  Groton and graduate of Cornell University, as  pastor and teacher.  Caldwell is well known in the wider United Church of Christ (UCC) as a member of the UCC Stillspeaking Writers’ Group and an author for the Stillspeaking Daily Devotionals, published on the UCC website. (http://www.ucc.org/feed-your-spirit/daily-devotional/) He is a former associate minister at Old South Church in Boston and since January has led the Under-40 Writers Group for the UCC website’s Feed Your Spirit section on the denomination’s global reach.  Caldwell is the co-author of The Unofficial Handbook of the United Church of Christ, published last year. The UCC describes it: “The co-authors – two young UCC ministers who are lifelong “UCCers” – have written this useful resource for all UCCers, but particularly for millennials: confirmation-aged youth and teens. Readers will learn about, appreciate, and be proud of their denomination—while not taking themselves too seriously.”  His other wider church activities include co-creating “Bless,” a small group DVD resource; co-hosting “Bless: A Conference for Worship Leaders” in 2011; and co-creating the nationally streamed commissioning service for Misson:1, also in 2011. 
My Thoughts On The Book:  I loved it.  This book is a wonderfully fresh approach to the Advent Season.  It is a perfect book for those CEO's (Christmas and Easter Only) folks who are not in to the formal ways of church and perfect for those who are regular Sunday attenders.  As a pastor I enjoyed the refreshing way he handled the holiday season with humor, joy, and faith.  It definitely draws you in and keeps you wanting more.  This is a great book for your library that can be used each Advent Season. 
Disclaimer:  I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley and Abbingdon Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Simple Life Devotional

About The Book:  Feeling too busy and stressed? Take a literary tour of Amish country, and learn a few practical life lessons drawn from this unique culture. Millions visit ""Amish country"" each year to enjoy the relaxed family atmosphere of this unique culture. What can we as ""English"" (non-Amish) people learn from this lifestyle? Wanda Brunstetter, author of the best-selling Amish-themed novel The Storekeeper's Daughter, offers sixty intriguing and encouraging lessons in her devotional The Simple Life.


About The Author:  Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 60 books with more than 7 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda's fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda's desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda's novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda's primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern "Englishers." Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: www.WandaBrunstetter.com


My Thoughts On The Book:  Loved!  Loved!  Loved it!  This book is a wonderful mixture of scripture, quotes, Amish stories, and wonderful Amish recipes.  I cannot wait to try the recipes out.  No matter what religion you may be this is a refreshing book to uplift your spirit.  A must have and it would be a great gift for a dear friend.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Netgalley Publicity Group as part of their Book Review Blogger Programs. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you! 

The Vinedresser's Notebook

 

About The Book:  Scripture is filled with images and stories of grapevines and vine tending. Yet few modern people have any idea of what that entails and the deep levels of symbolism that were intended in the Bible.  Written by a vinedresser, theologian, psychologist, and nun, this illustrated text centers on a visual meditation combined with short reflections about the spiritual life, extending the spiritual metaphor of the vineyard, the vinedresser, and Jesus’ teachings. The words are simple and few, the pictures clear and evocative, as much a part of the meditation as the text itself. In reading this book and understanding how the vines work and what the role of the vinedresser is, readers can explore more deeply what vine care means for their spiritual walk. The Vinedresser's Notebook can be used as 40-day devotional, in a group setting, or as an inspirational book.

About The Author:  Judith Sutera is a Benedictine sister of the monastery of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, Kansas. She holds degrees in psychology and sociology, with a master's degree in counseling, and, in 1986, became one of the first women to receive a master's degree in monastic theology. A magazine editor and the author of several books, she is a director for oblates, teaches courses in monastic spirituality, and gives presentations, retreats, and workshops for monastic communities, academic conferences, formation groups, and retreat centers across the United States.

My Thoughts On The Book:  I loved this book and I am using it now as a 40 day devotional.  This is one of those books that you want in your library for a reference.  It was a great book to start at the beginning of Spring because of all the references to planting and newness in life. The sketches were amazing.   As a pastor I gleaned a good bit from the book that will help me in my ministry and in my life.    The most important lesson I took from the book was that we should always be cultivating and pruning in order to grow.  In my own vineyard called life sun and rain are necessary, but in order to have to perfect life harvest I have to put in hours of good labor, learn the lessons presented to me, and when I do this I will have sweet fruit in abundance.  A must read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book through Abingdon Press and Net Galley Publicity Group. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.* 

The Colors of Fall

I found a wonderful devotional the other day that I needed to share since this is fall.  I am a lover of fall and the colors it brings.  This wonderful piece by Julia Bettencourt reminds us what the colors of fall say about each of us.   

The Inviting Colors of Fall Julia Bettencourt

---

" But if our gospel be hid,
it is hid to them that are lost" 2 Corinthians 4:3


Many people are drawn to fall colors. Fall colors are warm, vibrant, extraordinarily rich, and energetic. I wonder how appealing I am as a Christian? Do other people gravitate to me because I am a warm, vibrant, and inviting person?


Red
When I think about the color of the fall leaves, red is my favorite. There's just something about the trees that are full of red leaves glistening in the sun. It's just extraordinary. They stick out and you notice them.

Red brings up the thought of passion. No matter where we are in our Christian walk, I think we all could do with a little more passion for Christ. We should stick out in a good way. We should reflect all that brilliance of Christ.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Orange
The color orange is so beautiful in the fall. We see it in not just the fall leaves, but in those beautiful pumpkins as well. Orange reflects warmth and symbolizes thoughtfulness and sincerity. As Christians that's something we should portray. We should be that warm inviting person that cares about others.

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

Yellow
The yellow color of fall makes me happy. Yellow conjures up joy and cheerfulness. I don't really think that if we aren't cheerful as Christians, other people will want what we have.

If we have Christ, we should have joy in our hearts and that joy should reflect out through us. It's listed right there in Galatians along with the other fruit of the spirit that we should be bearing.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,gentleness, goodness, faith,Meekness, temperance:against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22,23

Purple
Some of the colors we see in fall are the shades of purple. Leaves we find in the purple family are so striking. Purple is the color of royalty. As Christians, we are royalty in Christ. Our behavior should reflect that royalty. We should be striking as Christians.

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. Romans 8:16,17 Brown
If we didn't have all that brown in the midst of the bright fall colors, I doubt if they'd be so brilliant. Brown represents stability and it anchors all those other beautiful colors of fall. In Christ, we have our anchor. Others can see if we are living for Christ and depending on Him in our lives. It comes out in our actions and behavior.

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6,7

Conclusion:
Showing Christ through our behavior is so important in our witness to others . Our "colors" do matter. How we act and behave is what people see when they look at us. I hope I grow to have a beautiful, warm, and inviting life in Christ. I don't want Christianity to be hid from the world because of me. I want to portray vibrancy and warmth so that people will want to get to know me and learn about Christ through me.

So, what colors are you projecting?
Copyright ©2001-2013 Julia Bettencourt
Scripture References are from the King James Version.
www.juliabettencourt.com

Embraced By God Blog Tour

ISBN - 139781426741340

Publisher:  Abingdon Press

Price:  18.95

About the Book:  “Have you ever wondered, “Does God really love me?  Do I really matter to Him?”  Rest assured that each and every question you have is of great concern to God.  He is not far away or unconcerned.  He has not forgotten about you.  He is concerned about what’s going on in your life, and He is as close to you as your very next breath.  He loves you.  As a matter of fact, God loves you just as much as He loves His own Son.   In the pages of this heartwarming, thoughtful, and life-affirming 21-day journey, award-winning gospel singer, songwriter, and teacher Babbie Mason reminds you, when you know you are loved by God and that you are in His eternal plan, you’ll never again wonder if your life matters.  You can start off heading in the wrong direction and still end up in the right place because you are embraced by God!

About the Author:  Babbie Mason is a Dove Award-winning and Grammy nominated gospel singer, songwriter, author, creator of the Embrace: A Worship Event for Women ministry, professor of songwriting at Atlanta Christian College and Lee University, and a television talk-show host. She was inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame in 2010 and has appeared on numerous national television and radio programs. Babbie has been honored perform for Presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, Lady Margaret Thatcher, Colin Powell, Steve Forbes among many others. Babbie performs a holiday special at Carnegie Hall every year. Babbie lives near Atlanta on a farm with her husband Charles.

Click here for more information.

Click here to buy the book!

Embraced by God is a 21-day encounter that shares the unconditional love of God. "If you watch what the media says as to where we should find our identity--" says Babbie, "--money, beauty, power and technology--you'll just be confused about who you are and what your purpose is. As a culture we are trying to buy or sell what can only be administered to the soul by Jesus."

Celebrate with Babbie by entering her Nook Tablet Giveaway!

One beloved winner will receive:
A Brand new Nook Tablet with Wi-Fi
Embraced by God by Babbie Mason
Babbie's Embraced by God Music CD
Babbie's Embraced by God Notecards

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/5/12. Winner will be announced at Babbie's "Embraced" Facebook Party on 3/6. Babbie will be hosting an evening of chat, music, laughter, and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, Embraced by God music CDs and Notecards, and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club.)

So grab your copy of Embraced by God and join Babbie and friends on the evening of March 6th for an evening of fun.

Want to check out what other readers are saying?  Visit the blog tour dates by clicking here.

My Thoughts:   I love a good bible study for my personal use, but I don't like do use them  for review on my blog, mostly because I have so little time and read non-fiction books regularyly dealing with my class.  When I do get the chance to read I want something that is light and mindless.   But when this invitation to join this tour I knew I had to join this tour.  I love Babbie Mason.  I have seen her in concert.  I have been touched by her powerful witness.  I was all in on this one.  I just prayed that they would choose me to be a participant, and they did. I did not get the book in enough time to do the 21-day challenge, but I becgan as soon as it arrived and I have loved every minute I have spent in it.  I am really looking forward to finishing this book and applying it to my life. It was so very encouraging to me to be told that I am an heir and loved by God, just like He loved Jesus. Then, to EMBRACE those words–that was so very humbling!!  I want to warn the readers that this excellent book is not a mere short devotional book.  It is a 15-20 page study.  It is not something that can be done lightly at all.  It is a powerful book and very well-written.  Thank you Babbie Mason for enlightening me....and allowing me to be Embraced by God.

Disclaimer:  I received Babbie Mason's Embraced by God for free from Abingdon Press to give an honest opinion of what I read.  The opinions I stated were 100% my own.