Book Review & a Giveaway: American Omens

American Omens
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The year 2038 comes to life in the book, American Omens. Shining a spotlight on hot topics like marijuana, police gun control, censorship and the abuse of online privacy, Travis Thrasher weaves a tale of deception and the fight for justice. American Omens is a work of fiction, yet not so far-fetched to imagine how persecution might happen in a short twenty years from now.

If, like me, you’re new to the writings of Travis Thrasher, even so, you might recognize some of his work. In fact, he has over 50 books in print, including Indivisible, God’s Not Dead 2, and Paper Angels. Travis says, “Readers… want characters to root for and mysteries to dissect and journeys to take.” American Omens creates that draw to stay rooted in a mystery that takes twists and turns until the very end!

American Omens trailer
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Travis says, “The premise is the future persecuted Christian faith.” As I processed the backstory, I couldn’t help but wonder if I would also fall into the masses of those who wouldn’t speak out against evil. If I remain passive, I cannot blame anyone else when I lose the freedoms so passionately sought by our forefathers. And, if we’re silent too long, whether we’re afraid to appear intolerant or worried about offending people, one day we will no longer have the opportunity to speak!

I recommend this book, not just as a good read, but as one that will open your eyes to the unseen battle raging around us. Just as revolutionary as C.S. Lewis’, The Screwtape Letters, American Omens has a place in our time to wake us up and enlist us in the fight for faith.

Enter to win! I am giving away not one, but two copies of American Omens to two readers in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) and answer this question, “How do you show love, yet call for accountability to your faith?” You will be entered into the drawing to be held on Monday, February 18. For an extra chance to win the drawing, share this post on social media and let me know in the comments.

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the WaterBrook/Multnomah 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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Book Review: I Will Be Praying For You

Do you struggle with knowing how to pray for your child? Corine Hyman provides help in her book, I Will Be Praying For You.

Corine Hyman is a clinical psychologist and a foster parent. She understands the intricacies of a mom’s day and the need to step back and recommit that little one to the Lord. Corine has also written Jaden Goes to Foster Care, My Journey with Jesus Christ, Studying the Women of the Bible: A 60-Day Journal, and God and Snow. Her books help “to stimulate discussion and interaction between children and the adults who care for them.” Corine’s “research includes the treating and understanding the long terms impacts of trauma on development, parent-child attachment/engagement and assessment issues.”

One of my earliest memories of prayer stems back to third or fourth grade. My parents were missionaries on a small island, and medical help was sparse at the time. I must have been very sick, because I remember our kind pastor coming to our house to pray over me.

I also had grandmothers who covered me with prayer throughout the tough formative years. I felt cared for and loved, and motivated to carry on that prayer support for my grands.

Corine uses the stages of life to show the prayers that equip it. In pregnancy, the toddler stage and beyond, moms are shown ways to pray over their children using passages of Scripture to form their prayers.

Prayer is a precious gift we give to our families. As we pray for them, we ask the Lord to work on their behalf. But, it is also a gift we give ourselves. Deuteronomy 4:7 says the Lord is near us when we pray to Him, so we are inviting Him into the circumstances that threaten to rob us of the relationships we crave.

Get a copy of this sweet book. Corine models prayer and the passages that inspire it, in fresh and real ways. She will remind you of the power of being your child’s prayer warrior and reconnecting with the One who knows each one of our needs!

Sally

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of I Will Be Praying For You from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Review: The NKJV Study Bible

The NKJV Study Bible, Cranberry Leathersoft

Thomas Nelson has released the New King James Version Study Bible with an outstanding array of tools. In full-color, the artwork shows Bible maps and cultural nuances. Word studies and cross-references enable the student of God’s Word to dig deeper into the text. And book introductions, outlines and timelines flesh out the background of each book, opening up a world of rich understanding.

One of my favorite tools in any Bible is the Concordance. It is my go-to when a verse is niggling in the back of my head, but I can’t remember where to find it. I look up the part I remember and start on a treasure hunt to find the match. It’s also a resource when looking for verses on a topic, like family, fear or fellowship. Do you want to know more about Abraham, Absalom or Aquila? Yep, look in the Concordance. It fits the pieces of the puzzle together, one story at a time.

But don’t stop there! You’ll also find a Subject Index, Word Studies and Articles. Charts and Diagrams open up visuals, and geography puts maps into perspective.  

The Complete Resource for Studying God’s Word

Why am I a fan of God’s Word? Because I’ve seen what it could do to change my life. It draws me to the Author and endears me to His heart. Having my own study Bible enabled me to seek the Lord and softened my heart. I would wish for a Study Bible with tools for every Christian, whether new or seasoned, so that each person could see for themself the difference it makes! Investigate The NKJV Study Bible for yourself, and make the investment in your Christian walk!

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of The NKJV Study Bible 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.” I am taking this copy to give away in Uganda this March!

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Eyeglasses, Readers, Sunglasses, Oh My!

For our writing exercise, I asked my Writers Group to write for 15 minutes about what they saw. This is what I showed them:

Kim Earle said,

As if disposed

The tubs of glasses sit before me

Conversation ensues about their cleanliness

While my mind wanders to those

Who wait for the chance to see.

Elaine Weaver: Bins full of Hope

I looked into these bins full of eyeglasses that Sally had run through her dishwasher. They sparkled like the bright shining stars of the sky on a clear summer night. Way across the world was a mass of people waiting for the opportunity to have a pair and see clearly again – maybe for the first time in their lives! This was hope for something better in their lives, and that hope lay in these bins in her kitchen! But how to bring this hope to them has been a focus for several people for the last three years. A plan had to be made. Prayers were first! Money had to be raised. God had to place a desire in their hearts to pursue this mission. So, all this has been accomplished and in March of 2019 they will take these bins of hope and fly to Africa where hundreds of adults and children are waiting for their answer to prayer. Soon they will see their futures through unclouded lenses!

Julia Thompson,

I looked into three totes and found eyeglasses filling each one. Eyeglasses! – sparkling, clean lenses inside frames of copper, gold, silver, black and other “shades” of color. These gifts were going to be delivered to Uganda via a missionary trip.

For a while, I gazed at them – those sparkling, clean lenses looked empty. There were no eyes in them! I’ve seen photos of people from underdeveloped countries whose eyes bore the same emptiness. And the frames of various colors, so fragile.

So many different prescriptions, too. We all seem to see situations and people differently.

I thank God often for my actual sight. But I pray daily that He will let me put on His “eyeglasses,” so I can see others through His eyes. Then perhaps He could use me to fill the emptiness in the lenses and add strength to those weary frames.

Heidi Bogue:

Totes, totes and more totes

Whatever, wherever

Full or empty?

What treasures do they hold?

Now, now, don’t rely on the label,

Take a peek!

Be brave and see for yourself!

What do they hold?

A faucet from a sink?

A wink?

Careful! It may stink!

Now… settle down!

Do not fear!

Pop the lid and peek.

Do you see? Surely you do!

If not… reach in, grab a pair!

Is it clearer now, dear?

Why we are here

With totes, totes and more totes?

It’s not boats you need, or even coats.

Now, now… no more tears.

Pick your glasses; fit them to your ears

And celebrate with

Hip hip hooray cheers.

That is why we are here.

Becki James wrote,

“Oh, if I had eyes to see,” I solemnly thought to myself as I boarded the plane to a country I had never been to before. My own vision was perfect as a child. As I grew older, presbyopia set in, attaching a pair of bifocals forever to my face. The suitcases I carried now were filled with vision: eyeglasses, to be exact.

Vision is such a vast word. Our missionary team carried vision. How many individual lives would be changed by a single pair of eyeglasses? Vision… how many lives would be changed by the grace and compassion of God?

“Help me see, Lord,” I urgently breathed out.

“Help me to see these people with your eyes of love. Let me see your people with your perfect and pure eyes. Amen.”

Eyeglasses: oodles and oodles of eyeglasses. I never realized how much I take my sight for granted. People in third world countries don’t have access to eye care like we do. Eyes get infected, yet not treated. Eyesight deteriorates, yet no intervention given. They don’t have government programs to give aid, no social workers to come alongside. If there are no family members to help, then there is no help.

In eight weeks, our Uganda Team will depart from Buffalo with thousands, yes, thousands of eye glasses and an eye doctor. We’ll conduct eight eye clinics where people can have eyes tested with a focometer and a prescription matched. It’s a giant effort, but allows us to be the hands and feet of Jesus to bring sight to the blind and Good News to all.

People need a soft touch and a kind word. They need to know someone cares. Will you add us to your prayer list? Pray for endurance and a good sense of humor during the long clinic days. Pray for health, and rest for the travel. And pray for hearts to “see” the Gospel in action.

Sally

P.S. We will be blogging during the trip here.

Book Review & a Giveaway: The Beginner’s Bible

 ZonderKidz is well-known for quality children’s work, and The Beginner’s Bible is no exception. Originally published by Zondervan in 2005, The Beginner’s Bible has now sold over 25 million copies!

Do you remember your first Bible? I still have the one given to me by my grandparents, when I was seven. I remember fanning the pages to look at the pictures, and was mesmerized. As I grew, so did my love for God’s Word. It shaped my mind, and nurtured my love for the Author.

The Beginner’s Bible promises to do that for a whole new generation! The pages are filled with colorful illustrations and invite “lookers” to stay with the adventure. The “Timeless Children’s Stories” are formatted for early readers, and tell the story of God’s journey to reach His people.

Over 90 Bible stories will keep your children engaged, including The Sneaky Snake, A Bride for Isaac, A Baby in a Basket, Hannah’s Prayer, Best Friends, Simeon and Anna Meet Baby Jesus, A Hole in the Roof, Money in a Fish, A Short Man and The First Church. Downloadable Resources for parents and teachers are available on the website, as well as games and activities for the kids


One of my greatest joys as a reviewer is to give away Bibles, and I am thrilled to have a brand new copy of The Beginner’s Bible for a drawing. And, yes, there’s time to order your own copies for Christmas gifts!

I am giving away a copy, courtesy of ZonderKidz, to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) about the little readers in your family, and you will be entered into the drawing, to be held three days from today, December 16. 

Share on social media to get an extra entry in the drawing. Be sure to let me know where you shared it!

Christmas Blessings,

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.”

Book Review & a Giveaway: Brick Builders Illustrated Bible

Do you know a child who loves building blocks? The Brick Builders Illustrated Bible provides an entertaining take on over 35 stories from God’s Word. Bright, engaging artwork and short memorable renditions of Bible stories will seize your child’s attention!
With wording by Emily Dammer, and illustrations by Antony Evans, you’re sure to be a big hit with young readers. ZonderKidz has incorporated an iconic toy with timeless truths for a home run. Following each story, Building Blocks provide a takeaway for kids to grab onto. These Building Blocks give a pithy take on foundational values for life.
I love the humor found in seeing Bible characters in Lego™ form. The vivid colors and images draw the eye in for a closer look at intricate detail. I can’t wait to sit down with my grands to examine the pages together. Boys and girls, alike, will be enthralled with the action figures. Shhh, don’t tell, it’s a Christmas gift for my grandson!
Get your own copy today. Or, you can enter the drawing, delivered in time for Christmas.

Click here for a reading of this Bible on Facebook!
I am giving away a copy of the Brick Builders Illustrated Bible, courtesy of Zondervan Publishers, to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) about one of your favorite Bible stories, and you will be entered into the drawing to be held on Wednesday, December 5. I can’t wait to hear your treasures!
Sally
Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through The Blog Spot 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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Book Review: Claire’s Dad

Shad Arnold believes a dad is crucial to the upbringing of a daughter, and has written a book to explain why. Claire’s Dad: How I Earned the Title maps out the failures and successes he experienced as a father, and how others can embrace their role, as well.

Shad Arnold invests his life into countless children as the International Executive Director of Novitas Foundation. As dad to Claire and Blake, Shad advocates the greatest time of influence is while they are living in the home.
Shad calls the book a tool, a piece of equipment for your tool chest necessary for building a relationship with your daughter. He includes a recap after each chapter for reinforcement and a checklist for action steps. He says love, respect and chivalry are foundational for a dad to display to his daughter, as well as to her mom.
One of the benefits I gleaned was a better understanding of my husband’s relationship with my daughter. Their special bond creates an exclusive club, yet builds on our family relationships. Claire’s Dad: How I Earned the Title also helped me to see my dad, and this stage of his life, in a different light. We learn deductive reasoning, self-worth, and priorities through the relationships we cultivate in our families.
Are you looking for a Christmas gift for a new dad or a seasoned one? No matter what stage of life, men will benefit from the straightforward talk in Shad’s book. He shows how to give compliments that will affirm character, in spite of teenage self-sabotage. He reminds parents to take a stand for purity, a value that may save her life and choices. And he affirms the importance of a dad, even when relationships are rocky.
Get your copy here. I’m passing this one along to my son, as he raises the next generation of Ferguson women!
Sally

How do you cultivate your relationship with your daughter?

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Adams Group 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.”

Book Review: The Minimalist Home

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Why did a packrat sign up to review The Minimalist Home? Is it possible to change a lifetime of habits? I wanted to know if it is truly attainable, and decided to document the process.
My journey began with a flood in our basement this summer. Our office, bedroom, utility room, laundry room and rec room all received the influx of water, measured in inches, not just by sloshing through it. Family pictures, scrapbooking supplies and mementoes from my parents’ home were pitched. Mold had to be addressed, carpeting torn out, and paint reapplied. It was time to rethink my hoarding tendencies.
Author, Joshua Becker defines minimalism as “the intentional promotion of things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from them.”

Joshua’s promise is to provide a comprehensive, practical and encouraging how-to guide to carry you through the process of decluttering the home. That was good enough for me, and I signed on.
Joshua Becker began his own journey the day he tackled his cluttered garage and noticed the loss of opportunity to spend time with his son. His stuff had commandeered his time. He has since minimized his home and lifestyle, and speaks and writes about the benefits of owning less and serving more. He founded The Hope Effect in response to the orphan epidemic around the world.
The Minimalist Home provides action steps at the end of each chapter for a jumpstart on specific rooms in the house, success stories of people who have accepted the challenge to live with less, and promotes the value of spending time with people rather than with possessions. Joshua asserts, “If this is still difficult for you, set a goal for yourself. Maybe you can at least halve this collection of emotion-soaked stuff. I think you will find that setting a physical limit helps you quickly separate the most important from the just-kind-of important.”
Here’s my progress report since beginning The Minimalist Home:
• Sorted items for our church’s annual garage sale.
• Hung pictures in our newly painted rec room.
• Threw out a box of cassette tapes.
• Set aside puzzles, books, plants and frames for our Scrapbooking Chinese Auction.
• Cleaned out the refrigerator (Really? Expired in 2017?!!)
• Gave items to my adult children for their homes.
One of the biggest blessings this week, was unpacking boxes at my daughter’s first home. As I washed dishes and glasses from my Gra’ma and Mom, it tickled me to see them finding use in their new home, where I can come and enjoy them where they are needed most.
I found I like the idea of being more intentional with what I own, and I’m looking forward to the benefits multiplying. I’m still a work in progress, but at least I am in progress. Get a copy of The Minimalist Home and see for yourself if the minimizing goals will help you take a stab at your more important bucket list goals!
Sally

What is hardest for you to declutter?

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the WaterBrook/Multnomah 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.”

Book Review & a Giveaway: Fanning the Flame

Have the embers of your faith wavered? Terri Clark wrote Fanning the Flame as result of observing missionary burnout. She realized, “If it could happen to someone who is so steeped in the faith, it could happen to me.”
And happen, it did. Four decades of ministry caught up to Terri. In Fanning the Flame, she outlines the things that led to mediocre faith and how she recovered her relationship with the Lord.
Terri Clark’s ministry includes a Child Education Sponsorship Program in Uganda and assisting the build of the Ray of Hope Medical Center. She has ministered throughout the United States, as well as Mexico, India, Vietnam, China and Myanmar with her messages of hope. She wrote Tying the Family Knot: Meeting the Challenges of a Blended Family and is an AACC Biblical Counselor and Christian Life Coach.
Terri talks about the danger of being self-reliant. Maybe we’ve been followers for a while, and just automatically jump in to solve the world’s problems. When we forget to rely on the Lord, we also eliminate the need for prayer, rest and restoration. That leads to burnout.

                       I am especially intrigued by her experiment with clay and the illustration of lamp and wick. Her hands-on research shows how God is able to reignite our work for His kingdom. The clay represents us. Oil: the Holy Spirit. The wick that needs to be trimmed represents faith, and how we have to cut sin, pride, and unforgiveness from our lives. The flame can only be ignited by God when we are a vessel He can use. Then our light can shine for Him.
Friend, are you tired and feel like no one notices? Terri says, “That’s the good news about becoming weary in our well-doing. God appreciates what we do for him, even if no one else does. He sees when we become frustrated, hurt, depressed, angry, or defeated, and he sends the refreshment we need to strengthen our depleted spirits for the next leg of our journey.”
Reach out for the Lord, He’s there.
I am giving away a copy of Fanning the Flame, courtesy of The Adams Group, to one reader in the continental United States. To enter the drawing, sign up for my newsletter: type in your email address under the waterfall picture on my blog.
To earn more entries, or if you’re already following my blog, share this post via social media. Each share to a different social media venue earns you one entry (up to three).
Let me know in a comment where you’ve shared.
I will announce the winner Monday evening, October 22!
Sally
Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Adams Group 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.”

Half off specials with DaySpring October Home Decor Sale!                                                   Shop now, sale ends 10/22/18.

Book Review: The Daily Question for You and Your Child

@WaterBrookMultnomah #Partner #sponsored

What if you had a place to document your child’s thoughts, sayings and dreams? What if you could revisit it next year and add to it? There is such a place, and it’s called, The Daily Question for You and Your Child!
Waterbrook has compiled 365 conversation starters for your family to pursue. Some of your child’s responses will make you giggle and some will blow your socks off, but all will create opportunities for bonding around the dialogue. Over time, the name of the book will change to your child’s journal, as entries add up to document and become a time capsule of a life lived.
I love journaling with our kids! When mine were little, I had a spiral notebook where I jotted down their funny sayings. One day, they noticed me writing in it and wanted to know what I was doing. After that, they made sure I noted everything they said. The Daily Question for You and Your Child becomes a keepsake with those sayings!
The Daily Question for You and Your Child uses such unique starters as:
• What did you do this week that was really brave?
• What is the best way to show someone you’re sorry?
• If you could build anything, what would it be?
• What is something that made you laugh this week?
• If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
• What do you think is the best vegetable to eat, and the worst?
• What is a compliment someone has given you that made you happy?
• What is your favorite Bible verse?
• What made today different from yesterday?
• Name three special qualities God designed in you.
• What is something you could teach someone else?
• What are your three favorite things about God?
Get your own copy and start documenting your memories today!
Sally
Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the WaterBrook/Multnomah 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.”

Help for the Helper: Purpose for the Planner, Respite & Renewal for the Caregiver

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