All posts by Sally Ferguson

Hi! My name is Sally Ferguson and I have been a freelance writer since 1996. Over 100 devotionals have been published in Pathways to God (Warner Press). I’ve also written for Chautauqua Mirror, Just Between Us, Adult Span Curriculum and Thriving Family. Warner Press released my coloring book, What Will I Be When I Grow Up? January 2006. As a speaker, I enjoy connecting with women and seeing them find affirmation for the phase of life they face daily. I am passionate about helping women find encouragement from God’s Word, as well as supplying the tools to help them apply what they’ve learned there. I love organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom when we take time away from our daily routine. Our Women’s Retreat just celebrated its 10th Anniversary! Parenting has its own set of challenges. My kids are grown but the nest keeps growing. Join me on the journey as we figure it out together!
Reviews

Book Review: Tales of the Kingdom

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Tales of the Kingdom is the story of all of us, as we hunt for something of true value. The allegories provide a narrative tested by time; 30 years, in fact, as this is the special 30th Anniversary Edition! Filled with engaging characters fighting their own battles of inadequacy, mistakes and pain, Tales of the Kingdom is a “can’t put it down” wonder.
The authors, David and Karen Mains have been teaching about The Kingdom for more than 50 years. Their work with Mainstay Ministries equips pastors around the globe to bring creative solutions to ministry. Written for children and the child in all of us, the Kingdom Tales Trilogy books are Gold-medallion award-winners.
Even if you are not a fan of parables, you will be drawn into the narrative of Tales of the Kingdom. Scarboy escapes Enchanted City with Little Brother in a daring flee for their lives. In Great Park, they meet Princess Amanda, Mercie, Caretaker and others seeking restoration of The Kingdom.
The Orphan Keeper’s Assistant “discovered that the Kingdom was for outcasts, and one must become an outcast in order to follow the King.”
The Apprentice Juggler teaches us that those who march to the beat of a different (God-given) drum “will find a place in the Kingdom.”
“The first rule of Great Park: A Kingdom is Anyplace Where the King Rules!”
A girl named Dirty found out “the subjects of the King are nothing more than ugly beggars,” but all are brought to the Kingdom.
The boy named Hero learned, “there is a kingdom within that must first be conquered before one becomes brave enough to challenge the world without.”
Order your copy now! I can’t wait to share these stories with my grandchildren; I know it will open up a whole new world of interaction over character values and kingdom perspectives!

Tales of the Kingdom is the story of all of us, as we hunt for something of true value.

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Sally
Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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: 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.

Retreats

Book Review: More Than Surviving: Courageous Meditations for Men Hurting from Childhood Abuse

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Cecil Murphey wrote More Than Surviving for men hurting from childhood abuse and their loved ones, so that they could find healing, peace, and a stronger, more loving connection to God. He is a survivor of childhood abuse – sexual, physical, and verbal.
“New York Times’ bestselling author and international speaker Cecil (Cec) Murphey has written or cowritten more than 138 books, including the runaway bestseller 90 Minutes in Heaven (with Don Piper) and Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (with Dr. Ben Carson). His books have sold in the millions, been translated into more than 40 languages, and have brought hope and encouragement to countless people around the world.” Yet, Cec says, “I felt unworthy of love and affection.” Cec is an example of someone who turned his pain into a way to help others. He has also impacted the lives of countless writers through scholarships, writing helps, speaking and encouragement. His books equip many more through the wisdom that has seasoned his life.
Cecil shows how abuse leaves the victim feeling unworthy and at fault, yet provides reassurance that, in spite of something bad happening, with God’s help, shame no longer has to take up residence.

You’re a survivor. You didn’t fail; an adult failed you. ~ Cecil Murphey

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I wanted to read this book to somehow comprehend the thoughts of one who had come through abuse. Even more so, I came away with a desire to work on some of my own issues with anger and unforgiveness.
I also realized there are ways we, as parents, teachers and the adults invested in the lives of the children around us, can protect them from perpetrators. We can help them feel loved, wanted, and cared about. Otherwise, someone else will, without genuinely caring about their wellbeing.
It’s helpful to read this book, because it highlights the lifelong trauma our children face when they encounter a predator. Cec peels back the layers of shame, hopelessness and fear to help others understand “The Truth will set you free.”
Cec says, “The only way any of us can find healing from our stolen childhoods is to face our suffering and abuse.”
It was a painful facing, for him, yet he pushed himself to ask, “How do I continue to heal?”
Do you have unresolved bitterness, jealousy, or anger? This book is for you.
Do you know someone who explodes in anger or hides behind a mask? This book is for you.
Have you experienced the trauma of childhood abuse? This book is for you.
Has your trust, innocence, or childhood been stolen? This book is for you.


Cec says, “Because I was a molested kid and have become a healed adult, I have a responsibility – an obligation – to do what I can to destroy the confederacy of silence that surrounds men who have been wounded by sexual, physical, emotional, and spiritual abuse.”
Don’t we all have a responsibility to provide a safe haven to each other? Get this book. You will be astounded by grace and the power of God’s love to change a life surrendered to Him.

I don’t want to live my life as a victim. ~ Cecil Murphey

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Sally
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. It will be released on March 27, 2018 and is available for preorder now.

In the News, Leadership

Are you being nudged to lead a Bible study?

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The Bible is packed with life-giving nuggets of wisdom and encouragement from the Lord. When a group gathers around its pages, wonderful things emerge, like camaraderie, insight, peace and determination.
It is enormously gratifying to be part of others’ growth in their faith, as you watch the light come into their eyes over Scripture. Take the step to say yes to that nudge! Bring together some friends and watch in anticipation at what will happen with your offering to the Lord. Maybe it only feels like a sack lunch with 5 loaves & 2 fishes, but that’s exactly what God can use to bless others.

Don’t feel qualified to lead a Bible Study? Ps 119:144 says the Lord gives understanding.

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In more than 30 years of leading Bible study groups, I have grown to appreciate authors who add insight into God’s Word with illustrations, stories, and examples from their own lives, in order to get the point across. When our group is halfway through a series, I am already thinking about what the next one will entail.
Do you want help finding a study that is right for you? Check out the Bible Study Expo Thursday, March 15, to see the nine authors who will be participating. It’s a great way to get the cliff notes on a variety of studies. You might even win a prize when you participate!
“Bible Study Expo this year is partners with Harvest House Publishers, Abingdon Press, Lighthouse Bible Studies, Concordia Publishing House, Touchtone, Zondervan, Fruitbearer Publishing LLC and Shiloh Run Press to host nine Bible Study book authors and 18 book giveaways for the upcoming online Expo.
The event is an online webinar and will take place at www.BibleStudyExpo.com on the afternoon of Thursday, March 15, beginning at 2 PM Eastern Standard Time.
Each hour will be divided into three, 20-minute author interviews, and include two Bible Study book giveaways. The Expo features Pam Farrel with her book, Discovering Hope in the Psalms; Hayley Dimarco with A Woman Overwhelmed; Katy Kaufman with Breaking the Chains; Rhonda Stoppe with Real Life Romance; Sharla Fritz with Waiting; Dr. Saundra Dalton Smith with Sacred Rest; Michele Cushatt with I Am; Jessica Seneca with Raising Girls; and Carey Scott with Uncommon.”
Even if you can’t attend during the event, you can come back later for the full interview. What are you waiting for? Sign up now!
Sally

About Bible Study Expo:
Bible Study Expo is the only expo of its kind, enjoying its 9th anniversary of collaborating with Bible Study coordinators, leaders, publishers and authors, to create a fun, interactive, online experience for Bible Study enthusiasts worldwide. Every year, thousands of women enjoy the live event and the archived interviews to meet the authors and select their next Bible Study books. Bible Study Expo was founded by Gifts of Encouragement, Inc., in 2009, by Marnie Swedberg.

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.