tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628743872567834232024-03-13T09:12:01.928-07:00All in a day of.....Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820691133634433877noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862874387256783423.post-40968261698130220652013-06-05T12:47:00.001-07:002013-06-05T12:47:51.400-07:0031 Days drawing nearer to God review Ruth includes a lot of verses that are meaningful to her and with each day reveals Scripture that is relevant for that Chapter/Day. She offers up a prayer and space at the end of the book to where we can write what verse sticks out and is meaningful to us that day.
I really enjoy this book, and recommend it for those desiring a closer relationship, deeper and more intimate relationship with Him.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820691133634433877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862874387256783423.post-45724317138988832012012-03-08T13:11:00.002-08:002012-03-08T13:50:15.321-08:00Wow its been a Year- but this is an Urgent Request for a 6yr old Boy<a href="http://share-compassion.org/banners/Fatao/Fatao-Heart-Surgery-225x267.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 267px;" src="http://share-compassion.org/banners/Fatao/Fatao-Heart-Surgery-225x267.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Fatao is six years old. <br />He lives in Burkina Faso with his mom, dad and siblings in a home made of rocks and mud.<br />He likes to play soccer and ride bikes.<br />He wants to be a mechanic when he grows up, just like his older brother.<br /><br />Also, Fatao needs heart surgery. <br /><br />When Fatao turned one it was discovered that he was suffering from a heart problem. The option for treatment was not a possibility for Fatao's family.<br /><br />Fatao's father struggles to provide for his family's every day needs and his mother sells fritters to help support the family. Getting food on the table for their children is already an overwhelming task; there was no hope for providing for their son's medical needs.<br /><br />In December 2010 Fatao was registered at the local church into our Child Sponsorship Program. At his first medical check-up the doctor recommended that Fatao see a cardiologist. <br /><br />At the appointment with the cardiologist it was confirmed that Fatao had ventricular septal defect - a hole in his heart.<br /><br />For this surgery, Fatao needs to travel to India.<br /><br />The total cost of his surgery, including passport, visa, travel, the surgery itself and follow-up care, is $23,000.<br /><br />BLOG ASSIGNMENT: HELP FATAO<br /><br /><br />We need your help. Please spread the word about Fatao's heart surgery on your blog. Tweet about it, Facebook about it...make Fatao known. <br /><br />For more information on Fatao and his family, as well as his condition, please read our post over on the Compassion Blog. And continue to check the blog for updates on Fatao. <br /><br />Also, follow us on Twitter as we will also be posting updates there (be sure to look for the hashtag #Fatao).<br /><br />SEND YOUR LOVE<br /><br />Sadly, Fatao's parents are not able to travel with him to India for this surgery. This is a heartbreaking situation and we want to make sure that Fatao receives an overflow of encouragement through his journey to healing. Therefore, when someone gives online they will have the opportunity to write a letter of encouragement to Fatao and this letter will be read to him before his surgery. <br /><br />This is an incredible opportunity for the Church to come together and bless Fatao and his family, not only financially but also with the encouragement that we are asked to pour out everyday through the Holy Spirit. <br /><br />Please keep Fatao and his family in your prayers as you blog for him!Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820691133634433877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862874387256783423.post-57830104351568141022011-03-01T15:19:00.000-08:002011-03-01T15:24:49.846-08:00The Real Skinny Book ReviewMichelle has a great sense of humor and tells it to you straight up - no sugar-coating it! She not only takes you through some inner healing of the heart, she also gives you her thoughts on different fad diets, exercise and how she feels you should really be living your life - through moderation, combining of different foods and exercise.<br />Some of the things we war with in life cannot be won by natural means. Their roots go deeper to an invisible place with unseen forces that do their best work through our ignorance. After all other efforts have failed, it's time to look deeper and let God show us the root of the fruit that is showing up in our lives, on our hips, and on our lips. Sometimes we have to get past ourselves to see what's really in the way. The truth hurts, but it's also medicine that can set you free. So don't despise the process. Hang in there, my sister. (pg 83)<br /><br />This book helped me view my own weight issues in a new and different way. Instead of wallowing in self-pity and doubt, feeling like a failure, this book has lit a fire in me, making me want to lose the extra weight I carry around and keep it off. I am excited to begin my weight loss journey with a new mindset, for the last time. I can see myself incorporating many of the tips provided and making a lasting change in my life<br /><br />Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820691133634433877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862874387256783423.post-67055228217859791532011-03-01T15:05:00.000-08:002011-03-01T15:12:12.289-08:00Sun Stand Still Book ReviewProduct Description<br />If you're not DARING TO BELIEVE GOD for the impossible, <br />you may be SLEEPING THROUGH<br />some of the BEST PARTS of your Christian Life.<br /> <br />"This book is not a Snuggie. The words on these pages will not go down like Ambien. I’m not writing to calm or coddle you. With God’s help, I intend to incite a riot in your mind. Trip your breakers and turn out the lights in your favorite hiding places of insecurity and fear. Then flip the switch back on so that God’s truth can illuminate the divine destiny that may have been lying dormant inside you for years. <br /> In short, I’m out to activate your audacious faith. To inspire you to ask God for the impossible. And in the process, to reconnect you with your God-sized purpose and potential."<br /> —STEVEN FURTICK, from Sun Stand Still<br /><br /><br />“Steven Furtick challenges all of us—from the missionary in the third world to the family in the suburbs—to believe God for the impossible and begin living a life of faith beyond the ordinary.” <br />—ANDY STANLEY, senior pastor, North Point Community Church<br /><br />“I don’t know anyone better positioned to challenge you to rise above mundane living and embrace faith-filled audacity than Steven Furtick.”<br /> —CRAIG GROESCHEL, senior pastor, LifeChurch.tv<br /><br />“For too long Christians have embraced a miniscule vision of faith.… Steven Furtick reminds us that the God who accomplished the impossible through the great heroes of faith still desires to do the same through us today.”<br /> —JENTEZEN FRANKLIN, senior pastor, Free Chapel<br /><br />“This book will show you that your hopes and expectations are truly just the beginning of what God can do.” <br /> —ED YOUNG, senior pastor, Fellowship Church<br /><br />Sun Stand Still is one of the most important books you will ever read. This message will inspire you to believe that God can actually do the impossible in your life, and to chase after the dreams He has placed in your heart. Not only should you read this book, but get it in the hands of the people in your life that need to embrace a bigger vision for what God wants to do through them.<br /><br />In any case, there were a number of powerful insights I took away from the book. <br />- The key to being a disciple is being completely available to Jesus: unconditional obedience. <br />- Whatever you're good at, that's your calling. Wherever and wherever it may lead you, is holy ground. <br />- Every member of the body of Christ is a link in the life-change process of other people <br />- Furtick also hates the phrases "just a volunteer" and "full-time Christian ministry" <br />- The scope and impact of your vision will be determined by who you believe God is. <br />- "If you're going to pray for God to make the sun stand still, you'd better be ready to march all night!" <br /><br /><br /><br />i received this book free from Multnomah Books as part of their book review bloggers 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."Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820691133634433877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862874387256783423.post-69796259759421413122011-03-01T14:52:00.000-08:002011-03-01T15:04:28.109-08:00Love Food Book ReviewProduct DescriptionStruggling with weight issues? Do you love food? Chantel says you can have your cake and eat it, too! Encouraging you to enlist food as an ally, she helps you implement the 80/20 rule---eat healthy for 80% of the time and indulge yourself the other 20%. Her revolutionary diet-and-fitness plan works---Chantel lost 200 pounds! <br />Go ahead. Get passionate about the food you eat.<br /> <br />You don’t have to hide it. You can love food and lose weight at the same time! The secret, which you’ll learn about in Love Food and Live Well, is to know when to have carrot cake and when it’s time for just a carrot.<br /> <br />For most dieters, food is the daunting factor that trips up our best intentions to lose weight and get fit. Let Chantel Hobbs teach you that food is not the enemy! It’s our attitudes toward it that defeat us. Losing weight does not require being deprived of the foods you love and being forced to eat boring, tasteless meals, and left feeling hungry most of the time. Turn food into your ally by following Chantel’s 80/20 rule: A full 20 percent of the time, splurge on the foods you love and incorporate them into celebrations and social occasions. The remaining 80 percent of the time, choose food on the basis of delivering maximum fuel for your body and ultimate health. Simply by having freedom in what you eat, you can train yourself in self discipline and achieve sustainable weight loss, being free from food anxiety.<br /> <br />Using personal inventories, original recipes, food plans, and new, detailed exercises for strength training and aerobic fitness, Chantel will inspire you to live well in every area of life. What are you waiting for? Start the pursuit of a life lived well and healthy: body, mind, and spirit.<br /><br />THis was a good read- not the normal diet or quick fix. <br /><br />Thanks B&B Media for this review copy.Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820691133634433877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862874387256783423.post-70628355337705306732011-03-01T14:37:00.000-08:002011-03-01T14:46:17.147-08:00Book Review Jesus in Present TenseIn Jesus in the Present Tense, Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe explores the “I AM” statements of God—from His burning bush conversation with Moses, to His powerful reassurances to the Israelites, to Jesus’s startling claim to be the Light of the World.<br /> <br />Many Christians find themselves mired in past regrets or future fears, but the name of God itself reminds readers that God wants them to live in the present. The more readers understand and apply God’s I AM statements from the Old and New Testaments, the more they will realize God’s peace and joy. Then they will be free to live, serve, and know God more richly in the present tense—which is just where He wants them to be.<br /><br />Karen Davis with the B&B Media Group, Inc. sent me a copy of Jesus In The Present Tense: The I AM Statements of Christ for the purpose of my review. The book's author is none other than Dr. Warren Wiersbe, an internationally known Bible teacher, author of the popular "BE" series of Bible commentaries and the former pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago. <br /><br />The "I AM" statements of Jesus found in John's gospel are some of the most poignant examples of Christ's proclamation of His divinity--and understanding them is crucial to our growth in our love for Christ. After initially dealing with the "I AM" statements that are found throughout the Old Testament, beginning with Moses' conversation with the Lord in the book of Exodus, Wiersbe addresses with the seven metaphorical "I AM" statements: <br /><br />1. I am the bread of life (John 6:35; John 6:48; John 6:51) <br /><br />2. I am the light of the world (John 8:12; John 9:5) <br /><br />3. I am the door of the sheep (John 10:7; John 10:9) <br /><br />4. I am the good shepherd (John 10:11; John 10:14) <br /><br />5. I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25) <br /><br />6. I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6) <br /><br />7. I am the true vine (John 15:1) <br /><br />He also takes a couple of surprising turns in dealing with what are known as the absolute I AM statement of Christ (found in John 6:20; John 8:24; John 8:28; John 8:58; and John 18:5) and also what he calls the neglected I AM--Psalm 22:6: <br /><br />"But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people." <br /><br />Certainly a good read and great way to do a study on I AM.Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820691133634433877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862874387256783423.post-21723166859943754352011-03-01T14:15:00.000-08:002011-03-01T14:29:48.056-08:00Book Review: The Truth About Dating, Love, and Just Being FriendsProduct Description<br />Chad Eastham, with his typical wit and wisdom for teens, brings much sought after advice on girls' favorite topics including dating, love, friendship, and other important stuff.<br /><br />Chad shines some much-needed light on these major issues for teens. Rather than let their feelings navigate them blindly through their tumultuous adolescence, Chad offers clarity, some surprising revelations, and answers to some of their biggest questions: How do I know who to date? When should I start dating? How should I start dating? Is this really love? And, Why do guys I like just want to be friends?<br /><br />Packed with humor that adds to the sound advice, this book will help teens make better decisions, have healthier relationships, and be more prepared for their futures. Just a few things girls will learn include: Five things you need to know about love; Eight dumb dating things even smart people do; Ten reasons why teens are unhappy; and Ten things happy teens do.<br /><br />Any teen can live a happier, healthier life: they just need to hear The Truth.<br /><br />In this book you will learn: <br />* What should guys never do, what should girls never do, and do you know if someone likes you? <br />* If you are going to date, what kind of boundaries should you set up at the beginning to ensure a healthy relationship? <br />* How can you honor God through healthy relationships? <br />* What does being "just friends" really mean? <br />* What are the top 5 tips on finding true love? <br /><br />All in all I think that this book should be on every teen girls book shelf. I don't know that the guys would take the time to read it as it does feel a little like it is geared towards girls but there is a lot of info just for the guys also (Why do girls go the the bathroom in groups or pairs?) <br /><br /><br />I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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 255Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820691133634433877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862874387256783423.post-65986400372054125372011-03-01T11:33:00.001-08:002011-03-01T11:35:27.343-08:00Wild Olive giveaway<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvXrL5FAAzGtkpcBoitjCXQj4lgAJ37wd0nXN2Ud9qc97cCSS0zyZG_vpOpths7NgINJa8hyphenhyphent7CcjEK7JMuHstT9ZHvLnJQpWKIM4VOMyVLItv5drECy5Xc-aZP4ER4E2b4mYDhkJJdQ/s1600/hoodie.bmp"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvXrL5FAAzGtkpcBoitjCXQj4lgAJ37wd0nXN2Ud9qc97cCSS0zyZG_vpOpths7NgINJa8hyphenhyphent7CcjEK7JMuHstT9ZHvLnJQpWKIM4VOMyVLItv5drECy5Xc-aZP4ER4E2b4mYDhkJJdQ/s320/hoodie.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579197399103480546" /></a><br />Wild Olive Tees<br /><br /><br />We have taken one of our favorite graphics, “transform your mind”, and paired it up with one of our favorite things… a super-soft hoodie.<br /><br />You’re going to love the way it looks AND feels.<br /><br />And in celebration of our new, limited-run hoodie, we’re giving it away!<br /><br />FIVE of our new hoodies, to be exact.<br /><br /><br /><br />You can enter one of three ways… or to increase your chances of winning, enter all three ways.<br /><br />Just be sure to link up below or leave a comment on our blog, letting us know what you’ve done!<br /><br />1. Grab the new “transform your mind” button below and post it in the sidebar of your blog. Post about our giveaway on your blog, and be sure to link back to our site. Then link up below, or leave a comment, along with your blog’s URL, letting us know about your fancy new button. (Our “comment” link is at the top of this post…so don’t panic when you can’t find it at the bottom!) <br /><br />2. “Like” us on Facebook, if you haven’t already (there’s a “like” button at the bottom of this post). You can even be “Friends” with us! If you already “like” us, then just update your status with news about our giveaway. <br /><br />3. Follow us on Twitter, if you don’t already (there’s a “Tweet” button at the bottom of this post). And tweet about our giveaway. <br /><br /> For each of the above, you’ll receive one entry. Do all three, and you’ll receive five entries. WOOT!<br /><br />Contests ends at midnight EST on March 1st. All FIVE winners announced on Wednesday, March 2nd.Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820691133634433877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862874387256783423.post-19792452806365783342011-01-17T12:04:00.000-08:002011-01-17T12:23:23.447-08:00Being a Voice in the darkRecently i went to a retreat- The Destiny Project through Rhythms of Grace Coahing<br />www.rhythmsofgracecoaching.com wow what an incredible gift and amazing time away with God.<br /><br />Here is some information about the retreat which can also be a conference call:<br />The Destiny Project Journey* is designed to call forth women who know they were meant for more and empower them to bring lasting change to the world, in the name of Christ. We will guide you at a life-giving pace through a proven Visioneering Process using eight coaching tools.<br /><br />You will learn to...<br /><br /><br />Connect with God from your heart and learn to listen as He speaks into your life. <br />Discover your true identity in Christ and your deepest life purpose and be able to describe them authentically. <br />Envision what is possible when you align your life with your unique core values. <br />Reframe the story you tell yourself about the obstacles that currently and historically stand in the way of fulfilling your destiny. <br />Create clearly defined visionary goals and next action steps that flow out of who you are and where God is at work in your life. <br /><br />It will change your life forever. You walk away with a clear understanding and knowing of who you truly are. I mean deep down know the truth about your heart, values and your passion. It's made very clear.<br /><br />The women that held this certain retreat also run an Organization- Generation Justice. which you will find more info out on facebook. But it's about Human trafficking and lighting up the world in all the dark places. It's about making an impact and changing lives forever, for generations to come.<br /><br />I would encourage anyone who happens to read this and stumble across this blog post to get educated. Look into the Destiny project. Look into Human trafficking, Fair Trade prodcuts.<br /><br />Here are a few sites to encourage you and help you on this journey- so you cna be a voice in the dark.<br /><br />www.notforsalecampaign.org<br />www.thejusticeconference.com<br />www.ihsionline.org/ssblog Sak Saum amazing products handmade<br />www.somaly.org<br />www.sctnow.org<br />www.globalexchangestore.orgTammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820691133634433877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862874387256783423.post-44704552804262447092011-01-17T11:50:00.000-08:002011-01-17T12:00:12.515-08:00SoulprintProduct Description<br />There never has been and never will be anyone like you. But that isn’t a testament to you. It’s a testament to the God who created you. The problem? Few people discover the God-given identity that makes them unlike anyone else. Mark Batterson calls this divine distinction our soulprint.<br /> <br />God would like to introduce you to yourself.<br /> <br />In Soulprint, Mark pours the contagious energy he’s known for into helping you experience the joy of discovering who you are and the freedom of discovering who you’re not. The wonderful fact is that your uniqueness is God’s gift to you—and it’s also your gift to God.<br /> <br />A “self-help” book that puts God at the center rather than self, Soulprint encourages you to recognize and explore the moments of your life that determine your future. Along the way, you’ll find that you’re not just turning the pages of a book. You’re turning the pages of your remarkable, God-shaped, world-changing life.<br /><br />In his book SoulPrint: Discovering Your Divine Destiny, Pastor Mark utilizes key moments in the life of David to show the reader how to realize God’s true purpose for our lives. Past mistakes, hidden sins, and watershed moments are avenues that God utilizes to create the unique masterpiece that becomes one’s identity. By performing a self-assessment, it is possible to make the person looking back in the mirror the same person that God sees--this, Mark says, is where we find our destiny and His will for our lives.<br /><br />SoulPrint was a challenging book primarily because it hit so close to home at such a critical time. I am excited about this “evolution of character” that God desires, although I know that it will require significant energy, dedication, and openness to take the steps required to fulfill the full potential of God’s destiny in my life. It is not simply a quest to redefine my image or obtain a new identity, but rather the natural result of “desperate people take desperate measures.” I strongly recommend this book for anyone seeking meaning and fulfillment in life--this can only come by seeking and finding God’s perfect will for your future<br /><br />Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820691133634433877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862874387256783423.post-50447836740124011682011-01-17T11:42:00.000-08:002011-01-17T11:47:15.591-08:00BookSneeze: Voices of the Faithful 2Product Description<br />A new year's worth of inspiring stories from the front lines of faith.<br /><br />"A willingness to go is all they have in common," says Beth Moore and Kim P. Davis, speaking of their friends on the front lines who are spreading the gospel around the world and with whom they collaborated to create this book. This second book of 366 daily devotionals features stories of God's faithfulness, written by hundreds of missionaries worldwide.<br /><br />From stirring miracles to heroic adventures, this second volume highlights those who daily go to the outer limits of spiritual devotion.<br /><br />A follow-up to the first book which has now sold 300,000 copies.<br /><br />Voices of the Faithful, Book Two" is more stories from around the world--stories of believers serving and at times sacrificing for their God. In America, we can easily forget about our brothers and sisters in other countries. <br /><br />It's book like this one that help us remember to pray, and to not take our freedoms and faith for granted. Over 300 missionaries contributed to this volume, and each one will move you to a richer, deeper faith. <br /><br />And an appreciation for those who are called to go and serve away from home. Or to serve where home is a dangerous place. Each devotional is a daily reading, brief but so rich! <br /><br />At the end of the book there is an Index of Devotion Titles by the month including the Bible verse used, this is handy for looking up that particular story you were interested in and may want to share with someone else, to let them know what your inspiration was for the day. Looking just for the Scriptural references? There is an index for that, another lil' blessing. <br /><br />Another gift at the end of this book is the gift of salvation, the steps for leading a life with Christ, I believe this is an important part in any christian book, its nice to see it in this wonderful devotional! <br /><br />Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers 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 AdvertisingTammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820691133634433877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862874387256783423.post-53494252421382715042011-01-17T11:21:00.000-08:002011-01-17T11:23:01.146-08:00Q&A with Missy Buchanan B&B MediaQ&A with Missy Buchanan<br /><br /> <br /><br />Even when age creeps up on the body and mind, and life changes from what it once was, is it still possible to have a purpose in life? When it is no longer possible to venture out and do the things you once loved, can you still find a reason to look forward to each day? Missy Buchanan, a leading expert and advocate for senior adults, believes that you can. Buchanan wants to encourage older adults to find their purpose, share their stories, and make an impact on those around them.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Q: What made you decide to start ministering to and writing books for older adults?<br /><br /> <br /><br />Well, as a middle-aged adult, I never had any intention of becoming an author of books for older adults. But because of the journey that my own aging parents were on, I realized how they had become disconnected from their church as their lives changed. They started off as active older adults and then that circle got smaller as they had more needs and physical limitations. As I would visit them at their retirement community, I would also see so many others that were just like them. They needed spiritual encouragement. And so that’s why I got started. The first book began as a project just for my own parents. I wrote devotions and kept them in a loose-leaf notebook. But others started asking for them and things just spiraled from there.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Q: What do you think children need to know about their aging parents? <br /><br /> <br /><br />What I realized personally was that I had been so caught up in my parents’ physical needs that I had neglected their spiritual needs. They were no longer connected to their church, at least in regular worship attendance, and that had been such a huge part of their lives. I almost made that mistake of just totally missing that, and that was the point where I began to write. I looked and there were other books written about older adults but not very many that were written to them and for them. So the first thing I would tell their children is to pay attention not only to their physical needs but also to their spiritual needs.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Q: What is your opinion about role reversal with children and their aging parents?<br /><br /> <br /><br />I hear the whole idea of role reversal where the older parent becomes a child and the grown children become the parent, and I understand what they are talking about because my own parents became more dependent on me. But I think that when we refer to it as a role reversal, and we begin to think of our aging parents as children, we strip away their dignity. We rob them of respect and we overlook the fact that they are not children. They have had a lifetime of experiences that a child has not had. And I think that is an important difference that grown children need to think about and pay attention to. It’s more of a role shift in responsibilities and not a role reversal. I know how much it hurts an aging parent to feel like they are being treated like a baby or like a child. <br /><br /> <br /><br />Q: Other than aging adults, who else has benefited from your writing? <br /><br /> <br /><br />A friend of mine in an assisted living facility asked me to bring some books for one of her tablemates. Her tablemate explained that these books were for her adult children. “They don’t understand what it feels like to grow old, and I can’t seem to make them understand, but your books say it better than I ever could.” My books are all written in the first person as if an older adult is speaking directly to God. There are a lot of adult children that are buying them for themselves and older adults buying them for their grown children. <br /><br /> <br /><br />And I’ve heard of different youth groups that have been reading my books in order to better understand what it’s like to grow old. Instead of just mocking their older peers, they are learning that they share a lot of the same feelings—feelings of insecurity, feelings of fear. As a result of reading the books, one youth group in Tennessee has even adopted the residents of the senior living center across from their church. <br /><br /> <br /><br />Q: How can faith change our idea of growing older?<br /><br /> <br /><br />So many see aging as a punishment, and they dread it so much. But even though it is difficult to be limited by an aging body, they need to look at it as a gift that God has given them. They still have so much to give. They have great wisdom to share and stories to share. I always tell my older friends that their story is not yet over.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Missy Buchanan is the author of Talking with God in Old Age: Meditations and Psalms and<br /><br />Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults (Upper Room Books).<br /><br /> <br /><br />Click here to watch Missy Buchanan’s recent interview with<br /><br />Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts and Roberts’ 86-year-old mother.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Visit Missy Buchanan’s website, www.missybuchanan.com, and blog, http://missybu.wordpress.com/.<br /><br />Become a friend on Facebook (Aging and Faith) and follow on Twitter (MissyBuchanan). <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> Talking with God in Old Age: Meditations and Psalms<br /><br /> <br /><br />In Talking with God in Old Age, Missy Buchanan sensitively address the worries, fears, and frustrations of older adults and extends hope, encouraging them to maintain an open dialogue with God. Each reading features: <br /><br />· A candid conversation with God<br /><br />· A related passage from Psalms<br /><br />· Easy-to-read print<br /><br /> <br /><br />Seniors grappling with the aging process will readily identify with these reflections and will find reassurance of God’s Presence. Caregivers, family members, and others seeking to understand aging loved ones will gain insight into the thoughts and emotions of the elderly frail.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults<br /><br /> <br /><br />Birthed out of real-life experience, Living with Purpose in a Worn-out Body is a big does of authentic spiritual encouragement for frail elderly who struggle to find purpose a the end of their lives. These devotionals addressed to God raise in prayer the many concerns of the frail elderly and provide opportunities to reminisce and reflect on their blessings.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Each devotional offers the following:<br /><br />· Easy-to-read print<br /><br />· Reader-friendly format<br /><br />· Comfortable, nonacademic language<br /><br />· A first-person address to God<br /><br />· Brief supporting scriptures from the New and Old Testaments<br /><br />For more information, contact:<br /><br />Audra Jennings<br />Senior Media Specialist<br />The B&B Media Group<br />1-800-927-0517 Ext. 104 - ajennings(at)tbbmedia.com<br />Visit us on the web at www.tbbmedia.com or our blog at www.tbbmedia.blogspot.com<br />We are also on Facebook and Twitter (audrajennings and TBBMediaGroup)!<br />“A Media Communications Company”<br /><br />109 S. Main - Corsicana, TX 75110<br />Fax: 903-872-0518Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820691133634433877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862874387256783423.post-45458973458702126672011-01-17T11:08:00.000-08:002011-01-17T11:19:25.808-08:00Pause for Power Book reviewProduct Description<br />Topical. Relevant. Fresh. Pause for Power: A 365-Day Journey through the Scriptures with Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe will inspire readers to experience an unforgettable year of spiritual growth.<br /><br />Wiersbe Bible studies and commentaries have become a trusted resource for exploring scripture. Pause for Power: A 365-Day Journey through the Scriptures continues that legacy. This unique devotional is designed to help readers discover spiritual insights through a simple, yet informative, approach to God’s word.<br /><br />In just a few minutes each day, readers will encounter powerful truths that can impact their daily lives. Features include:<br /><br />Select scripture readings that explore practical, everyday topics<br />Themed commentary from Wiersbe’s popular “BE” series<br />Thoughtful questions that prompt personal reflection<br />A small prayer that carries a big idea<br /><br />Readers will experience an unforgettable year in God’s Word.<br /><br />Very encouraging easy to follow along daily devotional. Year long study. Days are not marked so you choose there isn't a right or wrong. Dr. Wiersbe encourages the reader to personally apply God's Word to every situation in their life and work on developing an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. I thought it was very delightful that day 2 of the devotions was devoted to what else? Devotions!! The writing was easy to understand and interesting. Overall, this devotional had more meat on it than most I've seen, and I'd highly recommend it to those who enjoy using devotionals.Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820691133634433877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862874387256783423.post-81419137482448322502010-12-16T14:12:00.000-08:002010-12-16T14:14:35.810-08:00UnStuff book reviewGod . . . and stuff. Everything in the universe falls into one of these two categories. Which is more important to you? (It’s not a trick question.) In Unstuff: Making Room in Your Life for What Really Matters, popular authors Hayley and Michael DiMarco take a close look at what’s in your wallet, your heart, your house, and your mind to reveal the pleasures and perils of stuff—and the joy, peace, and freedom that comes from learning to live with less. <br />In this real-life look at “how it’s done,” the DiMarcos take an uncomfortably close look at the cost of their love affair with stuff. They start by Unstuffing their house—getting rid of anything they don’t need by giving away, selling, or throwing out items that only add to their love for more. Then, kicking it up a notch, this family of three travels across the country with nothing more than they can fit in a motor home . . . and discovers that the really important stuff goes with them. <br /><br />This book is 6 sections full of ideas and personal stories from the authors as to how they experienced a releasing of their stuff. These sections include: <br /><br />"Wallet Stuff" which includes work, paying bills, shopping, and all things financial. <br />"Mind Stuff" talks about instant gratification, depression, drama, worrying about what others think. <br />"Body Stuff" is all about eating and weight issues and fatigue. <br />"Love Stuff" delves into sexual addiction, being selfish or lonely, and how giving can replace love. <br />"Worship Stuff" includes wanting to be comfortable, not praying, reading the Word or just being lazy. <br />"Future Stuff" talks about avoiding certain triggers, living within your means and learning to rest. <br /><br /><br />Disclaimer: Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in order to facilitate an honest review. Others may or may not have the same experience(s) with this book and/or company.Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820691133634433877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862874387256783423.post-49136892152020761792010-12-16T10:23:00.000-08:002010-12-16T10:30:42.162-08:00Booksneeze:Voices of the FaithfulProduct Description<br />A 366-day devotional with inspiring stories from the front lines of faith. <br /><br />"A willingness to go is all they have in common," says Beth Moore, speaking of her friends on the front lines who are spreading the gospel around the world and with whom she collaborated to create this book. This brilliant, 366-day devotional features incredible stories of God's faithfulness in the face of uncertainty and danger, written by hundreds of missionaries worldwide.<br /><br />With a foreword by International Mission Board president Jerry Rankin and an introduction by Beth, this volume also includes advice on how to hear God's voice, pray for missionaries, and understand the church's and individual's role in missions<br /><br />Beth Moore compiles this set of short inspirational readings (one for every day). Each reading is one page. The objective is that you read the short essay, all of which are based on Bible verses, and contemplate the teaching throughout the day. <br /><br />The essays are arranged by subject. Each month has a different theme. February - the word of God. March - prayer. Etc. Each month's essays are preceded by comments by Beth Moore. <br /><br />Some of the essays are very inspiring. It takes a couple of minutes to do the daily reading, but one can contemplate it during your daily commute or throughout the entire day. Some of these messages are that good. <br /><br /><br /><br />Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers 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."Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820691133634433877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862874387256783423.post-37261733596883447762010-12-16T10:13:00.000-08:002010-12-16T10:23:10.757-08:00Blogging for Books review: If God is GoodFrom Publishers Weekly<br />The crossover fiction and nonfiction author of the half-million–selling Heaven throws down a heavy response to a spate of recent bestselling atheism books. Because the main argument of atheists against the existence of God is suffering in the world, Alcorn lays out a weighty and classically reasoned argument to the problem of suffering in this thoroughly modern book. His biggest trump card is that atheists were hardly the first to ask about suffering and evil. Ancient writers did, and the fact that the Bible raises the problem of evil gives us full permission to do so. Evil and suffering are addressed in tandem but approached differently. Evil comes from human rebellion or sin, and suffering is a secondary evil brought on by that primary evil. By granting free will to humanity, God allows for an eternal good that humans don't always see now but will experience in the life to come if faithful. Not academic but well-reasoned, Alcorn may not convince atheists, but apart from them readership is wide open. (Sept.) <br />Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. <br /><br />This is a solid, thought-provoking, and well-written book. <br /><br />If God is Good: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil deals with the prime questions people ask today: <br />Why would an all-good and all-powerful God create a world full of evil and suffering? And then, how can there be a God if suffering and evil exist? <br /><br />The book is laid out well, I would suggest if you are going to take the journey through this book which will be on my top ten list, I would use it as a devotional, reading a chapter a day for each section is short enough to read in one sitting. <br />Alcorn deals with this tough subject using God's Word as his textbook and real life examples of people he knows and has interviewed. He never minimizes the evil, suffering and hurt of those he uses as illustrations, but sees them as heroes of the faith who have clung to God in the midst of deepest valleys. <br />Some section titles include Understanding the Problem of Evil and Suffering, The Origin of Evil..., Proposed Solutions..., Living Meaningfully in Suffering, Why Does God Allow Suffering? <br /><br />This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah PublishingTammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820691133634433877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862874387256783423.post-40398387724440134082010-12-06T13:21:00.000-08:002010-12-06T13:27:49.237-08:00B&B Book Review: It's No SecretProduct Description<br />Are you tired of life as usual? Ready to trade your everyday issues and emotional hang-ups for a life of greater intimacy and fulfillment? <br /><br /><br />Then it's time you join Rachel Olsen and discover some God-sized secrets to successful living. <br />Rachel's writing is lighthearted and fun. But she's serious about helping you uncover biblical secrets to energize your spiritual life and relationships. This book will help you:<br /><br />* Handle petty conflicts and criticism with grace<br />* Overcome the competitive urges that leave you lonely<br />* Grow spiritually despite life's setbacks<br />* Relax unrealistic expectations in favor of emotional stability<br />* Uncover a surprising means to worshiping God amidst your busy schedule<br />* Discover how to make what you give away ultimately return to you<br />* Find adventure as you yield wholeheartedly to God<br /> <br />You'll explore twelve principals from scripture, and delve into the Bible yourself with end-of-chapter studies. So grab your Bible, your coffee cup, a copy of It's No Secret, and a girlfriend and come discover twelve secrets the world doesn't know that every woman should. <br /><br />About the Author<br />Rachel Olsen's passion is helping woman see and savor God afresh. She is a popular national women's speaker, a staffer with Proverbs 31 Ministries, and a communication instructor at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. Rachel is also general editor of God's Purpose for Every Woman. She and her husband raise two children and enjoy life in a beach town.<br /><br />Coffee. <br /><br />Chocolate. <br /><br />Your closest friends. <br /><br />This is a great bible study to work alone, but if you are looking for that next bible study for your ladies group, this is it. <br /><br />What I like about this is that it addresses everyday topics that as women and as followers of Christ, we continually encounter such as issues of competition, true versus false humilty, gossip, just finding times, among the many topics that are touched and are daily struggles for a Sister of Christ. <br /><br />Chapters are brief, with study questions that will really have you digging into your Bible to explore and examine Biblical truths and stories and how they apply today as they have applied throughout the ages. <br /><br />These are short studies that are good for a thirty minute study if you're doing it alone or for hour(s) discussions for a group of girlfriends whose gather together and sure to touch, encouraged and challenged. <br /><br /><br /><br />Please note: I received this book free from B & B Media Group, which has a program designed for book reviews by bloggers. The opinions that I have expressed in this review are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. For more details about the B & B Media Group, please view their websites:Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820691133634433877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862874387256783423.post-91359061086029419202010-12-06T13:12:00.000-08:002010-12-06T13:14:44.333-08:00B&B Book Review- The Life Bookhttps://www.thelifebook.com/start-a-project.php<br /><br />This is an incredible movement created to get the book into the hands of high schoolers and others where it generally isn't allowed.<br /><br />BRING THE LIFE BOOK MOVEMENT TO YOUR AREA<br /><br />Our mission is to help local churches and youth ministries give the free gift of God's Word to Every High School student in your local high school(s).<br /><br />We are now scheduling The Life Book Saturations for 2010. Apply early because we have a limited number of openings.<br /><br />If your church or youth ministry would like to consider being the Lead Church for The Life Book Movement for your high school(s), details are below:<br /><br />What is required?<br /><br /><br />A passionate and committed point person (preferably a pastor or youth leader). <br />Ability and willingness to bring together a small team of caring adults to make the project a success. <br />Ability and willingness to involve other area churches and youth ministries in your local Life Book Project. <br />Commitment to regular communication with our Director of Saturations and the local churches and/or youth ministries involved. <br />Commitment to see the project through from beginning to end. <br /><br />Action Steps:<br /><br />Fill out the application below. <br />Speak with our Director of Saturations (He will call you) <br />Commit to be the Saturation Leader <br /><br /><br /><br />Learn More... <br /><br /><br />WHAT IS THE LIFE BOOK MOVEMENT? WHO IS THE LEADERSHIP TEAM? <br /><br /><br />Founded by The Gideons International as an innovative strategy to reach high school students with God's Word, The Life Book Movement works through churches and their students to saturate high schools with God's Word. The Life Book Movement is best described as a week-long mission trip in which high school students get the opportunity to offer the gift of The LIfe Book to their classmates during school.<br /><br />The Life Book’s unique design engages searching high school students with the truth of God’s Word as they are introduced to Jesus Christ. Using an interactive format with honest student comments and real-life questions in the margins, readers are drawn into the only story that can change their lives forever.<br /><br /><br />Working through local churches, The Life Book Movement provides free copies of The Life Book to Christian students to give to classmates during school. Because it is legal for students to distribute religious literature in public schools, this unique approach provides an opportunity for churches and youth ministries to get God’s Word in the hands of every student in every high school they serve.<br /><br /><br /><br />With Saturations scheduled throughout the United States, the end goal is to eventually place God’s Word in the hands of 17.5 million high school students<br /><br /><br /><br />WHAT IS A SATURATION WEEK?<br /><br />One week where all the Christian students from local churches hand out The Life Book at their local high schools.<br />The Life Book Movement is simply a week-long mission trip for high school students to their schools.<br /><br /> <br /><br />HOW DO YOU GET INVOLVED?<br /><br /><br /><br />Click HERE to view our online application. We are currently looking for Saturation Leaders for Fall 2010.<br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />All I can say is get involved- buy some books and pass them around.Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820691133634433877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862874387256783423.post-54302494580205909842010-12-06T12:48:00.000-08:002010-12-06T13:05:02.202-08:00B&B Book review: It's Your CallProduct Description<br />Discover God’s calling for your life ...<br /><br />Few spiritual concepts have fascinated and confused people more than understanding God’s calling for their life. Is it primarily about a job or a role? It is precise or general? Is a calling only reserved for those who work in professional ministry?<br /><br />The truth is actually amazingly profound: What we are supposed to do is what we most want to do.<br /><br />This is a guide for discovering God’s design and destiny for your life. Drawing from over 20 years of experience in ministry, Gary Barkalow shares how you can:<br /><br />Live alert and oriented to the voice and choreography of God.<br />Discover and interpret the voice of your own story.<br />Discern the strategic assault against your calling.<br />Recognize God’s intentional training in your life’s journey.<br /><br />Most of all, you’ll be inspired to let the glory of your life touch the world around you.<br /> <br /><br /><br />About the Author<br /> <br /><br />Gary Barkalow is the founder and director of The Noble Heart, a ministry with the express purpose of helping men and women find their life in God and their calling in this world. He has served in leadership positions at Ransomed Heart Ministries, Focus on the Family, and Campus Crusade for Christ. Through The Noble Heart, Gary speaks at conferences across the country and around the world. Gary and his wife, Leigh, reside in Colorado Springs with their four children. www.thenobleheart.com <br /><br />over 20 years study on the part of the author. He calls you into the study with the likes of C.S. Lewis, George MacDonald, Oswald Chambers, Dallas Willard and many others. But don't come in expecting to "get it all" in 10 minutes. Come in with your journal in hand, a cup of your favorite beverage, and the understanding that you are going to be here awhile. Because you have been invited to join in a conversation that has been going on since creation. A conversation about life, and living. And that conversation requires commitment; but the rewards will be worth the investment.Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820691133634433877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862874387256783423.post-42313628752880340012010-12-06T12:37:00.000-08:002010-12-06T12:45:26.830-08:00B&B Book Review: Baby Bible Christmas StoryProduct Description<br /><br />Christmas Bible stories made simple, interactive, and relevant for young children.<br />With a fresh look, The Baby Bible Christmas Storybook is an interactive and gentle-hearted way to discover and reinforce familiar Bible stories with very young children during the Christmas season.<br />Inside you will find:<br />• Simple actions and activities with Mom or Dad help tell Christmas Bible stories.<br />• Short story length allows for short attention spans.<br />• Actions and easy vocabulary works well for the small child (infancy through three years old).<br />• Short prayers at the end of each story help make the story relevant for little ones and teach them to pray.<br /> <br /><br /><br />The Baby Bible Christmas Storybook introduces your child to the Christmas story with bright, colorful pictures, simple prayers and suggested actions to bring the stories to life. The sixteen short stories bring parents and children together to learn the wonderful story of Christmas in an interactive manner. <br /><br />I really enjoyed this Christmas storybook. The illustrations were wonderful and brought the Christmas story to life. They are bright, vivid and easy to see. My daughter was constantly pointing and naming objects, actions and places or animals. The book itself is unique because it gives suggested hand motions under each line in the story for parents to interact with their childrenTammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820691133634433877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862874387256783423.post-62682669851243215862010-12-06T12:28:00.000-08:002010-12-06T12:36:33.486-08:00BookSneeze Review :The Grae of GodProduct Description<br />"Grace. It's what we crave most when our guilt is exposed. It's the very thing we are hesitant to extend when we are confronted with the guilt of others-especially when their guilt has robbed us of something we consider valuable.<br /><br />Therein is the struggle, the struggle for grace. It's this struggle that makes grace more story than doctrine. It's the struggle that reminds us that grace is bigger than compassion or forgiveness. That struggle is the context for both. When we are on the receiving end, grace is refreshing. When it is required of us, it is often disturbing. But when correctly applied, it seems to solve just about everything. This struggle is not new; it has been going on since the beginning."<br /><br />-Andy Stanley<br /><br />We find in the pages of Scripture that the stories found there often mirror our own stories, and that we too need the very thing we do not deserve: the grace of God.<br /><br />From the beginning, the church has had an uneasy relationship with grace. The gravitational pull is always toward graceless religion. The odd thing is that when you read the New Testament, the only thing Jesus stood against consistently was graceless religion. The only group he attacked relentlessly was graceless religious leaders.<br /><br /><br /><br />Even now as you think about grace, there might be a little voice in your head whispering, "It can't be that easy!"<br /><br />"What about obedience?" <br /><br />"What about disobedience?" <br /><br />"What about repeated misbehavior?" <br /><br />"What about bad habits?" <br /><br />"What about justice?"<br /><br />"What about repentance?"<br /><br />It's this tension that makes grace so slippery. But that's the beauty and the truth of grace. We don't deserve it. We can't earn it. It can't be qualified. But God gives it to us anyway because he loves us unconditionally. <br /><br />The story of grace is your story. And as you are about to discover grace plays a larger role than you imagine.<br /><br />This book is written in such a way that you will find yourself relating to every story, every situation, and every subject. It is encouraging, reaffirming, reassuring, and life-changing. You will weep as the words strike a chord in your own heart and rejoice as you realize that grace is a product of God's deep and everlasting love for all His children. You will learn that as He extends his grace to you, so should you extend grace to your neighbor. You will see the very nature of God spilled out onto every page; how His grace extends so far beyond our own reach and limited depth perception. You will see that He is a graceful and merciful God; the message is abundantly clear and unmistakable. <br /><br />I highly recommend putting this book at the very top of your must-read list. Even though I haven't yet finish it, I know that I have been blessed by the reading and will continue to be blessed as I absorb each word all the way to the end. In fact, I can't wait to dive into it again today! <br /><br /><br />Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the book sneeze book review bloggers 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 255Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820691133634433877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862874387256783423.post-54449416547007701792010-12-06T12:01:00.000-08:002010-12-06T12:10:50.051-08:00BookSneeze Review: Good Morning LordProduct Description<br />Delight in each day as an adventure in trusting a faithful God. <br /><br />Whether facing day-to-day frustrations or long-term struggles with fear, insecurity, or the weight of a painful past, Sheila Walsh takes women by the hand and helps build unbridled trust in The One who gives hope, healing, peace, and redemption. Each 'day' starts with a devotion geared toward real life situations that women often face, and ends with questions for thought and space for journaling personal reflections. The invitation is to journey through lessons that women can use immediately to establish a deep, life-altering trust in the Father. <br /><br />are approximately two paragraphs long and include two thought questions with space for journaling, a prayer, and a Bible verse. All of the devotions in this book were adapted from several other books by Shelia Walsh. <br /><br />This book offers just the motivation I need to commit my days to God. The brief devotions offer me just enough to think about and to "chew on" for the rest of the day. Too often for me, morning quiet time becomes overwhelming because of my perfectionistic nature. This book allows me to do one small thing well. <br /><br />I also think it is beautifully designed and would make a great gift. <br /><br /><br /><br />Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers 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 255Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820691133634433877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862874387256783423.post-78648573641600470562010-12-06T11:58:00.000-08:002010-12-06T12:01:05.832-08:00Giveaway- B&B Mark of LoveI have one Mark of Love available- random # selction on Dec 15th. Please post a comment below to be entered into the drawing.<br /><br />The Mark of Love<br /><br />The Mend Mark tells a powerful story in two words<br /><br />Have you been “Marked?” The Mend Mark is a mission, a movement, an entire revolution. It is a bracelet meant to remind its wearers of Christ’s love and sacrifice, and its message is the passion of its creator, Hunter Harrison. <br /><br />The Mend Mark is an innovative and distinctive bracelet that is designed to reflect the scars and nail holes of Jesus. When worn, the band resembles the deep holes of the nail driven into the wrists of Jesus during his crucifixion. By bringing the story of Jesus’ life and death to constant awareness by wearing a bracelet, Mend Mark is meant to powerfully remind wearers of the ultimate act of love Jesus made for all of humankind. <br /><br />Harrison’s mission is to remind all to remember Christ’s love in both his life and death. But more than only a poignant recollection, the Mend Mark is meant to inspire and motivate wearers to live a life of service. Harrison strives to bring people together around the simplicity and power of love as lived by Jesus. But this is no example of passive love. The Mend Mark calls individuals in all walks of life to love with a profound sincerity and commitment great enough to change a neighborhood, a community, a world.<br /><br />Harrison leads this call to love and sacrifice by example and joins hands with each Mend Mark bracelet purchaser to take the first step in global change. A portion of each bracelet sold goes to support Living Water International, an organization combating the clean water crisis victimizing over one billion people worldwide. Each $5,000 given will result in one well drilled, providing a community with clean water.<br /><br />But wearers should be prepared to be seen. Unique in its design, the Mend Mark is sure to be noticed and gives wearers an opportunity to share the story of the profound love of Jesus for each and every person. “It was important to me that the design was simple and generic enough that the observer had to ask about it to know what it meant. But I also wanted it to appear distinctive enough that it sparked curiosity,” reveals creator Hunter Harrison. “I wanted it to require the wearer of the product to engage in conversation about the love of Christ (and hopefully show that love to others) instead of just letting the product talk for them.”<br /><br />Launched in late 2009 after a year and a half of packaging, material, and design development by Harrison, the bracelet has been sold across the United States, Canada, and the UK and has been featured in retail stores as well. The Mend Mark bracelet movement has grown to further fame after being worn during performances by American Idol winner Lee Dewyze, Idol runner up Siobhan Magnus, Decifer Down, Israel Houghton & New Breed, Pillar, and Finding Favour, to name a few. Says Harrison, “I want it to be more than just another bracelet; I want it to represent a movement.” Based on the way things are going, a movement is exactly what it is becoming.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Order online for $9.99 at www.mendmark.com. <br /><br />Q&A With Hunter Harrison,<br /><br />Creator of the Mend Mark<br /><br /> <br /><br />Q: How did you arrive at the idea for the Mend Mark? Why a bracelet? <br /><br /> <br /><br />A: I always thought about getting a tattoo. I still haven’t, but tattoo designs frequently cross my mind, and if I ever got one I would want it to be meaningful. On one particular day, I had the idea of getting two circles tattooed on my wrist to resemble a hole. But not just any hole—the hole that killed a king. The more and more I thought about it, the more I came to realize that nowadays EVERYONE has a tattoo and it would almost be rebellious NOT to get one. (I guess you could consider me a reverse rebel.) So I decided to do something a little different, something that would reach many more people than just some ink on my wrist. I took the idea and designed a bracelet instead, and consequently, the Mend Mark idea was born. <br /><br /> <br /><br />Q: At first glance Mend Mark seems like a nebulous name. What does it mean? <br /><br /> <br /><br />A: I’ve always liked the word “mend” and I feel like it’s underused. So it was an easy decision to incorporate that into the name. It fit the product purpose, and since it was representing one of the marks of Jesus, Mend Mark was an obvious choice. Plus it had a nice ring to it and with tattoo roots it seemed natural to call it that. I wanted it to be more than just another bracelet or wristband. I wanted it to represent a movement. So the “Mend Mark” it became.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Q: What are you hoping will be accomplished through the wearing of the Mend Mark bracelet and through the Mend Mark movement? <br /><br /> <br /><br />A: There are three main things I want to be accomplished. First is that I wanted people to remember the sacrifice. I wanted to unite people—Christians (no matter the denomination) and even people of other worldviews—on one common message: LOVE. The love that Christ preached in particular. With so many books out there and theological debates on who’s right and who’s wrong, sometimes we forget the simplicity of Christ’s main message: LOVE. I figured that no matter what one believes, they can’t deny that selfless love can change the world… and sometimes we need a reminder of that. So I coined the phrase “Remember Love” to be printed on the bracelet. The second thing is that I wanted people to emulate the emotion. I wanted it to require the wearer of the product to engage in conversation about the love of Christ (and hopefully show that love to others) instead of just letting the product talk for them. I felt that if this was done properly it could force people into intentional situations where they were able to demonstrate their faith. If I was a non-believer and I saw someone wearing an obvious Christian product, I doubt I would ask that person about it because I would already know what they were going to say. But, if I saw this, I would want to know what it was. It sparks curiosity… and in turn that curiosity may open some doors for people to share the love of Christ with others. Finally, I wanted it to inspire people to change the world around them. I decided to find a cause to support through the sales of the bracelet. There was no reason for me to keep all the profits for myself. I wanted to be able to give back and share the proceeds somehow. I researched and prayed and petitioned God on what ministry to support and God led me to Living Water International. I knew I wanted to help fight malnourishment in one way or another and providing “Living Water” seemed to fit the purpose of the product—using “love” to mend. That’s what it’s all about and this product allows that to happen on a global scale.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Q: Where did the inspiration to create the Mend Mark come from? <br /><br /> <br /><br />A: My mother was the most influential person in my life. She raised me on her own, even homeschooled me in high school, and I think that extra time with her really impacted me. She passed away from cancer in 2007, but she always told me I would do great things. My wife, Morgan, has been extremely instrumental in encouraging me to take those words from my mom to heart and make them a reality. Morgan motivates me like no one else can and has been a tremendous source of love and support throughout the entire process. <br /><br /> <br /><br />Then my work in banking inspired me. All day long I am helping people achieve their dreams getting businesses and ideas started. I wanted to get out there and start doing something myself. But I wanted it to be meaningful. Since my son was born two years ago, he’s given me an added motivation to do something bigger than myself, something that will somehow leave a legacy behind. <br /><br /> <br /><br />Q: The Mend Mark is certainly growing as a movement. It’s even been worn by celebrities. What’s next for the Mend Mark? <br /><br /> <br /><br />A: The Mend Mark isn’t the first idea I’ve tried to get off the ground. It definitely won’t be the last either. By far, it’s been the most fun and the most successful, and the one I’ve been most passionate about. I’m currently working on additional product designs as well as T-shirts that will go along with the original Mend Mark purpose. The future is bright and I can’t wait to see where God takes it.Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820691133634433877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862874387256783423.post-27511304022736517352010-11-22T13:32:00.000-08:002010-11-22T13:35:07.075-08:00Blind Hope reviewSynopsis<br /><br />An unwanted dog. An emotional rescue.<br />Two lives forever changed. <br /><br />Laurie's dreams had been shattered before she came to work at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch—the ranch of rescued dreams—where broken horses and broken children encounter healing every day. In an attempt to soothe her aching soul, Laurie reached out to save a dog in need. And she soon began to realize that the dog was rescuing her. <br /> <br />An inspiring true story told through the engaging voice of Kim Meeder, Blind Hope reveals poignant life lessons Laurie experienced from her ailing, yet courageous canine friend. Despite the blindness of her dog—and her own heart—Laurie uncovered what she really needed most: authentic love, unconditional trust, and true acceptance, faults and all.<br /> <br />As Laurie and her dog, Mia, both learned to follow the lead of a master they couldn’t see, Laurie discovered the transforming power of God’s grace even for imperfect and selfish people—and she experienced a greater love than she had ever known.<br /> <br />“Love is a bridge that stands firm through difficulties and connects one heart directly to another, not because of how it looks, but because of what it is.” —Kim Meeder, Blind Hope<br /> <br />I LOVE Kim Meeder's books and her ranch. What amazing and inspirational stories that come out of her heart and the ranch. This is a must read. and DOG is GOD spelled backwards.<br /><br /><br /><br />I was provide a copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah for review purposesTammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820691133634433877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862874387256783423.post-85839835833319525602010-11-16T23:10:00.000-08:002010-11-16T23:13:13.061-08:00Fasting for Aaron on FridayI am going to FAST on Friday for Aaron and for his health- would you please consider standing with me and praying?<br /><br />Tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday) some folks from church are coming over to pray over aaron and for aaron. We just want him healthy and this trend of illnesses/health issues to be gone. If you think about it can you pray tomorrow afternoon for aaron and for the church folks who are praying? I don’t know the time yet but will update you.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Below are emails I sent to our church prayer chain:<br /><br /> <br /><br />Last Wednesday morning we went to Children’s Hospital Seattle for more testing.<br /><br />Aaron will be having a VFSS (Video fluoroscopic Swallowing Study). We met with the pulmonary clinic/drs at Children’s a few weeks ago and they think its a good idea to have this test done to see if there is a possibility food/liquids are going into this lungs when he eats/swallows.<br /><br /> <br /><br />He is now 21 months old and has been sick for 10 months straight only a short 8 week break June-august and mid August it started again.<br /><br />He is on prevacid, 2 inhalers has had 3 chest xrays, 1 upper gi, 1 surgery, VCUG and tons of tests. I just want his body to be healed.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Marco and I are soooo tired, just mentally, emotionally, and physically. Every time we try to come to church on sunday sickness gets us. One sunday marco was so sick couldn't move and about 2pm that afternoon it was gone. I am sure its something bigger (spirit of isolation) keeping us away because we have been so isolated this past year.<br /><br /> <br />If you could pray for this isolation thing to go away and for our relationships with friends and families to grow in leaps in bounds. Health Health Health- for healing and strength and protection for our family. Wisdom for the doctors and for what ever is going on with Aaron to be revealed and mystery solved so we can reduce medicines and get him healthy. Also if you are praying and hear anything for us could you let us know. <br /><br /> <br /><br />Update from the testing:<br /><br />The swallowing study (xray) showed that he is building a pocket of fluids up over his airway so its possible he is aspirating but at that time of the testing he would trigger his muscles and swallow instead of all of it going into his lungs. He is now due to this on a liquid restricted diet which means anything and everything that is pour able/liquid needs to be thickened. We have a dietician assigned to us from Children's and Thickening stuff we have to use.<br /><br />by thickening the liquids he has to work more and harder to get things down and he uses all his muscles which makes it go down the right pipe. where thinner liquids it appears he is lazier and allows them to go down both tubes.<br /><br />recheck in 3 months.<br /><br />later that day we had another dr appt and found out he has alot of food allergies.<br /><br />Dairy or any product in dairy category was huge. Thankfully we had taken him off dairy in June due to the fact dairy creates alot of mucous. So we were giving him almond milk and coconut milk which he is highly allergic to hazelnut, soy, coconut and almonds. so now just rice milk.<br /><br />there is something that is also making his face develop a rash. We can't figure out if its the prevacid(reflux med) or a food. so we are monitoring that closely to figure out what the trigger is. <br /><br />He has been coughing a lot the past few days and tons of mucous so we are hoping in the next day or 2 his body will flush away all the cold/allergy stuff and coughing will go away now that we have removed the allergens.<br /><br />The drs say in time he will probably out grow everything maybe by age 4 or 5.<br /><br />there is more I am sure - it was a lot of stuff to process Wednesday and then phone calls with follow up appts and children's home care yesterday.<br /><br />You wouldn't know he was sick- he is in daycare- running around- being cray but gets crabby and coughs. We just need his lungs healed. <br /><br /> <br /><br />11/14 Aaron wasn’t feeling well this morning and took a nap about 10/11 ish woke up with a fever and a gunky eye. After about an hour or so we decided to take him into Children’s Bellevue Urgent Care- well he has an ear infection and pink eye. His lungs sounded okay. His fever is about 100. He is on 2 different meds for ear infection and pink eye. This means no daycare and one of us need to stay home from work to be with him and care for him. <br /><br /> <br /><br />This is almost exactly to the week when we first started with all the ER visits- last year this time he had ear infection- pink eye and pneumonia. So we are praying and breaking this- no more!!!<br /><br /> <br /><br />Can we all just pray in agreement for his healing and his body to be restored to pure health.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Tonight 11/16 Really exciting news- Aaron was having a bad day not feeling well and not eating – we tried to get an appt with our ped dr but they were full so at 5pm we went to Children’s Bellevue Urgent care.<br /><br />Aaron’s ear infection is gone. After 3 doses of antibiotics it’s gone. The dr said if it hadn’t been written in his record that he had one she wouldn’t have known because there were no signs.<br /><br />His pink eye is looking great you can hardly see.<br /><br /> <br /><br />So Prayer is working and we are going to keep pressing in. As I know God can and will heal Aaron.<br /><br /> <br /><br />SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- 11/16/2010: <br /><br />Be strong and do not lose heart. Refuse to give up. The enemy would have you to believe in hopelessness, but he will not succeed as long as you maintain your position of hope. Give him no ground. Take the time and make the effort to exercise your faith and to believe Me and know that I have heard your prayers, says the Lord. <br /><br />2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of gloryTammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820691133634433877noreply@blogger.com1