Bible Study | Bible Studies | Bible Study Tools |SWEETER THAN CHOCOLATE-HEBREWS 11

This is a summer Bible study--starting June 24. This study will be an on-line blog study. There is a cost for the book 24.99.
If you are looking for a summer Bible study I cannot think of a greater study that a Precept study!

http://preceptministriesinternational.blogspot.com/

Bible Study | Bible Studies | Bible Study Tools |SWEETER THAN CHOCOLATE-HEBREWS 11

Memorial Day 2010

The pictures were taken at the cemetery at Normandy, France. All pictures taken by me in 1999. My parents are the couple on the right side, mother with the blue jacket on. My dad is a D-day Veteran.

Prayer Request!

I have an urgent prayer request:
My granddaughters best friend and neighbor is very ill. She is 6 years old and she was just diagnosed with stage 2 liver cancer. She will have surgery on June 1 to have 1/2 of her liver removed. This little girl already has a blood disorder where her blood does not clot well.
I will withhold her name because of privacy, we'll just call her K.
I'll keep you posted.
Also pray for K mother and father.
Pray for my granddaughter we will have to tell her soon about her dear little friend.

Thank you.

2010 Christy Award Finalists

Contemporary Romance

Breach of Trust

by DiAnn Mills (Tyndale House Publishers)

How Sweet It Is

by Alice J. Wisler (Bethany House Publishers: a Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Stand-In Groom

by Kaye Dacus (Barbour Publishing)

Contemporary Series, Sequels, and Novellas

Who Do I Talk To?

by Neta Jackson (Thomas Nelson)

The Hope of Refuge

by Cindy Woodsmall (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)

Daisy Chain

by Mary DeMuth (Zondervan)

Contemporary Standalone

June Bug

by Chris Fabry (Tyndale House Publishers)

The Passion of Mary-Margaret

by Lisa Samson (Thomas Nelson)

Veiled Freedom

by Jeanette Windle (Tyndale House Publishers)

First Novel

The Familiar Stranger

by Christina Berry (Moody Publishers)

Fireflies in December

by Jennifer Erin Valent (Tyndale House Publishers)

Scared

by Tom Davis (David C. Cook)

Historical

A Flickering Light

by Jane Kirkpatrick (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)

Though Waters Roar

by Lynn Austin (Bethany House Publishers: a Division of Baker Publishing Group)

The Swiss Courier

by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey (Revell Books: a Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Historical Romance*

Beyond This Moment

by Tamera Alexander (Bethany House Publishers: a Division of Baker Publishing Group)

A Bride in the Bargain

by Deeanne Gist (Bethany House Publishers: a Division of Baker Publishing Group)

The Inheritance

by Tamera Alexander (Thomas Nelson)

The Silent Governess

by Julie Klassen (Bethany House Publishers: a Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Suspense

Intervention

by Terri Blackstock (Zondervan)

Lost Mission

by Athol Dickson (Howard Books: a Division of Simon & Schuster)

The Night Watchman

by Mark Mynheir (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)

Visionary

By Darkness Hid

by Jill Williamson (Marcher Lord Press)

The Enclave

by Karen Hancock (Bethany House Publishers: a Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Valley of the Shadow

by Tom Pawlik (Tyndale House Publishers)

Young Adult

Beautiful

by Cindy Martinusen-Coloma (Thomas Nelson)

The Blue Umbrella

by Mike Mason (David C. Cook)

North! Or Be Eaten

by Andrew Peterson (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)

Christy Awards will be June 26, 2010

http://www.christyawards.com/winners.html

The Adventure Begins...Giveaway!

The Contest runs May 24----June 12, 2010.
http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/38241

Review-Psalm 23 The Song Of A Passionate Heart by David Roper

Discovery House Publishers RBC Ministries, 1994, 173 pages

Discovery House Publisher link:
http://www.dhp.org/Products/Psalm-23%E2%80%94The-Song-of-a-Passionate-Heart-%28Paperback%29__M7661.aspx

CBD link for book:
http://www.christianbook.com/psalm-the-song-of-passionate-heart/david-roper/9781572932005/pd/932007#curr

This book was given to me by Discovery House Publisher to read, they did not ask me to review this book.


If you were to ask people at random what is something they know from the Bible, they would probably state the 23rd Psalm. It is well-known and beloved by many. It is known by those that do not read the Bible, it is known by many that do not attend church. The 23rd Psalm is recited at funerals, it is memorized for comfort for those trials of life that we are assured of coming. The 23rd Psalm is on plaques and pictures that people hang on their walls in the dining room (I do this).
How many have studied this Psalm? I am not referring to those that rattle off the Psalm not paying any attention to what they are even saying. I am talking about reading and studying each word, each phrase.
The author takes the 23rd Psalm and applies it to our life, our everyday life full of worries and anxieties, dry times, times of leisure or times of heartache. He speaks not at us, but speaks to us as if he is holding our hand, even embracing us at times.
The author David Roper has written a beautiful book. This book moves me and stirs my heart with its fluid poetry like words.
The book is small-pocket size, light weight. The cover is of a beautiful serene green valley. All the pages of the book are encased in a blocked design like you would a portrait.
Many Bible verses and quotes are given.
This is a great book for meditative reading, daily devotional reading. It would be a great gift for anyone.
Some of my favorite quotes from this book:
"The main purpose of reading the Bible, however is not to accumulate data about Him, but to come to Him, to encounter Him as our living God."
"Our path is His business not ours. Our business is to trust Him with all our heart and to refuse to rely on our own understanding. Certainly we must plan and prepare, but we must hold our schemes and dreams loosely, giving God the right to revise them or replace them with out our approval or knowledge, permitting Him to advise us, correct us, inspire us and prompt us, knowing that His compelling hand is directing everything we do."

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Spirituality vs. Jesus written by Stephen Altrogge

Spirituality invites you to explore your inner self. Jesus invites you to explore his glory and forget yourself.

Spirituality invites you to find yourself. Jesus invites you to lose yourself.

Spirituality is a journey that ultimately results in you “saving” yourself. Following Jesus is a journey that begins when you stop trying to save yourself.

Spirituality leads to self-expression which results in self-fulfillment. Jesus calls you to die to yourself and find your fulfillment in him.

Spirituality begins when you resolve to “try harder”. Following Jesus begins when you give up.

Spirituality says you’re worth it. Jesus says that he’s worth it.

Spirituality allows you to take charge of your life. Jesus commands you to acknowledge him as King of your life.

Spiritual gurus dispense “wisdom”.

Jesus saves sinners.

http://www.theblazingcenter.com/2010/05/spirituality-vs-jesus.html

Home Today!

I have a cough and scratchy throat and stayed home from church today.
Hope all of you are having a wonderful and healthy weekend!

I am currently reading:
Psalm 23 The Song of a Passionate Heart by David Roper
All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
Veiled Freedom by J. M. Windle
The Victor by Marlayne Giron
No Greater Love by Kathi Macias
On Guard by William Lane Craig

As you can tell I've made a template change on my blog, it was time for a change.
I am reading through the Bible this year and my updates are located on the right side of blog--mid way down.
Instead of posting at the top of blog in an additional page--my current book readings will be posted in a new post.
I've had a few new followers join me through the Book Blogger Hop and Twitter.
Welcome to all of you!

Living a God Pleasing Life by Cathy Bryant

Great post by Cathy Bryant!

http://wordvessel.blogspot.com/2010/05/living-god-pleasing-life.html

Living a God-Pleasing Life
Probably no Christ-follower alive would say they don't want to live a God-pleasing life. But as is usually the case, saying and doing are two different things. We may think and say we want to please Him, but self gets in the way, and we all end up living in ways that are contrary to God.

During our recent study of knowing and doing God's will, I came across several references on living a God-pleasing life, and thought I'd share them with you here.

Not Just A Suggestion
Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. ~1 Thessalonians 4:1 (NIV)

God's Word gives us all we need to live a life pleasing to God. It's more than a suggestion--it's a loving Father's instruction on the best way to live.

Christ Is The Perfect Example
And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well-pleased." ~Matthew 3:17 (NIV)

As always, Christ is our example on living a God-pleasing life. Emulate Him.

Never Alone
"The One who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do what pleases Him." ~John 8:29 (NIV)

I think one of the biggest fears we all face is being alone. I'm not talking about an occasional blissful day of solitude; I'm talking about having no one else to care for us, to support us and encourage us. As believers we have the promise from Jesus that He is always with us (Matthew 28:20).

Yet there are times we feel like God has abandoned us. I can only speak for myself, but most of the time when I feel this way it's because I've wandered away. God hasn't changed; He can't (Malachi 3:6). If something is different, it's because of you and me.

Secure and Peaceful Life
When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies live at peace with Him. ~Proverbs 16:7 (NIV)

I don't know about you, but I abhor conflict and confrontation--to the point that I'll do almost anything to avoid them. What a comfort to know that when we live like God wants us to live, even our enemies aren't a threat or a thorn in our side.

Faith Required
By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. ~Hebrews 11:5-6 (NIV)

Faith is more than just believing--it's acting on that belief. We cannot please Him if we don't act on our belief in who He is by putting our full faith and trust in Him.

Obedience Required
Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from Him anything we ask, because we obey His commands and do what pleases Him. And this is His command: to believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as He commanded us. Those who obey His commands live in Him, and He in them. And this is how we know that He lives in us: We know it by the Spirit He gave us. ~1 John 3:21-24 (NIV)

Sometimes my heart seems geared toward disobedience brought on by selfish desires, but I cannot live a life of disobedience and please Him at the same time. The old Christian hymn, "Trust and Obey," is right on the mark when it comes to living a God-pleasing life.

The Importance of Sacrificial Living
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. ~Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)

I think I fall short in this area more than any other. I want to do good. I want to be generous. But oftentimes my desire to fulfill my agenda and to meet my selfish hoarding ways interferes with the type of sacrificial living that pleases God.

Dear Father, it is our hearts' desire to live in a way that pleases You, but our sinful nature often flares up and moves us off the path. Thank You, Lord, for Your forgiveness and for the sacrifice that was made on our behalf that we might be forgiven. Lord, we pray for strength for each moment of this day to follow in the steps of Christ in pleasing You. Strengthen our faith and help us to be obedient. May we dethrone self and give You the rightful place as King and Shepherd of our hearts. Thank You that You are always with us. Help us to recognize when we no longer feel Your presence and return to You with hastened steps. Remind us of each opportunity to do good, to share, to love others the way You desire. In Jesus' Name, Amen


by Cathy Bryant of http://wordvessel.blogspot.com

One Question Friday

"One Question Friday" is created by Wendy @ http://thoughtsthatmove.blogspot.com/


The question today is:
"What are you learning?"
I can think of several things that I am learning----
1. That a kind word and a smile goes a long way in making an impression, and it usually is infectious.
2. To not assume something, often it's all in my mind.
3. To not be so hard on myself; perfectionism is over-rated and unnecessary.
4. Patience is not bliss; but it is necessary and requires training.
5. A good cup of coffee starts the day better.
6. My parents really did know more than I did.
7. I'll never know everything.
8. Children do not need more toys or gadgets; they need our time, attention, and love.
9. Listen more, talk less.
10. Remember the good times, let go of the bad.

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Book Blogger Hop!

It's Friday and it's Book Blogger Hop! Created by Crazy-For-Books .

Today I visited Bookworm With A View and A Novel Source and Emily's Reading Room
and As I Turn The Pages.


Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Review-The Right Call by Kathy Herman

Link for the book:
http://www.davidccook.com/catalog/Detail.cfm?sn=106037&source=search

Published by David C. Cook The B&B Media Group,Inc., 2010
Author's website: www.kathyherman.com
390 pages, $14.99, Christian Fiction/Suspense/Murder Mystery

My review of previous book in this series:
http://awell-wateredgarden.blogspot.com/2009/10/review-last-word-by-kathy-herman.html

This book was provided for free for review by David C. Cook Publishing.

Sophie Trace Trilogy Book 3

Ethan Langley is home from college for the summer. He is anxious to see his sweetheart Vanessa and her baby son Carter. I say sweetheart because a budding relationship has developed between the two; yet they are serious about taking things slowly because of college and baby Carter. Vanessa's mother Brill Jessup is the chief of police in the town of Sophie Trace.
Chief Jessup and her husband Kurt have 2 other children; an older son Ryan and a younger daughter Emily.
Sophie Trace is the stage for a series of murders surrounded by the artistic setting of the Smokey Mountains of eastern Tennessee. The book begins with a murder and then is quickly followed by 3 other murders, all are young people. Ethan is faced with being a comfort to others, and hard decisions about what is the right thing to do.

I loved this book!
What has stood out to me the most is the teaching lesson in wise discernment through a story. Ethan is a young man, a college student, but he is faced with hard decisions in several areas of his life. He grapples with his own passions and desires, wanting to be a friend and a peacemaker, and what is the right course for his future. He is a strong and admirable character.
Vanessa is a portrait in being a young unmarried mother. She struggles with balancing the care for her young son and college. She wants to make wise choices about her future relationships; because she fell short making mistakes previously. She too is a strong and admirable character.
Brill Jessup I adore, she is a perfect blending of toughness; yet real and honest. We see her directness with her officers and perpetrators; yet we see her passion and emotions with the helpless. She is a character that I can relate to, that I could be friends with, that I admire.
The Jessup family is a family like any family--they are relatable to us. The are a family that I can say, "Oh, I know people like that" and their experiences encourage me in my life.
The series of murder mysteries baffled me and as hard as I tried to figure out--who did it? I could not and I was surprised with the ending.

Kathy Herman is in the process writing another trilogy story--Secrets of Roux River Bayou.
You will understand how this next set of books tie in when you read The Right Call.

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Roundabout

Roundabout is a post that I try and do at least twice per month. I visit all of the blog's that I follow (78) and then post those that might be of interest to my reader's.

The Shroud and the sufficiency of Christ
http://toddpruitt.blogspot.com/2010/05/shroud-and-sufficiency-of-christ.html

A Christian blog that is warm/inviting/enriching, often her posts are for her reader's to take part in creative writing.
http://thoughtsthatmove.blogspot.com/2010/05/wiggle-room.html

C. S. Lewis Three Kinds off Men
http://pjcockrell.wordpress.com/2010/05/12/c-s-lewis-%E2%80%9Cthree-kinds-of-men%E2%80%9D/

How to go Crazy Without Trying. Great advice about writing/publishing.
http://fictionmatters.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-to-go-crazy-without-trying.html

Out of Suffering and Into Healing
http://tjknowlton.blogspot.com/2010/05/out-of-suffering-and-into-healing.html

A new book by Michelle Sutton a fellow blogger/writer.
http://neverwithouthopethenovel.blogspot.com/2010/05/pick-pageany-pagetoday-only-just-for.html

Why Put a Book Down?
http://novelmatters.blogspot.com/2010/05/why-put-book-down.html

Faith 'n' Fiction Saturday: Heaven
http://operationreadbible.blogspot.com/2010/05/faith-n-fiction-saturday-heaven.html

A new book review blog I'm following--excellent/detailed/professional book reviews.
http://thebookbuff.blogspot.com/

When God Show Up: What happens when the Lord of glory pulls back the "curtain."
http://aharvestofmiracles.blogspot.com/2010/05/when-god-shows-up-what-happens-when.html

Joyful Expectancy
http://sendme-tomandlou.blogspot.com/2010/05/joyful-expectancy.html
and No More Worry
http://sendme-tomandlou.blogspot.com/2010/05/no-more-worry.html

Heart of Darkness/Heart of Light
http://wishfulfillmentstories.blogspot.com/2010/05/heart-of-darknessheart-of-light.html

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Sexual Detox

A new blog I've found:
http://www.discerninglistener.com/

On the review team at this Book blog is Tim Challies. Tim has a new book entitled Sexual Detox.
The title makes me curious, hmmm.

For a write up by the author on this book:

http://www.challies.com/christian-living/sexual-detox-ii-breaking-free

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

The New Common English Bible

For a free copy of the new CEB New Testament and to learn more information about his new translation.

http://www.commonenglishbible.com/Bibles/FreeNewTestament/tabid/204/Default.aspx




Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Catching Waves | LeadershipJournal.net

Catching Waves | LeadershipJournal.net



This article is from Christianity Today website. Interview of Francis Chan.

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Overtly Religious

What does "overtly religious" mean? Yes I'm asking you my readers? Is the Bible overtly religious? Is it outdated, and do we choose what to read and believe? Is fiction okay even if it might lead people away from the Bible? How do you draw the line, or do you?

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Book 1 The Heavenly Host The Testings of Devotion by Cheryl Dellasega

Link to author:
http://heavenlyhostbooks.com/Heavenly_Host/About_the_Author.html



Book is available @ CBD--Christian Book Distributer:
http://www.christianbook.com/the-testings-of-devotion/cheryl-dellasega/9781933204703/pd/204703?item_code=WW&netp_id=687176&event=ESR
The price at CBD is $11.99

Published by VMI, 2009, 250 pages, Fiction

Cheryl Dellasega, PHD is a professor of humanities at a large university. She is a certified spiritual director and an award winning author. She is the founder of an organization to help adolescent girls learn positive relationship skills. She is married and has 3 children and 3 grandchildren.

I have searched for this book on the various book sites: CBD, LifeWay Christian Book Store, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Mardel's. I have found the book available at CBD see link above, also at Barnes and Nobles and Amazon. The book is not available at LifeWay nor Mardel's.

This book was provided for free for review by Bring It On! Communications

The Heavenly Host The Testings of Devotion is Book 1 in what will be a series.

The book is about angels in heaven that witness the rebellion of Lucifer and his followers and their fall from heaven. These angels continue to have encounters with Lucifer and his followers while they are at work for the Almighty Divine. The main character Sophia is given a new and privileged assignment and she is unsure of her abilities. The books focus is the testings of devotion, testings of the angels and testings of humans.
I did not like this book. It was difficult for me to read and especially difficult for me to complete.
Earlier in 2010 I read Angels by Dr. David Jeremiah. This book would be difficult to compare with any other book on angels because it is Biblically sound in doctrine. In Dr. Jeremiah's book every pages theme is angels; but the focus is on the Lord Jesus Christ. Having said this, it was difficult to read a book on angels that was not Biblically sound, it is true that this book is not being promoted at such; yet I cannot dissociate myself from the Bible even if the book is fiction.
Reviewing this book is good practice for me, to be professional, to not be judgmental or critical, but to be honest. When an author writes a book and is attacked, to me that is unacceptable and I'll not take part in that. An author's book is their accomplishment and they look upon it as their child.

Why did I not like this book?
1. The angels are human in characteristic. They are jealous, envious, they have doubt, fear, worry, have a will and a choice, they can become miserable with their duties, they debate their assignments. Their bodies are humanized: they are tall, short, thin.
In having human characteristics the angels are then humanized and there is little difference between an angel and a human.
2. There is too much dialogue. I'm trying hard to not fill in my own pre-conceived expectations about angels, plus my own reading of what Scripture reveals about angels. The angels in the book The Heavenly Host debate, fret, and speak frequently about assignments and what is going on with humans on earth.
3. The angels are wishy washy, not strong in character.
4. In heaven humans worry about what is going on with their families on earth. To me it would not be heaven if I had worries.

What I did like about the book.
1. The author has a vivid and creative imagination.
2. The angels do receive specific orders directly from their creator--The Almighty Divine.
3. The angels do understand the word repent.

I would be interested in reading Book 2, I'm willing to give this series another chance. I have given this book much thought and will continue to do so.
Understand that this book is fiction; not Biblically based. I've read other reviews that liked this book because it was not "overtly religious", and it gave the reader more information about what angels do.

Blissful Reading!
Annette

The High Calling Blogs

Are you familiar with The High Calling Blogs?
It is a website/community devoted to promoting a higher calling in the blog community. Specifically a higher calling of blog's that are Christ focused in their faith and work.
I recently became a member registering this blog A Well-Watered Garden.
I became a member because I want to continue to persevere in having a blog of passionate forthright integrity in the books reviews I write and in the inspirational writing that I post.
And most importantly ALL for the glory of God!

Please take a look at this community of believers!



Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Review-It's Not About Me by Max Lucado

Thomas Nelson, published 2004, Christian Non-fiction, 146 pages

This book was bought by me for the purpose of reading/reviewing.

The subtitle is "Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy."
Why do we spend our lives searching for happiness? Isn't happiness fleeting, here today and maybe gone tomorrow? Doesn't sometimes what makes us happy this morning is not what makes us happy by this afternoon? This search for happiness is really a reverting arrow back at our own pride, our own need for elevation/glorification. I believe that what we are really searching for is not happiness to feed that whole in our heart, we need Jesus and to place Him first.
Max has a God given talent in writing; he writes word pictures that anyone can relate to and understand. I ate this book like a slice of chocolate pie, savoring the delicious tid-bits--that were not really tid-bits; but morsels of teaching that soaked in to my bone.
"When our deepest desire is not the things of God, or a favor from God, but God Himself, we cross a threshold. Less self focus, more God-focus. Less about me, more about Him."
It's Not About Me, it's All About Him.
Pride stops us from believing this, pride stops us from accepting Jesus as our Savior and Master. Pride masks itself in achievements and beauty; but it is a ravenous bear.
I loved this book! It is a good book for individual reading and would be excellent for discussion group use.

Have you ever considered the holiness of God?
Max writes that, "God's holiness silences human boasting."

"Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying:
Holy, holy, holy
is the Lord God Almighty,
who was, and is, and is to come."
Revelation 4: 6-8

In the Isaiah 6: 1-3 passage these seraphs cover their faces and their feet. They cover their faces and feet in the presence of the Holy Lord God Almighty!
When they speak continuously, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come." This should not be looked at as a repeated echo of the first, but a continuous statement proclaiming that He is Holy, He is the Lord God Almighty!

He is God, and we are not.
It's Not About Me, it's all about the Holy Lord God Almighty!

author website is:
www.maxlucado.com

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Praying God's Word, Breaking Free From Spiritual Strongholds by Beth Moore

B&H Publishing Group
Published 2009, Christian Non-fiction, 344 pages

This book was bought by me for the purpose of reading/reviewing.

Beth Moore has written another wonderful book! This is not a book that you read and then put away on a shelf in order to collect dust bunnies. It is a book that should sit near your Bible and devotional material, it should be available for easy reach in order to read aloud the Scriptures that destroy strongholds.
Beth writes that "these weapons have divine power...strongholds cannot be swept away with a spiritual broom, or fuss at them, or ignore them....they have to be demolished." They are demolished by the Word!
I read this book from cover to cover over a period of a few months, why so long? Sometimes I think it is procrastination, or other books and reviews require my attention. Oh, me of little faith! I finished reading it in the exact time frame that Jesus ordained me to read it. I finished this book about the same time I finished reading So Long, Insecurity. The 2 books worked well, shining in to those dark cobweb corners of my mind--places that needed a light shined on it...more like a spotlight! Beth writes to "choose to think Christ's thoughts over our own, and what are Christs thoughts-the Word of God." We must "retrain our mind."
Some examples of strongholds are:
unforgiveness
depression
sexual strongholds
addiction
pride
unbelief
There are a total of 14 strongholds that are covered.
Beth gives examples from her life and others; but states that Scripture is our primary example.

Author website is:
www.lproof.org
Blissful Reading!
Annette

Review-A History of Christianity, The First Three Thousand Years, Episode 1 The First Christianity

Global Proclamation Commission

Leading Pastors from 50 Countries to Converge in Dallas

for Launch of Global Proclamation Commission

From June 4-13, 2010, RREACH will host a strategic reunion to implement massive

 10-year plan to reach one billion people with the message of Christ

Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX—On June 4, 2010, prominent and distinguished young pastors from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe will meet in Dallas, Texas, for a dynamic 10-day strategic reunion.  These 100 leading pastors from over 50 countries are all graduates of RREACH’s GPA (Global Proclamation Academy) held on the historic campus of Dallas Theological Seminary each summer.  They will initiate the Global Proclamation Commission (G-Pro Commission)—a human capital campaign to exponentially improve the quality of the proclamation of God’s Word and the perception of the Lord Jesus Christ to perpetuate spiritual health worldwide.

Over the next decade, RREACH’s vision is to fulfill Jesus’ Global Proclamation Commission (Luke 24:47) by strategically connecting, systematically uniting, and spiritually strengthening large numbers of pastors into a Global Proclamation Community.  “Our ultimate goal is to connect, unite, and strengthen 100,000 pastors from 200 countries by 2020 for the purpose of influencing their congregations to reach into spiritually needy contexts,” says Ramesh Richard, Ph.D., Th.D., the founder and president of RREACH, which is the sponsoring organization of the GPA.  “This global community will be made up of a few thousand pastoral cohorts with 25 pastors in each group, thus enabling us to reach our vision—to change the way one billion individuals think and hear about the Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Global Proclamation Academy was established by Richard in 2005 as a ministry of RREACH in concert with Dallas Theological Seminary where he serves as Professor of Global Theological Engagement.  Its annual three-week summer program was created to strengthen and connect influential younger pastors from around the world by gathering them together to explore biblical spirituality, theological discernment, and effective preaching with experienced master-coaches drawn from across the United States.

 

“Since Christianity has now become a non-Western religion, younger pastors from developing economies need reinforcement and relationships in order to stabilize the future health of the global Church,” says Richard.  “Before the Church in the West fades to the fringes of the Faith, the Global Proclamation Academy harnesses her leaders, resources, and institutions to invest in those already making a great and beautiful impact for the Lord Jesus.  We must prevent churches from internally imploding wherever they are externally exploding.”

From June 4-13, 2010, a decade-defining reunion of GPA graduates from 2005-2009, along with many of their wives, will provide the human infrastructure to build an expanding network of influential and connected pastoral leaders who shape the future of the Church for effective ministry worldwide.  Structured times for prayer, planning, instruction, and fellowship, along with a special program for the wives, will culminate in the launch of the G-Pro Commission during “Launch Weekend” on June 11-13 at DFW’s new Grand Hyatt Hotel.

For more information, please visit www.TheGPA.net

 

Operation Kid-to-Kid Blankets

 

 

Operation Kid-to-Kid^™ Blankets a Hurting World with God’s Love

 

Tonight in countries around the world, children will go to sleep hungry and cold, without parents, without homes...without hope. Now your ministry group can send a simple, tangible expression of God’s love to those in need.

 

Group Publishing, the premier publisher of children’s Bible curricula, including Sunday school and VBS, believes that some of the best ministers to children who are experiencing disaster and hardship are other children. Through the Operation Kid-to-Kid (OK2K) program, Group partners with nondenominational Christian ministries like Biblica (formerly International Bible Society) and World Vision to provide opportunities for children in North America to share God’s love with other children in difficult or disastrous situations. In 2009 alone, Operation Kid-to-Kid reached almost one million children. Since its inception 12 years ago, Operation Kid-to-Kid projects have impacted over 4.5 million kids and their communities all over the world. Highlights include:

 

·        Over 100,000 care kits distributed to countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Albania

·        More than 380,000 gift boxes sent to needy children worldwide

·        Over 310,000 pairs of shoes and 200,000 pairs of socks given to orphans across the globe

·        Over 1.5 million Spanish Bible books delivered worldwide

·        More than a million cuddly prayer bears and copies of The Survivor’s Bible provided free of charge to underprivileged children all over the world

 

“Operation Kid-to-Kid is a great way to teach kids compassion and service,” says Joani Schultz, cofounder of Group and OK2K. “Children learn by doing. It’s one thing to drop a nickel in the offering plate, but when kids make a gift with their own hands, when they can be creative and personal, this leaves a real impression on both the givers and the receivers.”

 

This year’s OK2K project is a simple no-sew fleece blanket that proclaims “God Loves Me!” right in the fabric. Each 56” by 42” blanket will also include a hidden surprise—a little white heart concealed between the fleece layers. The heart is a sweet secret kept by those who create the blankets, one that symbolizes God’s love for the world and our love for others. Project participants are encouraged to pray specifically for the unknown person who will receive the blanket as they tuck the heart inside. 

 

The OK2K blanket can easily be incorporated into any Sunday school or VBS curriculum. This year, the “God Loves Me” blanket is included as a special activity in Group’s two new 2011 VBS programs, Egypt: Joseph’s Journey from Prison to Palace and High Seas Expedition. The multi-generational participants will learn about the 40 million children around the world who are desperately vulnerable because of the AIDS pandemic and the effects of extreme poverty. Through Group’s partnership with World Vision, blankets created this year will reach children in Africa coping with the pandemic’s effects on their communities or families, including those who have been orphaned. Instructions for delivering the blankets to World Vision for distribution are included with each blanket kit. To make the gift extra special, churches can send a personalized “God Loves Me” coloring book with each blanket.

 

Over the years, OK2K has become one of the largest forces mobilizing children in serving other children around the world through gifts of school supplies, Bibles, hygiene kits, Christmas gifts, Bible coloring books, and socks and shoes. But the ministry opportunities are not just for kids. Between recent natural disasters like the earthquake in Haiti and the lingering effects of the global economic crisis, there are more opportunities than ever for Christians to show the love of Christ to others in need—and not just for a VBS event. Operation Kid-to-Kid can mobilize service projects any time of the year. Because the “God Loves Me” blanket project is so simple and practical, it is a perfect fit for a variety of ministry opportunities, from youth or women’s groups and short-term mission trips to neighborhood outreach initiatives and ministry to the homeless. With a little imagination, a ministry group of any size and age can customize the project to support its own ministry vision.

 

“For many of us, a mission-focused heart is something that develops over time. Like any aspect of Christ’s character in us, loving others like Christ loves them takes practice. This is a lesson for adults as well as children,” says Schultz. “Hopefully, OK2K service projects like the ‘God Loves Me’ blanket will encourage Christians of all ages to commit greater time and resources to missions.”

 

To find out how you can get involved, visit www.ok2k.org!

 

 

By His Grace And In His Word Ministries

Jenifer Jernigan has moved, make a note of the new website link.

www.jeniferjernigan.com

Listen to Your Favorite Ministries on the NEW OnePlace.com!

Instantly listen to today's broadcast from ministries including Adrian Rogers, Ed Young, James MacDonald, Beth Moore, David Jeremiah and more! Access months and sometimes years of archived sermons and messages from your favorite radio programs. Interact with your favorite ministries by reading their articles and devotionals. Find radio broadcasts on specific topics such as marriage, salvation, leadership, politics, prayer, and more using the new Topics Section. Download free MP3s and Podcasts to listen on the go! Purchase special offer books, CDs, Bible studies, and more from the new expanded ministry online stores. Read along in the online Bible, take notes, and highlight with the new Bible Study Tools. Get free devotionals from your favorite pastors and authors including Chuck Swindoll, Max Lucado, Charles Stanley, John Piper, and more. Download the new iphone application for free and listen to your favorite ministries anytime, anywhere!

Vacation

My husband is home this week on vacation! We're enjoying our time together. I will not be posting this week; but I'm checking on things daily.

Have a wonderful week!

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Happy Mother's Day!

Mother and I 1972.

Review-Chosen, The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther by Ginger Garrett

Book One: Lost Loves Of The Bible
David C. Cook, B&B Media Group, Inc.  2010
Author website www.gingergarrett.com
Actual story is pages 19-271; maps, appendix, afterwords, information on the diaries take up the rest of book--total of 304 pages.
This book was provided to me for free by David C. Cook for the purpose of reading/reviewing.

The front and back cover of the book Chosen is exotic and luscious in the colors of sapphire, gold, and purple. The half face of a young women with a sapphire scarf covering her head peers at the reader with one doe eye. Her innocent brown eye cries out loudly of her fear and sadness.  
A movie in 2006, One Night With The King, was the story of Esther. The movie version drifted toward a great love between Esther and Xerxes. We don't know if this is true or not, the Bible does not tell us if Esther and Xerxes loved each other. It is safe to assume that as King, Xerxes would look upon Esther as his property. Esther as well as all women, were under his domain and servitude. In America in the 21st Century it is difficult for a woman to fully understand a culture that looked upon women as a baby maker, servant, and property of men.
Ginger Garrett has taken a story from the Bible that is well known and has emphasized not a love story between and man and a woman; but a story of great faith and love between a young woman and God.
The book is written in a diary format. In the beginning, actually until page 65 I could not "fall in to" the book. I was grasping for an attachment to the character Esther. At page 65 I was drawn completely in to the story and did not want to put the book down. I carried the book everywhere with me. The drama of Esther's year of beauty treatments was fascinating. The stories of the other young women in the palace also going through beauty treatments was both heart breaking and lurid. Esther is introduced to the treachery, games and deception that is in the royal palace. Esther is a wise, articulate, observant and practical girl. She grew during this period: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. She developed before my eyes in the pages I was reading. Her faith grew as she disrobed her old life, and dressed in the clothes of her new life and mission. My heart raced with suspense and anticipation as she walked to Xerxes' chamber. She had been prepped in many ways, but still did not understand this "night" between a man and a woman.
There is passion and fervor in Ginger Garrett's writing. She thoroughly researches and leaves nothing incomplete.
I loved this book and recommend it. I was uncertain in the beginning as I stated above, but this book has charmed me!

Future books in this series will be on Jezebel and Delilah. 

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Blogger Hop!

It's Friday and Book Blogger Hop!

I'm having one of those day's. When I posted my link for the Mr. Linky over at Crazy-For-Books I posted it 3 times and the first time was the wrong blog address!!!!!
If you have found me through Book Blogger Hop, congratulations! A miracle has happened!

TGIF!

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Collection of Quotes on Prayer

"Before we can pray, Lord, Thy Kingdom come, we must be willing to pray, my kingdom go."
Alan Redpath

"In prayer it is better to have a heart without words, than words without a heart."
John Bunyan

"Jesus is not our personal assistant charged with granting our wishes. While He sometimes does not give us what we want, He always gives us what we need."
Randy Alcorn

"Prayer only looks like an act of language, fundamentally it is a position, a placement of oneself."
Patricia Hampl

"The purpose of prayer is not to get what we want, but to become what God wants."
Our Daily Bread

"Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays"
Soren Kierkegaard

"It is awesome to realize at the end of our lives we will be the sum total of our responses to God's answers to our prayers, for God has chosen to be limited in His next action by our repsonse to His previous answer.
The final outcome of our lives is decided by a life long series of response to God's answers to our prayers. The way we respond to God and then, He in turn to us, actually determine the direction our lives will take."
Evelyn Christenson

"Prayer is the most aggressive, pro-active, offensive, invasive action one can take in any situation. Prayer reaches into the spiritual realm and accesses all the power of heaven for the circumstances of earth."
Jennifer Kennedy Dean

"Prayer will work as God intends for it to work when it becomes what God intends for it to be. Prayer is not an activity, but a relationship. Prayer is not a formula, but a life. Only when we have learned to live prayer, breathe prayer, be prayer-only then will the power promised in Scripture consistently be your experience."
Jennifer Kennedy Dean

A doration-praise God for who He is.
C onfession-agreeing with God of my offensiveness against His holiness.
T hanksgiving-to be grateful to God for all He has done.
S upplication-intercession is praying for the needs of others.

5 Ways to Raise Praying Children
1. Pray that they will see the need and have the desire to pray.
2. Show them in Scripture the value and necessity of prayer.
3. Show them the structure and formula of prayer as shown in the prayers of Christ.
4. Model a prayer life for them in your home.
5. Work with them to develop a prayer life until prayer becomes a habit.

15 Reasons to Pray
1. To seek the face of the Lord and know Him better. Psalm 27:8
2. To get  your eyes off your problems and on to the Lord. Psalm 121:1
3. To speak to God. 1 Peter 3:12
4. To unburden your heart. Psalm 142:1-2
5. To make your requests known to God. Matthew 21:22
6. To hear God. Proverbs 8:34
7. To be free of suffering. James 5:13
8. To resist temptation. Matthew 26:41
9. To be rescued from distress. Psalm 107:19
10. To receive God's reward. Matthew 6:6
11. To withstand evil. Ephesians 6:13
12. To have joy. John 16:24
13. To get close to God. Isaiah 64:7
14. To be healed emotionally. James 5:13
15. To have peace. Philippians 4:6-7

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Thankful Thursday!

Today I am thankful for:
1. National Day of Prayer.
2. That I can go before the throne of grace at anytime, anywhere, and without permission from any human.
3. Parents that taught me to pray by their attitude, words, and example.
4. Prayer warriors that have prayed for me and my family.
5. Early morning quiet solitude.

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Today is the National Day of Prayer

http://nationaldayofprayer.org/

 Nahum 1:7
"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him." NIV

Winner of Forget Me Not

I had picked Katy as the winner of a copy of Forget Me Not but she notified me that she had already won a copy at another blog.
So, the new winner is Judylynn!

Thanks for all those that participated!

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Winner of Forget Me Not!

Katy of A Few More Pages you are the winner of a copy of Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze.
Send me your email!

Congratulations!

Blissful Reading!
Annette