Book Review: Nudge, Awakening Each Other To The God Who's Already There by Leonard Sweet

Published by David C. Cook a B and B Media Group
Published August 1, 2010, 336 pages, Hardback
Non-fiction/evangelism

Link for the book @ publisher:
http://www.davidccook.com/catalog/Detail.cfm?sn=106393&source=search
Hardback $19.99

Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Nudge-Awakening-Other-Already-There/dp/1434764745/ref=sr_1_2?s=gateway&ie=UTF8&qid=1285332328&sr=8-2
Hardback $13.59

Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/nudge-awakening-other-whos-already-there/leonard-sweet/9781434764744/pd/764744?item_code=WW&netp_id=769833&event=ESRCN&view=details
Hardback $14.99

Nudgethebook.com
LeonardSweet.com

This book was provided for free to me by B and B Media for reading/reviewing.

I felt that this was a wonderfully creative, gifted, teachable approach at looking at evangelism in a full sensory manner. This is not a new thought, but one I've certainly never considered. Evangelism is sharing with others the Good News of Jesus Christ. Leonard Sweet wants us to consider thinking in terms of nudging when we evangelize, because this is what God's Spirit does to us--is nudge us. His Spirit is active and working in our lives and the world around us, His Spirit is nudging us. We should be in-tuned to His Spirit in touching, smelling, seeing, tasting, and hearing---looking for those opportunities to not only grow closer to Him ourselves, but for us to nudge others. I believe that this book has awakened in me a new perception in evangelism, as if a light bulb has been turned on.

One of my favorite quotes,
"Nudger's aren't starting up something. We are joining Christ's initiative and catalyzing what Jesus is already doing. Nudger's are busy with God's business not ours."
 
Leonard Sweet told a 9/11 story of a pastor in New Jersey. This pastor put on his clergy collar and stood on a platform at a train station in New Jersey, while the people from New York City disembarked on their way home after the horrific tragedies at the World Trade Centers. Thousands of beleaguered dusty faced people passed by him and many of them reached out to touch him, he was a source of comfort for them.

I was reminded of a story that my mother told me from her life. My mother was married to another man before she married my father. This man's name was Walter. One Sunday morning he went wade fishing in Galveston; Walter never came home, he drowned. My young mother was left with 3 small children. It took 3 days for the Coast Guard to find Walter's body, during these 3 days my mother stayed in her bed--she was beyond the point of consoling. My mother knew there were many people in her home, many of them spoke to her; but it was all a back drop to the dense fog of deep pain. Mother said there was 1 woman that was the sister of a dear friend. All this woman did was sit on the bed beside my mother and hold her hand, this woman never said a word, but she was there, and that was what my mother needed. I've never forgotten that story,  there are times when words are not necessary, but touch is, a simple, yet profoundly important touch to those needing comfort.

What will God's Spirit be nudging you to do today?

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: The Vigilante's Bride by Yvonne Harris

Published by Bethany House in August 2010, 304 pages, Paperback,
Fiction-Western/Romance

Link for the book @ publisher:
http://www.bethanyhouse.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=0477683E4046471488BD7BAC8DCFB004&nm=&type=PubCom&mod=PubComProductCatalog&mid=BF1316AF9E334B7BA1C33CB61CF48A4E&tier=3&id=57AAC64E317A4C74810354811DB9D36F
Paperback $11.99

Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/isbn=0764208047/bakerbookhouseA
Paperback $10.19 and Kindle $9.68

Christian Book link:
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?isbn=9780764208041&event=AFF&p=1011504Paperback $9.99 and ebook $9.69

Emily McCarthy has lived at Aldersgate Home For Girls in Chicago since she was an infant. After becoming of age she has tried unsuccessfully to find employment. The board members and director of Aldersgate has arranged for Emily to marry a man in Montana. Emily is shocked, angered, distraught. She feels she has no other option but to marry this unseen man. Emily travels west; by train and then by stagecoach. While traveling on the stagecoach it is robbed. Luke Sullivan was not planning on abducting Emily, but he felt he had no other choice. Emily puts her trust and faith in God, that some how and in some way He will work it out.

I loved this story! For the main reason of Emily's trust and faith in God. She is a young woman that has been dependent on the orphan home she grew up in, then she was dependent on the unseen man that she was arranged to marry. But, above all her dependence is in the Lord Jesus. Her faith and trust is that even though she can not understand all that is happening to her, some how and in some way He is going to work it all out.
I also loved the interaction between Emily and Luke. Their personalities have chemistry. Just as characters in movies have on-screen chemistry, I felt Emily and Luke had on-page chemistry.
Even though there is romance in this novel, I feel it is a story that men would enjoy.
If you had asked me a year ago if I liked western novels I would have said no thank you. Just over the past few months I've grown to love western novels and movies.
This novel The Vigilante's Bride touches on ranch life, rugged landscape of the west, struggles that men have with duty and honor, and the character Luke is a mans man--he is a masculine character yet he is real, believable.
I would love to see a book 2!

This book was provided for free to me by Bethany House for reading/reviewing.

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Fall Into Reading 2010

Fall Into Reading is a challenge that runs September 22 through December 20, 2010.
Follow the link for more information:
http://callapidderdays.com/2010/09/fall-into-reading-2010-start-reading.html

My list of books that I want to read and or finish reading by December 20 is:

1. Nudge, Awakening Each Other To The God Who's already There by Leonard Sweet
2. The Incomparable Christ by J. Oswald Sanders
3. The Weight of Glory by C. S. Lewis
4. Authentic Faith by Gary Thomas
5. The Devil in Pew Number Seven by Rebecca Nichols Alonzo
6. Never Let You Go by Erin Healy
7. The Confirmation by Ralph Reed
8. Detox, For The Overly Religious by David Putman
9. Stronger, Trading Brokenness for Unbreakable Strength by Jim Daly
10. The Pursuit of the Holy, A Divine Invitation by Simon Ponsonby
11. Be Available, Accepting the Challenge to Confront the Enemy--Judges by Warren W. Wiersbe
12. She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell

I will keep you updated on my reading progress!

Blissful Reading!
Annette

New Book by John Piper

Think, The Life of the Mind and the Love of God by John Piper
Published by Crossway Books on September 15, 224 pages, Hardcover
$13.49 @Amazon and Kindle price is $7.99
The price at Desiring God website is $13.50

For more information:
http://www.desiringgod.org/Store/Books/ByTopic/All/907_Think/

 Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: Petra, City In Stone--Lost Cities Series #1 by T.L. Higley

Published by B and H Books in September 2010
Historical Fiction/Mystery/Romance/Early Church History

Amazon link for book:
http://www.amazon.com/Petra-Stone-T-L-Higley/dp/1433668564/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1285081172&sr=1-2
Paperback $10.19 and Kindle $9.68

Christian Book link for book:
http://www.christianbook.com/petra-city-of-stone-lost-cities/t-l-higley/9781433668562/pd/668562?item_code=WW&netp_id=795376&event=ESRCN&view=details
Paperback $11.99 and ebook is $14.99

Link for book @ Publisher:
http://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/books/products.asp?p=9781433668562
Paperback $14.99

Further links:
Pure Enjoyment
and
No Passport Required


This book was provided to me for free from B and H Publishing, I chose to read/review.

This is the first novel that I've read by T.L. Higley and I'm impressed!

Cassia is a young Damascus woman with a son named Alexander. Cassia is a woman of grit, tenacity, passion. Cassia's life has been filled with a heavy burden of day to day struggle. She and her son are now left destitute and with what she feels is her only hope they travel to Petra. Petra a city of wonder is also a city full of evil forces that are conjured by queen Hagiru. After arriving in Petra Cassia meets a small group of people that give her hope.These people are unlike any others she has ever met. They meet together and pray and sing. She is intrigued by them, yet because of her previous life she mistrusts.

I loved this book! I felt it was exceptionally written!
From the start of the book to the last page I was hooked. The novels characters tugged at my heart. The scenes were written like snapshots--each scene described in vivid detail was penetrating. I felt the author was exact in her representation of the early Church and the persecutions they were going through. Even though they lived daily with the tugging fear of martyrdom; there was support, encouragement, reading of Scripture, sharing, mutual love and respect to the point of selfless sacrifice, and above all they were active in prayer.
I am reminded of Acts 2: 42-47 NIV
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
After reading this book I am motivated and encouraged by the early Christians complete devotion and trust and faith in Jesus unto their last breath. They did not turn to the right nor to the left, but gazed in to His perfect peace.  

Petra (meaning rock) is the city in stone that is in present day Jordan. Petra was ruled by Nabataean rulers, but became a Roman Province of Arabia in 106 AD and then later fell into decline. The Indiana Jones movie The Last Crusade---took us to this historical city of wonder.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petra

 Blissful Reading!
Annette

Update On Prayer Request

My husband is much better, no hospitalization needed.
Our son Paul is well.
Yesterday my dad had a basal cell carcinoma removed from his right cheek. The incision site is 3 inches long and is almost the full length of his right cheek. Today I will start dressing changes. He will have the stitches removed in 2 weeks. Dad is nearly 88 years old and this procedure has really taken strength from him.
I'm praying and hoping that when I removed the bandage today to change the dressing that I will not tear a stitch or make him bleed.

Thank you.
Annette

Prayer Request

I'm asking for you to pray for my husband Jeff. He has pneumonia, he has been ill for about 2 weeks. If he is not better by Monday he will need to be hospitalized. Meanwhile our son Paul age 25 has a bad case of bronchitis. Early Monday morning I will take my dad to the dermatologist to have a skin cancer removed from his cheek.

Thank you.
Annette

My Life as a Book Reader and Reviewer

This is one of my book shelves.

More books that have no room on my shelves.

Non-fiction books: commentaries, dictionaries---large collection that my dad started (I've continued) when he taught a Bible class at Church.

My messy desk, this was taken this afternoon when I had 2 book reviews to write. Notice the Starbuck's cup--a new drink Toffee Mocha.

When I read I take notes in spiral notebooks. This is my collection of over 3 years. Most fiction books that I read are 2 pages of notes, non-fiction can be as many as 8 or 9.

My cozy reading space, nestled in the corner of my bedroom. This is my evening spot.

Blissful Reading and Blogging!
Annette

Book Review: Be Still and Let God Be God, Writings About Self-Improvement, Discovery and One's Relationship with God by Robert Paul Baeyens

Published by Deep River Books VMI Publishers, in 2010, 256 pages
Christian Living/Spiritual Growth/Contemplative Life

Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Be-Still-Let-God/dp/1935265121/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1284661865&sr=1-1
Paperback $11.04

Be Still and Let God Be God begins in the foreword with one of my favorite Bible verses:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us..."
John 1:1,14

This is the first book that Robert Paul Baeyens has written, I am hoping and praying that he will continue to write and share from his life and his heart.

Be Still and Let God Be God is huge in scope of material on Christian Living. There is a chapter on the main religious groups, what they believe and how they began. The author writes of his friendship with a friend that is an atheist, how the two of them have remained close respecting each others beliefs. Yet, the author is a Christian and cannot remove himself from his belief in Jesus, his belief in Jesus encompasses every breathe that he takes, every fiber of his being. The author writes on justice, faith, prayer, free-will, temptation, habits. He writes a chapter early in the book on human nature, that we should be still, stop struggling and striving, and let God be God in our life.
One of my favorite quotes from the book:
"We have to stop putting restrictions on what God can and can't do. He can do anything with any of it, at any time. Let's stop trying to figure out things we cannot possibly ever know or understand and let Him rule."
Robert Paul Baeyens writes in a candid, personable, honest, relaxed writing style. He writes with clarity, he does not explain over our heads, but writes from examples of his own life that we can identify with. He asks great thought provoking heart stirring questions. Scriptures and quotations  are dispersed throughout the book. He does not promote himself as a theological writer; but a man that has felt compelled to write from his heart about what Jesus has revealed to him, what he has learned and what he is continuing to learn in his walk with the Lord.
This is one of the best Christian non-fiction books that I've read this year. I am so thankful that I was able to read and review this book, this book has affected me at the core of my heart. I've been sad and worried about a few things in my life, the circumstances of being the full time care giver of my elderly father has dragged on for over a decade. I worry about going back in to the job market, the fact that I've not worked in over 10 years, the thoughts of what would I do, who would hire me? Most of these years I've lived apart from my husband during the work week, only seeing him on the weekends, because he works in another city. By reading this book my focus has shifted off of these circumstances and on to Jesus. That this "is" His will for my life at this time, the job of caring for my father is important--maybe not to the world, but to Jesus it is important. As far as the future after dad is gone, stop worrying about it, Jesus rules and He will work it all out.
Another favorite quote that speaks directly to me:
"Live life trusting in God that His plan is a perfect plan and He'll make it work out right in the end. Faith is everything to God."

This book was provided for me for free from Bring It On Communications! for reading/reviewing.

Blissful Reading!
Annette

What Does It Really Mean To Follow Jesus?

Jenifer Jernigan @ By His Grace and In His Word Ministries asked an important question in her latest post.

What does it REALLY mean to follow Jesus?

"Then He said to them all: 'If anyone would come after me, He must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.' " Luke 9:23 NIV

Too read her post:
http://jeniferjernigan.com/pondering

I dreamed about this question last night, it's nagging me, following me wherever I go, waiting for me to answer.

In the Common English Bible Luke 9:23 reads:

"All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me."

In my NIV study Bible the notes state that, "To follow Jesus means that we must have self-denial, complete dedication and have willing obedience."
Mounce's Dictionary states that, "Following is not only a description of movement, but it is a metaphor of salvation. To follow Christ means to learn from Him, and to respond to His voice."

I believe that the first word that comes to my mind when following Jesus is patience.
Patience is that word that when we become an adult we would rather not have to comply with. So many things that used to take forever with like waiting for the oven to heat so left overs can warm up--we can now use a microwave. We know longer need to even call someone on the land line telephone and wait for the dial tone and the connection, only to have to leave a message because the party you are trying to reach is not at home. Now, we can text someone and receive back an instant reply.
Patience in following Jesus means exactly that, waiting for His answer and leadership, no matter how long it takes. It means I do not put words in to His mouth about what I believe is His answer,  nor do I take the lead because I feel a certain "thing" needs to be done now.
Patience means wait. My grandmother used to say, "Just put your feet up and rest a spell."

The second word that comes to my mind when following Jesus is denying myself.
I am a thinker and a planner. I have a plan A, B, C, and maybe even a D. I want to know, calculate and plan my day, week, month, and year. I want to read it, research it, and then contemplate it.
Jesus said get rid of that thinking, just cool it with the projected thinking, don't worry about tomorrow, just follow me.

The third word that comes to my mind when following Jesus is fear.
There is fear in the unknown. I know all about the unknown. The unknown is denser and scarier than
Inner Space Caverns when they turn out the light for a moment during your tour.
Fear of the unknown is when the doctors tell you that you have cancer, but they "don't think it will kill you, it is just a stage 0; but, we won't know for certain until after the surgery."
Fear is when your son is on patrol in a combat zone with the enemy that places bombs in the road for tanks to drive over, and they also wait for the tankers to "show" themselves outside their tanks and then they shoot them.
Fear can take over your entire thinking, keep you up at night, prevent you from eating---or even in eating too much. Fear is overwhelming and miserable.
In Psalm 27:1 David wrote,

"The LORD is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear?"

I believe we fear because we have made that fear bigger than Jesus. We have emphasized that fear and de-emphasized Jesus.

The fourth and final word that I think of when following Jesus is response.
What is my own personal response in, What does it REALLY mean to follow Jesus?"
Forgive me Father for I have sinned against you, you only. I have placed my own impatience, agenda and fear ahead of you. I have made them my god, and I have not responded in obedience to you.
Cleanse me, lift me up and strengthen me for all of the tomorrows (however many that they will be) that you have ordained for me. 

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

New Fall Releases

Philip Yancey has a new book that will be released October 19.
What Good is God? In Search of a Faith That Matters published by Faith Words
Hardcover $16.99 and Kindle $10.99--Amazon prices
Link for more information, including an excerpt and video of author:
http://www.philipyancey.com/books/what-good-is-god

Max Lucado has a new book that was released today--September 14.
Out Live Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference published by Thomas Nelson
Hardcover $14.99 and Kindle $9.99--Amazon prices
For more information about book @ Max Lucado website:
http://www.maxlucado.com/outliveyourlife/

Ted Dekker has a new book, released September 7
Immanuel's Veins published by Thomas Nelson
Hardcover $15.20 and Kindle $13.68--Amazon prices
For more information about book visit Ted Dekker's website:
http://www.teddekker.com/
 

Reema Goode--book released August 23
Which None Can Shut published by Tyndale
Soft cover $11.89 and Kindle $9.59
For more information about book @ Tyndale:
http://www.tyndale.com/Which-None-Can-Shut/9781414337203

Simon Ponsonby has a new book that was released September 1
The Pursuit of the Holy, A Divine Invitation published by David C. Cook
Soft cover $10.79 and Kindle $9.99--Amazon prices
For more information on book:
http://www.davidccook.com/catalog/Detail.cfm?sn=106703&source=search

Jim Daly the President of Focus on the Family has a new book that was released September 1
Stronger, Trading Brokenness for Unbreakable Strength published by David C. Cook
Soft cover $10.19 and Kindle $9.68--Amazon prices
For more information on book:
http://www.davidccook.com/catalog/Detail.cfm?sn=106564&source=search

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Blogger Appreciation Week 2010

http://bookbloggerappreciationweek.com/

Todays question is: What's a great new book blog you've discovered since last years BBAW?
I love several blogs! I follow 97 blogs, some I check on daily, some monthly when I do Roundabout. Some blogs I follow through Facebook, some through my blogger reader, some through email.
One of the newest blogs that I love is A Novel Source. It is a busy blog page, but then she is a busy reader. I enjoy learning from other bloggers how they lay out their blogs, their technique of reviewing, and the choice of books they read and review. The author of A Novel Source seems to have an inviting and professional looking place.
What was the first book blog you discovered? Why do I love it and keep going back?
I love Becky's Book Reviews. I love this blog because it is unpretentiously a book review blog. Becky does not take part in book giveaway's, nor promote awards she has won, nor try and keep up with the "other bloggers", she perseveres without worrying about how many people are following her. Her blog is simply the best! She is the most accomplished and fastest reader I know, she reads from several genres, she writes a honest and without prejudice review. I've learned so much from her and consider it an honor to be her friend as well.

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Roundabout

Roundabout is a post that I try and do monthly. I read through the past couple of weeks of all of the blogs that I follow (I follow 97). I then post those that I found that might be of interest to my own readers.

The September issues of Exemplify Magazine and Christian Fiction On-line Magazine is available.

September 13 post on recap of the past year since the last Book Blogger Appreciation Week.
The link (see below) on American versus British Bloggers pulled from the Book Blogger Appreciation Week article dated September 13.
Post on American versus British Bloggers.

If you live in Texas there is a Texas Book Festival October 16-17 in Austin.

A blog that I've not been following long, A Novel Source--I find this blog to be welcoming, the layout is classic looking, and the author is knowledgeable about several genre's of books.  

Thoughts That Move,  the author of this blog Wendy wrote a post on September 1,
8 Communication Skills to Commit  to Memory.

A blog that I recently started subscribing to on my Kindle (.99 cents a month)---The Gospel Coalition by Justin Taylor. He posts at least everyday (some of them are pulled from other authors). His posts are on books, Christian life, current topics, Christian history, sermons, advice on writing. His blog is enlightening and enjoyable.
I especially liked the post on Why Read Fiction by Peter Leithart.

P J Cockrell's blog has more than one article that I found great, he pulls articles from other sources (pastors, writers, etc.)
The Motivating Power of the Gospel
and
Having God is Better than Money, Sex, Power or Popularity

A new blog I've found Austen Authors---Yes, of course Jane Austen!

In visiting all the blogs that I follow, the following books I kept seeing again and again for reading/reviewing:
Choosing To See by Mary Beth Chapman, Valeria's Cross by Kathy Macias and Susan Wales, The Thorn by Beverly Lewis, The Bridge of Peace by Cindy Woodsmall, and blogger world is chatty about the Suzanne Collins Trilogy books--Hunger Games, Catching Fire and the newest release Mockingjay.


 Blissful Blogging!
Annette

This Week Is Book Blogger Appreciation Week 2010

 

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

A Cocoon of Praise

"I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.
Everyday I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable."
Psalm 145:1-3 ESV

Do you read Scripture out loud?
We are told in Hebrews 4:12 that His "Word is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." NIV
By reading His Word we are digesting it in to our body and soul. His Word circulates through our mind and in to our inner person, which is our heart.
But, in speaking His Word aloud it resonates back to you double fold. You are both reading it and then hearing it aloud, the very room you are in is filled with the radiance and holiness of His Word, and thus it becomes a cocoon of praise and adoration to Him.

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Book Review: Valeria's Cross by Kathie Macias and Susan Wales

Published by Abingdon Press 2010, 384 pages, paperback,
Historical Fiction/Roman History/Early Church History

Link for book @ publisher: $14.99
http://www.abingdonpress.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=6292

Link for book @ Christian Book: $11.99
http://www.christianbook.com/valerias-cross-kathi-macias/9781426702150/pd/702150?item_code=WW&netp_id=802683&event=ESRCN&view=details

Link for book @ Amazon: $10.19
http://www.amazon.com/Valerias-Cross-Kathi-Macias/dp/1426702159/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1284076855&sr=8-1

I received this book for free from Kathi Macias. I chose to read/review (I review every book I read).

Valeria was a real historical character. She was the only child of the Roman Emperor Diocletian and his consort Prisca. Diocletian ruled alone from 284-286, then co-ruled as Augustus of East from 286-305. He abdicated in 305 because he was ill and died in 311. For political reasons Valeria married Galerius. After their marriage Galerius co-reigned with Diocletian. Diocletian and Galerius are infamous as Emperor's that violently persecuted Christians.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocletian

I have to admit that it took a while for me to "feel" apart of this story, to be swept up in the events of the characters--primarily Valeria. I believe that it is because Valeria is described in story as wavering and without depth in her emotions, she loves another--yet loves this one. I could not feel her plight, because I felt she was ineffective in being portrayed as a woman in love. I did take in to consideration that in the beginning of the story she was a young teenage girl; yet there was an element missing in her believability. As the novel progressed and Valeria's character progressed--developed, I then felt drawn to her and I had to know what would happen to this young woman.
Valeria's Cross is a novel of political intrigue, decadence and corruption. Diocletian and Galerius were men with ultimate power and yet they were tormented with conflicting emotions. When they had what they most desired they felt insecure and morose.
Early Church history is a large part of this story and this is of great interest to me. I love to read both non-fiction and fiction accounts of this era. Valeria's Cross gave me a better idea of what is was like living during this time.
Valeria's Cross is an epic book, much information is given in one novel. I feel that the story could have been told in two novels.
From mid-point in the book through to the end I loved this book, and stayed up late to finish reading it!

Kathi Macias website:

Susan Wales website:

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Catching Up after the Storm

Our rain gauge holds six inches of rain and it is overflowing. I have read that our area of central Texas received between eight and twelve inches of rain. Tuesday night and in to Wednesday morning the rain was a constant downpour. The tropical storm wind was on Tuesday evening about nine. The gusts of wind and rain was a great back drop for a suspense/mystery book that I finished reading about one Wednesday morning. I will be reviewing this book---Solitary by Travis Thrasher---over at my other blog
A Garden of Books.

My husband Jeff has been sick this week with a respiratory virus.
My oldest son David has a staph infection on his left elbow--it started off as an allergic reaction from being around Poison Oak.
My dad has a sore on the bottom of his right foot, dad is a diabetic. Yesterday I took him to the podiatrist to have the blister removed and cleaned, I will be doing dressing changes for a few days. It is not infected; but we will need to keep it clean and dry.
My husband called me last night to tell me a tornado touched down and destroyed buildings only two blocks from his shop. His shop is near the downtown area of Dallas. There isn't any damage to his shop.
It has been a very eventful week for us, please pray about these issues in my family; pray for me to continue to be loving, kind, patient, and thoughtful in caring for my dad.
Thank you.

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Thankful Thursday!

I have not taken part in a Thankful Thursday in too long!

On this Thursday I am thankful:
1. That tropical storm Hermine has passed.
2. Sunshine follows rain.
3. Motzart--I'm listening to--Motzart for your Mind--CD.
4. Summer is nearly finished and autumn is near.
5. Apple Butter on warm buttered biscuits.

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

I'd intended to post reviews today; but Tropical Storm Hermine has interfered with the Internet and electricity.
I am now planning to post again later in the week when the storm has passed!

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Winner of a copy of Amish Proberbs by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The winner is:

Glogirl
Thank you to everyone who participated!

The Following proverbs were submitted by those who were in the drawing for a copy of the book:

Joy Tamsin David
" Never put something in writing that you don't want the whole world to read."

Marjorie
"A broken hand works, but not a broken heart."

Lenijay
"Don't yell in the house unless it's on fire."

Emma
"God helps those who help themselves."

Writing Canvas
"In whatever direction you turn you will see God coming to meet you; nothing is void of Him, Himself fills all His work."

Glogirl
"Worry is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere."

Amy
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Larry Killion
"Don't count your chickens before they hatch."

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Holiday!

I will be taking the next few days off for Labor Day weekend.
I hope your holiday will be relaxing!
I will return on Tuesday September 7......probably with a review of Valeria's Cross by Kathi Macias and Susan Wales.
For my readers that live on the east coast I hope that Hurricane Earl is only a minimal storm and that you will be safe and sound and dry!

Blissful Blogging!
Annette