Song Of The Brokenhearted by Sheila Walsh and Cindy Martinusen Coloma

Wow! Wow! Wow! This was an unputdownable for me!! Yes, that is actually a word! This is a beautiful and powerful read. Superb writing!I instantly fell in love with this family. This book shows us that God brings beauty from ash. We often think just because we are Christians we are exempt from all harm, hurt and brokenness, but that just isn't so. In fact, it touches us just as it does everyone else. The difference? We have Christ to lead us. We have Him to hang on to for support and strength, but we often let go and walk away in pain and anger.

We have a front row seat in the journey of this family. I think this is a book that will hit home for many and bring blessings to all. We see how we can get off track and put this world and all it holds before God. Praise the Lord, His grace brings us back.

All the good deeds, all the church going and people pleasing doesn't give us a ticket out of despair. It is a fact. We are going to be touched by heartache and hit with temptations that will sometimes knock us off our feet. We see a family trying to protect one another, but in reality that just need to be honest and share the truths of what is happening in their life.

I simply loved this novel. It is one that reminded me of the importance of just putting God first always and trusting Him through all, no matter the attack.

This is a novel that will remind us to anchor our lives in Christ and trust Him when the boat gets rocky.

This book was a gift from Thomas Nelson for it's review.

The Prophecy Study Bible NKJV (John C. Hagee General Editor) Signature Series by Thomas Nelson

First I must say that Pastor John Hagee is one of the greatest preachers of our time. I enjoy his messages and I learn great wisdom from him. He is truly a man of God.

This is one reason I wanted to review this study Bible. It might sound funny, but this visual learner loves a great voice and he has one. As I read the commentary I can just hear his voice speak the Word of God.

Thomas Nelson publishes some of the best study Bibles I have read and this is one of them. This study Bible is just what it says, Prophesy. Pages and pages hold scripture where prophesy is proclaimed and then the scripture is added where it has been fulfilled. That in itself is a great study.

I reviewed the hardback addition and it has a beautiful cover.

There is an overview of each Book of the Bible that goes into great detail. The Book, the author, the time, Christ, keys to study and a survey. Each Book holds an outline which is huge help when your trying to understand the timeline of the Bible.

Something I love is how the Word of God is in bold red print. There are tables that explain the test of faith, characteristics of faith and the triumph of faith. One table that stands out to me is the salvation table. The salvation of the believer, submission of the believer and the suffering of the believer. Each of these is broken down into reference, division, topic, location and time.

This study Bible gives great focus on prophesy. Something many of us miss in our study. We are always looking for what is to come and we forget the prophesies that have already occurred. Which gives us great hope for the days to come.

My only issue, which really isn't an issue, but more so just what I like, would be more commentary from Pastor Hagee. Everything else is just fantastic. There are pages of the top 20 questions, and pages that hold evidences, which is super cool. Another fantastic attribute about this study Bible is that you can clearly see the Old Testament scripture, the subject and where you can find this in the New Testament. God's great promises are also highlighted. Again, this Bible is packed with great study material tools. This will be a great help in my studies. Especially when it comes to understanding prophesy.

This Bible was a gift from Thomas Nelson for it's review.

Lethal Legacy by Irene Hannon

First, I must say, Irene Hannon ROCKS! If your searching for that perfect book for summer, friends, check out Irene Hannon and you will look no further. Man, can she pen a story. She has this gift of bringing a story alive and setting you right smack dab in the center.

Lethal Legacy is the third book in the Guardians of Justice Series. I have been blessed to review all three and they just get better and better!

The first two are Fatal Judgement and Deadly Pursuit. (Check out my reviews)

I opened these pages and didn't stop until the last page turned. Then I was left with wanting more. Praise the Lord, Irene Hannon has a new series coming in 2013 entitled, Private Justice, and the first installment is, Vanished! I'm already anticipating another outstanding novel.

This series in set in Missouri. St. Louis and the surrounding counties. My home town. Kelly Warren is one of those characters you just fall in love with quickly. She is strong and not willing to give up when she knows she is right. She carries a great faith and knows just where to find her strength and boy, does she need it. Her father has died and his death is investigated, but found to be a suicide. Kelly knows in her gut that is the farthest thing from the truth. She isn't giving up on the truth until it is uncovered. It is here the story begins and where it grows.

Intrigue, deceit, love, friendship, healing, forgiveness. This book has it all and more. The characters from the first two books are back, but it's Kelly Warren and Cole Taylor who take the lead in this story. Lets just say, Cole Taylor is that officer you want guarding your house.

You are going to love this book. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Happy Reading!

This book was a gift from Revell for it's review.

Irene Hannon is the author of more than 35 novels, including the bestselling Heroes of  Quantico Series, Fatal Judgement, and Deadly Pursuit. Her books have also been honored with a Carol Award, a Holt Medallion, a Daphne du Maurier award, and two Reviewers Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. She lives in Missouri. http://www.irenehannon.com/

The Widow of Saunders Creek by Tracey Bateman

Tracey Bateman is one of those writers who travels beyond the boundaries. In her newest book, this too passes all boundaries that is known to us. We see that grief has no boundaries. It can take us prisoner. It can touch us all and bind us in chains.  Here walk the path of grief with the main character of this book as she travels back to her husband's home town.

I love the setting of this book in the Ozarks of Missouri. A place I know very well. I admire the character, Corrie Saunders. She has lost her husband and in a odd way she is desperately trying to find him. She is at a loss and just wants her life back with the man of her dreams. I've not known the depths of this pain. But if I were, I would think it tempting to go to any cost just to have a moment longer.

Bateman weaves a story around grief, healing and surrender. Most of all we see sacrifice. Corrie's husband is killed in battle and she isn't handling this sacrifice well.

I too love the character of Eli. There is just something about that name that makes you feel safe. He is strong in faith and knows of the evil that presents itself. For me, this book reminds us that no matter what we are going through there is an invisible warfare going on all around us. We see Eli struggle too. Just because he is a Christian and walks in faith doesn't mean he has no pains.

In the family there are those who believe in spirits and ghosts. They believe in power they claim to have to reach beyond the grave. Eli is strong to stand against this as are others that Corrie surrounds herself with. But Corrie is curious. Could she really find her husband? Any contact with him would be great, right?

Yikes, there is darkness in this tale that takes it root in the Ozarks. There is a real evil and the best line in this book comes from Eli when he is speaking to Corrie. "Just be careful. It's seductive. It's also easy to justify it and make it much less dangerous in your mind and heart than it is." My second favorite line? It also comes from the lips and wisdom of Eli. "God's grace is all over situations like the one you are in, but given the choice, He would much rather you turn to Him for comfort than anything else." Powerful words!! He too shares with Corrie, "Prayer might not change the immediate situation, but it changes the way I feel about it."

I enjoyed this book. No, I don't believe in ghosts. No, I don't believe in mediums. Old magic, witchcraft. Whatever you want to call it. It's pure evil and that is the place where Satan exists. Evil exists all around us. A battle of good and evil. But I do believe we can get caught up in this evil if we are not prepared and covered in God's Word. There would have been a time where I wouldn't have read this book. I just would have stopped at the first talk of mediums. But this book is more. It shares the story of one woman. A woman who is hurting and in search of more.

This book was a gift from WaterBrook Press for it's review.

Tracey Bateman lives in the Missouri Ozarks with her husband and family. With more than thirty novels in print, including Thirsty and Leave It to Claire, Tracey spends all of her time telling tales, creating characters, and dreaming of other worlds.

Ephesians 6:13-18, "Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out."

Proverbs 4:23, "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."

ONE BIG THING by Phil Cooke

I chose this book simply for the title. ONE BIG THING (Discovering What You Were Born To Do). I opened the pages thinking the ONE BIG THING would be Jesus Christ. After all, without Him we are nothing and through Him all things are possible. I have learned that when I totally focused on Him my vision is made clear and I find myself right where I am to be.

There was a lot of great information in this book, but without Christ, none of it would be possible. For me, there wasn't enough focus on Christ. For me to figure out where I am to be and what I am to doing, I need to be searching Him. After all, He is my Creator.

If your looking for a book based on how to make in business or how to get your name out there, this book is for you. This book focuses on making it big in that ONE BIG THING your created to do and how to do it right. Phil Cooke does a great job at that. I mean, you cannot close this book and not be ready to tackle tomorrow. It gives encouragement and gives you a sense of, I can do it!! It shows us that we will all have a legacy. So, what are we doing about that legacy? How are making our mark on this world?

For me, there was a too much self and not enough surrender. I'm not big into marketing myself. I want to be an apprentice for Christ. I want Him to be at the forefront of my life. So, when something good happens, I want all that spotlight directed upon Him.

So, in the end I suppose I did learn a great deal from this book. It made me think and refocus my efforts of what my daily life should be. The best advice in this book was find one thing and do it well. Too many times we have our hands in everything and in doing that we cannot give 100%. Basically we must learn how to say no.

This book was a gift from Thomas Nelson for it's review.

All Day Long

"Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are my God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long."

Psalm 25:4-5

I was reading over this verse yesterday and what caught my attention this time around in reading was my hope is in You all day long. 

I pray for the Lord to teach me and show me His ways. I pray for His guidance. I pray for His truth to be alive and well in my heart. I seek Him and praise His name. I can see the heart of David here in these words.

But what really grabbed my heart and I mean grabbed was ALL day long. I began thinking, do I really do this all day long? Is my hope in God ALL day long?

When I wake and my bones are aching and my head is pounding, is my hope in Him?

When it's noon and I receive a phone call that brings me to my knees is my hope really in Him?

When I'm all alone and it feels like no one really seems to care, is my hope in Him?

When my husband gets that call that he is laid off again, is my hope in Him?

When I'm in the rush of the day and I feel overwhelmed and crushed all at the same time, is my hope to be found in Him?

At the turn of evening when the kitchen is overflowing with dishes, the chores are not complete and I have so much to do before my head hits the pillow, can I be found in His hope?

The kids are sick, Aunt Hilda had a bad fall, the car is in the shop, the bills are in a huge pile, laundry is over stacked and flowing out of the laundry room, hubs and I just had a nasty argument, I don't hear from the kids, I miss my grandchildren, all is messed up and nothing is getting better. Any of that sound familiar to you? Is our hope in our God and Savior?

This verse doesn't say, my hope is in You when things are going great. My hope is in you when all the bills are paid. It doesn't say, my hope is in You in the beauty of the morning or the starlit night. It isn't saying my hope is in You when all is right in my life.

It's saying the very opposite. ALL day long. David found the peace and serenity he needed when he placed his hope in the Lord ALL day long. He found the strength he needed because his hope was in the Lord ALL day long. The circumstances do NOT matter. It doesn't matter if there is a smile on our face or tears ready to spill. It doesn't matter if all our family is present and well, or if you lose contact with a child and grandma is in the hospital.

When we place our trust in the Lord it is for ALL day. All times. All events. All circumstances. All emotions. All everything.

We aren't to place our trust and hope in the Lord just when we see Him working. Most of the time He is working and moving in the quiet moments of our life. But how is hope spread to others? It must be seen throughout our daily lives. Those moments where grace is evident. The times where mercy is needed. The times when the kids are screaming and the UPS man is at the door.

It's easy for me to say I have hope in the Lord, but do I really? If so, there should be evidence in my life. On those days where my heart is heavy, I should be willing to give all my worries and troubles over to the Lord and place my hope in Him. To do so I think I should be in prayer always. Having my heart open for conversation with my Savior. Not one of those one sided conversations, but one in which I do most of the listening. He already knows why my heart is heavy. He is waiting to relieve me of my burdens and ease my load.

Friends, we don't have to live frazzled lives. We cannot worry about the things in life we have no control over. We must learn to open our hands to the Lord and be willing to surrender ALL to Him. It's in that surrender that a beauty becomes us. We feel a peace like never before. We can place our hope in God, for there is no greater love than the love of Christ.

Let go and let God today. Hope is placing all trust in the Lord. It's giving Him guardianship over our lives. It's knowing that whatever may come, God is in control.  It's hard not knowing what tomorrow will bring. How do we prepare for what may come? Spend time in prayer seeking the hope we so desperately need for survival. It is that hope that gives light to the world, and there is no better way to share the love of Christ than to be the reflection of hope to a people in need.

"For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will."

Romans 8:24-27

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

Hebrews 11:1

"This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe."

1 Timothy 4:9-10

NIV Archaeological Study Bible by Zondervan

I wish I could show you the inside of my new Bible for review. It is breathtakingly beautiful. I am a visual learner and a history lover, so for me, I am head over heals for this new Bible from Zondervan. It is colorfully illustrated. The NIV format is easy to understand. It is gorgeous inside and out. I really like the hardback form.

The pages have this ancient look to them and with the illustrations and history information it adds to my understanding. To know what these times held in customs and traditions is very helpful in understanding God's Word. It seems to make things  even more clear to me. It makes what I'm reading precise. If you are a visual learner this Bible would be perfect for you.

Now, this is a large Bible. I'm not sure I would carry it to church, but it will remain by my bedside for my daily study. The maps are beautifully colored and large. It gives us a glimpse into each book written and goes beyond that with all the history. The people, lands and rulers of the times. It's like a geography lesson. With all the texts and artifact information it's as though you are right there in the Word.

I am learning so much from reading the historical notes. The Words of Jesus Christ are in bold red print. This is something that is missing from other study Bibles I have used. Take a peek over at Zondervan for more information. This is truly a gem. I hold this Bible in my hands and forget the chores waiting on me. This is one I will use for years to come.

This Bible was a gift from Zondervan  for it's review.

Through A Holy Hush Comes Peace

"So then, my beloved brethern, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God."

James 1:19-20

"In the multiude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise."

Proverbs 10:19

"He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive."

Proverbs 17:27-28

"A quick tempered man acts foolishly, and a man of wicked intentions is hated."

Proverbs 14:17

Have you ever been steaming and ready to blow like a tea kettle? More like an erupting volcano. You know what I'm saying, right? A situation occurs. Someone says something totally out of line. Your hurt. You feel attacked. Assaulted. Sometimes it isn't even an action so much. Not even words. It can be a look that is intended to set you blazing.

Sadly, I have been there. I try with all my might to hold it in, but that anger begins to ooze and then I erupt and blow my top. I think we can all relate to some degree. We get angry. We get down right mad. The question is, what do we do about it?

First, I am learning to step back and breathe. Just don't assume that look holds all we think it means. When that attack comes we don't have to fling words back and find ourselves in horror later. The thing is, we don't have to bite back. Prayer is mighty powerful and can bring peace through a quiet and prayerful heart. We too must remember, hurting people, hurt people. That isn't an excuse, just a fact. Prayer is needed in our daily lives. For our heart and for the hearts of those we will confront on every level.

We can either stand a make a fool out of ourselves or we can bring honor to the Lord in our reaction. Here's the thing. Someone is always watching. What about that one person who happens to see us blow our top? Sure, we might be able to explain the other person's actions, but what about ours? Is there really ever an excuse to raise our voices in anger? I have learned it doesn't really gain much in the battle. Usually it only makes that other person yell louder and then you have yourself a fighting match going no where fast. Although it's going no where, it's taking down a lot of people. It's like a tornado leaving destruction in it's path.

Why do we get mad in the first place? We have either not gotten our way or we don't like how something is going. We feel offended. Well, when it comes down to it, anger is really a ME problem. Our anger is like a cancer that can grow and effect other areas in our life. Boy, I have made a complete fool of myself at times. Some of those times have been trying to prove I'm right. Gosh, does it really matter who is right? I have learned. Wait...I am learning to be humble and turn to Christ at the moment that anger begins to boil.

Even when I hold my anger in, it's not helping anyone. Especially not me. When I hold it in, that other person usually has no idea I'm angry. So, that anger is ends up eating a whole in my stomach for lunch and ripes my heart apart for dinner. Let me put it this way. Anger is part of Satan's plan. The more angry we are in life, the less Christ is being seen. The anger we carry in our heart today builds resentment for tomorrow. There isn't anything good at all that comes from anger.

When we know anger is an issue we will face, why not pray about it? Why not share with Christ it is something we struggle with and ask Him to give us strength to over come? We can be ready for the battles we face each and every day by surrendering all to Christ, including that anger. I may not be able to control another person's anger, but I can control my own. In me controlling and getting a handle on my anger, it can bring peace to a situation. After all it takes two people to have an argument.

Take time to pray and pray until you feel the Lord's peace wash over you. Don't enter that discussion again until you are ready and armed with the grace and mercy of Christ. Be ready to forgive and be willing to let it go. I suppose I must ask myself, what am I trying to gain and at the end of the day is it really going to matter for the kingdom of Christ? Am I battling for Christ? Cause He doesn't need me to fight His battles. Or am I battling for my own win? If that is the case I must humble myself and think, is it really worth it?

Sure there are times we must stand and there are times we must remain quiet. No matter the cause. Isn't peace the way to go? Aren't we going to do more good by allowing Christ to speak through us? When our actions reflect His love, it brings anger to a stand still and soon peace prevails.

NKJV Study Bible by Thomas Nelson

I received this gorgeous hardback study Bible from Thomas Nelson last week. I have been making my way through the pages. This Bible also comes in leather bound form if that is what you like better. For me, I like the hardback. The pages are beautiful. It is written in paragraph form which makes it an easy format to read. I often find myself googling information needed for a study, but with this Bible there is no need. There are explanations, definitions and a meaty concordance. This Study Bible is filled with great tools to help you in your reading. Whether you want to read it devotional style or chapter to chapter this Study Bible is a great choice. Maybe you are searching for information on a specific subject you will be sure to find it and more. 

In the hardback you are able to take the cover off and it is bound in solid black. Whether you are looking for subject or reference tools this Study Bible is loaded to make your reading easier and of more comfort. You will find solid explanations for difficult verses you may not understand fully.

You can find Prophecies Of The Messiah which gives you the scripture in which the prophecy is found, the subject and the verses which it is fulfilled. There is a wide variety of charts and the maps are in full vibrant color which I love. I find that with a Study Bible loaded with such great tools for learning I want to dive in even more. When it's an easy format to read it helps you to feel comfortable as you soak yourself in His Word and move through the pages. A Bible is personal and one that should be helpful in your journey. This is surely a great choice.

If your searching for a Study Bible this is a great choice and would make for a perfect gift. Check it out at Thomas Nelson.

This Bible was a gift from Thomas Nelson for it's review.

Give Some Morning Praise

This morning I woke with the beginnings of a migraine. Something I dread to see coming my way. Especially when I have great things planned for the day.

I get up with a hurried attitude. Trying to get the coffee made, I realize Daisy is waiting on me to take her outside. As I am getting to the door I see a few things that need attention. Shoes put away. Dishes need to go out of the dishwasher and back into the cabinets. You get the picture. All the time Daisy is looking at me like, "Are you kidding me?"

I venture outdoors with Daisy and the fresh breeze hits my face. Something I wasn't expecting. I was assuming it was already HOT. I think to myself, thank You, Lord. My eyes move to catch a glance of bunnies in the garden. They are just taking their time, nibbling on the greenery. Then I see something move off to the side. It's a little Chipmonk Squirrel. She is just darting from one place to the next as if she is happy as a bee with the morning sun shining down upon her. I stop to watch with wide eyes and what do I hear, but turtle doves singing, good morning.

I just stopped and breathed in the beauty around me. It was as if God's critters where saying, "Hey, slow down and you can enjoy it too". That is exactly what I did with Daisy at my side. I completely stopped and basked in God's glory.

I didn't need to wake in a rush. Those chores will still be there waiting on me. Sometimes that is exactly what needs to be done. Everything needs to wait until we have had our time with the Lord. He makes everything brighter. He washes a peace over us. He places a song in our heart and a skip in our step.

As you begin your day, don't lose track of the beauty before your eyes. Don't allow the hurried issues of life get you down. Back up. Breathe. Enjoy the moment. Start the day by giving the Lord praise.

"Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice!"

Philippians 4:4

Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for rushing with my eyes closed. Forgive me when I find myself so busy and so hurried that I forget to stop and take in all of Your glory. I praise You for this glorious morning and for reminding me to slow down and enjoy.