Review of Decoding Your Dreams by Jennifer LeCLaire

I  was skeptical about this book but turned out to be informative.  God moved his people in unconscious states in scripture. Genesis 2:21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slep: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh . Again in Genesis, we read that the Lord put Abraham into a deep sleep to speak to him about a covenant. Daniel fell into a deep sleep while the angel was speaking to him about the interpretation of visions from the Lord. 

"Problem-solving dreams are just what they sound like-dreams that offer revelation about how to solve a problem you're experiencing. This could be a personal problem, a family problem. God is the ultimate problem solver" page 51

On page 57 it says" The many names of God are significant. Jehovah Nissi means the Lord my banner. Jehovah Rapha means the Lord that heals. Jehovah Jireh means the Lord will provide. Jehovah Shalom means the Lord is peace. " Page 60 says " We need to return to sound doctrine that strengthes the spirits and souls of the disciple's, encourages them to contend for the true faith, and refuses to sugar-coat the Christian walk...walk with Christ no matter what it costs us. We need to be faithful when the Lord comes."

I learned that 8 people found salvation on Noah's ark when God flooded the earth. God started new with those people after the flood. On page 101 it says" God can settle our emotions in a dream. If we're walking through a season of loneliness or grief, He can comfort us in a dream and soothe those feelings. If we are walking through a season of frustration, He can show us positive outcomes Accord to his will to stir our faith. If we are going through a season of denial, he can show us what we need to see so we can face it, accept it, and move on. "

Psalm 25:2 says O my God,I trust in you; may I not be ashamed; may my enemies not triumph over me. Psalm 59:10 says the God of loving kids will go before me; God will cause me to look in triumph on my enemies.

On page 117 it says " loosing teeth in a dream can point to stress, loss, or confusion in your life. " On page 117 it says "In the case of divorce can be from lack of communication. People were unwilling or unprepared to move forward. One person would betray me in the process.
Disclosure of Material Connection. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255. "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." Disclosure of Material Connection. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255. "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

A few inspiring quotes on God

Wherever you are, close your eyes, and imagine God doing the same for you!

Collect the pieces of your broken heart for all the blows that life has thrown at you. , God will heal all your wounds and I assure you that your sins and mistakes will be forgiven.

There is a warranty called grace, that when you recognize that you were wrong and you accept God as your only savior, the manager of the existence of the universe (GOD) will tell you: "Everything is already paid for ... go on your way, go!

Source: facebook.com/KathyBryanEdge

Review of the book NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible by D.A. Carson

I learned a few things from reading this book. One was the chronology of Noah's time in the ark. The water prevailed for 150 days. Then the waters abated for 150 days. Then the earth dries in 70 days. Total time in the ark was 370 days. The second thing I learned was all about Jacob's journey's.(This comes from a map and a paragraph found on page 76 of the book.) First he went to the Euphrates-Balikh river was basin was his destination. Jacob's lengthy sojourn ended in a dispute with Laban and another flight-this time back to Canaan. His route likely took him toward Aleppo, then to Damacus and Edrel before reaching Peniel on the Jabbok River. He and his dependents reached the hill country of Gilead before their Caravan was overtaken by Laban. Jacob lingered at Sukkoth, entered Cannan and proceeded to Shecheim, where he erected an altar to the Lord.

I learned some interesting things about Exodus. From page104 "Some contemporary scholars question weather or not the Exodus happened at all, pointing to its abscense in Egyptian records and lack of archaeological support. However official Egyptian records empathize military success rather than humiliation defeat. Thus they would not record an event like the Exodus. " I also learned about how to furnish a tabernacle which is a symbolism of God's redemptive covenant was preserved making each element for the worshipper. From page 150 " Ark of the covenant, it was a conventional way of depicting extreme reverence, with facing winged guardians shielding a sacred place." We also talk about the tabernacle made by Moses in the wilderness. It was a portable shrine carried on poles and covered with thin sheets of gold" From page 152.

Another thing I learned was The Israelites location where and how long. "For several months they delivered from Egypt. It took them 2 months and travel to Sinai. They were encamped at Sinai for 10 months. Then took several months to travel to Kadesh. Then took 38 years to travel to and stay at the plains of Moab. " From page 224.

On page 1675 it talks about New Testament Chronology. "Christ was born in 65 CE. In AD 78 Christ was in the temples at age 12.  Then John the Baptist begins his ministry. Christ begins his ministry. Christ was baptized. John the Baptist was imprisoned. John the Baptist dies. Christ's was when he was crucified on the cross. " On page 1764 it talks about things that Christ did.  He drove out impure spirits, He healed a man with leprosy. He heals a paralyzed man. He eats with sinners, he rebuked Pharisees and teachers about the law, he heals a deaf and mute man. He feeds 4,000 people. Jesus heals another blind man..."

Disclosure of Material Connection. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255. "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." Disclosure of Material Connection. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255. "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Review of the book Anxious For Nothing by Max Lucado

I really enjoyed this book. I suffer from anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, agoraphobia and so much more and this book really inspired me.

On page 5 he wrote " Anxiety takes our breath, for sure. If only that were all it took. It also takes our sleep. Our energy, Our well-being...Harm to our necks, jaws, backs, and bowels. Anxiety can make our eyes twitch, blood pressure rise, heads ache and armpits sweat. Chances are that you or someone you know seriously struggles with anxiety. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders are reaching epidemic proportions. In a given year, nearly 50 million Americans will feel the effects of a panic attack, phobias, or other anxiety disorders. Our chests will tighten. We'll feel dizzy and light-headed. We'll fear crowds and avoid people. Anxiety disorders in the United States are the number one mental health problem among...women and are second only to alcohol and drug abuse among men.  The United States is now the most anxious nation in the world. The land of the Stars and Stripes has become the country of stress and strife. This is a costly achievement. Stress related ailments cost the nation $300 billion every year in medical bills and lost productivity, while our usage of sedative drugs keep skyrocketing, just between 1997 and 2004. Americans doubled their spending on anti-anxiety drugs like Xanax and Valium, from $900 million to $2.1 billion...."

Another quote on page 46 which says " The is a reason the windshield is bigger than the rear view mirror.Your future matters more than your past. In the great trapeze act of salvation, God is the catcher, and we are the flyers. We trust. Period. We rely solely upon God's ability to catch us. As we do, a wonderful thing happens: we fly. Your Father has never dropped anyone. He will not drop you. His grip is sturdy and his hands are open. As the apostle proclaimed," And I know the Lord will continue to rescue me from every trip, trap and snare, and pitfall of evil and carry me safely to his heavenly kingdom. May he be glorified throughout eternity. Amen(2nd Peter 4:18)"

Another quote on page 127 which reads " I watched the interactions with a silent sense of awe. It is easy to praise God during seasons of wellness. But it was during my greatest distress when I felt the Lord's presence poured upon me. And it was in those heartbreaking moments I learned to trust this God who provided unimaginable strength during unimaginable pain. He will help you as well, my friend. Guard your thoughts and trust your Father."

Great Article I Found On Facebook

I am quoting the article right now which says "It boggles our minds that a right-wing terrorist can send 12 bombs to Trump's perceived political enemies and now some progressives are saying, "Let's just be nicer to them. Let's be more civil now. That's what Jesus would do."

No, that isn't what Jesus would do. Jesus never, ever gave in to the money changers in the temple. He never gave in to the Pharisees and Sadducees. He never gave in to the Sanhedrin, which was the oppressive Jewish government at the time. He never gave in to the Romans. He never gave in to the crowds who chanted for him to be killed.

Instead he stood firm. Instead he spoke the truth to them no matter what they said and did. He did not cave. He did not run away. That's why in the end they whipped him, and beat him, and laughed at him, and spat at him. That's why they killed him."

You can read the whole article : here

Source: Facebook.com/ChristiansTiredOfBeingMisrepresented

Some thoughts I found inspiring today!

Even though I don't consider myself a Jehovah's witness anymore I still like to keep up with them in the news and read articles about them as well.

Today a person I follow on Facebook called James Hacche and he said this and I agree with it:
According to the Watchtower every one who is not at Jehovah's witness at the time of Armageddon will be killed by God. This is a false teaching and goes against what Jehovah is a God of love. He isn't going to kill anyone at Armageddon. Rather he is going to teach those who do not believe or know God and do not obey the good news of Jesus Christ a valuable lesson. How can you learn from your mistakes if Jehovah kills you and you are dead.

What will happen to the wicked? Isaiah 11:4 says, but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.

The above statement shows Armageddon will be a war of words against the wicked.

A few quotes about God

This person I follow on Facebook named Ken Reetz posted this and said I could share:

"Have you ever experienced the silence of God?

Your prayers are tired and weak from repetition, and your hope fades because surely God sees all your faults and weaknesses and has counted you as unworthy to receive anything of Him – not even to listen.

One word: Who did our Lord die for? Only those who are worthy? Who could possibly be worthy? Romans 5:8 – “But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

God is never silent, but he is patient. He knows what is best for us, and that may be quite different from our ideas. His quietness gives us an opportunity to exercise faith and demonstrate trust – and perhaps another opportunity to reflect on what our real needs are.

We need a humble and contrite heart that is totally given to our Lord most of all; His silence may be the only way to slow us down so we realize that. I know from personal experience how true that is. It may be your truth today.

God wants us to be blessed and happy and there is nothing better than knowing Christ and trusting in Him with complete confidence. He has proven His love and now is the time to prove that we trust Him – regardless of circumstances.

In fact, the darker things are the brighter faith and trust shine. What a perfect time to honor our Lord! Anyone can sing praises when life is perfect and cheery, it takes a strong connection to God to sing those same praises when life is a mess.

Many times God is silent so we can concentrate on the connection more than the rewards it offers. Or maybe He is just asking us to be patient.

Either way, Matthew 7: 9-11 says it best:
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

Be patient fellow sinner:
Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”"

A post with quotes about Mental illness

I found this great person on Facebook who herself and I both suffer from mental illness and wanted to share her thoughts with my readers.

Diana says " I don't judge a person's mind as inferior based on illness or dysfunction. I have my own cognitive issues to deal with and I can understand how someone can be intelligent and challenged at the same time. I only judge the validity of the claims. I don't think of schizophrenia so much as a mental illness. I think it's more a nervous system disorder related to stress. I think we fail people when we divide mind from body. It's been said that schizophrenia is also related to a high degree of intelligence. So some of what appears to be paranoia could just be a recognition of how unstable the world is. And some what appears to be a delusion could actually be a lack of it in an otherwise deluded world."

Review of the book LIve Fearless by Sadie Robertson

I really enjoyed this book. She is so down to earth and honest about her life and herself and her relationship with Jesus and God.

On page 26 she says " God does not produce feelings of fear or anxiety. In fact, its the opposite. God's word tells us over and over again not to worry or fear and is very clear that God doesn't give you a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power. If you're anxious or fearful about this, that is not from Him. Forty million people in the US ages 18 and older, suffer from anxiety disorders. On page 52 she says " Many of us are acting like following God means we live a life of misery and saying no to all the fun things in life. Perhaps we haven't yet realized that following Christ is the way to an abundant life-its the way to true joy and a great adventure...If we go to the world as the salt and light as Jesus calls us to, with celebration of what He has done on our lives, others will want to be a part of it too."

On page 53 she says " We have to get to God often and feed ourselves on His word and His presence. We're not going to provide energy for ourselves, much less others, by just going to the top one time and then spending the rest of the time swimming around in darkness. It means going back to the top-back to a very personal place with God-every single day. I don't want to give the impression that a vibrant life with God means nothing will go wrong or that every day will be a party. That's just not true. Life does have its challenges, and disappointments. Sometimes it gets, really, really hard or sad. The pressures we face are not intended to hurt us or discourage us. They are designed to bring out us of the light that is in us because of our love for God and our relationship with Him. When the light comes out of us, it changes the world. Lord Jesus, I am in awe of You and wonder of who You are. I want to know more about You. I want to see more sides of You. Enlighten my mind to see a new side of Your holiness today. As I seek your face, fuel my heart with passion and give me the strength to bypass my enemies to fulfill the purpose You have given me. Thank You, God, for bringing meaning to my life."

Isaiah 43:2-4 says " When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your savior...You are precious and honored in my sight." Sadie says " God, help me to take captive every thought in my mind that is not of You and silence the whispers of the enemy in my ears. I choose to fill my mind with thoughts that are pleasing to You."

Sadie says " We so often think we're right is that we can only see what we can see about our lives. We don't know what is coming around the next bend. God, however, sees the end from the beginning and in His love. He guides us toward the end that He knows will be best for us, not the destination we think is right for us. God can also see the big picture of our lives, while we are usually focused on smaller snapshots. The pastor also noted that God often speaks to us with warnings. This could be an uneasy feeling on the inside, a thought that makes us change direction, or a person who says to us, get yourself off the crazy train. The important point to remember when find yourself on the crazy train is that you don't see the whole picture of your life at any particular time. Sometimes people who love you and care about you can see it more clearly than you do because they're not caught up in your swirling emotions. They're more objective. If they are urging you to get off the crazy train-or if what your thinking about the direction in which you're headed does not align with God's word-seriously consider heeding those warnings."

Sadie says on page 90 " God, I want the big picture that You have in Your mind for my life to become a reality. Help me connect the dots and go through each one with the confidence that You are helping me, walking with me, fighting for me, healing me, and making me strong and free every step of the way." On page 158 she says " People are fickle. only one person who has ever lived who does not change. Ever. I can't say it any better than this: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. If you want someone in your life you  can always depend on, He's the one."

Reviw of Beauty In The Break Down by Julie Roberts

I enjoyed this book. It is written by Julie Roberts and talks about her whole life including the struggles she went through in learning that she had multiple sclerosis. When she was a kid, she saw her mom being abused by her dad. It made her and her sisters terrified. Finally everything works out and they leave their dad and the mom gets a new house and they all move in. Then she decides she would like to be come a singer. She worked for this studio executive who she was desperate to show her music off to. He ends up liking it and helps her put out her first record. It sky rockets on the charts and she gets many fans who wanted to see her perform and she goes on tour with Rascal Flatts. She makes other records but they don't do so well and some of that is because her voice changed when she got multiple sclerosis. It also made her dizzy, confused and pins and needles in her arms and legs. She later becomes an avid person on this and helps others feel better about having multiple sclerosis as well.

I enjoyed some of her quotes in the book. On page 41 she says " Even if I gave my best, there would be adversities over which I had little control. I decided I wouldn't let that keep me from my dreams. In fact, that experience made me even more determined." Another quote on page 85 says " Everything is in God's hands...When you stop believing in yourself, that's when the devil works on you." On page 199 she says " Despite the setbacks I had experienced, helped me to believe that God had good things in store for me, and that he was going to use the calamities that come my way for his glory and for my good. I understood that I had to do my part, to work hard, and keep pushing on doors till something opened. That meant I had to humble myself..."

Another quote on page 242 says "I still don't understand why some things happened, and occasionally I ask God about that. But I know we aren't supposed to understand everything, so I just keep the faith and believe it all will make sense one day." On page 275 she says " I ask the Lord every day to give me some signs that I am on the right path, to show me the direction he wants me to go, and to give me just a nudge to keep going..." On page 276 she says " God, did you forget about me? When is it all going to come together? The toughest and sometimes loneliness room of all is the waiting room, waiting for the good things that you know he is going to bring to you and the good things that he is going to do in and through you. Sometimes I get impatient and tend to worry. I've done my share of whining and complaining to God. Lord, how long? Lord, when is it going to happen? When are things going to fall into place? How long must I endure? Usually the answer I've received from those prayers and lamentations of frustration have been, trust me.. Don't put your faith in human beings, systems, companies, or even friends and family. Place your trust in me. I'm learning that I can't really worry and fret and trust God at the same time. Worry is losing faith. And without faith in God, nothing good happens. So I keep working hard and believing God for a great future. I refuse to allow myself to wallow in self-pity or to dwell on negative thoughts. Instead, I continue to dream, believing that God is going to do something greater in my life than I 've ever imagined. And this time, I have a different voice-one of strength, determination, and faith-one touched by the hand of almighty God, to be used for his glory and to encourage people. So my prayers these days is this: God, I'm available  to you. Wherever you want me to go, whenever you want me to go, please open the doors. I'm ready a and willing."

On page 279 she says " I had to be broken in many ways, physically, emotionally, financially, and even spiritually, before I came to a point of realizing that I could either try to run my life, or I could trust God to run it And although it might seem strange to think of it, I can almost imagine Jesus saying If you are going to break down, break down here. This is a safe place. I will protect you, care for you, heal you, and get you back on the road again. Humility and brokenness...God has to get us there one way or another. And once we get there, we discover that we are not at the end of the world, but we are at the doorway to put an entirely new way of living. Brokenness leads to blessing. God can take the broken pieces of our lives, and just as the Scriptures teaches, he can make something beautiful out of them." On page 281 she says " You are made in the image of God. Don't  conform to what other people tell you that you have to be or think or sing or say. Be the beautiful person God created you to be. You will be happier and freer, and God will be pleased with you.
We all experience breakdowns in our lives in one way or another.. But if  we choose to overcome, and if we allow God to use these  difficult times in our lives, he will bring good out of whatever  circumstances we face in our lives. Peace and contentment are possible as we see the beauty in the breakdown, to see that even in our broken places, God is still at work. God never promises that we  won't be discouraged, hurt or rejected. But he is right there with us. He never leaves  us or forsakes us. If we can trust him, we can find more than beauty we can find God right there  in the middle of our messes. He does bring beauty out of ashes...and sometimes he even turns  those ashes to gold!"

Disclosure of Material Connection. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255. "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." Disclosure of Material Connection. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255. "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

A review of the book Wait For Me by Susan May Warren

I want to start of by saying I love the author Susan May Warren and have read plenty of her books.

This book is about a man named Pete who originally fell in love with a woman named Jess. She wanted to marry him but had a lot going on in her life like taking care of her sick mom. Pete believes she is engaged to another man and gives up hope on Jess but then she comes back into his life and they fall in love.  It also talks about a woman named Shae who falls in love with a guy named Ned and helps protect her and Jess when someone kidnaps them and tries to kill them. The book was a thrill seeker and attention grabber and I couldn't keep it down.

I enjoyed some of the quotes in the book. I liked the quote on page 295 which reads " You don't have to prove anything to God for him to join your team. He's already on it. So don't keep him out of the game plan." I also enjoyed the quote on page 300 which says " Please God, You're all we have, and I believe you can get us out of any mess we create. So please, save us. Not because we deserve it, but because we need you..."On page 305 the quote says " God never intended me to fight my battles alone." On page 310 the quote says " Please, God. Save us all here. Not because we deserve it, but because you love us."

I really connected with the characters especially Jess who  is described as "just didn't want to cause any more problems, didn't want to hurt anyone else, who just wanted everyone to be happy. The problem is, we can't please everyone and when we try, we end up making a mess. The best thing we can do is live in truth, love others well, and trust in a God who loves us enough to fix our messes."

Taylor Swift breaks own record for highest-earning U.S. tour by a woman

Taylor Swift has broken her own record for the highest-grossing U.S. tour by a female artist.
The Look What You Made Me Do singer has been trekking across the U.S. and other nations since May (18) on her epic Reputation Stadium Tour.

Her U.S. gigs alone have now made an incredible $191.1 million, according to Billboard.com, meaning that with 11 American dates still to play she has surpassed the gross earnings of the previous record holder, her 1989 World Tour – which made $181.5 million in 2015.

During the tour, she has averaged earnings of more than $7 million per show – with all 27 of her completed dates sold out. The pop princess is having a brief break from the road after performing at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida last Saturday (19Aug18).

After the gig, she praised hometown girl Camila Cabello – who has supported her alongside British singer-songwriter Charli XCX throughout the tour.

“MIAMI I LOVE YOU!! You were so loud and FUN,” she wrote on her Tumblr page. “Shout out to Camila for killing it in her hometown and being just the greatest most precious magical human possible.”

The concerts will pick up again this coming Saturday in Nashville, Tennessee – the city where a teenage Taylor made her name as a country music star.

Source: hollywood.com

Review of the book Praying The Promises by Max Lucado

I really enjoyed reading this book. I will be sharing my favorite quotes from the book. It was very inspiring especially when we are spiritually lost and confused.

The author says " On the days when I feel like I am not enough or unimportant, help me remember that you cherish me because I am your child. Show me how to live as an images bearer of you. Show me how I can reflect your goodness to others and that how I can walk confidently knowing I am worthy simply because I am yours .Continue to refine me and mold me into your image until the day I see you to face to face. Thank you for loving me, for never giving up on me, and for giving me more value than anything or anyone on this earth ever could. Amen." Page 14

Another quote from the author on page 34 is " It is not always easy for me to trust your sovereignty. I sometimes wonder if you care about me and what's happening in my life. Forgive me, Father, for times when I may doubt your ways and your goodness. Restore my faith in you when it is weak. Guide me during the difficult times. Give me hope as I pray and wait. Remind me of your power and authority so that I will trust your ways, even when I cannot see where the path before me is right. I am so grateful that you are in control, Thank you for your promise to turn evil into good. May I trust in that promise today. Amen."

I like this quote from the author on page 49 which says " When I am fearful and anxious, I can forget you are here. Give me a sense of your presence. May I feel you in the quiet moments and know that you are near. When a worry arises, remind me of your presence so that I will turn to you and not fear. Help me know that it is going to be okay and that you are on my side, fighting for me. Thank you for always being near. How grateful I am to serve a God whose tender presence I can always trust. Amen"

Another great quote from the author is on page 59 which says "Forgive me for when I try to fight my own battles. When I fear the loss of control or when I fear for my reputation, sometimes I try to take things into my own hands. If I try to fight for myself, I end up feeling exhausted and defeated by my own efforts. You have said you are fighting for me. Help me believe the truth even when I am tempted to fight for myself. God, I am grateful that you are my protector. Because of you, I don't have to fear the giants in my life. I know they will fall at your feet, for you are the God of armies. Amen."

Another quote from the author is said on page 79 " It's easy for me to get distracted by my own desires and temptations. But my efforts are always fruitless when they are apart from you and your will. Forgive me for all the times when I misplace my priorities...Reorder my priorities so that you are always first..."

A great quote from the author is on page 94 which says "At times I have felt like an outcast, as though nobody cares about me. I am wondered what I am worth....You tell me that you are enough for me. All my desires are met in you..."

I like the scripture quotes on page 113 "So we do not give up. Our physical body is becoming older and weaker, but our spirit inside us is made new every day. We may have small troubles for a while now, but they are helping us gain an eternal glory  that is much greater than the troubles. We set our eyes not on what we see but on what we cannot see. What we see will only last a short time, but what we cannot see will last forever"-2nd Corinthians 4:16-18.

"Have you ever wept a river, Have you forsaken hope? Joy will come, Joy becomes Jesus came. And Jesus came because God loves you...God loves you, and because he does, you can be assured joy will come. "Page 116, the author says.

"Jesus will forever the balance the scales of fairness. He will do so through three declarations. He will publicity pardon his people, he will applaud the service of his servants, he will honor the wishes of the wicked. Justice will prevail. God understands inju8stice. He will right all wrongs and heal all wounds. . He has prepared a place where life will be finally and forever...just" quoting the author from page 137.

The final quote from the author on page 147 says "Our anchor , in other words, is set in the very throne room of God, and the rope is strong. It will never break free, Why? Because it is beyond the reach of the devil and under the care of Christ. . Since no one can take your Christ, no one can take your hope. Secure your anchor in God. Build your life on his promises. Since his promises are unbreakable, your hope will be unshakeable. The winds will still blow. The rain will still fall. But in the end, you will be standing on the promises of God. " The scripture Isaiah 40:31 says " But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."

Disclosure of Material Connection. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255. "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." Disclosure of Material Connection. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255. "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

A quote from my favorite blog

My favorite blog is http://thebeingremadelife.com/ and the author is Cherry Fargo.

Right now I am in a spiritual drought. I am feeling totally lost in my life and what happens next. I used to find solace in my religion but I have never felt so disconnected. When I try to stay in touch with family who are in my old religion, Jehovah's witnesses its not always nice. My mother in law says we are living in the last days and that by being an inactive Jehovah's witness that I will not make it when the war of Armageddon comes and she will miss me. That really hurts because what loving God will just destroy people and scares them into loving him. But at the same time I know that I am always happier when I am close to God and living a healthy spiritual life. That's when I read a quote by Cherry Fargo I knew she also related to me and other people as well.

The quote I enjoyed is from one of her testimonials she wrote and says this "Even though I had spent about a decade walking away from God, He was always there, gently pursing me. I recognized that all of the times I had ever felt safe as a child were the ones where I had gone to church with my dad or various church activities with him. I decided that I had nothing to loose by redirecting my path back towards God.  I wanted to live a transformed life and I was finally willing to change my course to do so. I admitted I needed to shed my sin of self-sufficiency and declare that God was my destination and Jesus was the only guide who could lead me to where I needed to be. By saying yes to following Jesus, I found peace, hope, direction, purpose and even the fulfillment I was so desperately seeking. I felt as if I had finally arrived."

I feel like if I could transform my life and find God that I could find peace, hope, direction and purpose that Cherry Fargo is talking about. So my next chapter in my life will be trying to find out where I belong and hope to be a more spiritual, religious person and find God and happiness.

A review of the book Auschwitz Lullaby by Mario Escobar

This book shook me to my core! It was one of the most saddest stories I have ever written. I cannot believe how many people died in camps during Hitler's reign. This book talks about a woman and her husband and five children who died during the Auschwitz camps. This was actually a true story. The woman Helene had a chance to make it out alive but leave her children but she could not do it and choose to die with them. They were murdered in gas chambers. The characters the author uses are true names of real life characters who lived and suffered in the Gypsy camp in Auschwitz.

"According to the official register, 20,843 ethnic gypsies were imprisoned in Auschwitz, though many thousands more were murdered up on arrival to the camp, with no count or trace of their presence.. An estimate 271 gypsy children were born at the camp. An investigator Michael Zimmermann claims there was really 22,600 prisoners at the camp, 3,300 who survived when they transferred to other camps around the middle of 1944. The two attempts to exterminate the camp were real events, as was the gypsy resistance in May 1944, which delayed the camp's elimination until August of that year. "Page 266 to page 267.

I did enjoy the quote which I cannot remember which page it came from which says "sometimes we have to lose everything to find out what is most important. When life robs us of what we thought we could not live without and leaves us standing naked before reality, the essential things that had always been invisible take on their true value"

Disclosure of Material Connection. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255. "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." Disclosure of Material Connection. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255. "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Furiously Happy by Jenna Lawson

This book flat out is simply freaking fantastic and amazing! I am so serious in everything! This author uses this book to talk about mental illness and inspires of all us to be better and what makes this book great is how real she is, she doesn't sugarcoat anything and she is a normal down to earth person and a great mom and wife, I especially enjoyed the quotes in the beginning of the book which says

"When cancer survivors fight, recover, and go into remission we laud their bravery. We wear ribbons to celebrate their fight. We call them survivors. Because they are.

When depression survivors fight, recover, and go into remission we seldom even know, simply because so many suffer in the dark...Ashamed to admit something they see as a personal weakness...afraid that people will worry,  and more afraid that they won't. We find ourselves unable to do anything but cling to the couch and force ourselves to breathe.

When you come out of the grips of depression there is an incredible relief, but not one you feel allowed to celebrate. Instead the feeling of victory is replaced with anxiety that it will happen again, and with shame and vulnerability when you see how your issues affected your family , your work, everything left untouched while you struggled to survive. We came back to life thinner, paler, weaker...but as survivors. Survivors who don't get pats on the back from coworkers who congratulate them on making it.  Survivors who wake up to work than before because their friends and family are exhausted from helping them fight a battle may not understand.

I hope one day to see a sea of people all wearing silver ribbons as a sign that they understand the secret battle , and as a celebration of the victories made each day as we individually pull ourselves up out of our foxholes to see our scars heal, and to remember what the sun looks like.
I hope one day to be better , and I'm pretty sure I will be. I hope one day to live in a world where the personal fight for mental disability is view with pride and public cheers instead of shame. I hope it for you too.

But until then, it starts slowly. 

I celebrate everyone of you reading this. I celebrate the fact that you have fought your battle and continue to win. I celebrate the fact that you may not understand the battle, but you pick up the baton dropped by someone you love until they can carry it again. I survived and I remind myself that each time we go through this, we get a little stronger. We learn new tricks on the battlefield. We learn them in a terrible way, but we use them. We don't struggle in vain.

We win

We are alive. "

Review of a popcorn from Dell Cove Spices

A big thank you to Dell Cove Spices for my sample of different kinds of popcorn and spices they sent to me in the mail.

I tried the baby white corn popcorn. Just on its on and adding a bit of salt I really enjoyed the flavor. I couldn't stop eating it. I tried two flavor seasonings, white cheddar jalapeno which was actually quite delicious and smokey bbq but I couldn't get past the smell to actually try it. It smelled too strong.

My parents thought it was old fashioned that you had to make the popcorn on the stove and my dad helped me out to make sure it didn't get burned and so I could learn how to make more on my own on the next time I made it.

My dad also enjoyed the popcorn.

You can check out their website here: www.dellcovespices.com

Thank you again!

A great blog

 I've really enjoyed being a part of the launch team for http://thebeingremadelife.com which will go live on June 30th. Please save the link and check it out because her posts are inspiring and I like how she incorporates scriptures into her posts to encourage us.

Review of the book The Most Beautiful Thing I've Seen by Lisa Gungor

I really enjoyed this book. I had no idea the author was a Grammy award winning singer who lived with her husband and two kids. The book is basically about loving God, then not sure if he exists or not and then her and her husband deciding not to believe in God anymore which hurt their record sales and hurt their small church gatherings they would have in their basement. They faced struggles with their second child because she was born with down syndrome and she had to have many surgeries to help with her heart which scared both of the parents.

I liked the quote on page 174 which reads( she is talking about her pastor at her small church) " I don't believe you at all. You're telling us how to live, but you probably run yourself so ragged you never see your family. You're probably judging people and screwing someone behind your wife's back. You probably kicked gay people or your closest friends out of here because their ideas didn't line up to yours. And oh, why is almost every preacher at these churches a white, able-bodied, straight, cisgender male? If my girls grow up here, will they be taught they are in second place? If my Lucie grows up here, where exactly will she be taught that she belongs? And while we're at it, do you guys really buy into this idea that God was first this bratty violent murderer who killed babies and desperately needed his son's blood in order to save all the rotten humans he accidently created? Then suddenly had a change of heart and told everyone to love your enemies and turn the other cheek?"

I also liked the quote on page 185 which says " After we encounter tragedy, we often find ourselves asking, if I could go back and give myself some advice, what would it be? I think about what I would say to myself, maybe a word on how to deal with hateful people, a note that says, you will be okay. Maybe, I'd give a big speech about how this is one of the best things that will ever happen to me, so don't be so glum. But I settle on this, I would walk up to that sad girl in the grass, give her a hug, and just keep walking. It's not that I didn't need t he support, but I would get it. It's not that I didn't know I would be okay; I would be. I didn't need an answer or a ghostly figure to appear to help me believe it. I had to go through it all to believe it. I had to experience it."


Disclosure of Material Connection. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255. "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." Disclosure of Material Connection. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255. "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Review of Nightingale by Susan May Warren

The story starts off with a nurse named Esther and a patient named Charlie. He is wanting to jump off a ledge at the hospital. Esther is trying to tell him not to, that his life is worth living. "Charlie, don't think for a moment that I-that those guys haven't stood on this ledge and wished to fly away, to escape the moments that hold us captive, the people we see in the mirror... God isn't laughing at the way our lives turned out... Maybe he's even crying"

Esther thought her fiance Linus died in the war. Thought he didn't suffer.  We find out Charlie did end up jumping. Esther had mixed thoughts about Linus. She had a daughter with Linus but didn't want the war to end. Hopes her fiance doesn't come home. Because she stole Linus from Rosemary. She might escape from living with Linus parents in the middle of the night. 

Maybe Linus didn't want her. Maybe she will meet the guy she is writing letters to named Peter. She first received a letter saying Linus is dead. Then a letter from Linus saying he felt nothing for his daughter. She sets out to see Peter. She couldn't handle meeting him so she runs back home. Doesn't think she can see him again. 

Once Linus's mother thinks he is dead, she kicks Esther and Sadie out. She re meets Peter and kisses him. He is in prison for being a Jew during the time of the Nazi's. 

We find out Linus is really alive. He comes back with nightmares. In the dreams he acts out and hits Esther, bruising her.  Peter shows up beaten, tried to escape prison. Linus later confides in Peter that he doesn't want to marry Esther, even though Esther thinks it's the right thing to do.  Peter finally gets out of the hospital. 

Sadie went to see Linus and saw him in bed with Rosemary.  Then Peter came to stop the wedding. Linus agrees not to marry. Esther is free to leave with Sadie.  Linus finally tells the truth to his parents. Esther moves into her friend's house. Peter and Esther keep writing letters to each other. 

Review of the book Move into More by Choco De Jesus

I am a fan of this author on Facebook and am part of his group on Facebook as well. I was given a chance to pre order this book for an early access into what the book is about and to read a few first chapters to share with everyone. Here is my review

I like what the author says on page 34 which is " maybe you feel stuck in a rut, caught up in routines that leave you feeling like there will never be anymore more. You love God, but your relationship with him has grown stale. You feel dizzy from all the pushing and pulling of life's demands, and stilling yourself before God is a challenge. You long for God's peace , for a sense of joy of fulfillment that you taste when you're doing what you know God made you to do. "

On page 43 the author says " we can always care. We can always give the way Jesus gave-unconditionally, sacrificially, compassionately." On page 58 the author says "... He had no need for a better speaker. No need to wait for people to accept him. No need to wait for the condition's to be right. No need to wait until the threat to his life was completely gone. No need to wait for anything."

I also like what the author says on page 73 which is " My job wasn't to please everyone or to protect the reputation of our church at the expense of the church. My job was to maintain God's standards, including obedience to the law of the land. My job was to make our church a safe and secure environment where parents, grandparents, and community members knew their kids would be protected. "

On page 99 the author says " you never stopped worshipping. You never stopped believing. Even when you worship discouraged, God's power will manifest in you and through you." On page 147 the author says " when you and I experience God's more, we're also compelled to take risks so that others may experience it too. It's not easy, and often it takes us out of our comfort zone, but sacrificing ourselves for others brings us closer to the heart of Jesus. When we follow his example, we discover that risking more of ourselves usually leads to experiencing more of God."

Review of the book How The Nations Rage by Jonathan Leeman

I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to everyone and would like to read more books by this author. This book talks about rethinking faith and politics in a divided age. The author says on page 11 " I am concerned that sometimes we let principles of Americanism determine the way we read scripture, rather than letting scripture determine how we should evaluate principles of Americanism." On page 14 the author says " yet is it possible that all the contention and division Christians presently face is the catalyst God means to force some of us to rethink where our political hopes really life?... Conversions makes us citizens of Christ's kingdom, places us inside embassies of that kingdom, and puts us to work as ambassadors of heaven's righteousness and justice. Churches are the cities on hills, said Jesus. Not America.

On page 25 the author says " step one for understanding my claim that governments serve gods is seeing that our religion is bigger than what happens at church. Step two is seeing that our politics are bigger than what happens in the public square. In fact, our politics involve everything we do. " On page 33 the author says " God exists, and everyone has a primary responsibility to God for his or her conduct and behavior, and then to the state." On page 35 the author says " After all, who gets to decide which rights are right, or how to define equality, or which freedoms are just? Shall we affirm the right to an abortion, marriage equality, and the freedom to define one's own gender? Well the answer depends on what your God or gods say. Christians therefore find themselves in the peculiar position of wanting to say that rights, equality, and freedom are God's given gifts, but looking around and seeing people treat those gifts as gods or at least as Trojan horses that hide there real gods. In other words, when you define religious freedom apart from the God of scripture, eventually those terms will be used against the people of that God. Yes, that's the paradox of religious freedom."

On page 43 the author talks about LGBTG. My Christian faith does not treat every conceivable identity-construct as morally legitimate. Should we foster "acceptance, respect, and understanding" for those who identify themselves as thieves, adulterers or vampires? Not according to my faith." On page 82 the author says " Zach's refusal to support same-sex marriage would not be about imposing a Christian sexual ethic on others. It was about refusing to let the world impose its sexual ethic on him, which it was doing by asking him to endorse something God has not authorized government to endorse. It was about refusing to put his hand to anything that will provoke the judgement of God at the end of history."

On page 107 the author says " if abortion is a private decision, how can you require me and my tax dollars to pay for other people's private decision? That would make it a public matter, because it involves me and my tax contribution. Hence, there's a contradiction. " On page 183 the author says " ...several years ago President Obama's Affordable Care Act sought to require employers to insure employees for abortion. Churches and Christian organizations immediately objected, arguing on the grounds of religious freedom that it unjustly burdened the conscience to insure an employee's abortion...The real issue, for a Christian, is murder. We don't want the state to require us to fund something we believe is murder...."

On page 217 the author says " we should never stop asking what makes rights right. The answer for a Christian must be that rights are right because God said they are right. That's why human governments should respect our rights...When we disregard what God says is right, than anyone can which rights are right and which aren't. There is no rebuttal. There is no public and accepted righteousness or standard of right..."

Disclosure of Material Connection. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255. "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." Disclosure of Material Connection. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255. "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Review of the book Friend of Sinners by Rich Wilkerson, JR.

I enjoyed reading this book. I even ear marked the book on pages I thought were relevant to remember and share with my readers. I like the quote on page xii which says " Jesus was called a lot of names. All he did was love and help people, yet he had his share of bullies and critics. Many of the religious leaders of the day were jealous of his success and afraid he would upset the status quo. They wanted to discredit him in the eyes of the public, so they said all sorts of crazy things about him. They whispered that he was an illegitimate child. They accused him of being demon possessed...."

I also liked the quote on page 11 that says " Healthy people don't need a doctor-sick people do" says Jesus. Also liked the quote on page 13 that says " Religion tends to look for outward signs that we are qualified to follow God, but Jesus shatters that paradigm time and time again. He doesn't want for us to clean ourselves or renounce our lifestyles. He finds us where we are and calls us to follow him. No application or qualifications needed..." The quote on page 15 says this  by Matthew " You've got to meet this Jesus guy. He accepted me. He believed in me. He delivered me. He changed me." I liked the quote on page 52 which reads "a yoke? Isn't that an instrument of hard labor? I'm already overburdened. How can I take Jesus' yoke on top of what I'm already carrying? This is in relation to the scripture taken at Matthew 11 verse 29....

" If you feel like you are carrying so much weight that you can't take another step; if you feel like you've injured yourself emotionally and mentally because you've borne too much for too long... then enjoy the scripture at 1 peter 5.7" which is on page 59. On page 75 the author says " Jesus came for those whose lives are falling apart, who need him and know it. At the end of the day, none of us have it all together. We all need Jesus." On page 106 the author says " Other times we don't see God because pain and difficult circumstances are overwhelming our hearts and our senses. Maybe we believed he was close to us in the past, but life is suddenly contradictory, and he have trouble believing God could really be there."

I liked the quote on page 114 which says "the church has burned a few bridges with our culture in the names  of evangelism. Church people are famous for forcing their beliefs and morals on people in the name of witnessing. " I also liked the quote on page 121 which says " Maybe your heart is broken, and you wonder if you'll be able to go on. Maybe you wonder if God is real or if he cares for you. Maybe you can't see Jesus through your tears, but he can see you. He's standing next to you, I promise. He is aware of what you are going through. He knows your pain and he calls your name. Turn to him and see him for who he really is. Your life will never be the same because Jesus is near. On page 181 the author says " God comforted me. God loved me. God gave me peace."

Disclosure of Material Connection. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255. "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." Disclosure of Material Connection. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255. "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Teen Mom 2's Chelsea Houska Is Pregnant With Baby No. 3

Another little Cole-y is on the way! Teen Mom 2 star Chelsea Houskar  announced on Thursday, March 15, that she is expecting another child with husband Cole DeBoer.

“….GUESS WHAT! A sweet baby girl will be joining the DeBoer clan in a few short months!” the 26-year-old MTV personality captioned a photo of her ultrasound. “We could not be more excited!”

DeBoer shared the same photo and gushed in his caption: “This proud dad is getting a new Bow and it’s nailed my heart.”

The couple married in October 2016, while she was pregnant with their first child together. They welcomed Watson Cole in January 2017. Houska is also mom of 8-year-old Aubree, whom she shares with ex-boyfriend Adam Lind.

“Aubree did such a great job keeping this a secret and she said at school on Monday she’s gonna walk in and start yelling it down the hallways!” Houska told MTV News after revealing her pregnancy. She also added that her husband is super excited to have another child and “talks to [her] belly every night.”

Joked DeBoer: “The men in this household are standing their ground even though we are outnumbered.”

After the pair announced their happy news, her dad, Randy Houska, who also appears on Teen Mom 2, shared his joy on Twitter with a bit of comedy. “Wuuuttttt???????” he joked in response to his daughter’s tweet. He then shared the same ultrasound photo and added: “I would like official recognition from @ChelseaHouska that @ritahouska and I are the most awesome secret keepers #BOOM #1moreDeBoer.”

Source: usmagazine.com

Tori Spelling Suffering Mental Breakdown ...According to 911 Caller

Police are at Tori Spelling's home after a 911 caller reported she's having some sort of breakdown ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us cops are responding after the call came in around 7 AM, saying Tori was being very aggressive ... going through what one source describes as a nervous breakdown. We're told she doesn't have any weapons, but obviously snapped enough for someone in the house to call police.

Our sources say Tori had called police Wednesday night because she thought someone was breaking into her house, but it turned out to just be her husband, Dean McDermott, coming home.

Tori seemed okay on Wednesday when she was hanging with Corinne Olympios from "The Bachelor" and another woman.


Officers are at Tori's L.A. home right now, we've seen multiple units going in and out of Tori's neighborhood but no sign of Tori or her family.

Source: TMZ

Review of the book Putting It Together Again When It's All Fallen Apart

I really enjoyed this book. I read it in 2 days. This book is about putting your life back together when everything is falling apart using common sense and bible scriptures to encourage you. I liked the quote on page one of the foreword which says " It's far more difficult to rebuild something damaged than to build something new right out of the box, with all the pieces numbered and sorted by bags."  I liked the quote on page 57 which says " What gives a person the energy to keep going when they want to give up? It's one thing to want to rebuild; it's quite another to get involved in the work of rebuilding every day of your life. That takes daily energy."

On page 91 it talks about encouraging us to pray to God when we are feeling down to relieve our pressure. It says " Lord, I don't want to live discouraged. So I ask for your encouragement right now. I pray that you'd show me a place to serve. Lord, give me the heart to look to you, to remember you, and to worship you. You are a great and awesome God. You are a God who loves me and a God who will encourage me in anything and everything. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen."

I liked the quote on page 139 which says " When leaders make God's Word clear, the celebration of God is magnified. One of the most celebrative moments in worship is when a simple explanation of God's truth makes the light go on in our hearts.  When we understand it, then we're able to live it."

Disclosure of Material Connection. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255. "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

A review of When Is It Right to Die by Joni Eareckson Tad

I just recently read a book called When Is It Right to Die and really enjoyed it. It asked very hard hitting questions about how life and death and how we should handle it. I liked the quote on page 49 that says "Each year more than 44 thousand people die by suicide in the United States. It is estimated that 25 times that number attempt suicide year. And the numbers have steadily risen since 2006." That really shocked me, didn't realize how bad it had become.

I also liked the quote on page 55 which says "No decent human being would allow an animal to suffer without putting it out of its misery. It is only to human beings that human beings are so cruel as to allow them to live on in pain, in hopelessness, in living death, without moving a muscle to help them." That is so honest and true.

I liked the quote on page 73 which says " When prescribing doctors fill out a final report after an assisted suicide, the top four reasons given for the request for assisted suicide are, 1-decreasing ability to participate in activities that made life enjoyable, 2-loss of autonomy,3- loss of dignity,4- a sense of being a burden. The quote on page 95 is great as well. " If we cannot be torn in pieces by the roaring lion, we may be hugged to death by the bear. The devil cares very little which it is, as long as he destroys our love for Christ and our confidence in Him." In a related quote on page 97 which says " Little wonder that Jesus not only recognized the existence of a devil, but nailed him with the name tempter."

I like the quote on page 102 that says " The apostle Paul got depressed. We are pressed on every side by trouble, but not crushed or broken. We are perplexed because we don't know why things happen as they do, but we don't give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandon's us. " The quote on page 106 goes with this last quote which reads " The devil is a fallen angel. He is a deceiver. He is doomed for destruction."

On page 119 it says " Life is more fleeting than we realize. We need the perspective of David, who wrote these words in Psalm 39:6-4 " Show me, Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years are nothing before you..." The quote on page 168 says " Followers of Christ are supposed to give, even when it hurts. We serve, even when-and especially when-we're worry or discouraged. Christ calls us to look out for others' interests before our own."


Disclosure of Material Connection. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255. "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Review of the book Amish Sweethearts-Four Novellas by Amy Clipston

This book is about 4 different Amish families and how love/death an everything affects the individual families. The first section of the book is about an Amish women named Lindsay and how she is looking forward to getting married to her fiancé Matthew. Matthew ends up going through some things with his family and is having trouble opening up to Lindsay about it. He decides to turn to GOD and pray about it until he decides what he has to do. I won't share how it ended but you can read about it to find out.

The second section of the book is about Jamie Lantz whose job it is to take tourists on a horse and buggy ride through town but it all turns out bad after a car hits them and people get injured. Luckily in the end it all comes out with truth about the car driver and why the accident actually happened the way it did. And Jamie ends up falling in love as well which is exciting. You can find out more by reading this section.

The third section is abut a man named Tobias and how he is coming back home after being gone months and how he left was not in the best circumstances. He ends up falling in love and learning about his past and future a well. A very suspenseful section of all four sections.
The third section is about A woman named Ellie who must help her mother after the death of her brother. Money is tight and so they must figure out what to do to stay afloat.

Disclosure of Material Connection. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255. "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."