NIrV Adventure Bible - book review

This may be my favorite Bible so far. I enjoy all the different ways you can use this book for study.

The girls loved the 3D cover and all of the colorful extras and special inserts.

The font is easy for all ages to read. The layout is user friendly.

The extras are my favorite so far. The Words To Treasure are helping me with the girls memory verses this summer. They are placed in the chapter that they are found so that you can expound on the verse to help the kids understand them better.

The Did You Know fact section has been lots of fun for me to read. And they help the kids understand more about the people and the time period.

The People in Bible Times helps focus on the main characters in the Bible. This section helps add a little more to who they are in their story.

The Life In Bible Times is lots of fun. It helps explain why they did certain things and why they behaved in certain ways in the Bible.

The Live It section adds a simple devotional to this Bible. It gives you helpful suggestions as to how you can use the knowledge that you have accumulated from the Bible.

The book introductions are very colorful and show clearly the basic information for each book. It shares who wrote it, where it takes place, why it was written, and a list of favorite stories found in the book.

This edition also includes a Subject Index, a Dictionary, Maps, and some information on how to get the most out of your Bible.

My girls actually fought each other over who would get this Bible when it came into the house. I gave them each a turn to use it and share what they liked about it most.  The above points are the accumulation of everything we enjoyed about this Bible. I did not find anything in this book that would lead it to be only for a certain age group or group of people. You could give it to anyone for any age for any reason and they would enjoy it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

New Spirit-Filled Bible - review

My addiction to books also includes Bibles. I keep wanting different ones wondering what secrets might be in this new one or what new ideas might be hiding inside this new version.

I was inerested in what 20 denominations and fellowships would come together to teach. There is so much packed into the NIV Bible that can help you understand some of the themes better.

Kingdom Dynamics are themes that run through the Bible. They are like mini study guides placed in the Bible verses to help lead you through the whole Bible learning certain themes. In the beginning of the Bible they give you a run down about the 9 themes that they have included in the Bible: spiritual foundations, prayer power, personal growth, spiritual empowerment, spiritual unity, spiritual leadership, spiritual stewardship, supernatural ministry, global outreach.

Word Wealth helps you understand key words of the Bible. They reference Strong's Concordance as a guide.

Truth-In -Action comes at the end of each book of the Bible. It helps show you ways to apply the truths of the Bible to be found in that book. They offer specific steps you can take to let God guide your life.

The commentary through the Bible seemed very complete and I found very engaging. The articles in the back of the Binle where definitely interesting. I didn't completely agree with all of the ideas included in them but I thought that they might apply well to people of other faiths leading them closer to Jesus.

I found the actual print of the Bible easy to read. Jesus's words are highlighted in red. The additional studies in the book are placed well. The study notes are well designed. The charts and maps are of a high quality.

The chapter introductions are wonderful. They tell you about the author of the book. They tell you about when they believe the book was written. They give you a short snapsis of the content of the book- They share how you can personaly apply the book to your life. Theyshare how Chirst is reveled in the book because all the books are designed to lead you to Christ. They share how the Holy Spirit is at work in the book. And an outline of what you will findin the book.

I enjoyed the extras included in the book. It is not my favorite Bible I own and I feel good about letting my kids use this Bible. The heart of the Bible is still all there and ready for anyone to dig in and grow closer to God. Enjoy.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

NIV College Devotional Bible - book review

I think I just need to admit it that I am a Bible collector. I have a hard time passing up on a new version of the Bible. I don't always read them but I enjoy having them around. I guess I'm just still searching for the perfect one. So when Booksneeze started offering Bibles to review again, I got very excited. I have learned that I do not like reading the King James Version. Which is why I chose the NIV College. Not that I'm in college or that I'm going back to college or that my kids are anywhere old enough to be in college. I guess I was just curious what the editor believed would be pertinent specifically to college age students.
 I was a little excited when I saw this list of features offered:

• 222 school-year devotions with daily insights and applications on relevant topics
• Devotions use a unique storytelling approach to connect God’s Word with your real-life questions, struggles, and decisions as a student
• A practical reading plan that helps you stay connected to God during the 9 months of school each year
• Quick-start guide shows you how to get the most out of reading the Bible
• Subject index for looking up topics of interest
• Complete text of the clear, accessible NIV Bible

The devotionals are thought provoking. The real life stories connected to the Bible stories has always been helpful when studying through the Bible because you can see it working today. The questions weren't always quick answers, I really had to give some thought to some of them and even was a little afraid to write down the answers to a few...don't want to admit certain things to myself yet...which means I need to do more studying and growing.

I really enjoyed the introduction where the editor explained how this version came to be through all the years of translations. That was something that I have not read much about yet. It really helped you to see that just because the language changes a little, the meaning behind it is still the same.

I do have to say that as much as I've enjoyed this Bible, I don't see how it's specific to college age people. Well....I guess everyone over 18 is a typical college age student. But if the editor was trying to be specific to the just out of high school trying to find their way crowd, I didn't see it.

It's a wonderful Bible with thought provoking devotionals included. Just don't feel the need to get it for your college age student because of the title. Get it for yourself if you would like a new Bible with lots of devotions and other extras.The print is easy to read and the devotions aren't a distraction from the Bible itself.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A new thing Tiny loves

I have been disappointed in myself lately that I was raised Catholic, went to a Catholic school for 8 years, and still have limited knowledge of the Bible. Which is my drive to make sure that my girls are well adapted with the Bible to fight all of the challenges that will come their way in life.

As I was searching for something to keep my Tiny busy during the day, I found this amazingly simple Bible verse/preschool program.

This site has an amazing amount of good stuff on it but I am truly in love with this program of theirs.

Each letter is associated with a Bible verse, cutting activity, math activity, phonics fun, tracing activity, color and shape activity, and some story telling.

Violet loves these packets. The amazing thing is that she has 8 verses memorized so far and she understands them AND she uses them on her sisters. Her enthusiasm for these verses has seeped into her sisters and they want to do it now too.

Our learning wall. Things fall down and more go up. She gets so excited about saying her verses. I especially love it because I'm learning verses with her. I have the philosophies and I have the faith, now I'm learning the ammunition necessary to fight my battles.

Pop on over and check out all of the wonderful programs this site has to offer. I stumbled on them by accident and fell in love with them instantly.

Girls Retreat 2012 (part 3)

The retreat ended with some pretty powerful sessions.

The Stuff You Use Every Day.
"I like opened my mouth, and she said it."
What is the difference between the stuff you use every day and the things that you need, your necessities. The girls acknowledge that we live in a complicated, complex, technological society. That the stuff we need to survive in today's world isn't all necessarily a necessity but we would be living a very hard life in America if we didn't acknowledge them...like toilets, toilet paper, deodorant, cars. They agreed that we use a lot more stuff every day than we need to be having or using every day. And having stuff isn't always a bad thing. It turns bad when you stop thinking of them as tools and start thinking of them as treasures. The girls were warned to be on their guard for every form of greed. To store up to make an easy life isn't always using the best of our abilities to live the life Christ designed for us. It's not bad to have things and success in life. It turns bad when all you do is want more. Greed misinterprets the meaning of life. Greed says "more", while coveting says "all". We tend to want our stuff to label us. We think that our things will show the world how smart and successful we are. Are there things you just can't get enough of? Becareful of those things. We can become wrapped up in the having and storing of things rather than using what has been given us for the glory of God's kingdom. For example, those clothes that don't fit you anymore, give them away. There is a woman out there with hardly anything, looking to better herself, and make herself feel successful as she creates her success.

Tithing gives us perspective. It allows us to be good stewards to the earth. It teaches us that we can live on less than we acquire. Everything you are and have belongs to the Lord. Your body, your time, the buttons on your clothes, and the phone in your pocket all belong to the Lord and can be used for His glory. Dare to be Sold Out to God. Learn to be content.

How are your desires controlling you? Dispose of the attitude of need if you can not remove the item of necessity. He is our Earl, our Lord over all.

We watched a video My Own Little World. It shows us our labels and how it's time to step out of our population of me.

Does your heart break for the things that breaks God's heart?

God uses everything that the enemy puts in our path for His purposes.

And now the reason for the boat in the room. Matthew 14:22. Jesus made the disciples get into the boat so that He could go to pray. Matthew 14:27. Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.

Peter's faith was strong enough to step out of the boat. It wasn't until he took his eyes off Christ that he started to sink. His faith was stronger than the other 11 that stayed huddled in the boat in the middle of the storm. Our boat may be really comfortable and it might not be easy to step out of. Faith is hard, it takes courage and strength. Faith takes us from where we are to where we need to be.

A shark (and a goldfish) will stay the size of the tank it is in. Once released it will grow to full size. Step out of your tank and grow to your full potential.

You can respond in fear or faith to Jesus. We need to take the worries to Him and He will give us our faith.

Do you have a risk taking faith? What is God calling you to do? Don't focus on your labels. Focus on what you can do. What is keeping you in the boat? Toss it overboard.

They shared a clip from skitguys.com . Go and check them out when you get a chance. They bring the stories to a whole new light. "Why did you say my name?" "Peter, that's grace."

And that is the end of my notes from the retreat. It gave me so much food for thought that I started writing out my life story and the lessons that I learned from it. I have 14 big lessons so far in the 10 year period that I chose to start with.

Girls's Retreat 2012 (part 2)

"That's so funny it made me laugh."
"It will make sense later."

The girls got to learn about the greatest failures in the Bible. Names like David, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Peter, and Paul. They were questioned as to what makes a failure or a success in life. The leader admitted that she was a failure in life according to the one test that means everything. The Ten commandments test. Now I was inspired to do this test as well and realize that I am a total and complete failure.  The leader put up the Splotch of Failure and had all the girls write one failure in the splotch. It really looked quite beautiful from the back of the room where you couldn't read all of the words. The overall lesson was that our disappoints look overwhelming to us. You just need to lay them at the feet of Jesus and they won't be there anymore.

Disappointments was the next topic of the day. We were taught that all disappointments weigh the same in the eyes of God. It's amazing how we see God as our genie with unlimited wishes for us. How our lives are filled with unmet expectations. Many of them come from inside ourselves, while others come from other people or circumstances.  The girls were given the example of Elijah. How our faith does not insulate us from disappointments. How disappointments come after our greatest actions. We were all reminded that God can see us as if we are only three feet away from Him. We need to put on our spiritual army boots and go to battle daily. Also, to ask God to give us something to be thankful for.

This next section was amazing. The girls all grabbed their sleeping bags and pillows and laid down in the entry hall. The girls are facing a full wall of windows looking out into the pine tree woods behind. This section was based on the song Lost the Plot by Newsboys. The leader started reading verses from the Bible about Jesus's second coming. She kept asking them if they heard the trumpets calling since it could happen any second. She asked if it was silly to sit and listen for Jesus's coming? As the leader was asking these questions a small storm was blowing outside and the trees all began to sway. I was getting ready to hear the trumpets call or a tree to fall.

The leader went through the words in the song and asked the girls to help dissect it and share what the song was saying to them. It's about how we forgot the purpose of our lives. How we are vulnerable to destruction. How we're not getting out of life what we wanted. How our first love is Jesus and we should try not to drop it or forget about it. How it's about God's grace and how we're waiting for proof. How God doesn't give up and how because of what Jesus did, we are heaven bound.

Next topic was on Complacency. We are called to transform our environment and not just hope to survive it. The leader shared some ways to refresh our faith and get a new perspective.
1. Go to a different service or church every now and again. Seeing how others profess their faith and learn about God will make old things new again.
2. Join a Bible study. The best way to grow is to read something. Just don't dig through the garbage to find the bit of good in it. Did that with a book recently.
3. Use a daily devotional or weekly devotional. There are many good ones out there in books and online.
4. Be a mentor. Their excitement is contagious. I have found that the best way to learn something is to teach it to someone else. Then you get to learn it twice.
5. Find an accountability partner. Just like exercising your body, you need someone to keep you accountable when exercising your mind.
6. Read a book of the Bible that you have never read or haven't read in a while. You will see something new that you've never seen before because you are in a different time of life.
7. Praying in a new way: scrabble it, graffiti, playdough (smash your challenges or sins), etch in the sand and wipe it away, use a paper shredder, world map, music, look at the many faces of Jesus, talk to people about your faith, do a service project.
The leader also shared a joke about the devil calling up three demons to send out into the world and their plans for us all. The first one was going to tell everyone that there was no God and the devil told him that it would just get a few and not enough. The second one was going to tell everyone that there was no hell and the devil told him that it would just get a few and not enough. The third one said, "I will tell them that there is no need to hurry." And the devil sent him out amongst the people.
The world IS going to end. What are we doing to make it better while we are here?
God, expand our faith and forgive us for the casual attitude we give You.

Next topic was FEAR. The leader shared that we need not be afraid to act, to show kindness, and to give. The stickers will only stick if you let them.

"They're not fat; they're full of knowledge."

"As long as we're alive we're breathing His name. We just don't know that we're doing it."

Got a few more sections to go (but I also have other things to do today). This is when I accomplished my goal for the weekend...to make a carpenter ring for every girl there and every adult that spent the whole weekend with these girls. I remembered that the girls enjoyed them so much last year that I thought I would surprise them with one in their goody bag.

Forgot to take a picture of them all together.

Hope you enjoyed the beginning of day two.

The Book that Made Your World - a review

It has taken me forever to read this book. Not that it's not a good read. I would gobble down chunks of it at a time. It's because it was only available as an eBook and I did not have an eReader until my birthday last month. That's when my mom and my sister (who both have one) got me a Kindle. I'm starting to enjoy it. Has come in handy a few times this last month but I still LOVE real books. But I'm not here to review the Kindle, I'm here to tell you about this great book. First a little blurb about what the book is about.

Discover how the Bible became the West’s source of human rights, justice, heroism, optimism, compassion, capitalism, family, and morality.

In the 1960s many from the West went to the East in search of spiritual wisdom. The Book That Made Your World reverses the journey. Vishal Mangalwadi, an Indian philosopher, takes readers on a historical journey through the last millennium, exploring why and how the Bible reformed Europe and made the West a uniquely thinking civilization: technical and tolerant, scientific and free, just and prosperous. Readers will learn:

• Why an American president puts his hand on the Bible to take the oath of a secular office
• What forced British monarchs from Henry VIII to James I to submit to the Bible’s authority
• Why Bible translators Wycliffe, Luther, and Tyndale became history’s greatest revolutionaries
• How the Bible globalized western education

A learned man who was raised in Indian culture, telling the world how the Bible has made it what it is today. It's an extremely powerful and uplifting book to read. He gives the facts, he shares personal stories, and he makes it an enjoyable read. 

One of my favorite quotes is, "Postmodern people see little point in reading books that do not contribute directly to their career or pleasure." Which I believe makes for a sad state of affairs in this world. You need to learn about the world you are living in and where it came from in order to know where it's going.

Reading the challenges that the Bible has gone through in order to get into the hand of every person on this planet is amazing (and still on going). The effect the Bible has had on people explains so much about the world around us. As the Bible has been translated and placed into the hands of the common man, we have realized that we can think for ourselves and that there is something better for us out there if only we Ask, Seek, and Knock.

I cannot explain as completely and eloquently as Mr Mangalwadi has. So go out and get yourself a copy and read for yourself how the Bible has changed the world. And then go and grab a copy of the Bible and see how it can change you.

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

Proverbs 31:10-31

Proverbs 31:10-31

New International Version (NIV)

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

 ^10 [a]A wife of noble character who can find?
   She is worth far more than rubies.
¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
   and lacks nothing of value.
¹² She brings him good, not harm,
   all the days of her life.
¹³ She selects wool and flax
   and works with eager hands.
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
   bringing her food from afar.
¹⁵ She gets up while it is still night;
   she provides food for her family
   and portions for her female servants.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
   out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
   her arms are strong for her tasks.
¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
   and her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
   and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
   and extends her hands to the needy.
²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
   for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
²² She makes coverings for her bed;
   she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
   where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
   and supplies the merchants with sashes.
²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
   she can laugh at the days to come.
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
   and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
   and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
   her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women do noble things,
   but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done,
   and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

This scripture was part of the MOMS study I'm in for the week on your husband. I read it and was astounded and thought that I needed to share this with my hubby after he chuckled about the topic of the week. 

The question that followed the instructions to read it was, "What questions came into your head as you read it?"

My husbands response was that life is so much easier now. 

I had a few more thoughts than that.

Did she have anyone to help her with all of this? That's a crazy amount of work for one woman.

Is our advanced technology helping us or hurting us? It's allowing for more idle time.

What were your thoughts after reading this verse? Do you think that you could be a woman from the Proverbs? I know for certain that I would have a really hard time doing it. Especially since I asked my husband today if he ever felt like he was being buried alive. He chuckled and said that he never thought of it that way. He also admitted that is why he doesn't ask me to do more than I already am. Because he recognizes that I may start one project with good intention of finishing it and then get distracted (rightly) by the children or anything else that takes (right) priority and then I just forget to get back to it.

On that note...I have heaps of laundry and dishes that should be getting some minimal attention while everyone is otherly distracted. But I am really enjoying writing.

So tired...just want a nap.

Something has got to be missing from my body because I should not feel this tired all the time. It's probably me wearing myself down but I don't remember feeling this tired when I do that. Hmmm...maybe these 330am wake ups with no nap are starting to affect me. Tiny girl did allow me to take one nap this week. We will try again today with all the other stuff I have planned.

Girlie birthday party this weekend. Started making the fairy dust (colored salt) last night. Going to pop some fresh popcorn for them to sprinkle the fairy dust on. Also planning on making coffee filter fairies and no cook playdough. So keep your eyes open for the wrap up summary of all this fantasticness. Along with it being my birthday and we've been invited to an Eagle Scout ceremony. And then it looks like I'll be starting helping out in the classroom the week after or maybe the week after that. The hubby is very excited that I have so much to do to keep busy. Praying that if I wear myself out, that he'll be fine picking up the pieces (after all, it took him a week to realize I was sick last month).

M.O.M.S. group started up again. Love hanging out with such a wide range of women. We have two brand new moms and a few well retired ladies along with all of us in the many stages of children. This session we are studying And yesterday was the introduction session. What hit me the most was the simple change of a word in a sentence can change everything. If you simply change "need" to "want", this weight lifts off of you and you are able to function happily. Talked this topic over with the hubby last night. He said that there has to be a base list of needs in order to function. I think that if we make some of those needs into wants in the learning process, we may raise happier children. They should want to pick up their toys so that they know where to find them and they don't disappear. They should want to put their clothes in their drawers so that they know where to find them and they stay clean and safe from the sisters. They should want to help out around the house because they know that makes mom and dad happy and when they are happy good things happen.

I think I have procrastinated enough for one morning (maybe .:slaps hand:. ok). Time to do my study because I want to not have to worry about it for the rest of the day and I want to do something fun with the tiny girl. Like attempt the first batch of playdough.

Thoughts of Another Agenda

This week's topic was a challenge for me. I wanted to pick just the right topic to go next. I pondered what other thoughts typically run through women's heads that bring them down or slow them down. Because I want to show these women that if you let these thoughts take over your brain, it could lead to depression and that's not a fun place to be.

Lonely.
I am all alone in this world. No one cares about me. No one listens to me. They probably wouldn't notice if I wasn't here right now. I have no one to talk to. No one would understand me if I did talk to them. I got myself into this and I can get myself out of this.

We are never truly alone in this world. There is always someone within arms reach that will listen to you without judging. Someone that has been to a similar place as where you are. Someone who notices when you're not there. Someone that needs you more than you'll ever begin to know. And plenty of people that care about you.

Whenever these thoughts attack me, I get bombarded with counterattacks. People want me to come and listen to them or do something with them. People send me notes saying that they were just thinking about me or praying for me.

Or I hear a story that is similar to what I'm going through only it's different. It's these stories that change my life and my outlook. If that person made it through their challenge so strong, I can make it through mine that seems so easy compared to theirs. When it feels like I'm drowning in my challenge and no one is there to help me out, I think about the people that have been through worse situations than the one that is drowning me.

Then I realize that God only gives us the challenges He knows we can handle. Some days I wish God didn't trust me so much...I know you do too.

Thoughts of Another Agenda

I am a bad wife. I don't do half the things a wife should do and I continuously disappoint my husband. My house isn't always clean. I don't always cook healthy, filling meals. Or have them on the table on time.

I let the stress of my day affect how I treat my husband instead of seeing all that he has done for me today and appreciating him for it.

I don't keep myself pretty and smelling good all the time because I just dom't have time to make it a priority.

I tend to put myself first some days. I have an issue with control; both the giving and taking of it.

He doesn't acknowledge all I do in a day or even help me with the little things. So I must be a bad wife.

These are the thoughts of another agenda.

I am a good wife or he wouldn't still be putting up with me. I am not perfect. I am a human. Things get done, just not always on schedule. I still awe him at times. He's still attracted to me and wants to be near me. I'm still learning to give control and follow being submissive as laid out in the Bible. I am still learning how not to be passive and take some control of my life. This is my double edged sword.

Made to Crave - MOMS Study

Coming to the last week of the study and learned so much through this. Survived today without eating anything I wasn't supposed to. I am realizing that I have been praying the serenity prayer in times of stress with the kids. Who knew it was so universal a use? I have used it every day this week so far.

This weekend after the study is finished I plan on going back through my notes and giving you all a summary of my take on the study. I've enjoyed it alot. And am sure going to miss these women over the summer, hope there are park get-togethers planned sometime.

Book Review - A Conversation With God by Alton Gansky

A Conversation with God by Alton Gansky

If you could ask God any question, what would it be? The author takes an insightful look at those pressing questions in today’s world and uses Bible verses to create a conversation between the Giants of the Bible and the questioner. The book includes a notes section with all of the Bible verses to back up the conversations and makes note of the ones that are straight quoted and the ones that the author has taken some liberty of interpreting. The topics are God, the Bible, the Future, Pain and Suffering, Jesus, the Kingdom of God, Heaven and Hell, Humanity, Christian Living, and Today’s World. Each topic is broken down into 4-8 questions and each question is discussed by more than one of the Bible’s Giants. A summary of these Giants and who they were in the Bible are included in the introduction.

The author does a great job of writing both for the new Christian, the non-Christian, and the Christian that believes that they know it all. I enjoyed the usage of the Bible verses and not only his interpretation of what the Bible says to him. The range of topics really got me thinking about these questions all over again. I had many “ah-ha” moments.

From the questions about God, I found, “To believe that God created everything is to believe in God – and that admission demands a change in the person.”

From the questions about the Bible, I found, “Jesus became the new contract.”

From the questions on the Future, I found, “Paul said, ‘Let us not sleep as others do, but let us watch and be sober.’”

From the questions on Pain and Suffering, I found, “Fairness has nothing to do with death and disaster.”

From the questions on Jesus, I found, “Faith isn’t wishful thinking. It isn’t a leap in the dark. It isn’t belief without facts. Faith is based on what has been revealed to you and what you have experienced.”

From the questions on the Kingdom, I found, “You are not exempt from problems, but faith enables you to face them with confidence that God is there to help you.”

From the questions on Heaven and Hell, I found, “In heaven you will be more than you are, do more than you've done, and be freer than you’ve ever been.”

From the questions on Humanity, I found, “You are greater than your bones, muscles, internal organs, and brain – you have a spiritual element.”

From the questions on Christian Living, I found, “Peace is quiet in the midst of turmoil. It is facing difficulty with a confident and calm spirit.”

If these quotes intrigued you and you would like to read more like these, I suggest that you pick up this book and read it at your leisure. Take your time and ponder these words.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Made to Crave - MOMS Study

Just started a new study with my MOMS group yesterday. Good stuff. I noticed that the attendance was down and I hope it wasn't due to the book. Because this book isn't just about your craving for food. You can turn the craving into anything that you obsess about in your mind and place that in there for food.

I don't have a huge problem with food but as many of us do, I eat more than my body needs to survive and I don't always eat what my body needs. This week's topic is Empowered. Empower yourself to stand up against those cravings and realize what they truly are.

We crave because we are missing something in our lives. What we're missing is what we need to focus on rather than the craving. What we crave matters, maybe we can find a way to connect what we crave to the thing that we are missing thereby causing us to crave. We need to pray to be enlightened as to what it is that we are missing that is causing us to crave and help to strengthen us against the urge.

Can't wait to see what the rest of the week brings me.

Awesome Girls Retreat

Had a fantastic time at the girls retreat this past weekend.
Friday night I joined them for singing and their guest speakers. Powerful stuff both of them. And then we designed carpenter rings until midnight. A carpenter ring is something I stumbled onto about a year ago. I had some wood beads in my storage container and thought they would make an awesome ring to wear. I was right. I loved it! And then moment I placed it on my finger, I thought, "I am in love with a carpenter." Second thought was that I needed to send this ring to one of my best friends. She would love it as well. Took it to a woman's retreat and it was a hit there as well. So I offered to bring my wood beads and let the girls create their own carpenter rings to show that they are in love with a carpenter as well. (By the way, in case you didn't know, Jesus was a carpenter.)

Saturday when I showed back up to share the gems of the Bible bracelets, I was asked if I had brought my beads with again. Some of the girls found out about the rings the next morning and wished that they had known what we had been making the night before because now they want one. Unfortunately I had not brought them with; fortunately I had brought some that I had already made with.
The Bible bracelets were a huge hit once they were made. Making them was a bit of a chore for some. Never realized how hard it was for some people to tie a knot. The girls and moms loved them and some were even wearing them still at church the next day.
I learned a lot of great things about raising girls this weekend listening to the teens and their parents. Took many notes because I am one day going to be a mom of three teenage girls *sigh*. But atleast I won't be alone in it and there are women in the church who will be there to help me through  it, as I witnessed this weekend.