tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84884228628151203642024-03-19T18:00:35.385+10:30Ausjennybooks I have read and a look at some new ones coming out soon and Interviews with authors.Ausjennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644698706787568679noreply@blogger.comBlogger1849125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488422862815120364.post-73209330653786653972024-03-19T18:00:00.001+10:302024-03-19T18:00:00.199+10:30Book Review | Love's Promis by Penny Zeller<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESViePYO9DD2fjffYBJ5j-u6YxyleNKtk_IHNabv8A_W04Q5czHssuA4YmmfPXLsSWmtQpDfMtDUApQrTAe2HLBt_C4TjPuoT90sxxyO7GrXaESp0HbNCETo-Y816vW1l3o8lFCNT4rBckJndhCV2C_OMnlEo2qyDl6_uYHJqsYxT9_gzRkZNUC6JgOU/s400/Love's%20Promise%20by%20Penny%20Zeller%20ausjenny.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESViePYO9DD2fjffYBJ5j-u6YxyleNKtk_IHNabv8A_W04Q5czHssuA4YmmfPXLsSWmtQpDfMtDUApQrTAe2HLBt_C4TjPuoT90sxxyO7GrXaESp0HbNCETo-Y816vW1l3o8lFCNT4rBckJndhCV2C_OMnlEo2qyDl6_uYHJqsYxT9_gzRkZNUC6JgOU/s320/Love's%20Promise%20by%20Penny%20Zeller%20ausjenny.png" width="320" /></a></div><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today I am reviewing Love's Promise by Penny Zeller which has just released. </h2><h3 style="text-align: left;">Book description</h3><div><p style="text-align: left;"><span class="a-text-italic" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic !important;">Can one man's love win a fragile woman's heart?</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">After Amaya Alvarado lost her fiancé to a senseless tragedy, she vows never to love again. Two years later, at her grandmother’s request, she travels to Poplar Springs to assist with the mercantile and help care for her ailing grandfather. During a stagecoach accident and a confrontation with nefarious outlaws, she crosses paths with a man named Silas McFadden who rescues her and the other passengers. A bond between them soon forms.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Silas is not the man he once was. After a stint on the wrong side of the law, he’s now a respectable rancher in Poplar Springs, Wyoming. After becoming a man of faith, he determines to live his life for the One who gave him a second chance. He just never imagined that second chance might include Amaya. Now all he has to do is ensure his past doesn’t return and destroy his and Amaya’s fragile relationship.</span></p></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">My Review</span></h3><p><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Another great book by Penny Zeller. This one takes us back to Poplar Springs where we meet some familiar characters as well as some new ones. This time the story is about Silas who we have previously met and Amaya who is new to the town coming to help her grandparents with the mercantile store. </span></span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The book starts with Silas helping Grandmama as her husband is unwell and awaiting her grand-daughter Amaya's arrival. She asks Silas to meet the stagecoach because of outlaws in the area. I won't say much of this except the Beginning really does set up the whole book. Amaya was engaged to Russell who was killed in a previous book and has vowed never to marry because he was the love of her life. She feels to love another would diminish her love for him. Silas yearns to be a good husband and father like his friend John Mark. We see the struggles both characters face. </span></p><p><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">There are also a cast of fun characters including Gertrude and her pet cat who has set up a matchmaking service. Also, Pritchard the mayor is back again, and his character is larger than life. There is so much I would love to talk about, but I don't give spoilers but once you read it I would be happy to chat about the book with you. </span></p><p><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">There is a strong faith element in this books which deals with forgiveness, uncertainty and other topic. If you have read the other books in the series this is a great book to end the series. If you haven't read the others, you would still be able to follow along but there would be a few things you maybe unclear about. It wouldn't detract from the story at all.</span></p><p><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Can't wait for more books by this author.</span></p><p><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Loves-Promise-Wyoming-Sunrise-Book-ebook/dp/B0BYY9X6S1" target="_blank">Click to buy</a></span></p><p></p><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><p></p>Ausjennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644698706787568679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488422862815120364.post-85200891591370286252024-03-18T10:53:00.002+10:302024-03-18T10:58:46.905+10:30Book Review | One Wrong Move by Dani Pettrey<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDrDs6bVs1CMDuQciXl1Vp6hL_7GbCRPWGrR526D7VUyss6Vxk7GfLgSaIdqVQMHAY2_CmgMCyat_YuV1PNP1SDwnNSzLTgJrEHHD_uRgIX1xG7lfPF2VoM4o1W_etQ28wsj8nPMGaBnsuDemXQLiASyPD-U8jdnvOEHvut5G8h11dA2yx5jNU-cX7sM/s800/One%20Wrong%20Move%20(1).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDrDs6bVs1CMDuQciXl1Vp6hL_7GbCRPWGrR526D7VUyss6Vxk7GfLgSaIdqVQMHAY2_CmgMCyat_YuV1PNP1SDwnNSzLTgJrEHHD_uRgIX1xG7lfPF2VoM4o1W_etQ28wsj8nPMGaBnsuDemXQLiASyPD-U8jdnvOEHvut5G8h11dA2yx5jNU-cX7sM/s320/One%20Wrong%20Move%20(1).png" width="320" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><br />Today I am Reviewing One Wrong Move by Dani Pettrey<br /></h2><h3 style="text-align: left;">Book description</h3><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600;">Taunting riddles.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600;">A deadly string of heists.<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;" />Two broken hearts trapped in a killer's game.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-family: "Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-family: "Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span face=""Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">Christian Macleod was pulled into a life of crime at a young age by his con artist parents. Now making amends for his corrupt past, he has become one of the country's foremost security experts. When a string of Southwestern art heists captures the FBI's attention, Christian is paired up with a gifted insurance investigator who has her own checkered past.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-family: "Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-family: "Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span face=""Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">Andi Forster was a brilliant FBI forensic analyst until one of her colleagues destroyed her career, blaming her for mishandling evidence. She now puts those skills to work investigating insurance fraud, and this latest high-stakes case will test her gift to the limit. Drawn deep into a dangerous game with an opponent bent on revenge, Christian and Andi are in a race against the clock to catch him, but the perpetrator's game is far from finished, and one wrong move could be the death of them both.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">My Review</span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">Thanks to Netgalley for my review copy.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-family: "Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-family: "Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span face=""Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">I watched an interview with Dani Pettrey about this book and it made me want to read it. There is something about Private detectives that interest me. In this book Andi is an insurance investigator and Christian is a private detective with skills in security. They meet at a crime scene and end up working the case together. The bad guys are playing with them leaving clues on Andi's car. We learn early on Andi was a former FBI agent working in the lab. From the blurb we know Christian was raised by con artists for parents but will take a while to learn his whole story. Other characters include Christian's brother Deckard and sister Riley, along with Andi's friend Harper plus a couple others. As well as the bad guys.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-family: "Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-family: "Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span face=""Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">The action starts from the start and continues right through the book. We also have the romance happening as well. there are many twists and turns which kept me reading. This wasn't a light read but each day I ended wanting to read more but I also needed sleep. It is my first book by Dani Pettrey but it won't be my last. I normally don't read a lot of suspense mainly stick to Love Inspired Suspense but may now read more in this genre. I eagerly await the next book in this series to see what will happen next in this family of Detectives.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-family: "Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-family: "Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span face=""Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">There is a strong faith thread throughout the book as well. I would love to say more but I don't give away spoilers.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Wrong-Move-Jeopardy-Falls-Book-ebook/dp/B0C9S61BL3/ref=monarch_sidesheet" target="_blank">One Wrong Move</a></div></div></div><p></p>Ausjennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644698706787568679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488422862815120364.post-14484391786046287972024-03-11T08:48:00.002+10:302024-03-15T17:07:00.795+10:30Book Review of Just for the Summer by Melody Carlson<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopxsnF2RsQ3V_XF2kdZPJoc7OCkAr_EjX_s_85w0h50Yw95mNFQUYhLm-gTYjGXxpbVApBcwbK7nrf2GauUc94lqZAC1TeyJaD4g4qhR22ZETGTU8qWRXCbjCi4Sn3JkwP2B8-sb4qKx13mAif4_67tFcFxV4DCIXNyyGB4DT82JBRSLkIexmNsxkjCo/s800/just%20for%20summer.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopxsnF2RsQ3V_XF2kdZPJoc7OCkAr_EjX_s_85w0h50Yw95mNFQUYhLm-gTYjGXxpbVApBcwbK7nrf2GauUc94lqZAC1TeyJaD4g4qhR22ZETGTU8qWRXCbjCi4Sn3JkwP2B8-sb4qKx13mAif4_67tFcFxV4DCIXNyyGB4DT82JBRSLkIexmNsxkjCo/s320/just%20for%20summer.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Today I am reviewing Just for the Summer by Melody Carlson
releasing 19 March 2024</h2><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Book description:</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Ginny Masters manages a popular boutique hotel in Seattle
and manages it with aplomb. But the daily challenges and irritations of a
fast-paced job and a demanding boss are starting to get to her. Jacqueline
Potter manages her grandfather’s fishing lodge in Idaho because it was the only
job she could find after graduating with her hospitality degree. She’s grateful
for the work but longs for a more sophisticated and cosmopolitan life she’s
just not going to find in this backwoods town.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The solution to both their problems seems obvious. Just for
the summer, they’ll swap jobs and lifestyles. But they never anticipated
swapping love interests . . .<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In this fabulous new twist on an age-old fable,
award-winning and bestselling author Melody Carlson introduces you to two
career-focused women who are about to discover that there’s more to finding
happiness than just switching up the scenery.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">My Review:</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thanks to Netgalley for my review copy.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I was hooked from the first paragraph. The story is about
Ginny and Jacqueline. Both are in jobs managing hotel or resorts of different
sorts. Ginny in Seattle in a Boutique hotel and Jacqueline in a fishing lodge.
Through a site for a job swap they are able to swap jobs for a set time. In
this case the summer. There are quite a few interesting characters. Ginny’s
boss Diane is very demanding and comes across as unreasonable and difficult to
work for. Jacqueline is working for her Grandfather who she portrays as being
stuck in time and unwilling to change the lodge.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are other characters that help make the story but I
won’t say much as I want you to find out more. Its also Ginny and Jacqueline
have a few things in common from childhood but interesting how different the
Women reacted to this. I loved Ginny and her get up and go attitude but at
times I wanted to reach in and shake Jacqueline for her attitude. It was
interesting to see how the Summer played out and how the characters grow. I
would love to talk more about this book as there is so much to unpack but you
will have to read. Then we can talk about it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The book does have a romance thread but its not the main
thread.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Have your read any books by Melody Carlson. Have you ever
read about a job swap before.</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><br />Ausjennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644698706787568679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488422862815120364.post-14287912381649026632024-03-08T06:24:00.002+10:302024-03-08T06:24:33.202+10:30Book review of Levi's Vow by Penny Zeller<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzE1vTr_22gYoSGmW6JK4ahAJ2bagqFy4kKqkn5ND1WdxWk4X2FE6HqpxpE0PdSpOtEAVXao4WgOw1Z_XoEAUq0-ccJzMFKAwYUJFG5M5uQkaN1VnxHqC7zRybr07SvqCJG3vaGMtmCKfIGBnLuuLRAh-_b3MzBpqt1xIY3FfBqxjoBGvEeOpPlsqjeEQ/s800/Levi's%20Vow.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzE1vTr_22gYoSGmW6JK4ahAJ2bagqFy4kKqkn5ND1WdxWk4X2FE6HqpxpE0PdSpOtEAVXao4WgOw1Z_XoEAUq0-ccJzMFKAwYUJFG5M5uQkaN1VnxHqC7zRybr07SvqCJG3vaGMtmCKfIGBnLuuLRAh-_b3MzBpqt1xIY3FfBqxjoBGvEeOpPlsqjeEQ/s320/Levi's%20Vow.png" width="320" /></a></div><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Today I am reviewing Levi's Vow by Penny Zeller</h2><h3 style="text-align: left;">Book description</h3><div>A man running from his past. A woman facing an uncertain future.</div><p></p><p>Wrongfully imprisoned for a crime and disowned by his family, Levi Callahan endeavors to put the past behind him. When he travels to the Idaho Territory and secures a job on a small farm, he has no idea he’ll once again be defending the vulnerable.</p><p>Norah Hammett knows what it means to suffer loss. After her husband leaves her and their children for a “better” life and her hired hand steals from her, she is left to run the farm alone. When ruthless men attempt to steal Norah's Idaho farm, can Levi, a man running from his past, help her save it? Or will he prove to be disloyal like the rest of the men in her life?</p><p>Will God use desperate circumstances to bring two hurting hearts together?</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">My review</h3><div><div>Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was hooked from the very beginning. We meet Norah at the general store placing an ad for a hired hand for her farm where she is accosted by a man warning her off hiring someone. We also meet Levi who has been falsely accused and in jail. Both characters have past hurts and are determined to protect themselves from being hurt again. We see the man warning not to hire someone again and there is a lot of action throughout the book. I use the term action as some people equate drama with angsts which is totally wrong in this case. </div><div><br /></div><div>I didn't want to put the book down and I didn't want it to end. I could see this as a movie as I was seeing the scenes play out in my mind. I have to mention the children 6 year old Enoch and 4 year old Hazel. Hazel steals so many moments in this book. She is a chatterbox and some of her comments and questions are so funny.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is a faith filled, action packed novella by Penny Zeller. I haven't read a book by the author I haven't like but I think each book gets a little better. Looking forward to her next book</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Levis-Vow-Winning-Devotion-Book-ebook/dp/B0CKHGHY48" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="283" height="425" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81z+NmVWeCL._SY425_.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Ausjennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644698706787568679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488422862815120364.post-15063978167120920062018-02-04T14:04:00.000+10:302018-02-04T14:04:05.671+10:30Book Review The Calico & Cowboys by Mary Connealy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0nTYQkK6Q1OcAAQSWkpdJTJn7Ro84gM1ro8F85snoMT8n1tRFDpjDzf6_SAK5zHCcgTUCJ99jjL-rDNRZxX7uIr3Xc5b2JEgt8IOMTsmCqcEFxnDocoJJmK7Oprjg2T0ZIaMvwXJfhg/s1600/cover120978-medium.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0nTYQkK6Q1OcAAQSWkpdJTJn7Ro84gM1ro8F85snoMT8n1tRFDpjDzf6_SAK5zHCcgTUCJ99jjL-rDNRZxX7uIr3Xc5b2JEgt8IOMTsmCqcEFxnDocoJJmK7Oprjg2T0ZIaMvwXJfhg/s320/cover120978-medium.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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Description<br />
Love sneaks up on eight couples in the Old West.<br />
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The Old West comes to life under the talented pen of bestselling author Mary Connealy. Enjoy a lighthearted ride alongside seven historical and one contemporary cowboys and the women who tame their hearts.<br />
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The Advent Bride<br />
Melanie Douglas is alone on the Nebraska plains, teaching school to get by. She finds a unique box with hidden drawers to use over the advent season to engage a young boy in his schooling. When Henry O’Keeffe sees a positive change in his son, he has to see for himself what this new teacher is doing.<br />
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A Bride Rides Herd<br />
Matt Reeves arrives at his brother’s ranch to find Betsy Harden alone with the little girls during a cattle drive. Will the ladies be too much to handle when Matt steps in for the missing ranch hand?<br />
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His Surprise Family<br />
A lonely young rancher orders a mail-order bride and after the vows are spoken, she “surprises” him with her three little brothers. No amount of apologies Meghan McCray gives are going to make Silas Harden, Jr. believe a word she says. Should Silas just build himself another house and let his mail-order family take over the one he’s got?<br />
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Homestead on the Range<br />
Widow Elle Winter meets new homesteader Colin Samuelson on the Nebraska prairie, but the attraction between them is soon dampened by the discovery that they have seven children between them. Soon their children are working against them to bring the two families together.<br />
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Sophie’s Other Daughter<br />
Dr. Ike Reeves comes home to visit his family only to bring trouble in the form of outlaws who believe he witnessed their latest crime. When the gang traps Ike and his old nemesis, Lauren McClellen, in a cave, they must work together to outsmart the thugs. But will their time together put them in a compromising situation that will threaten both of their good reputations?<br />
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The Sweetwater Bride<br />
Debba McClain takes offense at being offered a wedding in exchange for valuable water rights. But she doesn’t like to see a good man’s cattle die of thirst—and the rancher Tanner Harden is rather handsome.<br />
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Texas Tea<br />
Luke Reeves has gotten wealthy in the oil business and goes to visit his uncle to convince him to sign over the oil rights to his land. But when he meets his grown up adopted cousin Libby Cooper, he may be forced to give up one dream to win another.<br />
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Hope for Christmas<br />
It might be 2016, but Montana is still a mighty rough place to survive the winter. When Silas Harden finds the very pregnant Kelsey Black in a wrecked car surrounded by a pack of wolves in the heart of a blizzard he takes her to his remote home. What will Silas do when the baby decides to come and Kelsey confesses why she was out in such a terrible storm?<br />
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My Review<br />
I love Mary's books. This book is a series of novella's that include siblings that have full novels and here we get to know what happens to the siblings that do not have a novel. For example the youngest of Sophie's Daughters, and the Reeve's Boys and even Belle's children. The first novella is totally new characters and the last is a contemporary but the hero is related to the historical characters. <br />
I loved the book I loved seeing what happened to different characters and loved the dangers that Mary always adds to her books. A really good read. <br />
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Thanks to Netgalley for my review copyAusjennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644698706787568679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488422862815120364.post-22695404300826359082018-01-28T20:52:00.001+10:302018-01-28T20:52:28.071+10:30Australia Day giveawayIn honour of Australia day 12 authors are giving away a book and a $50 Amazon gift voucher. For Australian readers mostly will be print books and for international readers an ebook. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.iolagoulton.com/paperback-giveaway/<br />
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<a href="http://www.iolagoulton.com/paperback-giveaway/" target="_blank">Click here. </a><br />
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<br />Ausjennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644698706787568679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488422862815120364.post-73361276322561739652018-01-28T11:54:00.000+10:302018-01-28T11:54:00.591+10:30Book Review: Cracked Ice Featuring Darlene Franklin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ouMlBkr-VL0Aq0UEbdsjAjN5iCgMmqcSv9kRF3dvpSZt2jZzjxb94XkwCygPPQNUW3kFyTJQBF1lqNigC9Ei1oY8HIC_YdBJdHWntnLN7hopMqq0dhdgVqfoH5Iq09qUU7qbu7YdRbE/s1600/51VWs1K1p7L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ouMlBkr-VL0Aq0UEbdsjAjN5iCgMmqcSv9kRF3dvpSZt2jZzjxb94XkwCygPPQNUW3kFyTJQBF1lqNigC9Ei1oY8HIC_YdBJdHWntnLN7hopMqq0dhdgVqfoH5Iq09qUU7qbu7YdRbE/s320/51VWs1K1p7L.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One December night, an ice storm blows through Oklahoma City, leaving thousands without power. Meet the residents of Primrose Apartments. Young, old, alone, in love, prey and predator. What happens when the lights go out? LINDA’S YULETIDE LINKS by Darlene Franklin Linda Turner doesn't mind being homebound. Not as long as her aides arrive on time. Not as long as her life-sustaining machines keep running. But what happens an ice storm makes driving impossible, power unavailable--and her batteries run down? SIBLINGS by Toni Chism Matt and Harry have remained both brothers and friends their whole lives, strengthened by a boyhood vow to never let anything come between them. When an ice storm blows both frosty air and two beautiful women into their midst, will their vow hold to the very end? EVER AFTER by Bill Garrison Kim is starting life over in a new apartment with her three kids, when an intruder breaks in and threatens everything she holds dear. Survival may depend on the one thing she had given up on, her family. VEILED IN ICE by Kat Lewis My name is Celeste Ventris and there are two things I'm sure of. One, my wedding is tomorrow. And, two, I'm pretty certain there's a thief in my apartment. Merry-freakin'-Christmas to me. FOLLOWING AFTER by Sue Merriam Nora Bitterman has just completed the perfect crime. Everything so well planned, she’ll never get caught - or will she? BAD HAIR DAY by Shannon Pearson Ashlee wonders if she will ever get married. An ice storm cancels their plans, is it the end of the line for her and Ryan? BINARY by Chris Tarpley Jacob has been free of his sadistic and wicked twin brother John for years. Now, John is coming to visit. With John and Jacob together again in the same small space, what will happen when the lights go out? CRACKED ICE: What Happens When the Lights Go Out? is the second volume of short stories compiled by members of Oklahoma Christian Fiction Writers. Several authors appear in both Legacy Letters and Cracked in Ice.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Review:</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This book has several short stories in it all totally different. There were some I really loved and a few I didn't connect with as well but I am sure others would connect with them. I like the premise of this book where we see a blackout in one apartment block and what happens to different residents. I have to say I am not sure I want to be in this apartment building. I also have never been in an ice storm to have this happen but we did have a statewide blackout a year ago for many hours and its interesting how you realise just how reliant we are on electricity. </span>Ausjennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644698706787568679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488422862815120364.post-5668792014147629122017-11-30T12:00:00.000+10:302017-11-30T12:00:02.714+10:30Herald Press Blog Tour God's Country: Faith, Hope, and the Future of the Rural Church by Brad Roth<table background="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgNoQaJGbB1IOQu2D_ujOreD2u7eOF6e-6NvuYvpDytmPrdxy1ruO3ar19YYXDsi8pTZ9jaZBdcHJyt89e-9e-14GV4KFuH0Vupzk0=s0-d-e1-ft" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
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<em>God's Country: Faith, Hope, and the Future of the Rural Church</em> </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Brad Roth. </span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rural places are often seen as insular and declining, all pickup trucks and gas stations with no gas. Another popular vision of rural life is more nostalgic: amber waves of grain, quaint streets, and the idyllic family farm.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Neither story meets rural communities and congregations on their own terms, writes Brad Roth in his new book, <em>God’s Country: Faith, Hope, and the Future of the Rural Church</em> (Herald Press, September 2017). In an era in which many are prescribing solutions to rural dilemmas, Roth writes, “We need a new approach, one that sees rural communities not as places to pity or lionize but simply as <em>places</em>, places open to God’s goodness and in need of God’s grace.”</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Addressing issues such as population shifts, economics, and value systems, Roth takes a comprehensive look at issues facing the rural church today. He then offers a theological and practical alternative to church growth strategies, which are frequently imported from suburban and urban congregations and which rely on success stories and flashy metrics.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Calling leaders, pastors, and outsiders to “love the church as we discover it while still dreaming of where God is leading us,” Roth outlines a vision for vibrant rural churches that includes disciplines such as praising, abiding, watching, praying, growing, and befriending. “The rural church represents Christ’s commitment to be among all people everywhere, regardless of the value attributed to them by global centers of power,” he writes.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“This is a book I will assign to divinity students and to a prominent position on my shelf,” says Leonard Sweet in the book’s foreword. “Brad Roth tells stories that will linger in my mind and imagination and shape how I think about the future of all churches.”</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ABOUT BRAD ROTH</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Bradley Roth</strong> serves as pastor at West Zion Mennonite Church in Moundridge, Kansas. He grew up baling hay, tending sheep, and shearing Christmas trees on a farm in Illinois. He is a graduate of Augustana College, Harvard Divinity School, and Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. Brad has a heart for serving God and God’s people in rural communities. He’s passionate about sharing faith in word and deed and living out God’s love in the community. He and his wife, Lici, enjoy bicycling, tending a garden, keeping chickens, and playing with their two sons. </span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">$16.99 USD</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5.5 x 8.5 in. paperback</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>ISBN 978-1-5138-0161-2</strong> <strong></strong> </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>eBook </strong>│<strong> $13.99</strong> │ <strong></strong><strong>978-1-5138-0240-4 </strong><strong></strong> </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Release date: September 19, 2017</strong> </span></div>
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Ausjennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644698706787568679noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488422862815120364.post-39240976219470554272017-11-29T19:47:00.000+10:302017-11-29T19:47:36.007+10:30RABT Book Tour Hayden The Perfect Hedgehog by Arla Jayne<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Date Published:</span></b> 6/5/17</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35664181-hayden-the-perfect-hedgehog?ac=1&from_search=true" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png" border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/a/myaddictionisreading.com/spring-2016/home/iconAddtoGoodreads1_zpsa0dd4209.png?attredirects=0" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hayden has always lived in Tiny Yard with his mom. He has never met anyone different. Come along with Hayden the Perfect Hedgehog on this first adventure away from home and witness how differences should be handled.</span></div>
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<a href="https://sites.google.com/a/myaddictionisreading.com/2017-tours/arla-jayne/FB_IMG_1499028749005.jpg?attredirects=0" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://sites.google.com/a/myaddictionisreading.com/2017-tours/arla-jayne/FB_IMG_1499028749005.jpg?attredirects=0" width="200" /></span></a>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arla worked in corporate America for over 30 years. Her favorite responsibility was diversity training. This experience, combined with her love of children drove her to create this series with the intent to bring diversity and acceptance understanding to the youngest readers. Arla is married to her wonderful husband, Ron. She had one sonwhich this book honors. Marriage have her 4 beautiful young ladies. Being a mom to these wonderful people is her favorite job!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_ime_c_1_10?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=hayden+the+perfect+hedgehog&sprefix=Hayden+the%2Caps%2C310&crid=PIRPMQM6PJPE" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.readingaddictionvbt.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Reading Addiction Blog Tours" height="270" src="https://sites.google.com/a/myaddictionisreading.com/2017-promo-s/home/Tour%20Host%20Banner.jpg?attredirects=0" width="400" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a sweet book about a Hedgehog on his first trip outside his yard and he encounters another animal and makes fun of him. His mother sings a song he doesn't understand about being yourself. She explains that by making fun of others it is mean and she is disappointed with what he said. She explains how we are all different but that makes us all special. This is a book that shows children that everyone is different and that we should embrace them. I loved the book. </span></div>
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Ausjennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644698706787568679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488422862815120364.post-27666967640785945872017-11-27T10:55:00.000+10:302017-11-27T10:55:48.792+10:30The Beloved Christmas Quilt by Wanda, Jean and Richelle Brunstetter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZzR_-mpiufTyYcV0sPJP2Djp-deNMnLQlPvk7hwNvghliA3EZtPNOHGxufkgmKuw0F_-pZvHMn_iBz6WVzaOXzrtqhd9PbJAR5AH3h2L6P0LsbRb975SSyeoU8xw0gG_HgBOCFuXOMo/s1600/51TXUeJ6eaL._SY346_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="229" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZzR_-mpiufTyYcV0sPJP2Djp-deNMnLQlPvk7hwNvghliA3EZtPNOHGxufkgmKuw0F_-pZvHMn_iBz6WVzaOXzrtqhd9PbJAR5AH3h2L6P0LsbRb975SSyeoU8xw0gG_HgBOCFuXOMo/s320/51TXUeJ6eaL._SY346_.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;">One Quilt Binds Three Generations of Amish Women</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" />Enjoy the gift of a brand new romance from <i style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;">New York Times</i> bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, along with stories by her daughter-in-law, Jean and granddaughter, Richelle.<br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;">For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me. Psalm 31:3</i><br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" />The scripture embroidered on the back of a beloved quilt brings hope to three generations of Pennsylvania Amish women at Christmastime.<br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" /> <br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;">Luella’s Promise</i><br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" />By Wanda E. Brunstetter<br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" />Luella Ebersol has been caregiver for a dying woman and her young son. When Dena Lapp gives Luella her favorite quilt, she makes Luella promise to pass it down to her daughter. But Luella isn’t sure she will ever marry if she can’t find someone with maturity and faith like Dena’s husband Atlee Zook.<br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" /> <br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;">Karen’s Gift</i><br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" />By Jean Brunstetter<br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" />Karen Allgyer and her husband moved to a slow-paced village to raise their children, but Karen longs for the closeness of family to help her through the challenges of managing three girls with one on the way. When life’s pressures rise, will Karen cave to her fears?<br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" /> <br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;">Roseanna’s Groom</i><br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" />By Richelle Lynn Brunstetter<br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" />When the unexpected happens on the day of her wedding, Roseanna Allgyer can’t help blaming herself, despite not understanding why. Then an old friend returns to town, and she battles feeling for him—afraid of being hurt again.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Review</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I enjoy reading Christmas books and this book has 3 novellas by 3 generations of the Brunstetter family. Book one is written by Wanda and again a really good read. We see Luella who is a caregiver of a dying women and promising to look after her son. She is given a special quilt which is passed down from eldest daughter to eldest daughter. We also see how sometimes love can come in unexpected places and family may not always be happy with someones choice.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Book two we see Karen and her husband living in a new area and Karen is missing her family and when something happens to one of the children she blames herself she finds herself and her husband becoming distant. She takes comfort in the quilt. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Book three was my favourite of the the novella's. Roseanna is left at the alter on her wedding day and blamed herself. When an old friend returns to town she is torn over what to do. She didn't want the quilt because she thinks she will never get married and feels it would be better to give it to one of her other sisters. We watch what will happen and see if she gets her happy ever after. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good read.</span></div>
Ausjennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644698706787568679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488422862815120364.post-91931188709835539882017-11-20T12:38:00.000+10:302017-11-20T12:38:54.867+10:30The 25 Days of Christmas Devotional by Sonya Davis and Ruth O'Neal Blog Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Xu1ZdFXPcndSq-Pcxi7-wnM5GtEUi_vbfIbULChHxw0ONMvtkyVlmXNMYLeKZdmX2gAG3TXDW50spZCVvsoofEWuoX26KgJcmyyzirCujjSv0P1dfhBnfFHz5v8TOP7DDWCJ2ksRHIg/s1600/Christmas+ebook+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1036" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Xu1ZdFXPcndSq-Pcxi7-wnM5GtEUi_vbfIbULChHxw0ONMvtkyVlmXNMYLeKZdmX2gAG3TXDW50spZCVvsoofEWuoX26KgJcmyyzirCujjSv0P1dfhBnfFHz5v8TOP7DDWCJ2ksRHIg/s320/Christmas+ebook+cover.jpg" width="207" /></span></a></div>
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<u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Description<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many of us get caught up in the
commercialization of Christmas. One way to prevent that is to focus on the
reason for the season. Taking a few minutes each day with this different kind
of devotional book will help your family think of others. Each day focuses on
one word and includes a story from Daniel and Holly's family, a Scripture
reading with the devotional, the YouTube link to a Christmas Carol, and an
activity that the entire family can be involved in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Reviews<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"We love it! You posted it just the
right time. God's providence!"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"My kids love it! Especially the song
and the activity."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"The kids like to read the verses
during the devotional part. It has been a good way to get the whole family
involved."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2ixuh9z" target="_blank">Link to book</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokTy4RJncTK7AmzA-LxzF5xj8L8KBQYi7BZAH3vkdnWtNhDitL4gF9e21M5Y3oWDbvX2Stqgi_bEFiqcTOhHpI-0QvyQq0sirN13r2y7o6MLy8WvH_4rKPr1ZwN6Wj5RuwTuSxtRD-AE/s1600/Ruth-O%2527Neil-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokTy4RJncTK7AmzA-LxzF5xj8L8KBQYi7BZAH3vkdnWtNhDitL4gF9e21M5Y3oWDbvX2Stqgi_bEFiqcTOhHpI-0QvyQq0sirN13r2y7o6MLy8WvH_4rKPr1ZwN6Wj5RuwTuSxtRD-AE/s1600/Ruth-O%2527Neil-3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bio<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ruth O’Neil has been a freelance writer for
20-plus years. She sees everything as a writing opportunity in disguise,
whether it is an interesting character, setting, or situation. You can find her
book series “What a Difference a Year Makes” on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or
her website (<a href="http://ruthoneil.weebly.com/">http://ruthoneil.weebly.com/</a>).
You can also visit her on her blog at <a href="http://ruths-real-life.blogspot.com/">http://ruths-real-life.blogspot.com/</a>.
When she’s not writing or homeschooling her kids, Ruth spends her time
quilting, reading, scrapbooking, camping and hiking with her family. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Email - <a href="mailto:oneilruth@gmail.com" target="_blank">oneilruth@gmail.com</a> <br />
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Website - <a href="http://ruthoneil.weebly.com/" target="_blank">http://ruthoneil.weebly.com/</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
Blog - <a href="http://www.ruths-real-life.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://www.ruths-real-life.blogspot.com/</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Facebook - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RuthONeilAuthor" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/RuthONeilAutho</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Amazon - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ruth-ONeil/e/B00AJ5S3YQ">https://www.amazon.com/Ruth-ONeil/e/B00AJ5S3YQ</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Excerpt<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Advent<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Story<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I
have a surprise for you kids," Mom said as soon as Daniel and Holly walked
in the door after school.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"What?"
They both wanted to know.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Follow
me," Mom requested as she walked toward the family room.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Two-year-old
Evie followed along behind, clapping her hands and giggling.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"She
must know what the secret is," Daniel commented to Holly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Holly
laughed when Evie shouted, "Sec-et! Sec-et!"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mom
smiled as well. "That's her new word for the day."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then
Mom held up a box that had a bunch of what looked like little doors.
Twenty-five of them to be exact. They each had a number.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"What's
that?" Daniel asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"It's
an Advent calendar. Each day we'll open one. Behind each door is a treat for
each of you and a word we can talk about to help us prepare for
Christmas."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Can
we open one now?" Holly wanted to know.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"You
may." Mom pointed to the first door.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Advent,"
Holy read after she took out three small candies and handed one to Daniel and
Evie.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Advent
is all about the days leading up to Christmas. We can talk about what Christmas
really means and prepare our hearts to worship Christ."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Why
did Jesus have to come to earth as a baby? Why couldn't He come as a
grown-up?" Daniel wondered as he picked up the baby Jesus from the
Nativity set.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Well,
Jesus needed time to prepare, too. He needed to experience all the things we
experience. He experienced what it was like to grow up, have a family and
friends, and be tempted by sin just like the rest of us. No matter what
problems we face in life, Jesus truly understands."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"But
I thought Jesus was perfect and never sinned?" Holly questioned.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mom
nodded her head. "He was perfect. He didn't ever sin, but He still went
through a lot of the same things we do. Because He lived a perfect and sinless
life, that's what made Him a suitable sacrifice for our sins. Only a perfect
Man could pay the price for us."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Daniel
and Holly didn't say anything. For a few moments, the only sound heard was Evie
slurping her candy and quietly repeating, "Sec-et."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mom
continued. "God had to prepare the world for Salvation to come in the form
of His Son, Jesus. It wouldn't happen overnight. It would take Jesus' entire
life time here on earth."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Daniel,
always the one who wanted to learn more, said, "I think this will be
interesting."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I
think this will be fun," Holly gave her opinion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I
think it will help prepare us all and help us to understand Christmas just a
little bit better."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Devotion<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Read
Matthew 25:1-13<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This man
was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy
Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he
would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Luke 2:25b-26<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Advent is a time of preparation. The Christmas
Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas. Many families, especially those
with young children, have Advent calendars. Each day the children get to open a
door, receive a little gift, or remove an object in the countdown for and in
anticipation of Christmas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Children, for the most part, look forward to
Christmas because of the gifts they will receive. That’s not a bad thing, but
we as adults, should have a much deeper anticipation of Christmas. We take the
time to buy and wrap gifts, prepare food, clean the house for guests, buy new
outfits, attend parties, etc. But how much time do we put into meditating on
the actual birth of Christ and worshipping Him?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many years, at least in our household, we spend
time putting up the tree and decorating it, only to ignore it. We more often
than not, sit in the room with the TV. Unfortunately, that’s often the way we
are with God as well. We accept Him as Savior. We attend church on Sundays.
Other than that, we pretty much ignore Him, too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This Christmas, in anticipation of the
celebration of His birth, let’s focus on Him a little more throughout the
month. Let’s prepare our hearts by reflecting on why He came to earth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Christmas will be that much more special when we
focus on the true Reason for the Season. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Activity<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This
activity will take some extra planning. Get together as a family; you can even
invite your extended family members to take part in this one as well. Choose a
family that is in need; try to find a specific need if possible. Gather
together money to give to that family for the specific need that they have. If
possible, try not to let them know where their Christmas gift is coming from.
That makes it all the more exciting for both them and you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Song -
The Twelve Days of Christmas (How I Want to Sing)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="background: white;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZmyxUHWQm0">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZmyxUHWQm0</a></span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="background: white;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My Review</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">This is a really good family book for the Christmas season. There are 25 devotions each with a story, devotion, activity and song. I have been enjoying the story of the family which follows through the whole book followed by a devotion which is associated with the story. The activity is something that the whole family can be involved in and then some lovely songs I haven't heard before but I am really loving. I have to mention the stories are based in America so snow is mentioned but many of the activities can still be done in Australia. (We may not go sledding but we do go to a pool and can still look up at the stars). If you are looking for a family devotional advent book I would highly recommend this book.</span></span></div>
Ausjennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644698706787568679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488422862815120364.post-48926427393149525332017-11-17T18:31:00.000+10:302017-11-17T18:31:22.109+10:30ACRBA Tour Birds and Bees by the Book by Patricia Weerakoon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span arial="" helvetica="" sans-serif="" style="color: blue;">13 - 17 November 2017</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://acrba.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance</a> </span></h2>
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<span arial="" helvetica="" sans-serif="" style="color: blue;">by <a href="http://birdsandbeesbooks.com%20%20/" target="_blank">Patricia Weerakoon</a></span></div>
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<span arial="" helvetica="" sans-serif="" style="color: blue;">Publisher CEP, July 19, 2017</span></div>
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<span arial="" helvetica="" sans-serif="" style="color: blue;">People have been talking about the birds and the bees since Adam and Eve walked the earth. Yet the conversation hasn’t become easier! With so many messages about sexuality, gender and identity around them, our children need a safe space to learn about these topics now more than ever.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span arial="" helvetica="" sans-serif="" style="color: blue;">Designed for parents and carers to read with children aged 7 to 10, <i>Birds and Bees by the Book</i> has been created to help you to have these conversations at your own pace.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span arial="" helvetica="" sans-serif="" style="color: blue;">Written by renowned sex educator Patricia Weerakoon, the six books in this set are designed to be read in whichever order suits you and your child. They cover three foundational topics that help children to understand the family structures in the world around them, and how their body and brain are developing as they grow. There are also three extension topics that teach children what is involved in sexual activity, what it means to be a boy or a girl, and how to protect themselves against pornography if they stumble across it.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span arial="" helvetica="" sans-serif="" style="color: blue;">All of these topics are framed within the Bible’s message that children are unique creations of God, and that sex is a precious gift to be used carefully and wisely in the context of marriage.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span arial="" helvetica="" sans-serif=""><u></u> </span><span arial="" helvetica="" sans-serif="">Video link: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=https://vimeo.com/218748624&source=gmail&ust=1510558749307000&usg=AFQjCNGlvtJuEDau6GgBUm18y5-7DVYSdw" href="https://vimeo.com/218748624" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">https://vimeo.com/218748624</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaURP5DTy0c3kWNsXne7yn2FbGq3QTnoDA2DfKinNioeLpQo5-u8DocyQEbtrgzn4PUIZkVWKX9j-nyAZ5WBkqN8bWGbsRFsi1YUCZ6uALeTdo4dgXv14r6h3OIF4fHW13EfDs_vlSwUM/s1600/Patricia-2-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaURP5DTy0c3kWNsXne7yn2FbGq3QTnoDA2DfKinNioeLpQo5-u8DocyQEbtrgzn4PUIZkVWKX9j-nyAZ5WBkqN8bWGbsRFsi1YUCZ6uALeTdo4dgXv14r6h3OIF4fHW13EfDs_vlSwUM/s320/Patricia-2-001.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span arial="" helvetica="" sans-serif="" style="color: blue;">Patricia Weerakoon is a Sexologist and Writer. She trained in medicine in the University of Sri Lanka.</span></div>
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<span arial="" helvetica="" sans-serif="" style="color: blue;">She is an evangelical Christian. She is married to Vasantha. Her son Kamal is a Presbyterian minister.</span></div>
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<span arial="" helvetica="" sans-serif="" style="color: blue;">As a Sexologist she has translated her passion to bring good holistic sexual health to all people into practical sex education, sex research and sex therapy.</span></div>
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<span arial="" helvetica="" sans-serif="" style="color: blue;">Her writing and speaking brings together her enthusiasm for sex and her love for the glory of God.</span></div>
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<span arial="" helvetica="" sans-serif="" style="color: blue;">The Christian framework of sex therapy she offers has enriched and empowered the sex life of couples and singles.</span></div>
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<span arial="" helvetica="" sans-serif="" style="color: blue;">She has a recognised media presence and is a highly regarded public speaker and social commentator in sexuality and sexual health.</span></div>
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<span arial="" helvetica="" sans-serif="" style="color: blue;">Patricia retired in 2011 after a twenty three year career as an academic with the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Sydney. The last eight years of which she was the director of an internationally acclaimed graduate program in Sexual Health.</span><br />
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<span arial="" helvetica="" sans-serif="" style="color: blue;">My Review:</span><br />
<span arial="" helvetica="" sans-serif="" style="color: blue;">This set of 6 books are well written and aimed at children to explain the different issues. Parents can feel comfortable reading the books with there children unlike when I was a child and given a book to read with no other talking. These books open up a conversation. They also go into cyber bullying, pornography, self image etc. They are well illustrated as well. Well written and very helpful. I would recommend these books to any family looking for a way to discuss the birds and bees with children 7 - 10. </span></div>
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Ausjennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644698706787568679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488422862815120364.post-41613852353865657692017-11-08T16:00:00.000+10:302017-11-08T16:00:10.263+10:30Dr. Michael T. Solomon - Maria is My Pal - PROMO BLITZ HTML <div class="MsoNoSpacing">
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<a 1="" href="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/2017/Maria%20Is%20My%20Pal_zpsexdzwhlo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/2017/Maria%20Is%20My%20Pal_zpsexdzwhlo.jpg" width="301" /></a>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Date Published:</span></b> April 2017</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35046796-maria-is-my-pal?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png" border="0" src="https://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/Promo%20Images/iconAddtoGoodreads1_zpsa0dd4209.png" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Having a pet isn’t just fun, it’s super important for childhood development. Pets and children go together like the beach and summertime. “Maria Is My Pal” is a whimsical look at children owning their first pet, and the responsibilities that come with ownership, the joys of having a pet, and how they form a commitment to each other while training to live their lives together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although a newcomer to this genre, readers would not know it from the way the author’s warm-hearted tale evokes laughter, smiles, joyful emotions, and reflections on his writing. His inspiration comes from watching his daughters grow and mature and become inspirations to many in their own right. His first book captures key moments in their childhood that intersect so many family stories— the first pet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the petting area, there was a turtle named Slow Boy, two fish called Lisa and Lori, and two parrots named Annie and Fannie. Fannie had yellow markings, and Annie had green on her wings. There was also a hamster named Fred and a cute little rabbit called Maria. She was white with a funny black pattern on her tail that seemed to move from side to side whenever her perky ears heard her name.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of all the animals, Willow thought Maria was special. Whenever Mrs. Walls’ class visited the pets, Willow spent most of her time petting and holding Maria. Maria was very friendly and popular with all the students in the class. Somehow, Maria seemed happiest when Willow was near.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As the pets were placed back into their areas, James accidently knocked over a chair. It made a loud noise. The noise frightened Maria, and before anyone could move, Maria jumped onto a chair, hopped to the floor, and then ran out of an open door. Willow’s special pal and the children’s favorite pet was gone before anyone could catch her!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Willow, Mrs. Walls, and the other children tried to catch Maria, but she was too fast. Maria hopped and jumped until she was out of sight. Everyone looked and looked, but she could not be found. Maria was gone!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Willow and the other kids were very sad. Mrs. Walls tried her best to help the children understand that Maria would be okay and not to worry.</span></div>
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<a 1="" href="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/2017/Maria%20Is%20My%20Pal%20Author%20Dr.%20Michael%20T.%20Solomon_zps3r5f1fe3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/2017/Maria%20Is%20My%20Pal%20Author%20Dr.%20Michael%20T.%20Solomon_zps3r5f1fe3.jpg" /></span></a>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dr. Michael T. Solomon is an accomplished professional who holds a doctorate in social science and a master’s in education. The author is a devoted husband, a proud father of two young professional career women, and an even prouder grandfather of two beautiful, caring sisters who are smart and gifted and funny!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.michaeltsolomon.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Website</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Maria-Pal-Dr-Michael-Solomon/dp/1524653004" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Amazon</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/maria-is-my-pal-dr-michael-t-solomon/1126308159?ean=9781524653002" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">B&N</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-001104103" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">AuthorHouse</span></a></div>
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Ausjennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644698706787568679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488422862815120364.post-84169303436950181402017-10-26T17:00:00.000+10:302017-10-26T17:00:02.937+10:30Humble Thyself: 7 Steps to Resolve Conflict By Susan K. Stewart<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">A recent undercurrent of
discontent infected our congregation. I’d developed a terrible attitude about
the situation, and I sat trying to be attentive for the sermon titled: <i>Resolution: The Mathew Solution.</i> I
missed it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">During the following week,
God led me to James 4:7-10. My heart opened to the clear steps to resolving
conflict.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">No matter the circumstances, submit to God. Ask for his
wisdom to see the truth, not the colored viewpoint of humans. Be willing to
follow him … wherever it may lead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">As we submit to God, we resist the devil. But the attacks
will continue during the peacemaking process. Satan wants to convince us we
aren’t at fault and that following God’s way is troublesome, a lot of work, and
a hindrance to the outcome we want.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Draw near to God<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ul>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">The more we resist the devil, the closer we draw near to
God. As we move closer to him, the better able we are to resist the devil, remove
our own desires and submit to his.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Cleanse your hands<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ul>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">We’ve become ingrained with Mt. 18—go to the one who has
sinned against you. Instead we should be looking at our own sin. “First take
the log out of your own eye” (Mt. 7:5 NASB). We need to face our own sin before
we confront anyone else’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Purify your heart<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ul>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">The goal of conflict resolution is reconciliation with
God. To approach a solution to the friction, our own hearts need to be clean.
This is done by seeking to please God, not other people. Not everyone will be happy,
but God will be delighted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Be miserable and mourn and weep<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ul>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Sin is the root of strife and we should be saddened and repentant.
As we submit to God’s authority and purify our hearts, we come to realize how
destructive our own sin is in the conflict.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Humble yourself<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Humility isn’t weakness; it’s the opposite of pride and
admits we can do nothing on our own. When pride takes hold, we think we have
the solution to any problem. But only God is the true peacemaker.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">The next time conflict
resolution is the topic, remember James’s steps to peacemaking. Resolve the
strife in yourself, and then you’ll be prepared to help others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Is there a
conflict in your life? How will you follow James’s steps to resolve it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8FW-ZIHTJfWU_hykG9eSSzVKiXIKjyIjRODFIVMVhM5ihNdreBPBeKYWbtlVUxJQRHWDPkI96DVc1ooCSSwyeb2Hkw_oTqnRikysYF02If3fvNmB44nboMuULcvgA9MULRryxPH_ZVqw/s1600/unnamedHMDDRGYL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="530" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8FW-ZIHTJfWU_hykG9eSSzVKiXIKjyIjRODFIVMVhM5ihNdreBPBeKYWbtlVUxJQRHWDPkI96DVc1ooCSSwyeb2Hkw_oTqnRikysYF02If3fvNmB44nboMuULcvgA9MULRryxPH_ZVqw/s320/unnamedHMDDRGYL.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ABOUT<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When
she’s not tending chickens and donkeys, <b><i>Susan K. Stewart</i></b> teaches, writes,
and edits non-fiction. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Susan’s </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">passion
is to inspire readers and listeners with practical, real-world solutions. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">books include <i>Science in the
Kitchen </i>and <i>Preschool: At What Cost? </i>and
the award-winning </span><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Formatting e-Books for Writers.</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Contact Susan to speak to your group her website <a href="http://www.practicalinspirations.com/">www.practicalinspirations.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ausjennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644698706787568679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488422862815120364.post-72263462179269531772017-10-24T17:00:00.000+10:302017-10-24T17:00:26.282+10:30Caregiver Guilt: Confessions of a Walking Glue Stick By Dr. Linda Cobourn<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Caregiver Guilt: Confessions of a Walking Glue Stick </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">By Dr. Linda Cobourn</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“<i>I'm rubber, you're glue, whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to
you</i>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">My father-in-law
blamed me. It was unreasonable, hurled out of frustration while we stood in the
trauma unit, waiting to see if my husband would survive. I was thirty miles
away in a graduate class when the driver of the pick-up truck broadsided Ron’s
Taurus, but the reproach stayed with me for seventeen years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I’m a walking glue
stick.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Guilt is a common
emotion for those who find themselves in the position of caregiver. The <i>2015 State of Caregiving Report </i>noted
that 81% of spousal caregivers feel guilty, making guilt the #1 emotional trap.
We think we should do it all without complaint and we become frustrated with
ourselves because we can’t. We self-punish for simply being human. I beat myself up for an accident I did not
cause, questioning every decision I made concerning my husband’s care. Yes, I
agreed to the emergency surgery and it damaged his heart. My fault. Yes, I let
him be put into the rehab unit where his slippers were misplaced and he caught
pneumonia. My fault. I even had occasional thoughts that it might
have been better if Ron had not survived the accident.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">That thought stuck on
with Gorilla Glue. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">But God is a solvent to
even the strongest of adhesives. I began to search the Scriptures for a way to
dislodge my self-reproach. One day, I was led to this verse in Joshua 5:9:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from
you</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Israelites had
been so beaten down by 430 years of slavery they no longer believed God could
love them. Before they entered the Promised Land, God told them that the shame
they carried was rolled off them. They were not stuck with the reproach of
Egypt. They could stop being walking glue sticks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">So could I. It took
time, prayer, and counsel from friends to realize that the guilt I bore was
irrational. I held myself responsible for things that were not my
responsibility. God had forgiven my shortcomings; I needed to forgive myself.
Time to learn to be more like rubber, repelling thoughtless remarks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Just the other day,
someone ventured to criticize a decision I’d made for my husband’s well-being.
I let it bounce off me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Because it really is
better to be rubber. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZ4LgaEfzvbbjbwCUuVPExhOtHpVqsqruGo7iQ2O0inHZXh9LVfSwn7NQ1lQZ7EBPrufUy_dJiYST2NzmlZIqAkLxpOSPkcWxs2VJyrVr9zMsYwkDUfNf_B4pJFr8Vy1tYotXF21MX6U/s1600/Linda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="475" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZ4LgaEfzvbbjbwCUuVPExhOtHpVqsqruGo7iQ2O0inHZXh9LVfSwn7NQ1lQZ7EBPrufUy_dJiYST2NzmlZIqAkLxpOSPkcWxs2VJyrVr9zMsYwkDUfNf_B4pJFr8Vy1tYotXF21MX6U/s320/Linda.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">ABOUT <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk490674562"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Dr. Linda Cobourn</span></i></b></a><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> is a Literacy Specialist who
works with at-risk learners and non-traditional college students. She
holds Instructional II certificates from Pennsylvania and Delaware in
Elementary Education K-6 and Reading PK-12. Dr. Cobourn earned her doctoral degree
in Educational Leadership, focusing on the use of critical literacy in middle
school. Currently, she teaches at Springfield College in Wilmington. She was
recently cited by the Mayor of Philadelphia for her work constructing literacy
programs for inner-city youth. She is the author of three published books and
writes a blog at http://writingonthebrokenroad.blogspot.com/</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ausjennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644698706787568679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488422862815120364.post-54663025627132834042017-10-19T17:00:00.000+10:302017-10-19T17:00:13.861+10:30Charlotte’s Garden By Shirley Johnson<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Charlotte
loved to work in her garden in the morning. She could hear the morning birds
greet the day with a song. The refreshing dewdrops found rest upon the garden.
The flowers seemed to smile back at the sun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Charlotte
worked hard at maintaining the presentation and growth of the garden. She knew
with the proper care it would not only look beautiful, but create a peaceful
atmosphere for those viewing it. From childhood, she knew which of the elements
and garden intruders can interfere with the presentation and growth of the
garden and which are harmless. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
garden often ministered to Charlotte. She embraced the seasons of the garden.
It often shared reflections of life and whispers of hope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">While
working in the garden a ladybug crawled on her sleeve. There was a time many
years ago if this happened she would have panicked. She smiled and laughed to
herself. She thought back to when she was a very small child. She was with her mom
visiting at their friend’s home. The porch provided a favorite play area.
Somehow a ladybug crawled right where she sat. She cried out to her mom for help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Charlotte’s
mom came running in response to her cries. While Charlotte saw a big intruder,
her mother saw a simple little ladybug. “Oh, Charlotte.” “It’s okay,” said her
mom. Her mom had gardened a long time and knew the difference between a
harmless bug and dangerous ones. “This is just an innocent little bug that
somehow landed in the wrong place.” She calmly scooped up the ladybug with her
gentle hands, opened the screen door, and let it go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Life’s
seasons have a way of presenting itself with different problems. There are
times when we have real problems, big problems that we need to face, address
and solve. Sometimes though, we have little irritations that invade our space.
They land right where we sit in life. They have us talking, repeating,
agonizing and spinning our wheels. They interfere and distract us from the
purpose and plan in our lives. They “bug” us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When those
little irritations land in our space,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">look at them
and determine how big they are.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Perhaps
there are times when we too must open the screen door and let them go.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53CMndiQpuckkckKl9vbpV3fr-av92C22z1MD4a8p1ztL9U9hQqt-b_CauCrHhHvOPgCZ2kkrcSlCPedJtEC4WCZvfOW2yqWAeH_vuvLIHnPDYeXpkcGSId9rDjB_I4jdW1hqrwaRU8w/s1600/shirley.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="187" data-original-width="150" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53CMndiQpuckkckKl9vbpV3fr-av92C22z1MD4a8p1ztL9U9hQqt-b_CauCrHhHvOPgCZ2kkrcSlCPedJtEC4WCZvfOW2yqWAeH_vuvLIHnPDYeXpkcGSId9rDjB_I4jdW1hqrwaRU8w/s320/shirley.png" width="256" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">ABOUT<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Shirley Johnson</span></i></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
shares inspiration and encouragement through her writing. She is a member of
SCBWI and ACFW. She loves to read and has volunteered at her local Public
Library as an Adult Literacy Tutor. She shares her writing on her blog. Connect
with her on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">http://busylifepause.com/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="https://twitter.com/shrlyjohnson"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">https://twitter.com/shrlyjohnson</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/shrlyjohnson/?hl=en"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">https://www.instagram.com/shrlyjohnson/?hl=en</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">https://www.facebook.com/shrlyjohnson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ausjennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644698706787568679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488422862815120364.post-79380096194404278062017-10-17T17:00:00.000+10:302017-10-17T17:00:12.980+10:30So You Want to be a Sheep? By Maureen Hager<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sheep
are mentioned in the Bible more than any other animal; symbolically they refer
to God’s people. All the sheep that belong to the shepherd are of one flock.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God has many names; each one describes an attribute of His character. A favorite
name is Yahweh-Rohi – The Lord, Our
Shepherd. Here is the description of the
relationship our God wants with us. <i>The
Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want</i> (Psalm 23:1).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">What a beautiful picture of the rest
we have in Him. Are you stressed today? Find rest in the green pastures of His
finished work. Find hope and restoration as He restores your soul.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Lord tells us in Isaiah 53:6 that most sheep will go astray and follow their own way. <span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext;">Are you a stubborn
sheep, straying on the wrong path and in need of guidance and correction? <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A shepherd’s rod redirects and corrects the sheep. The staff is used to lift and restore
the sheep. Trust and hope
in the Good Shepherd to lead you out of the pit of despair. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I once traveled on the wrong path. This misguided search led
me into a painful journey of drug addiction and life in a motorcycle gang. I
was that stubborn sheep that got caught up in a violent gang war and became a
broken victim. Crippling bullets forever changed my life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Eventually, I </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">encountered the hope
and healing of God’s transforming love. A victorious life in Him is meant to be
lived on the paths of righteousness and not in the past. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So
why would you want to be a sheep? Like
sheep, we need only to trust the Lord and follow Him. We need Jesus, our Good
Shepherd to lead and guide us, to care for us, and to protect us from the
enemy. What contentment and sufficiency we can have in Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yahweh-Rohi leads us home. He
lovingly rubs the healing oil on our broken and wounded hearts. The Shepherd
knows our needs. He will restore us when we are
broken, pick us up when we fall, and strengthen us in our weakness. Now
that is a love I can trust!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="woj"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My sheep hear My
voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and
they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. John 10:27-28 (NJKV)</span></i></b></span><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWM-IX2dCijK0HfKVpjx7vyI4GwEAkp8exRRYelureB-8GNQXVlrlTdH7TFG1EvXH5AVSAukSrfg4VVsvQx-4idjJdkUneRS2LbN2p4gXW7WyrQPBbH0IP7nJ7XcuLAWMPm0Zi0jjHHW4/s1600/Maureen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="338" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWM-IX2dCijK0HfKVpjx7vyI4GwEAkp8exRRYelureB-8GNQXVlrlTdH7TFG1EvXH5AVSAukSrfg4VVsvQx-4idjJdkUneRS2LbN2p4gXW7WyrQPBbH0IP7nJ7XcuLAWMPm0Zi0jjHHW4/s320/Maureen.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ABOUT<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Maureen
Hager</span></i></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
is an author, speaker, and blogger. Her
passion lies in empowering women to receive hope and healing from their brokenness through the love of God. Her
testimony of deliverance and restoration has impacted women of all ages. Her
book, <i>Love’s Bullet</i> is available
Fall, 2017. Website: </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="http://www.maureenhager.com/"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">www.MaureenHager.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Blog: </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="http://www.outofthebrokenness.com/"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">www.OutoftheBrokenness.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ausjennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644698706787568679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488422862815120364.post-87021870292734756502017-10-12T17:00:00.000+10:302017-10-12T17:00:01.493+10:30Got Five Minutes? By Letitia Suk<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Take
five minutes to pray for your work each day and see what happens,” was the
challenge proposed by our pastor to the congregation years ago. I remember
thinking something like, “Duh!” <em>Of
course, I already pray at least five minutes a day for my work...</em><i>don’t I?</i> Surely all the
praying-on-the-run I did each day for all the flying curveballs added up to
more than five minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
nudging continued so the next morning I grabbed a timer on the way to my prayer
chair, set it for five minutes and began to pray specifically for my work. Wow,
that timer took a long time to ding! Challenge accepted—I was ready to see what
would happen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Like
many of us, my work is multi-faceted. So I decided to give a minute to each of
the five areas for my day-to-day projects. It seemed like one minute would be
easier that five. I know, wimpy, right? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
first minute I gave to my coaching clients. They invested time with me to bring
focus and intentionality to their lives and I wanted to give them my best work.
My writing got the next minute. The current projects, the longed-for projects,
my skill and wisdom in putting words on a page. Good thing the timer rang
because it was easy to zone off into work mode instead of praying. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Speaking
ministry was next. Events already scheduled and those I wanted to schedule. For
my communication skills to grow and for lives to be changed. A lot for one
minute. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
part-time chaplain work got minute #4. Patients, sensitivity, staff and overall
blessing for the hospitals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
last minute I saved for specific work stuff on that day’s agenda: marketing,
blogging, networking. This time the five minutes flew by.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
was right—things happened! I felt more partnered with God in all aspects of my
work. Not just that I was working<i> for</i>
Him but <i>with</i> Him as I laid the
concerns out each day. I saw clearer productivity and greater results.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">All these years later, I still set my timer most
days. My work depends on it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Each
day holds 1440 minutes...hard to claim a legitimate excuse for not finding five
of them to invest in prayer over your work. You might be amazed at the return.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">P.S.—The same five-minute principle works for
other areas of your life too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk490138444"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ABOUT<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></a></div>
<div class="txopen" style="line-height: normal; margin-top: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="txopen" style="line-height: normal; margin-top: 0cm;">
<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Letitia (Tish) Suk</span></i></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, www.letitiasuk.com, invites women to
create an intentional life centered in Jesus. She blogs at hopeforthebest.org
and authored <i>Getaway with God: The
Everywoman’s Guide to Personal Retreat</i>) and <span class="italic">Rhythms of
Renewal</span>. She is a speaker, personal retreat guide, and life coach in the
Chicago area. Find Tish: https://www.facebook.com/Letitia.Suk.Author/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ausjennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644698706787568679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488422862815120364.post-62142877914528982322017-10-10T17:00:00.000+10:302017-10-10T17:00:17.834+10:30Five Tips for Flexible Family Faith Time by Stephenie Hovland<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Guess
what? There is no such thing as a perfect Christian family! That means there
isn’t one perfect way to devotions. In fact, I’m thinking the word “devotions”
might need to go. Think of this as <i>family
faith time</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Let’s
go through five tips to make your <i>family
faith time </i>work. Remember to revisit these ideas regularly. As your family
grows and ages, you might need to change how this works.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Purpose:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"> This is a time for your
family to meet around God’s Word. Your family and circumstances may dictate
what time of day, where, what materials, how long it will last, etc. You are
not trying be a theology professor or expect perfect participation from every
family member every time. Just start with something (the Bible or a kids’ Bible
story book, for example) and run with it. Make changes later. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Plan a little:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"> Don’t worry about it being
perfect, but make a few plans. Or, if you’re like me, plan a lot! I am not
spontaneous, so I need to have several options. You can evaluate how it went
after you’re done, so the next time is a little better. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Pray:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"> I hope you pray with your family,
but say a quick, private prayer as everyone gathers. That personal prayer time
will help you to take a breath and let God handle things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Physical:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"> Be physical. Hold hands
when you pray, hug when you’re finished, and try to touch members of your family
in a loving way when you talk about and with God. We want to be Jesus “with
skin on” in a sense, so we should touch. Jesus did. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Play:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"> While <i>family faith time</i> works great around a dinner table for some,
others find it easier to focus on faith talk when they’re more active. Maybe
you need to take it outside and shoot some hoops while you explore God’s
connections in each family member’s life. Or, perhaps you start or end your
time with play. Dancing helps get the wiggles out, so it might be a great way
to start your <i>family faith time</i>. Or,
maybe after a quick devotion and prayer time, you play Candyland together as a
family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">When
it seems like it’ll never work, please don’t give up! Try not to force your
way. Change elements of your time together, and see if something else might
work better. (I say this from much experience.) Keep trying. Keep praying. God
is there for you and your family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmfSH1dwfcj9ncCNjF8-FU7DqjHue3QfsSxdV9_vHKNoJ_dUW0-15U0cCkZLW3DrWkKvitug8k-PDBzgNrjmY-sEpRw2ZK6CEnq8cMIRtmuofgKxF0R1WHK5SbGjE5NeVbzMCC2D2kwI/s1600/steph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmfSH1dwfcj9ncCNjF8-FU7DqjHue3QfsSxdV9_vHKNoJ_dUW0-15U0cCkZLW3DrWkKvitug8k-PDBzgNrjmY-sEpRw2ZK6CEnq8cMIRtmuofgKxF0R1WHK5SbGjE5NeVbzMCC2D2kwI/s320/steph.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">ABOUT</span></u></b><br />
<br />
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<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Stephenie
Hovland</span></i></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">
loves reading and writing devotions. She also writes rhyming Bible stories for
children and resources for teachers. You can find her work at Concordia
Publishing House, Creative Communications for the Parish, and many online
bookstores. Visit her Facebook page: @StephenieHovlandWriter and on Twitter:@StephHovland<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ausjennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644698706787568679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488422862815120364.post-39942770605329420592017-10-05T17:00:00.000+10:302017-10-05T17:00:05.042+10:30Walking in Your Own Shoes By Kolleen Lucariello<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here
in my home state of New York, October ushers in the fun of pumpkins, apple
picking and salmon fishing season. There’s also the beauty of leaves peaking,
apple cider and cozy sweaters. Among the many things October has to offer, it
has also been designated as <b><i>Women
Walking in Their Own Shoes</i></b> month:
a global call for women to say yes
to their purpose, passion and power. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If
you’re like me, fall also means it’s time to shed the flip-flops, put away the
sandals, and slip your feet back into a pair of shoes. Preferably comfortable
ones—it’s never enjoyable to spend a day in shoes that don’t fit. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once,
while visiting my parents, I slipped my feet into a pair of my mother’s shoes
so I could retrieve something from the car. Immediately, I noticed we walk
completely differently; she walks on the inside of her sole—I don’t. My feet in
her shoes didn’t work well. Come to think of it, I’ve stood in the clearance
section trying to squeeze my feet into the wrong size shoe all for the sake of
cuteness. I’ve also clomped around in shoes too big out of convenience. Neither
were comfortable. Did you know it’s possible to cause serious harm to yourself
by wearing shoes that don’t fit properly? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Serious
harm can also happen when insecurities keep you from walking in your own shoes.
Just as there’s comfort when we slip our feet into our own shoes, comfort can
be found when we slip ourselves into the purpose, passion and power God has
given us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul
wrote, “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for.
Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on
us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is
working out in everything and everyone” (Ephesians 1:11-12, MSG). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When
we say <i>yes</i> to Christ, we say <i>yes</i> to purpose because we discover what we are living for. We say <i>yes</i> to passion because we recognize who we are, and we say <i>yes </i>to power because we understand the kingdom of God is not based on
talk but on power (1 Corinthians 4:20). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cinderella was the only one who
could wear the glass slipper. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You’re the only one who can walk
in your shoes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ABOUT<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kolleen
Lucariello</span></span></i></b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, #TheABCGirl, the author of the
devotional book, <i>The ABC's of Who God Says I Am</i>, resides in
Central New York with her husband, Pat. You can connect with Kolleen at <a href="http://www.speakkolleen.com/">www.speakkolleen.com</a> as she pursues God’s heartbeat to
change our identity—one letter at a time. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ausjennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644698706787568679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488422862815120364.post-57439567509433679642017-10-03T17:00:00.000+10:302017-10-03T17:00:00.499+10:30Life in the Silence Infant Loss Awareness Month By Kristine Zimmer Orkin<div class="MsoNormal">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Life in the Silence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Infant
Loss Awareness Month<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Jacob
entered the world silently.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> There
was no collaborative gasp of joy with the final push that announced his
arrival. No newborn wail of indignation as his warm little body emerged and
felt coldness for the first time. No congratulatory cheer at the declaration
“It’s a boy.” Only hushed whispers among medical professionals. Just a mother’s
muffled sobs and a father’s stoic silence. A chilly hospital delivery room,
warmed by the respect of random people brought together, celebrating this tiny
gift of life now faded. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> We
weren’t prepared for the silence, Jacob’s dad and I. We never heard his cry,
his laugh, his voice. Not his infant babbling and toddler mispronunciations, nor
his squeaky transition from boyhood into manhood. We never came to know his
giggles, his outbursts of anger, squeals of excitement, or cries of
frustration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> We came
to know the quiet. But we weren’t prepared for the larger silence. The
irreparable hole in our family. An obvious incompleteness, especially during
holidays and family pictures. On Mother’s Day. In the headcount of
grandchildren, making sure to include him. The uncertainty of how to answer
“How many children do you have?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> We felt
his strong presence, yet couldn’t see or touch him. Sometimes, in an ordinary
moment, we’d hear the tune we’d sung to him while he grew in my belly. A
message from Jacob? “I’m here. Don’t forget me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Our
marriage struggled to survive as others divorced after the loss of their child.
We grieved the buried sadness in our older son, afraid to show his hurt or ask
his questions because it might make Mommy cry. We feared pregnancy, of investing
emotionally again. Of another hushed delivery room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We
were not prepared for the blessings that arose out of the silence. For the
families after us that we’ve been blessed to comfort through their stillbirths
and infant deaths. For the occasions to educate doctors, nurses, and chaplains
on child loss. For changes in hospital protocol we’ve enacted to help parents
through the silence. And for opportunities to share our story, to support you in
your story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Though
he never took a breath outside my womb, Jacob breathed life into our family
from the moment of his conception, and he continues to bless us now, thirty
years after his quiet entry into the world. He lives loud and strong through
us. His life has a purpose. <i>HAS. Present
tense.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
</div>
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<b><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ABOUT<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kristine
Zimmer Orkin </span></span></i></b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">believes
that blessings can be found everywhere, even in the most tragic of life
circumstances. She and Philip Orkin have three sons: Joseph, Jacob, and
Jonathan. In June 2007, Jacob welcomed his daddy Home at Heaven’s gate. The two
have had ten years of quality time together.</span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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Ausjennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644698706787568679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488422862815120364.post-75299687778337299182017-10-02T12:15:00.001+10:302017-10-02T12:15:45.449+10:30Book Review Her Rocky Mountain Highness by Darlene Franklin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnc8Y18eTTOOf6hzaIBt9sOnJKcRYNF5-DRM0Eznx8x_yy8lFcqUCo_CXyINPrgyfxxpbDsT4NFCbE1lY9n2_-4XdrM28HqOx1kXZXGfjwXiUuQg_xATCdydQkbRX4OwbBU8IBd9vksbE/s1600/51NPXKLY0wL._SY346_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="249" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnc8Y18eTTOOf6hzaIBt9sOnJKcRYNF5-DRM0Eznx8x_yy8lFcqUCo_CXyINPrgyfxxpbDsT4NFCbE1lY9n2_-4XdrM28HqOx1kXZXGfjwXiUuQg_xATCdydQkbRX4OwbBU8IBd9vksbE/s320/51NPXKLY0wL._SY346_.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Krystal Black had helped foreign dignitaries before but never was tempted to join their ranks. </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Prince Johann "John" van Koppelberg came to the Colorado Rockies expecting a vacation. He hadn't planned to fall in love with his tourism director. </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">But like John Denver, the prince found a home and fell in love. Now if only he could get Krystal and his parents to agree.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Review</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Firstly thanks to the author a copy of this book to review.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This novella starts with Krystal and her cousin Jill who work for a tourism company waiting at the international airport for her newest client a Prince Johan (John) and his body guard. In the back ground we hear John Denver's Rocky Mountain High being sung which sets the theme for this book. We also learn Prince Johan is Blonde and Blue eyed and his body guard is tall and burly. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Right from the start we can see the Prince isn't what you expect of royalty. He is a normal guy wanting to just have a break where he can be himself. He also comes from a royal family who no longer have a kingdom due to wars but still have a title and his kingdom was in mountains so seeing the Rockies touch his soul. Krystal loves to show of her Rockies and loves her job for this reason. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also see interaction between Jill and Gus, John's bodyguard and close friend. I like books where the secondary characters are also included in the story. This is another book I really enjoyed.</span>Ausjennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644698706787568679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488422862815120364.post-35350479560248887092017-09-28T17:00:00.000+09:302017-09-28T17:00:00.177+09:30Cancer: A Word that Strikes Terror by Joanie Shawhan<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Can<u>cer: A Word that Strikes Terror<o:p></o:p></u></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">by Joanie Shawhan<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Are there certain words that trigger pressure
in your chest or tightness in your throat?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For me, that word is <i>cancer.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am an ovarian cancer survivor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My Story<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">During the
summer of 2006, Every time I had another bout of nausea, I brushed thoughts of
ovarian cancer from my mind. <i>Surely these
spells were too infrequent to be cancer.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But in September, I rolled over in bed and
felt a grapefruit-size mass in my abdomen. I closed my eyes and dismissed the
whispers of ovarian cancer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Several weeks later, I almost shot off the
table when my physical therapist palpated my spine to isolate the location of
my back pain. <i>It’s not in my back, it’s
jabbing through my abdomen!</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My gynecologist suspected a uterine fibroid
and ordered an ultrasound. Even in the dark room, I saw the ultrasound tech lock
her eyes on mine. <i>Something is seriously
wrong.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Gripping the ultrasound report in her hand,
my doctor said, “You have ovarian cancer, the size of a cantaloupe.” </span><span lang="EN-US">She rattled off all that needed
done—scheduling tests and surgery. I barely heard her words. <i>Was she talking
to me?<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I walked into the hospital on surgery
day, I exchanged my scrubs and nurse shoes for tieback gowns and skid-free slipper
socks. The surgeon removed a volleyball-size tumor—ovarian cancer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Today, I am cancer-free. During my
treatment, </span><span lang="EN-US">I lost
myself to ovarian cancer, but in losing myself, I found a new purpose and
calling. Today I have an encouragement ministry to women undergoing
chemotherapy. I advocate for and educate women and healthcare professionals
regarding ovarian cancer. I write articles so that other women won’t put off
getting checked out if they have any signs or symptoms, like I did. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">September
is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Ovarian cancer is the most lethal
of all female cancers. The symptoms women</span><span lang="EN-US"> experience
prior to diagnosis may be vague or similar to other diseases. This causes some
doctors to rule out other causes before they</span><span lang="EN-US"> discover ovarian cancer, which is why it is
often not diagnosed until later stages.</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Contact your doctor if the following symptoms of ovarian cancer
persist:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Gastrointestinal symptoms: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bloating, indigestion,
nausea, feeling full or loss of appetite<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Pelvic or low back pressure
or pain<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Urinating more frequently<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Changes in bowel patterns<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Tired or low energy<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Ovarian cancer used to be called the silent
killer, but s</span><span lang="EN-US">urvival
rates are high if discovered in the early stages. Learn from my story. Will you
listen for the whispers of ovarian cancer?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnIkvWg1b-uz8VTgYgUG8-qyoMwWqDJuRskYchq9EC9Vxobm6_QJoAre_jXNv0DJvJcJYCciUhmS_mlhoJTaVrOGueCRCU3qVGvlZH3xRZ7skvqlXQdMlOIhmAdYmCfpty67t1Zj00gA/s1600/unnamedYE3AKNPS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnIkvWg1b-uz8VTgYgUG8-qyoMwWqDJuRskYchq9EC9Vxobm6_QJoAre_jXNv0DJvJcJYCciUhmS_mlhoJTaVrOGueCRCU3qVGvlZH3xRZ7skvqlXQdMlOIhmAdYmCfpty67t1Zj00gA/s320/unnamedYE3AKNPS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">About
the Author:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Joanie Shawhan is an ovarian cancer
survivor and a registered nurse. She writes encouraging articles for women
undergoing chemotherapy. Her publishing credits include <i>Coping with Cancer </i>magazine and<i>
God Still Meets Needs.</i> She speaks to medical practitioners in the Survivors
Teaching Students program. Check out her blog at www.joanieshawhan.com.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ausjennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644698706787568679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488422862815120364.post-72597067112320977562017-09-25T17:00:00.000+09:302017-09-25T17:00:05.025+09:307 Tips for Handling Anxiety by Dr. Michelle Bengtson<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7 Tips for Handling Anxiety<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Dr. Michelle
Bengtson<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Worry, fear, and anxiety are epidemic. </span><span lang="EN-US">Anxiety disorders are the most
common class of mental health disorders.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Jenny/AppData/Local/Packages/Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe/TempState/Downloads/7_Tips_for_Handling_Anxiety_WordGirls_Aug2017.01.doc#_edn1" name="_ednref1" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It
started in Genesis, when Adam and Eve developed an unhealthy fear of God, prompting
them to hide in the garden after realizing their nakedness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God
commands us not to worry or fear over 300 times, because He knew we would.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scripture Gives 7 Tips for Handling
Anxiety:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Recognize
it exists. <i>My people perish for lack of
knowledge. </i>(Hosea 4:6)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Realize
those thoughts aren’t your thoughts. <i>For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but
against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark
world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. </i>(Ephesians 6:12)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">3.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Ask God what prompted the concern. <i>When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. </i>(John
16:13) </span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">4.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Combat anxiety with the truth of God’s Word. <i>For the word of God is alive and active.
Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and
spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart</i>.
(Hebrews 4:12)</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">5.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">When tempted to worry, vocalize God’s truth. <i>So faith comes from hearing, and hearing
through the word of Christ. </i>(Romans 10:17)</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">6.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Trust God to handle your situation and thank Him for His
answers. <i>Don't worry about anything;
instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all
he has done. </i>(Philippians 4:6)</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">7.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Stand firm, resist the devil, and command him to leave! <i>Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous
trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from
God's. </i>(Matthew 16:23) <i>So humble
yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. </i>(James
4:7)</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anxiety isn’t from
God. Instead God gives us power, love, and a sound mind. <i>For God hath not given us the spirit of
fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. </i>(2 Timothy 1:7)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will you
exchange your anxiety for His power, love, and sound mind?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tuifz-2ZvGYIDaxKzaksJbSxUFnLkBhYo2KM5Dqo0nM6s8qD5KdSQPuCm6yFP4HX42FoJ0OiU6xW34o7oxYUXq4DXLovNMdpa1uytPdXq0f1FANAQwxYqjtUeUe-I3M8R6y84axhv5w/s1600/drb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tuifz-2ZvGYIDaxKzaksJbSxUFnLkBhYo2KM5Dqo0nM6s8qD5KdSQPuCm6yFP4HX42FoJ0OiU6xW34o7oxYUXq4DXLovNMdpa1uytPdXq0f1FANAQwxYqjtUeUe-I3M8R6y84axhv5w/s320/drb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About the Author:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Dr.
Bengtson, author of <i>Hope Prevails:
Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression</i> is a clinical
neuropsychologist and international speaker. </span><span lang="EN-US">She gives practical tools,
encourages faith, and offers hope to acquire peace and joy. She blogs at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.drmichellebengtson.com/">www.DrMichelleBengtson.com</a></span><span lang="EN-US">. Find
her on Facebook (</span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson">https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson</a></span><span lang="EN-US">), Pinterest (</span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails">http://www.Pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails</a></span><span lang="EN-US">), and Twitter (</span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/DrMBengtson">http://www.Twitter.com/DrMBengtson</a></span><span lang="EN-US">).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div>
<!--[if !supportEndnotes]--><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br clear="all" />
</span><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="edn1">
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Jenny/AppData/Local/Packages/Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe/TempState/Downloads/7_Tips_for_Handling_Anxiety_WordGirls_Aug2017.01.doc#_ednref1" name="_edn1" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Kessler RC, Aguilar-Gaxiola
S, Alonso J, Chatterji S, Lee S, Ormel J, Ustün TB, Wang PS. The global burden
of mental disorders: an update from the WHO World Mental Health (WMH)
surveys. <i>Epidemiol Psichiatr Soc</i> 2009;18(1):23–33.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Ausjennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644698706787568679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488422862815120364.post-29649108312729824122017-09-21T17:00:00.000+09:302017-09-21T17:00:00.298+09:30Honoring the Unborn by Dana Bridges Stout<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Honoring
the Unborn<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Dana
Bridges Stout<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“You
want me to what?” I said as my defenses exploded in anger. “No way, no how! I
purposely never wanted to do that because I knew it would be too painful, too
real.” My Abortion Recovery Bible study facilitator assigned us to name our
aborted babies and prepare for a memorial service for the babies represented in
our class. I struggled for several days with even the thought of completing
this task. Eventually, I prayed for the Lord’s help and began looking at baby
name books. Through some tears, I decided on names for the son and daughter I
never held. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
memorial service was one of the most holy, reverent and bittersweet services
I’ve ever seen. Filled with symbolism of the uniqueness of each mother and
child, we gave our babies dignity, recognized their personhood, introduced them
to the world and released them to God. Mothers
honored their children in special ways such as singing a song, writing a poem,
releasing balloons or reading Scripture. Through the truths of the study, the
support of the group and this final sacred moment, I was able to connect to
these babies as mother and child. Honoring and remembering my children was
crucial to healing my heart from the grievous choice of abortion some ten years
prior. I have since walked many women through the same study and presided over
many of these services. Each time I am deeply touched to watch the intense
struggle for healing come to completion as the mothers timidly but proudly call
out their babies’ names, announcing their personhood and lineage to the world. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">The
second Saturday of September is National Day of Remembrance for Aborted
Children. September 9, 2017 will be the forth-annual event. It was organized as
a service over the grave of 1500 aborted babies and the movement has spread
throughout the United States. Pro-Lifers gather to honor the babies with
dignity. You can find more information and a service near you at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.abortionmemorials.com/">www.abortionmemorials.com</a></span><span lang="EN-US">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Perhaps
you have chosen abortion and now regret that decision. One step towards healing
is honoring your child. And the biggest step is one towards the Lord, allowing
Him to heal you through His Word. The wonderful ladies at Abortion Recovery
Assistance at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.piedmontwomenscenter.org/">www.piedmontwomenscenter.org</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> can help find a
recovery program near you. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US">Let us then with confidence draw
near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help
in time of need.</span></i><span lang="EN-US">
(Hebrews 4:16)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(In
honor of Joshua Daniel and Delilah Starling.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<b><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About the Author:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Dana Bridges Stout founded Flourishing Life Ministries to
minister restoration to women and direct them to truths that help them accept
the Flourishing Life that Jesus offers. Dana speaks, leads worship, writes, and
teaches live and online Bible studies. Connect with her at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.flourishinglifeministries.com/">www.flourishinglifeministries.com</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> or
Flourishing Life Ministries on FB. </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ausjennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644698706787568679noreply@blogger.com0