Monday, November 12, 2012

Spread the word on Novel Crossing and Win! New Christian Fiction Site!


A new website dedicated to Christian Fiction, called NovelCrossing.com!

Novel Crossing is dedicated to bringing Christian fiction readers the latest news, book releases, author commentary and reviews from a range of writers including authors, professional reviewers, fiction book editors and fans of Christian fiction.

I can't wait to read The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury! A perfect holiday read.






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Thursday, November 01, 2012

God Loves Broken People by Sheila Walsh Book Review




 This was such an encouraging book for anyone who's gone through a difficult time that leaves you broken. And let's be honest here, that's most of us. Most of us have experienced at some time or another in our lives a time that left us wounded and unable to heal and move forward as a whole and restored human being. This book steps in the gently walk you through the process of leaning on the Lord for that healing and reinforcing to the reader that God deeply, madly, loves us all, even the broken ones, with an all consuming love that doesn't end, quit, lessen, or run out. And often that's just what we need to be reminded of. 

The book  is written well and Sheila's voice carries the reader through with her kind and effective approach. I'm blessed with the gift of encouragement, so this book really spoke to me. I loved it. I could relate in what she was sharing, both having been repeatedly broken myself, but also from the encouragement side of things as well. This book couldn't have come at a better time, as I a sister and close family friend that are going through very trying times and are feeling broken and helpless. This book has helped give me insight and tools to pass on to them, to help them through their difficult times. I would recommend this read to anyone who is or was broken or knows or is close to someone who is currently hurting, it will truly give you hope.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishing through the Booksneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am enclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16CFR, Part 255“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


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Tuesday, June 05, 2012

Gabby's Stick-to-it Day Book Review - Shelia Walsh


Gabby’s Stick-to-It Day : A Story About Never Giving Up, Sheila Walsh



Since I have kiddos (two amazing ones to be exact) publishers will sometimes send me books for them, which I love! The most recent one is Gabby's Stick-to-it Day by the endlessly talented Shelia Walsh.

Gabby is a little guardian angel with a big job to do! Watching over Sophie is hard work, but Gabby knows that God wants her to stick to it.

Gabby, God’s Little Angel, flies to the rescue as Sophie attempts to help others but has a little trouble sticking with things. Sophie tries to be helpful by washing the family dog for her mom, but she gives up when she’s the one who ends up all wet. She then tries to be kind by reading to her little brother, but he has plans of his own, which include a splash of cereal right in Sophie’s face! When Sophie is ready to quit once again, it’s up to Gabby to encourage her to keep trying and to teach her what the Bible says about perseverance: “We must not become tired of doing good. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9 NCV)

My daughter opened and loved this book immediately! The cover art caught her attention right away as it's vibrant, with raised glitter bits on it (fun!). She repeatedly felt the shiny glitter places on the cover taking it all in, it was super cute to watch. But the best part happened when she opened the book and found out that girl in the book's name is Sophie, same name as hers!

We read this book often as the illustrations are wonderful and the lesson of the book is also spot on. It's a good reminder even for us adults to 'stick-with-it'.

This is a wonderful book to share with a young girl in your life! My daughter is currently eight and she loves this book, and loves that she can read it too!


Disclosure: I was sent this product for review. My opinions expressed are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this review.


  
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Monday, June 04, 2012

New books to review

Catchy blog title right? I know (insert big grin). Ha ha. To be honest, I am currently in the business of finishing posts, and actually posting them in a timely manner, than I am in formulating creative, catchy titles, worthy of a marketing nod (sorry Pop). For the past few weeks my mailbox has seen lots of action; book action that is, and I have a big pile of wonderful books that I'm doing my best to read, again, in a timely manner. The newest two are ones I'm especially excited about because I love anything written by Beth Moore and the other, well, it just looks really good!


Saturday, March 10, 2012

This Week In My Mailbox



Some things I was sent this past week. Lots of reading, listening and watching to do, some of which will be done this weekend - at least that's the plan :)

Wishing you a great weekend!

Love,

HE is more





Sometimes when my mind begins to reel and I find myself worrying about things, I turn on worship music, hit repeat and worship, sing and pray the lyrics until I feel I feel His 'peace that passes all understanding'(Phil 4:7) in every fiber of me. 

He gently reminds me He has my life mapped out and that I don't have to have answers for everything and I don't have to know how things will play out because He knows.....and that's ALL I need to know. He is more and He is able. 

I guess this is the part where He grows my trust and faith in Him, His ways, and His timing. I seem to be re-learning these same lessons over and over again. Obviously He knows I haven't quite fully grasped them yet. Ha Ha.




I have the above photo on a little card and I keep it out where I can read it. I read it again. And again, and again as needed. 

For me, it's often. :)

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Saturday, March 03, 2012

Be Courageous


image via 
 
So very true. And how cheery is that illustration? LOVE it! Happy weekend! Hope it's full of smiles and joy!

Love,

Friday, March 02, 2012

Love Out Loud by Joyce Meyer Book Review


LOVE this devotional. You really can't go wrong with Joyce Meyer. She nails it every single time and she gives it to you straight. Sometimes it's the hard stuff that makes you squirm a little inside, other times it's an uplifting 'shot-in-the-arm' inspirational message that make your heart sing and puts a spring in your step. This is one her inspirational bests. Loving God, others, and yourself is one of the biggest tasks we are called to do and Joyce explains and helps readers WANT to delve more into making loving a permanent part of who they are.

I look forward to opening this book everyday and soaking up the scriptures and the practical life application Joyce infuses along with it. It helps me keep an eternal perspective and  remember that "the JOY of the Lord is my strength"(Nehemiah 8:10)! Such a great book to add to your daily reading pile. I read my devotionals in the morning while I sip my coffee and it totally sets the tone for my day. Spending time in the Word and with the Lord is the only way I like to start my day.

You can purchase this fabulous devotional here.

FaithWords kindly gifted me this book to review. Thank you!

Love,

The way to trouble God is...

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Torn: Trusting God When Life Leaves You in Pieces by Jud Wilhite - Book Review


I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it really spoke to me because recently my life has sort of flipped upside down. I'm not one to air my laundry - I'm a very private personal(hello discretion), but I will say my life took quite a severe dip in the personal relationship area about six months ago. Since then, I've clung to the Lord; asking, seeking, and pleading for Him to lead the way and show me his purpose and will for me and my life. He's been faithful to do so, and even more! Along this hard road I've been reading lots of Christian based inspiration and spiritual growth books that have encouraged and helped me tremendously. Torn is one of them.

This side of heaven, we will never be content or fulfilled(this isn't our home and we weren't made to be content here). Often times life throws us curve-balls, tragedy strikes, or things just fall apart, but this book helps to put things in perspective - an eternal perspective - which is where our focus should be, on Him. It doesn't lessen the pain or realness of our emotions and feelings, but it does point to the only One who can heal us and bring good out of a bad situation or circumstance. I read through this book fairly quickly and soaked it up. I needed to hear that God brings good out of every single bad thing that happens in my life. That he's got a master plan that surpasses anything I could think was best for myself. He doesn't always deliver us from our problems or circumstances, but He PROMISES to walk through it with us. I can't think of anything that comforts my heart more when I'm hurting or having a hard time.

This book is written with a pastor's heart and is full of encouraging, raw, and powerful words. I highly recommend it to anyone who could use some encouragement in their life.

Nearing Home Life, Faith, and Finishing Well by Billy Graham


It's safe to say Billy Graham is a Christian evangelist icon. He's spent his life sharing the "good news" and leading people to Christ. What an amazing life. Seriously. AMAZING, and I'm envious. If I thought I had enough wit and social/relational savyness to make it my life's work I would in a heartbeat. Because let's face it, "this life is a drop in the bucket" - as my Mom loves to say, but our souls are eternal. That's what really matters. Where we will spend eternity.

Wow, there's my first evangelist bit! Hey, I might just have a little knack for this, no? :)

Now about the book. Following suit with his other fabulous books, this one is just as great. It's definitely geared more for the more advanced(fancy for older) in age readers, but there's something to be gleaned from it for everyone. I personally enjoyed the essence of the book, which is, it really doesn't matter how you start or what you came from, it's about FINISHING WELL. Such a spot on concept because it's truth.

It also speaks to me personally because I'm a great starter. I get inspired by something and run with it! Research, purchase supplies, talk about it to people. Then a little ways into it I lose my steam, or motivation. Then there I am again looking around saying to myself. Seriously? How did this happen again? But I usually always push myself to finish.

This book is full of inspiration and firsthand knowledge of finishing well and how to do it. How to keep your focus on Him.

That's how it is with our Christian walk. New believers are hungry and fired up for the Word, learning and more of Jesus. Then life happens, complacency happens. We get in ruts, routines, or just make ourselves "busy". We neglect prayer and time with Jesus, being in his presence and time in the Word. It's ok though, we're human, we fall short, and it happens to all of us. The most important piece is to recognize it when it happens, shake it off(don't let condemnation phase you for a second), repent, and talk to the Lord about it. He's always right there ready to love on you and help in his merciful grace. He wants to equip you with everything you need for today and help you finish well.

It's all in surrender and constant communication with Him. He'll help you finish well. Promise. Just ask Him.


Friday, February 10, 2012

BAGGU Leather Pouch Clutch Giveaway


Just a quick little note to let you know that I've having the best giveaway over on my fashion blog Kaizen Fashion Project for a gorgeous leather pouch/clutch from BAGGU(Ends 2/20)!

I'd love for you to win so come visit and enter!

Love,
Heather


Thursday, January 12, 2012

Get Friendly - JCrew Style


Since I was girl, bracelets have always been a favorite accessory of mine. I really adore all jewelry and appreciate it's beauty and significance in enhancing ones look, but I especially LOVE bracelets! I love the endless combinations of; materials, textures, colors, and size. They are a quick and surefire way to instantly add personal style and fun to your outfit, and are so easily mixed and matched. I'm convinced it's practically foolproof to goof up throwing bracelets on and looking great!

My newest love is this beauty from JCREW. Isn't she lovely? Small, dainty, but shiny, detailed, and impactful all at once! It's a gorgeous cherry apple red, made of nylon cord, with a super shiny thin rhinestone chain, and my favorite - teeny tiny rhinestone covered balls at the ends! Love. Love. Love.


 



I layered it with a neon DIY bracelet I made, my simple black masculine watch, and another double row black friendship bracelet from Forever21. So so happy with it! Have any gorgeous bracelets you want to share about? I wanna hear! Xo

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Baggu: Duck duck goose!




Confession; I have a love affair with Baggu. Yes it's true, and since it's inception a few years back I've followed the brand fairly closely. It all started when Baggu's website first went live and I ordered my first set of three reusable bags. I was hooked instantly. These are, in my opinion, the best reusable bags on the market. Hands down. And since they began, they've branched out adding tons and tons of amazingly beautiful colors and patterns to their already lovely collection. Just have a look. I'm loving the brights and stripes! Swoon.


 Most recently I discovered they now have a bunch of new amazing bags, including, backpacks, leather bags and pouches, canvas bags, and zipper bags! They all look fantastic and functional! I was lucky enough recently to be gifted one of their Duck Bags in Sailor Stripe. I can't say enough about how I love this bag. I've carried it everyday since I received it; to the school, grocery store, shopping, lunch dates, everywhere. You get the idea. It's durable, but soft, and is one large compartment with on small inside pocket attached one the side at the top for a cell, chapstick, etc. I've been sporting it messenger style for the most part, but have also been folding it in half and carrying it as a large clutch. I've received lots of compliments and people asking where it's from, and for $24.00 it's a steal of a deal!









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