Christmas Sale of 2013

Here are 31 more reasons to $ave on this after-Christmas $ale! Thirty-one ebooks for 99¢ each. They will be on sale from December 24, 2013 through Tuesday, December 31, 2013. Click the links below the graphic to “look inside” each book on Amazon and download your digital copies!

CHILDREN’S BOOKS

The Camera Shy Monster by Susette Williams

Has your child ever hated to have their picture taken? Then you will enjoy reading The Camera Shy Monster as much as your child or grandchild will enjoy having this entertaining picture book read to them.

Brooke doesn’t want her picture taken. She runs away and meets Nessie, a friendly sea monster, who also hates having her picture taken. But how can Nessie take care of Brooke? Nessie comes up with a plan to rescue Brooke and get her to enjoy having her picture taken.

BUY The Camera Shy Monster HERE

The Day My Parents Got Lost by Susette Williams

Has your child ever wandered off–or do you worry that they will?

‘The Day My Parents Got Lost’ is a fun story that gives parents and teachers the opportunity to talk with children about the importance of staying together when you go places, especially amusement parks, so that nobody gets lost.

I remember when my oldest daughter wandered off in a store when she was a toddler. She was so upset with us and blamed us for leaving her. Obviously we didn’t leave her–but in her mind we were the ones who wandered off. All these years later, that fearful time, when she wandered away, is still in my mind. Unfortunately, in today’s society, we have to teach our children about ‘stranger danger’ and staying with us in stores and crowds. This story is a fun way to convey the importance of staying together without scaring them about the possible dangers–that even we don’t want to think about–that lurk out there in the real world.

BUY The Day My Parents Got Lost HERE

Wacky Wishes by Susette Williams

What would you wish for if you could have anything you wanted?

Tommy and Suzie find a wishing well and like children do,
they begin making wishes. Imagine their surprise when their wishes start to
come true! Are spacesuits the new dress code at school? What’s Tommy going to
do with three heads? You’ve heard of, “Be careful what you wish for, you just
might get it.” When Tommy and Suzie’s wishing gets out of hand, will they be
able to wish away the mess they’ve created before their wishes run out?

BUY Wacky Wishes HERE

Sarge Gets a Timeout by Susette Williams

A boy and his dog’s friendship are tested when lies and betrayal come between them. Is revenge a viable teaching tool or can the two come to an understanding and regain their friendship?

It’s a battle of wits against boy and beast in which the two find out if a dog truly is man’s best friend.

BUY Sarge Gets a Timeout HERE

Bubbles Day by Ally Nathaniel

Bubbles, a four years old girl, loves bubbles. She loves watching them, she loves touching them and she wants to learn how to blow them all by herself. Do you think it’s easy? Will Bubbles be able to blow bubbles without any help?

BUY Bubbles Day HERE

My Snow Day by Ally Nathaniel

The perfect Christmas book that will empower your child.

It’s the first day of snow and Gabbi and her siblings are about to get creative.

They have the most brilliant idea: they will build the best snow-woman ever!

This book will not only empower your child by sending the message that children can trust their own thinking and ideas, and implement them all by themselves, but will also emphasize the importance of team work.

BUY My Snow Day HERE

Terry Treetop and the Lost Egg by Tali Carmi

This fun children’s picture book is about a boy with red hair and freckles named Terry, yet everybody calls him Terry Treetop because he loves climbing trees. Terry finds a small egg, and his quest is to bring it back home to its mom. But where is the egg’s home? Does the egg belong to a turtle on the sand or a crocodile’s spring water? Did it come from a frog in a pond or a chicken in the wild?

BUY Terry Treetop and the Lost Egg HERE

Terry Treetop Finds New Friends by Tali Carmi

Want to Help Your Kids Win Friends?
#1 Best seller in Children’s Action & Adventure Books !
(Animal Habitats & Environment children’s book collection)

This is a wonderful book about a boy named Terry, but everybody calls him Terry Treetop because he loves climbing trees. Terry was alone, so he went on a journey to find new friends to invite to his new tree house. He almost gives up when a new opportunity comes his way.

Will Terry use this opportunity to find new friends?

BUY Terry Treetop Finds New Friends HERE

Where is My Home? (Terry Treetop Series) by Tali Carmi

This fun children’s picture book is about a boy with red hair and freckles named Terry, yet everybody calls him Terry Treetop because he loves climbing trees.

Terry is chasing a beautiful butterfly and wants to go back home.

But where is Terry’s home?
And how can he find his way home?
Does the rabbit in the borrow know? Does the beaver in the lodge know?
Maybe the fawn’s mother knows? Or can Susanne the squirrel help him?

BUY Where is My Home? (Terry Treetop Series) HERE

Just The Way I Am by Idan Hadari

This is a touching and funny story, about a young child that discovers that he has a birthmark on his hand. He learns how to deal with it right up to the surprising end.

A great deal of time and effort was invested in the illustrations of this book, as well as the idea behind the story, and binding it all together into a lovely children’s story with great values.

If you would like that your child not misses out on opportunities in life because of his/her lack self-confidence; whether it be public speaking; taking on leadership roles, or asking someone for a date; then we should teach them the lessons of how to face the challenges and situations they may not be equipped to handle, while they are still young, and before it is too late. Self-esteem determines how successful they will become. Low self-esteem and confidence can affect even the most powerful men and women, no matter how smart, educated or “attractive” they are.

BUY Just The Way I Am HERE

Andrew’s Claim to Fame by Idan Hadari

This children’s book is a touching story, full with all sort of feelings & emotions that you can share with your child. They might have a problem in school/pre-school or any other social activity to win friends or to be noticed an accepted as “One of the group”.

Would your children like to be famous as soon as possible?
Are they impatient about life in general (I want this and right now!)?
Are they unaware of their gifts?
Are they dreamers, but don’t have enough faith?

This is a touching and funny story, about a young child that wants to be famous ASAP.
He learns how to deal with it right up to the surprising end. A great deal of time and effort was invested in the illustrations of this book, as well as the idea behind the story, and binding it all together into a lovely children’s story with great values.

BUY Andrew’s Claim to Fame HERE

Noah’s Petting Zoo by Idan Hadari

This is a wonderful children’s bedtime & dreaming story about an old house (Noah) in a new neighborhood,
which is about to be demolished to make way for a new building.
Andrew, a young child, who loves to play with his friends nearby, is doing everything he can to save the old house.

Will Andrew be able to save the old house Noah?

Well, you’ll just have to read the book to find out what happened.

More about this Children’s Zoo Book:
The short story demonstrates to children how to crusade for what they believe in; to be more environmental friendly;
how to help one’s fellow man; what true friendship is; and of course, to like and to play with all of the adorable animals in the story.

Bonus – A FREE Video Book Inside

BUY Noah’s Petting Zoo HERE

CHRISTIAN FICTION

Shadows of Doubt by Susette Williams

Raffealle Gellermine has a very protective uncle and two protective brothers. They never like the men she brings home. Mathew Flannigan has a past, but for the life of her, she can’t figure out why her Uncle Rob and her brothers are trying to encourage a relationship between them. Could her brothers be right? Does she unconsciously choose the wrong type of men? Can she trust Mathew? Especially with her heart?

Will shadows of doubt keep Raffealle from finding true love? Or will Mathew steal more than her heart?

BUY Shadows of Doubt HERE

Falling in Love by Susette Williams

Katie Morgan has her future planned. It doesn’t include becoming serious about anyone before she achieves her goals, not even her handsome boss. Just because she does not have time to date, doesn’t mean her boss shouldn’t. Her new mission…to make her boss happy, whether or not he wants to be.

Wade McAlester fell in love with Katie the first day she walked into his clinic looking for a job. He hired her, content to settle for friendship until she lives out her dream of becoming a vet. Against his better judgment, Wade allows her to fix him up with a couple of her friends. The dates are disastrous. He can’t believe the kind of women Katie seems to think he’d enjoy spending his life with. However, when Wade’s old colleague, Dr. Laura Redmond shows up, Katie is rethinking how happy she wants her boss to be, and with whom. Definitely not the gorgeous doctor.

BUY Falling in Love HERE

Honorable Intentions by Susette Williams

Have you ever wished you had a second chance with someone?

Brand Stanford married Monica because she claimed to be carrying his child. Their marriage was one of convenience–for her. When they had finally become a happy family, Monica was killed in a skiing accident. Now, Brand is faced with having to raise their three-year-old daughter on his own.

Tessa Duggan’s family had been lifelong friends with the Stanfords; and even remained in contact with them after moving out of state. Tessa kept secrets to herself for nearly ten years. She’d loved Brand for as long as she could remember.

Having raised a son on her own, Tessa knows what it’s like to be a single parent. When Brand’s wife dies in a skiing accident, Tessa agrees to help Brand’s mother take care of his three-year-old daughter during the summer.

Is it a chance for them to start over again? Or will Brand break her heart the second time around?

BUY Honorable Intentions HERE

Christmas in Nashville by Elaine Littau

Bill and Betty Wall’s popularity in the Country Music Scene is growing. Looking from the outside-in everything about her life seems perfect. Being a newlywed is nothing like she imagined and worry about Joey, her brother who is MIA from the Vietnam War, keeps her up at night.

Betty’s parents had tried everything they could think of to get information about him only to find that he was released from a POW camp and sent to the USA. Where could he be? Why didn’t he come home to Oklahoma?

After receiving a letter from a private investigator in regards to the child she put up for adoption over two years ago, Betty’s life was further complicated. Her hopes were high that she might be able to mother the child she gave away only to be faced with court appearances and setbacks that stretched her faith in God to the limit.

BUY Christmas in Nashville HERE

Walk Slowly Through the Dark by Elaine Littau

As soon as the wedding bells stopped ringing Roy and June Miller had to make adjustments in living as a married couple. Roy was a rough and gritty lawman who struggled to express emotions for his wife. June was a love-starved woman who had never heard words of endearment expressed in the way her heart needed. Would a separation make the marriage stronger or kill the love that had begun to grow? Set in the 1880s, Walk Slowly Through the Dark, takes the reader into the high altitude of a mountain top in Colorado. New characters are introduced and familiar characters face their own walk through the dark in hopes of reaching the light.

BUY Walk Slowly Through the Dark HERE

Capture the Wandering Heart by Elaine Littau

In 1866 Palo Duro Canyon, Texas, a medicine woman’s skills were put to the test as her little boy, Nobel, watched. A series of events began on that day and eventually drove him from the place that he loved until, years later, he returned to the canyon with his wife, Myrtle, and their children, There they fight against evil from the past and present.
Myrtle and her friend, Sally, were rescued from a brothel as children. Sally takes the arduous trip to Texas in search of the mother who sold her to the evil man who took the girls to the mining camps of Colorado.

Filled with romance, adventure, and history, Capture the Wandering Heart will hold you to the last page.

BUY Capture the Wandering Heart HERE

Time and Again by Deborah Heal

It’s like being there. . . only you can fast forward or rewind.

Abby thinks tutoring a “disadvantaged adolescent” as her college service project will be a snap. But the girl has been closed down ever since her parents’ divorce, especially since she was forced to move to a dilapidated old house. But then their crazy computer program invites them to “Take a Virtual Tour”…a tour of the past when the house was new and a girl named Charlotte Miles lived there 160 years before.

BUY Time and Again HERE

Unclaimed Legacy by Deborah Heal

The olden days aren’t all they’re cracked up to be . . .

Abby’s time-surfing software comes in handy when she and her friends agree to help the “Old Dears” next door with their family tree. Except they learn more about one of the ladies’ ancestors than they ever wanted to know. Convicted in 1871 of murder and arson, Reuben Buchanan is a blight on the family’s reputation. But was he really guilty? Abby and John must get inside the mind of a murderer to find out.

BUY Unclaimed Legacy HERE

Every Hill and Mountain by Deborah Heal

Visiting another century…not the summer vacation she had
planned.

Those who have read Time and Again and Unclaimed Legacy know that Abby Thomas is a college student on a summer service project. And they know that she has discovered a strange computer program that lets her fast-forward and rewind life. Not her own, of course, but those of the people who used to live in old houses. But “time-surfing” in the Old Slave House is almost too much to bear. Yet Abby and her friends are reminded that God is in the business of redemption–that one day he’ll make all things new.

BUY Every Hill and Mountain HERE

A Heart’s Home by Laura J Marshall

S et in 1746, India

Born in England and raised in India by her father after her mother’s untimely death, Asyra has been ostracized from her small village most of her life. News of her impending marriage arranged by her grandmother back in England only serves to confuse her further about who she is and where she fits in. When Madras is attacked by the French before Asyra’s ship sails, she must pretend to be the wife of her grandmother’s agent, who happens to be the elder brother of her intended. Can she move beyond prejudice to find her place in the world?

BUY A Heart’s Home HERE

A Brother’s Vow by Naty Matos

Randall Benson didn’t think life could be any better. His job with the family business allowed him to travel and meet new people. His relationship with his girlfriend the model, gave his access to all the red carpet events and parties, yet there was no requirement for him to be faithful. Although his family doesn’t approve of his careless lifestyle, they love him and do whatever they can to keep him from self-destructing. Yet Randall’s only concern is Randall.

Randall’s world begins to come undone after a series of unexpected events. As Randall tries to settle down and become more dependable , his twin brother Brian seems to be headed down a path that Randall is way too familiar. Brian makes an unusual request that nonchalantly he agrees to keep. He never thought that he would have to keep his word, but he does. As Randall struggles to fulfill his promise to his brother, he is confronted with challenges from his past. Will he succumb to his past and risk losing everything he’s worked so hard to accomplish?

BUY A Brother’s Vow HERE

Charlie’s Angel by Samantha Fury

Charlie’s life in Northern Ohio is ordinary and consistent. When her dad loses his job, fighting becomes an everyday event. Moving in with her sister only makes matters worse. Her life is turned upside down. In a desperate attempt to find a safe haven,she ends up on the streets of Chicago.

Here she’s introduced to a different kind of world. A place where crime lords and women of the night come out to play. Charlie finds herself at the mercy of Rico DeLusa, a local crime lord. When she begins having feelings for one of Rico’s employees, Angel Blackwell, she wonders if she’s out of her element. Is she being drawn into their world, instead of being a light in a dark place?

Blackmail, prostitution and drugs were never a part of her life, but they are now. Charlie finds herself in the middle of a fight between good and evil. She needs the strength to overcome, the wisdom to make the right choices, and the insight to follow what is right Instead of listening to her heart.

BUY Charlie’s Angel HERE

The Assumption of Guilt by Amanda Tru

Nobody stops to think what it would be like to be arrested. That just doesn’t happen to normal people, right?

When a major theft happens at a party she’s attending, Sophie James finds herself the prime suspect. Has she been framed or was she just in the wrong place at the wrong time? Now Sophie must convince the police, along with her cop boyfriend, that she’s innocent. With no record, no motive, and no evidence, that shouldn’t be difficult.

Then why does no one seem to believe her?

BUY The Assumption of Guilt HERE

Babel’s First Light by Sherry Chamblee

Her secret could doom the world. His honesty could save it.

Jaiyl had felt many things in her young life – betrayal, fear, loneliness, anger – but never the love of a family. She was trained only to keep the family’s many secrets.

She was different, set apart, special they said – which really meant alone.
Until one day, everything changed.

Jaiyl must come to trust God, and those around her, or all was lost.

Van knew there was an entire world out there beyond his mountains, but he could never quite bring himself to get up and go see it. Then someone from out there came to him. He gets thrown into a fight he didn’t start, with powerful people who don’t want to be found. He has to figure out what really conquers all, before it’s too late.

Jaiyl is all secrets and fear, Van has nothing to hide, nothing to fear. Together they must fight for the freedom of those they love.

BUY Babel’s First Light HERE

Matchmaker, Matchmaker by Sherry Chamblee

When a new guy comes to town, it’s time for the matchmaking to begin. Jack Adams came to Paradise because of a teaching job at the local Christian school, but he soon realizes that there are people in the church who have much bigger plans for him.

With at least two eligible, unattached young ladies in the church, Jack finds himself the gold medal prize in a matchmaking competition worthy of the Olympics. Can he avoid being handed over in the winner’s circle? Will love find him anyway?

BUY Matchmaker, Matchmaker HERE

Words of Jesus Bible American Standard Version edition prepared by Russell Sherrard

Words of Jesus Bible – American Standard Version. This Bible is NOT a complete Bible, it just contains the words of Jesus. Therefore, it does not contain any of the Old Testament. If you look at any Bible that has “a red letter edition” you will have a “Words of Jesus Bible”. Since the Kindle is in black, white, and shades of gray, you cannot easily tell what the Words of Jesus are. This edition puts the words of Jesus in Red. On the Kindle they appear a lighter gray than the rest of the text. Of course, on the Kindle apps for iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, Kindle for PC, Kindle for Mac or the Kindle Fire these words appear in red. To try and keep the context the entire verse which Jesus speaks is included.

BUY Words of Jesus Bible American Standard Version HERE

Words of Jesus Bible King James Version edition prepared by Russell Sherrard

Words of Jesus Bible – King James Version. This Bible is NOT a complete Bible, it just contains the words of Jesus. Therefore, it does not contain any of the Old Testament. If you look at any Bible that has “a red letter edition” you will have a “Words of Jesus Bible”. Since the Kindle is in black, white, and shades of gray, you cannot easily tell what the Words of Jesus are. This edition puts the words of Jesus in Red. On the Kindle they appear a lighter grey than the rest of the text. Of course, on the Kindle apps for iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, Kindle for PC, Kindle for Mac or the Kindle Fire these words appear in red. To try and keep the context the entire verse which Jesus speaks is included.

BUY Words of Jesus Bible King James Version HERE

Interactive Romans Road American Standard Version edition prepared by Russell Sherrard

Long Ago, when the Roman Empire was at the height of its glory, a common saying was “All Roads Lead to Rome.” I want to tell you about a very special road — a road that existed then and still exists now. This road, now almost 2,000 years old, has never led to Rome. Yet, strangely enough, it is called the Romans Road.

This takes the reader to selected passages in the Book of Romans in the Bible to explain the plan of Salvation. This is the ideal way to share the gospel using your Kindle. The reader can also read the entire book of Romans un-interrupted.

BUY Interactive Romans Road American Standard Version HERE

How to move a burro?

In the last couple of weeks I’ve heard different people, who don’t even know each other, say that someone is so stubborn that they have been compared to a burro. In the animal kingdom we know that when a donkey or burro decides to sit, they would stay there and not move no matter what you do.

So what do we do?

I have been thinking about this for a while. I thought it was interesting to hear the same analogy from people who didn’t know each other. We have many “burros” in our lives. Those are the  people we define as being quite stubborn and will not even think of considering another’s point of view. But we have to try.

I went searching for the answer and this is what I found.

“First make sure your donkey is not sick and is a healthy .Practice leading in a small space before attempting to go out into the open as donkeys are really strong. Make sure you have the verbal commands, walk, whoa, backup, over (porcupine game) in place before stepping out into the open for walks. In the beginning small cut pieces of carrots and a green apple help with learning how to lead I do train with treats in the beginning and surprise them every now and again later.”

When I look at it within people and within faith it is not too different.

Make sure that they are not sick.

How many times do people have issues that make them react the way they do? How many times do our issues make us react the way we do? We have to be sensitive to those situations instead of jumping on the judgment bandwagon. We should be a witness for those people with issues and acknowledge our own issues in order to work on them.

Practice leading in a small space before going out in the open.

This reminds me when Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:19-21 “Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.  To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law.” Sometimes we need to come down off our “christianese” high horse and remember that we were a mess before Christ, and we’re still not perfect in order to understand other people’s struggles.

Make sure you have verbal commands

I have to admit that I’m one that sometimes thinks, “They should know better”. I have to be honest with myself and know that there were times when I didn’t. Guess what? They may not know either. Sometimes you have to tell the truth in love. Sometimes people don’t know of the other options in life to resolve things.

In the beginning cut small pieces of carrots and apples

Do you remember how long it took you to actually get it? I know it took me a lot of time and sometimes I still miss what God is trying to tell me. We should not be preaching and giving small portions of knowledge without losing the relationship. At some times we just need to share times and have a relationship with a person before you can even get a word regarding the Word into the conversation. Remember, small pieces of carrot not and apples and you will move the burro, otherwise he won’t move. The same goes for people; you can’t give them what they are not ready to receive. Be conscious and graceful.

Train with treats in the beginning and surprise them every now and again.

Let people in your life know that you care about them. If you are preaching to them all the time instead of building a relationship, YOU are the one missing the point. God places people in our lives to make community and to love, not to change them. If you want to make an impact in someone’s life, you first have to be an example that they want to follow. Then you have to have someone they want to be around. How do you like extremely religious people? There’s your answer.

I promise, I’m not trying to compare humans to burros, but I know I have been a burro and I’m grateful for those who had patience with me. I would not have made it where I am without them

Until next time… Be blessed.

WF: Losing

When we are worn out with the challenges of life, usually life just throws us another curve. I tend to tell myself that’s what life uses to keep me on my toes so that I don’t get bored. I’m never bored. And when that extra curve comes; have you noticed that it’s usually related to the ones closest to us?

Our loved ones have the key to our hearts, and what they do, don’t do or what happens to them, tends to hit us harder. A harsh word makes us evaluate how could this be happening after all the love that we have given? A painful incident makes us feel powerless from being able to protect them. A bad choice makes us feel helpless to the fact that there’s nothing we can do about other people’s choices.

Somehow it makes us feel like we are losing the battle…

But remember that when Jesus went to the cross, he went for the same reasons. He was able to DO something, die for our sins. But it also hurts his heart when we make bad choices and because of the freedom we have he is powerless of doing anything unless we decide to turn to him. After the love that He has given us, he too experiences rejection, neglect and abandonment from us.

nailsBut in the hour that counted, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:24). At the moment where we were attacking him the most, he begged for our mercy in spite of his pain.

Don’t we want to be more like Jesus? Then let’s pray that he helps us be graceful with those who hurt our hearts. Worship with me today and until next time… Be Blessed…..

WF: Your Love Never Fails

The thing we should never forget about being a Christian is that our walk doesn’t come without pain and sorrows. Actually Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:34 that he didn’t come to abolish the pain. So what’s the difference between living a life for Christ and not, HIS LOVE…

Those of us who have chosen to believe in the Lord of Glory have discovered the peace that reaches all understanding. We know that even in the darkest of nights, we are not alone. There’s always a light inside of us that will show us the way out. Each of our tears will be held and comforted. We know, because he has said so, that even when we walk in the shadow of the valley of death HE will be with us.

On our loneliest day, we are not alone; we are always comforted by the Holy Spirit. The world can’t understand why we can smile in the middle of tragedy. They can’t understand how we can forgive the most awful of transgressions. How it is possible that we can let go of shame, humiliation and fear? Because Jesus took that all to the cross and that burden is not for us to carry anymore.

My friends, I don’t know where you are today. I don’t know what you’re feeling, but I do know that the God of Glory will lift those ashes and bring you through and every promise will be fulfilled. When you are so weary that you can’t even stand, kneel.

Lamentations 3:22-23

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.

 Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.

Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,

who have been called according to his purpose.

WF: East to West

I think one of the things Christians, especially new Christians struggle the most is condemnation. We live in the world of “forgive and not forget” and we have the tendency to look at God in the same light.

I have said many times that understanding God’s mercy was hard for me. How could he forgive the things I had done when his Word said that those things were against his will? Then I discovered Grace. That favor that God gives us that covers all our sins. That which brings to life the sacrifice of the cross.

Even after salvation we are not perfect, and there are times when we life in this fear of when will be the day when he will say enough, you’ve crossed the line of unforgiveness. But lucky for us that day will not arrive. As long as we repent we will be covered once again by the blood of the lamb, because Jesus died for ALL our sins. The ones we did and the ones to be done.

 1 Peter 1:18-20

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.  He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.

Let’s Praise God for that!

Stop The Culture of Death

I sat down yesterday afternoon after a great day with my mother to watch television and think about what was I going to write about for today. While I was just browsing for ideas for my post, I decided to check out the news from this weekend. All the news stories were related to death and children.

  • In New Orleans, during a Mother’s Day Parade 18 people were shot, 2 of them were children. It’s hard for me to understand what would make someone open fire in a Mother’s Day Parade.
  • In Valley Springs, California a 12 year old was arrested for stabbing his 8 year old sister.
  • In New Jersey, a man killed a woman and kept her three children hostage in the bedroom with their mother’s dead body until Sunday morning when they were finally released and the kidnapper was killed by the police.
  • In Kansas, the body of an 18 month old, who was missing, was found. Earlier last week her mother and two other men were found dead in a farm where they lived, but the child had been missing until her body turned up over the weekend.

I think I can stop there before we all crawl inside our closets to cry. Having said that, I refuse to allow the world of terror to paralyze my purpose. I truly believe that beyond grieving, this is a blaring call to action.

Parents, be aware of the things that your children have access to. Violent games and movies may seem innocent,but even when you tell yourself that your child knows that this is fantasy, it also desensitizes them to violence.

The rest of us should stop patronizing any company that promotes violence in the media. If we don’t buy it, they will have to change their ways. There are millions of Christians. How serious are you about what will you do to defend your faith? Will you allow yourself to be lukewarm and blend in the culture of this world or will you take a stand for what you know to be righteous?

We can also take action to those around us that we notice are dealing with mental health issues. Early intervention can make a huge difference. Sadness goes away with a change of scenery. Real depression, anxiety, anger and addictions are just as real diseases as diabetes and cancer and need to be treated by professionals. Being in treatment does NOT negate your faith.

I invite you TODAY to take a step against the culture of violence. Don’t ever think that there nothing you can do. It takes each and everyone of us, as the body of Christ, to work together in this war.

Never forget what we read in Ephesians 6:12

“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.”

Yes, we need to pray, but we also need to take action. As it says in James 2:26

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Until next time, be blessed

Remember today is the last day of my Mother’s Day Sale, get your copies now!

TheRoadHomeFinal (2) SeasonsGreetingsFinalCover

$2.99 (save $2)                          $0.99  (save$1)

Book Blast: A Life of Gratitude: 21 Days to Overcoming Self-Pity and Negativity by Shelley Hitz {3/20/13} – $25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

Title: A Life of Gratitude: 21 Days to Overcoming Self-Pity and Negativity

By Shelley Hitz

About the Book:

During a season of transition in my life, I found myself overwhelmed with negative emotions like self-pity and a complaining spirit. It was as if a dark cloud had descended over me. I prayed and asked God for wisdom on how to overcome these negative emotions. As I did, I sensed Him leading me to do a 21 day gratitude challenge.

Over the course of the 21 days, God began to change me as I spent intentional time being grateful for all I had been given. I did this through writing in my journal each day and also sending a hand-written thank you note to someone different each day. This also led me to writing out 21 prayers of gratitude and compiling 21 stories of gratitude.

I want to share what I learned with you in the pages of this book which includes:

21 Days of Gratitude Challenge

21 Prayers of Gratitude

21 Stories of Gratitude

What to Expect On Each Day:

Read my personal stories, struggles and reflections.

Read one scripture and one quote about gratitude.

Apply one personal application step from the challenge.

Read one prayer of gratitude

Read one story of gratitude

Get Accountability and Encouragement

Along with the 21 day challenge, I also started a private Facebook group to provide accountability and encouragement for myself but also for others who decide to join me in the challenge. You will get access to this group as well. It has been amazing to see God at work in each of our lives.

Will you join me on this journey to gratitude?

KINDLE | PAPERBACKShelley Hitz
shelley-lynne-headshot-webShelley Hitz is an award-winning and international best-selling author. Her openness and vulnerability as she shares her own story of hope and healing through her books will inspire and encourage you.

Shelley has been ministering alongside her husband, CJ, since 1998. They currently travel and speak to teens and adults around the country. Shelley’s main passion is to share God’s truth and the freedom in Christ she has found with others. She does this through her books, websites and speaking engagements.

You can find more about Shelley at ShelleyHitz.com or invite her to speak at your event here: ChristianSpeakers.tv

Follow Shelley Hitz
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Enter to Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Enter below to enter a $25 amazon gift card, sponsored by author Shelley Hitz!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This book blast is hosted by Crossreads.

We would like to send out a special THANK YOU to all of the CrossReads book blast bloggers!

Psalm 119: Thy Word is a Lamp unto My Feet

So as we are reviewing Psalm 119, I found out that my good friend Debra Hutto Bateman has a book written on the subject. We will continue with our verse study next week, but I know you will be interested in this deep study of this wonderful verse. Enjoy!

Excerpt from Psalm 119: Thy Word is a Lamp unto My Feet

By: Deborah H. Bateman

119

Teach Me, O LORD

Lesson 5

Psalm 119:33-40

This portion of Scripture in Psalm 119 starts with the Hebrew letter HE. HE is the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet and represents the letter 5 or can be 5000 when speaking of years. The Psalmist cries out to God to teach him the statutes of the LORD. He asks God to give him understanding and he promises to keep God’s law and observe it with his whole heart. The Psalmist asks God to help his heart to be inclined toward God’s testimonies and not toward covetousness. He asks God to help him to walk in the path of God’s commandments, because he delights in the laws of God. He prays to God to turn his eyes from vanity and help him to walk in

the ways of God. The Psalmist fears the judgment of God. His desire is to be rooted and grounded in the word of God, so he can live righteously before God.

Daily Bible Scripture: Psalm 119:33-40

33 HE. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.

34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.

36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.

37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.

38 Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.

39 Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.

40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.

Things to Think About:

  • Have you ever prayed and asked God to teach you His word?
  • How can we protect our eyes from seeing evil?
  • How can we protect our ears from hearing things not pleasing to God?
  • Do you long to be righteous before God?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in Psalm 119 where the Psalmist asks You to teach him Your ways. LORD, help us to understand Your word. Open our hearts, minds, eyes, and ears to see, hear, and understand Your will for our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/He_%28letter%29

Bio for Deborah H. Bateman

debDeborah H. Bateman is a Christian author, publisher, blogger, and website designer. She is the founder of Christian Daily Resources a Christian online ministry, dedicated to “Sharing God’s Word.” She enjoys studying the Bible and sharing it with others. She wrote this book to share with you the importance of hiding God’s Word in your heart. You can connect with Deborah on her author blog at http://DeborahHBateman.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeborahHBateman

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DebBat

If you want to get your copy of this book click on the link below or the book cover at the top.
Psalm 119: Thy Word is a Lamp unto My Feet (Daily-Bible-Reading Series)

Working the Mission Field

What a blessing we find in those who dedicate their lives to the work of the kingdom. In a way we are all called to the mission field. Our field may be different and that’s why we don’t consider ourselves missionaries. It is our duty as Christians to sow the seed of the Gospel in our workplace, with our family and friends, with the works of our ministries, with our neighbors and the cashier at grocery store.

With that said, I admire those who leave family and friends, move away to just work for the kingdom. Those who leave their commodities and sleep on the floor, and have very little to eat just to help needy communities and dedicate their lives to the mission field. They truly fulfill the scripture that reads Acts 6:4 “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” They see first hand the pain and suffering for those in need. They love with the love of Christ every single day of their live. They are an example of what Christ-like life is.

Matthew 28:19-20

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Let’s stay alert to what our individual mission fields are and fulfill them eagerly. Also let’s help as much as possible those who have sacrificed everything for the cause of the Kingdom.

Until then, be blessed.

clip_image002

In Growth Lessons, I was reminded of this beautiful truth: Our walk with the Lord is a process of growing up into the image of Christ. P. Yates

I would recommend this book for anyone who would like some common sense and light added to their life. C. Cunningham

Great for meditations and daily devotions. N. Thames

Careful when praying for light

We all have heard that we should be careful what we ask for because we might get it and it may not be what we have in mind. I’m a nosy person. Friends and family struggle with surprising me because with a minimal clue I am able to figure it out. But I’ve learned that with God things are a little bit different.

Sometimes when someone lies to us or we are in conflict about something, that we can tell that we do not have all the necessary information, we may ask God to reveal to us what’s hidden, but are we ready to handle what will come out?

The Word of God says in 1 Corinthians 4:5 (NIV)  Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.”

I’ve included this verse in many of my prayers and when things were opened and revealed I was either devastated or astounded by those things that were unknown to me. Now I’m not advocating to stay ignorant. God wants us to walk in truth, wisdom, and freedom.

What I decided to do was to add a little extra to that prayer. Instead of just asking the Lord to reveal what is hidden from me, I’ve also asked him to prepare my heart for those things that may hurt. I ask him to give me wisdom on how to react to the findings and for the peace to deal with it all.

There has never been a time when I’ve asked for revelation of the truth when God has not responded almost immediately, but now I prepare my spirit and my heart for whatever the revelation is.

Do you have an experience where a revelation caught you unprepared and changed your life? I would love to hear it.

Stayed prayed up and be blessed.

Talking about revelations, stay tuned for my new release on December 1st and find out what the letters from Amelia reveal to our main character Daisy Adair.

SeasonsGreetingsFinalCover