The Gospel Centered Woman

The Gospel Centered Woman -- Understanding Biblical Womanhood through the Lens of the Gospel
by
Wendy Alsup

MY THOUGHTS:
This book is heavier on theology than most Women's Bible studies, and I liked that. Wendy goes into depth on the passages she has selected and she uses scripture to justify her perspectives. this would be a great study for women who want to go beyond the 'fluff' of studies that make you feel good and really dive deep into what the Bible says about being a woman.

I love that Wendy uses Jesus as the role model we should aspire to instead of the typical Biblical women (Ruth, Esther, etc.) or the ever difficult Proverbs 31 woman. She clearly shows that these women have important lessons for us to learn, but that our true example should be Christ.

I also appreciated Wendy's focus on ALL women, not just those who are married and have children. While I fall into that category, I have several friends who are single or who are unable to have children, and they are often ignored in women's studies, which just hurts them more if those are things they desire.

This would be a great small group study for women who are seeking to truly understand the Biblical role of women in today's world.

  Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/jgKJd 

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Many Christian books written to women claim to present God's good instructions for their lives. Some expound on the value of marriage and children. Many extol the virtues of the Proverbs 31 wife. A good number teach the value of love, submission, and respect in Christian marriages. Though this book deals with these topics, The Gospel-Centered Woman addresses women from an entirely different perspective. The most important part of the Bible's instructions to women center around the gospel. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection brought about a seismic shift in our understanding of Scripture. After His resurrection, His disciples understood words written thousands of years before with a clarity they never had previously. The good news of Christ illuminates all other Scripture, including instructions to women.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Wendy Alsup is a wife, mom, and math teacher. She is the author of "Practical Theology for Women: How Knowing God Makes a Difference in Our Daily Lives" and "By His Wounds You are Healed: How the Message of Ephesians Transforms a Woman's Identity". 

 

Find out more about Wendy at 

www.theologyforwomen.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEE WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING!

Landing page: 

http://litfusegroup.com/author/walsup 

 

Thanks to Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of the book for this review.

When the Morning Glory Blooms

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing When The Morning Glory Blooms Abingdon Press (April 1, 2013) by Cynthia Ruchti

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cynthia writes stories of hope that glows in the dark, merging her love for storytelling with inextinguishable hope for inexpressible hurts.

Cynthia spends her days diving into words, worship, and wonder and celebrating 40 years of marriage, three grown children, and five outrageously adorable grandchildren. One of her greatest joys is helping other writers grow in their craft. To that end, she served as the assistant director and a faculty member of the Quad Cities Christian Writers Conference, has served as worship and devotions staff for the Write-to-Publish conference, and teaches at other conferences as opportunities arise. She speaks to women’s groups, at mother-daughter banquets, and for women’s refresher days and retreats. It is her delight to serve on her church’s worship team. Rather than “busy,” she likes the term “active.”

For 33 years, Cynthia wrote and produced the radio broadcast The Heartbeat of the Home. The scripted radio drama/devotional broadcast aired on as many as 50 radio stations and two cable/digital television stations over the years. Cynthia was the editor of the ministry’s Backyard Friends magazine, a twenty-page, twice annual publication that reached 5,000 homes, churches, and parachurch outreaches.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Becky rocks a baby that rocked her world. Sixty years earlier, with her fiancé Drew in the middle of the Korean Conflict, Ivy throws herself into her work at a nursing home to keep her sanity and provide for the child Drew doesn't know is coming. Ivy cares for Anna, an elderly patient who taxes Ivy's listening ear until the day she suspects Anna's tall tales are not the ramblings of dementia. They're fragments of Anna's disjointed memories of a remarkable life. Finding a faint thread of hope she can't resist tugging, Ivy records Anna's memoir, scribbling furiously after hours to keep up with the woman's emotion-packed, grace-hemmed stories. Is Ivy's answer buried in Anna's past? Becky, Ivy, Anna--three women fight a tangled vine of deception in search of the blossoming simplicity of truth.

If you would like to read the first chapter of When The Morning Glory Blooms, go HERE.

Rescuing Hope

by

Susan Norris

 MY THOUGHTS

 This is one of those books that you wish was purely fiction -- that things like sex trafficking don't really happen in our world. Unfortunately, it is all too true (while the book is fiction, it is based on interviews and research done by the author).

Rescuing Hope is intended to raise awareness of this horrifying crime, and it delicately takes the reader behind the scenes as Hope, an innocent young girl, is raped. She is terrified to tell anyone, and it eats her up inside and changes her perspective on life. She becomes an easy target for the tactics of those who kidnap young girls and hold them as prisoners, requiring them to perform sex for hire.

Rescuing Hope is well written, and Norris makes it easy to comprehend how so many people get pulled into this illicit world.

This book needs to be read by as many people as possible. Sex trafficking isn't something that just happens in third world countries, it is rampant here in our cities in the US. I hope this book will spur people to action.

 ABOUT THE BOOK

Every two minutes evil plunders the innocence of a child somewhere in the United States. These victims of human sex trafficking are as familiar as the girl who lives across the street. Hope Ellis is one of those girls. Trying to help her mother with their move across town, Hope finds herself in a situation she isn’t equipped to handle.
This single encounter opens the door to drugs, deception and more. Attempting to manage things on her own, she pushes her best friend away and seeks comfort in destructive relationships. Ultimately Hope’s vulnerability captures the attention of a man she meets on the subway. He pledges his affection, promises her love and wins her over with his smooth-talking ways. Will he help Hope find her way home, restored?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR-SUSAN NORRIS

In her novel, Rescuing Hope, Susan Norris frames the realities of sex trafficking in the US. After learning that girls her daughter’s age were being trafficked in her own quiet suburb outside of Atlanta, she set out on a quest to protect them and other girls in her path. This woman of boldness has spent countless hours with survivors, their families, and detectives sworn to protect them. She even met with a former pimp.
Through this two-year journey of discovery, Norris emerged a voice for victims of human trafficking. A sought-after networker of organizations fighting trafficking, such as Not For Sale, A Future Not A Past, Nightlight and Wellspring Living, she lobbies for stronger laws to protect victims and walks alongside rescued girls trying to piece together their shattered lives.
Founder of Righteous Relationships and a poplar international speaker for women and youth on topics such as purity, freedom and spiritual identity, Norris graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Master’s of Education degree. She has taught in public and private schools and served as a leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes before becoming a Bible teacher and author.

Thank you to iUniverse and Glass Road for providing a copy of this book for review.

When Jesus Wept - CONTEST!

 When Jesus Wept
by
Bodie and Brock Thoene

MY THOUGHTS:
This is an incredibly powerful book that follows the life of an ordinary man, Lazarus, into the heart of God's extraordinary plan.  The Thoene's have outdone themselves with this tribute to Jesus Christ and his ministry. The setting and historical facts are impeccable, and the story line takes you right to the heart of this dear friend of our Lord. With Biblical accuracy, they have given life to those surrounding one of the most amazing miracles in the New Testament.

With a passion for helping others become self sustaining, Lazarus manages one of the finer vineyards in Israel. The story is told as if you are sitting at his feet while he chases grasshoppers from his vines, works tirelessly to save young boys from a terrible plague, and learns the true meaning of love as he leads his household in following the Messiah.

I have always loved the historical novels written by Bodie and Brock Thoene, and this one has quickly moved to the top of the list of my favorites. I am anxious to see what they do with the rest of the Jerusalem Chronicles series.

 
ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book 1 in the Thoene's new Jerusalem Chronicles.

 Lazarus occupies a surprising position in the Gospel accounts. Widely known as the man Jesus raised from the dead, his story is actually much broader and richer than that. Living as he did at Bethany, near Jerusalem, Lazarus was uniquely placed to witness the swirl of events around Jesus. When Jesus Wept, the first novel in The Jerusalem Chronicles series by bestselling authors Bodie and Brock Thoene, unfolds the turbulent times in Judea during Jesus' ministry, centering on the friendship between Jesus and Lazarus. With rich insights from vineyard owners and vine dressers, the Thoenes explore the metaphor of Jesus as the True Vine, harvesting the ancient secrets found in the Old Testament. Weaving the life of Lazarus, who owned a vineyard, into the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ will help you understand it is the hand of Love Divine that holds the knife, that cuts and breaks with such tender and loving touch, and that we who have born some fruit, after the pruning, can bear much more. 

 

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/jubpF            

  

Meet the Thoenes:  

  

 Bodie and Brock Thoene (pronounced Tay-nee) are bestselling authors of over sixty-five works of historical fiction. Their timeless classics have sold more than thirty-five million copies and won eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards. The Thoenes have four grown children and eight grandchildren. They divide their time between Hawaii, London, and Nevada.

Find out more about Bodie and Brock at http://www.thoenebooks.com/.

AND THE CONTEST!

Celebrate the release of When Jesus Wept with the Thoenes by entering their iPad Mini giveaway and RSVPing to their {4/23} Facebook Author Chat party!

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A brand new iPad Mini
• A book club kit - 10 copies of When Jesus Wept

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 22nd. Winner will be announced at the "When Jesus Wept" Author Chat Party on 4/23. Connect with the Thoenes, get a sneak peek of the next book in the Jerusalem Chronicles series, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be fun giveaways - gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of When Jesus Wept and join Bodie and Brock on the evening of the April 23rd for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

 

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity and Zondervan Books for providing a copy of When Jesus Wept 

Lead Your Family Like Jesus

Lead Your Family Like Jesus
by Ken Blanchard, Phil Hodges, and Tricia Goyer

Enter to win an ipad mini -- see info at the bottom of this post!

My Thoughts:
This book is perfect for any parents who still have children at home!

It is divided into four components -- Heart, Head, Hands, and Habits. In each section, each of the authors discusses the component based on his or her background and position in life.  They each open up their hearts to share stories pertinent to the section, and their examples are wonderful opportunities to learn and reflect.

Each component is Biblically strong and includes examples of how Jesus used these components in his ministry. Additional examples are provided from parents who have been there and have learned from the principles shared in the book. Their stories add a great deal of heart and insight to the book.

In addition, each chapter includes actionable exercises, suggestions, or tips for becoming the best possible parent with Jesus as a role model. One of my favorite items is Tricia Goyer's method of praying for her children. She prays for their:

Head - that they will always lift their heads to look to the Lord and that they will allow God to life their heads when they are hurt or discouraged,
Shoulders - so they will learn to let God carry their burdens,
Knees - that they will get on their knees before God regularly, and
Toes - that a community of believers will surround them and keep them on their toes!

This can be easily remembered by thinking of the song "Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes" and is a great reminder of how to pray for each child.

This book will be my gift of choice at all future baby showers!

Booklet

Click here to download the Lead Your Family Like Jesus Booklet!

Worksheet

Click here to download the Lead Your Family Like Jesus Family Activity Worksheet!

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/jizhQ

About the Book:

Does your family need a five-star general at the helm? A psychologist? A referee? Ken Blanchard, best-selling co-author of The One Minute Manager and Lead Like Jesus, points to a better role model: the Son of God. Joined by veteran parents and authors Phil Hodges and Tricia Goyer, renowned business mentor Blanchard shows how every family member benefits when parents take the reins as servant-leaders. Moms and dads will see themselves in a whole new light-as life-changers who get their example, strength, and joy from following Jesus at home. This user-friendly book's practical principles and personal stories mark the path to a truly Christ-centered family, where integrity, love, grace, self-sacrifice, and forgiveness make all the difference.

Learn more at http://litfusegroup.com/author/tgoyer

About the Authors

Tricia: 

Bestselling author of more than 30 novels, nine nonfiction books, and more than three hundred articles for national publications; 2003 "Writer of the Year" at the Mount Hermon Christian Writer's Conference; popular blog writer, speaker, and radio host 

Learn more about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com. 

Ken: 

Leadership expert and author of over 50 books, including the New York Times bestseller, The One-Minute Manager; cofounder of Lead Like Jesus; and coauthor of Lead Like Jesus; Lessons from the Greatest Leadership Role Model of All Time 

Learn more about Ken at www.kenblanchard.com

Phil: 

A human resource and industrial relations manager in corporate America for 36 years with Xerox Corporation and U.S. Steel, co- founder of Lead Like Jesus; co-author of five books, including The Servant Leader and Leadership by the Book with Bill Hybels.

Learn more about Phil at www.leadlikejesus.com

Now the Contest!
Celebrate the release of Lead Your Family Like Jesus with Tricia by entering her iPad Mini Giveaway and RSVPing for the Lead, Momma Lead LIVE Webcast Event (with MomLife Today's Tracey Eyster) on April 16th.

  One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• A Tricia Goyer library 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 15th. Winner will be announced at the "Lead, Momma Lead" Live Webcast Event on April 16th. Connect with authors and everyday moms, Tricia Goyer and Tracey Eyster, for an evening of sharing and perspective-changing encouragement for leading your family. Tricia and Tracey will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Lead Your Family Like Jesus and join Tricia and Tracey on the evening of April 16th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 16th!

 

Thank you to Focus on the Family and Litfuse Publicity for providing a free copy of this book for review. They did not influence my perspective on this book.

Strands of Deception

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Strands of Deception B&H Books (March 1, 2013) by Robin Caroll MY THOUGHTS:
Love, love, love this book! I have read most of Robin Carroll's books, but somehow missed the first two in this series. That didn't cause any problems in reading this one, but I have to say those two books are now on my must read list.

Strands of Deception is one of the most intriguing suspenseful romance stories I've read in a long time. It incorporates all my favorite CSI and NCIS elements in a murder mystery that has more twists and turns than a roller coaster. Just when you think you have the perpetrator nailed, another twist comes at you. I never would have guessed the end! Only thing that disappointed me about this book was that it ended....I was ready for lots more fun with these characters. I hope this isn't the last book in the series. I'd love to read a book about Eva (hint, hint).

This book kept me on the edge of my airplane seat for three subsequent flights! I didn't even realize there was enough turbulence to terrify my seat partner because of all the turbulence in this book. Another winner by Robin Caroll.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage—two aspects Robin weaves into each of her books.

When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty-plus years, her 3 beautiful daughters, 2 precious grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home—in the South, where else?

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Gina Ford, the daughter of a prominent Tennessee politician, goes missing from the University of Memphis a week after another girl was murdered on the same campus, police call in the FBI. Nick Hagar, married to his job as Special Agent in Charge, is assigned to the case, and when Gina’s body is found, her father demands justice.

Maddie Baxter is the forensic expert running DNA tests from the crime scene. When they come back without a match, Nick asks her to do a familial DNA run that yields a shocking result: the prime suspect is Adam Alexander, the very same guy who broke Maddie’s heart when she was in college.

But do scientific advancements tell the whole story? Strand of Deception offers romance, suspense, and a lively debate about the impact of DNA testing, for better or worse, on the United States justice system.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Strands of Deception, go HERE.

After Life -- What You Need to Know About Heaven...

After Life -- What You Need To Know About Heaven, The Hereafter, and Near-Death Experiences
by
Hank Hanegraaff

My Thoughts:
I've been a follower of Hank Hanegraaff for many years, and I respect the amount of research he puts into his work. Recently I've read a couple of books about near-death experiences, and while I was skeptical, I was curious about the validity of them. Wouldn't it be nice to know exactly where we are headed after death?

So I was very excited when I saw that Mr. Hanegraaff had completed his research on this topic and had published this book.

After Life is divided into three sections -- Life After Life: The Eternal Heaven and Earth, The Transitional Heaven, and Life: What You Do Now Counts for All Eternity. Within each section are Biblical answers to those burning questions we all have. Are near-death experiences real? Is there a Hell? Where is Heaven and what is it like? And even Do pets go to Heaven?

As is typical of Hanegraaff, he doesn't mince words and he doesn't deal in opinions. He clearly shows Biblical justification for his answers, and he is always sure to keep the referenced verses in context. He is highly intellectual, and the style of his writing reflects that. It's pretty straight-forward, but is definitely more complex than most novels or best-selling non-fiction books. But I like that -- he presumes his audience is serious about the topic and doesn't want fluff.

In addition to clearing up some misperceptions and some wishful thinking that I had, After Life has caused me to greater appreciate life here on Earth and to look forward to eternity with new excitement and energy. This is a much needed book of truth in a world of opinion and personal experience.

You can purchase this book HERE.

About the Book

If there was ever a need-to-know book, AfterLife is it. On his daily call-in radio show, the most common questions Hanegraaff fields are about the hereafter.For instance, millions are voraciously reading about the near-death experiences of young children. Consumers are desperate for knowledge and reassurance about what comes after life on this earth. Hank Hanegraaff, one of the most remarkable theological minds of the 21st century, explains the marvelous way this physical life connects our past to our eternal future. AfterLife gives readers a clear and concrete understanding about what happens after death to us and to those we love.

About the Author
Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and just back from delivering a lecture series in Iran and Russia, is heard daily in the top 100 radio markets in the United States and Canada. He's the author of the runaway bestsellers The Prayer of Jesus and The Complete Bible Answer Book.

Thank you to Glass Road Media and Management and Worthy Publishing for providing a copy of this book for review. They in no way influenced this review.

Shattered

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Shattered Bethany House Publishers (February 1, 2013) by Dani Pettrey

MY THOUGHTS:
I fell in love with the McKenna famly, and Dani Pettrey's writing, in her first book, Submerged. Shattered is the second book in her Alaskan Courage series and it is just as fabulous as the first book.

After a competitive extreme skiing/snowboarding athlete gets murdered, it seems the case is easy to wrap up. but the alleged murderers sister, Piper, believes her brother when he insists he's innocent. What follows is an international adventure that crosses through dangerous biker territory, the world of witness protection, and tragic corporate secrets. 

With as many twists and turns as a slalom event, Pettrey has done an amazing job of building suspense and romance at the same time! I can't wait for the next book in her series (and I hope there are two more based on what could be foreshadowing in this one!).


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

In real life, Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one’s faith and plenty of romance. She’s a huge fan of dark chocolate, is always in search of the best iced mocha and her dream is to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.

Just in case you’re curious…The real Dani does love traveling. She’s been to some amazing places (Greece, Hawaii, the Keys) and there are many more she hopes to visit in the future.

And while she’s not quite up to sky-diving, cave diving or heli-skiing (too high, too enclosed, too cold!) she and her family love hiking, canoeing, wave jumping and a ton of other outdoor adventures a little further down on the risk scale.

Dani is the acclaimed author of the romantic suspense series Alaskan Courage, which includes her bestselling debut novel Submerged and latest release Shattered. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Piper McKenna couldn't be more thrilled that her prodigal brother, Reef, has returned to Yancey, Alaska, after five years. But her happiness is short-lived when Reef appears at her house covered in blood. A fellow snowboarder has been killed--but despite the evidence, Reef swears he's innocent. And Piper believes him.

Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he's also sworn to find the truth. Piper is frustrated with his need for facts over faith, but he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth may mean risking Landon's career.

With Piper waging her own search, the two head deep into Canada's rugged backcountry--and unexpected complications. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Shattered, go HERE.

Redeeming Grace

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Redeeming Grace Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas;
1st edition (February 28, 2013) by Ward Tanneberg

MY THOUGHTS:
 Better hold on to your chair, this is a very suspenseful book! I had a difficult time putting it down. It is a large book, but it's a fast, wonderful read.

Grace Grafton has created her own version of witness protection, and after seven years she is beginning to feel more secure. Of course, that's when she gets discovered, and no one she loves in her new life is safe. Since the men she's running from have committed at least two murders, and are now running mates for the highest two offices in the country, they'll stop at nothing to make sure she won't talk.

I definitely recommend this one!





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ward Tanneberg is a pastor/writer/novelist who has given more than 50 years to evangelism, youth, college and pastoral ministry, including two Pacific Northwest churches and 23 years as the senior pastor at Valley Christian Center in Dublin, CA. In 2008, he was named President/Executive Director of The CASA Network. Ward speaks extensively at 50+ retreats and ministry leadership events in the USA and elsewhere. When at home he meets weekly with a group of business and professional leaders. He and Dixie have 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren and a great grandson.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Seven years ago, Grace Grafton died in a boating accident while partying on the Georgia, South Carolina coast. Was her death the result of alcohol and drugs or something more sinister? Nobody knows: her body was never recovered. Now years later, a woman reads in disbelief the note addressed to her: Hello Grace, did you think we wouldn't find you?

Those nine chilling words end Grafton's self-imposed sanctuary of witness protection. Now she and everyone she loves are in grave danger. Long believed dead, she has a secret that can change the world. She knows the man running for president is guilty of a double murder! But who will believe her?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Redeeming Grace, go HERE.

Writer's Retreat Day 6

So, can I count the words I write in these posts as part of may daily word count?!?! Since I'm the one doing the counting, I might as well.

I didn't get many words on paper yesterday, but I really had fun researching the cities my characters will pass along the way on their trip from Capernaum to Jerusalem. This effort required some real detective skills. It turns out that almost every map I reviewed, whether in a book or on the internet, showed different major roads and had a different mix of cities listed. Many of the maps seemed to show the names of cities as they were called in different centuries on the same map! For instance, one of the cities the characters will stop in over night was called Agrippina on some maps and didn't show up at all on others. In my research I couldn't find this name for a city anywhere -- it seems that an earlier city, Kaukab el-Hawa was renamed Agrippina after a queen many centuries after my desired time. But Kaukab el-Hawa is the name given by the Muslims. After more research I discovered that it was called Kohav by the Israelites, short for Kohav Hayardin which means "Star of the Jordan". It was apparently near the sight where Gideon chased the Midianites! This is probably too much information for those of you who don't get into history or research, but it was almost like a treasure hunt.

For many of the towns I was able to find pictures of ruins and descriptions of the towns from both OT and NT times. I may not use a lot of this research, but it will give me an opportunity to describe some of the sites our travelers saw on their long walks.

Due to some extraneous issues, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed last night and decided to quit early. At 8:00 I watched a quilting video, then I decided to go to bed. My brain was way too full of things, so I ended up getting up a couple of times to read or do more research before I finally called it a night at 11:00.

I slept in until 7 this morning and caught the tail end (last 45 minutes) of the sunrise. No clouds today, so while it was pretty it was less eventful than some of the other sunrises. It made me realize that, while God shines every day, sometimes he can do his most magnificent work when there are clouds in our lives.

Today is the last full day we have and the last working day. I plan to write this morning and spend the afternoon looking at the year and planning out the writing (and quilting/teaching) I want to do from here forward.

Praying you have a wonderful day!

Writer's Retreat Day 5

REALLY? Day 5 already? This opportunity has been such a blessing to me -- especially as an introvert in a house full of extroverts (with the exception of my buddy Chris). Although I have definitely not accomplished all I planned. This was what I 'd written a week or so before the retreat about my goals:

I want to spend part of each day in Bible Study/Prayer, listen to some writing workshop MP3s that I have from a conference, and work on my novel (which means I want to write more than I research!), and outline some speeches that I have booked for March, April, and May. In my 'spare' time, I want to try to set up my goals for the year regarding writing and speaking and maybe outline some articles I want to write. 

 Ok - I haven't  listened to ANY MP3s (or watched any of the quilting videos I'd thought I'd watch during by 'breaks'). I've done lots more research than writing, and I haven't even thought about my speeches or goals and articles!

But I have spent some great time praying and journaling, reading my Bible, and just being still (actually kind of hard for me). I've written about 4000 words so far and I've done a lot more research, learning some fascinating things about the culture of Israel during Jesus' life. I've outlined the characteristics of my main characters and have gone to great lengths to plan a walking trip from Capernaum to Jerusalem during two major holidays (and learned a lot about Sabbath rituals in the meantime). Not for me, of course, but for my characters. I have to say it was almost as much fun as planning a trip for myself.  

So I want to get another 4000 words if possible (even though my goal set on Tuesday was 10,000). I may wander out and take a walk today (the only time I've left the condo was to sit on the porch for the sunrise or to take out the trash). I just wish we were at the bottom of this big hill instead of the top of it -- it would be so much easier to walk UP first and then back down!

I know I'm going to have to really discipline myself when I get home to keep writing. Maybe this 5:30 wake up time will stick with me.    

Writer's Retreat Day 4

Yesterday was a rough day. I had a really hard time making any headway. I only wrote another 750 words on the manuscript itself, and I spent a lot of time staring at my wall trying to figure out what to keep, what to leave out, and how to weave a couple of key story lines into the whole thing.

I did write the intro to the book, which helped me set the scope/timeline, and I determined the 'purpose' or theme of the book. I also spent a lot of time researching how Christians were killed by the Romans in the 1st century -- pretty gruesome.

One fascinating fact I learned was that cockroaches are the only critter on earth that can live with their heads cut off. They do eventually die from starvation, but they don't need the head for any function other than eating! So if you are trying to eliminate one of these bugs from your life, do more than just cut off its head.

In an attempt to do something that seemed productive, I watched The Passion of Christ last night and took notes about clothing styles!

I was up until midnight again and had decided I'd sleep in this morning. Except that I woke up at 5:30 again. I rolled over and attempted to go back to sleep only to be startled by a noise my computer made...almost like it was turning itself on. Ok...got the message. I thought I'd write for the two hours I've spent in previous mornings watching the sunrise, but I felt compelled to go outside even though it was only 35 degrees outside (I actually just looked to see how cold it was this morning...it didn't feel THAT cold). I wrapped up in my robe and two blankets, took my coffee and my gloves and sat to watch what I figured would be a pretty boring sunrise since the sky was totally cloud-filled and it  was even sprinkling.

It occurred to me that I was expecting God to dazzle me with the sunrise. Hmmmm, I'm no different than the people who followed Jesus just to see him do miracles. That was a bit humbling. I also realized that despite the fact I couldn't see it, the sunrise was STILL there, just like God is when we can't see him. Maybe there is a barrier he puts in the way, like clouds, or a barrier man puts in the way, like buildings, or that we choose to put up ourselves, like me sitting on a covered porch instead of out in the open because of the rain. Doesn't matter -- God is still God and the sun still rises faithfully every morning. How often to I forget that he's there just because I can't see him?

I learned that there is still a fabulous sunrise even on a rainy day. There are hundreds of shades of blue, gray, and white that appear or disappear depending on the stage of the sunrise -- and these differences can't necessarily be seen once the sun is fully up. I also got a glimpse of the more glorious colors of the sunrise when I was visited by a little House Finch who landed on the porch light and talked to me for a few minutes!

All in all I had a very meaningful quiet time. I never stop to take two hours to pray, listen, and journal when I'm home, and if nothing else comes from this trip this has been an amazing blessing to me.

Today I really want to make some headway on the book. I'm just going to close my eyes, pick a note card, and start writing that part of the story. I'll work it all out later in a future draft, but I just need to get words on paper (or on the computer screen). I've set a goal to have at least 10,000 words done by the time I leave (which is really not that much -- many people can do that in a day), but this is somewhat of a struggle for me at the moment. Storytelling is very different from non-fiction!

Writer's Retreat, Day 3

Well, my plan for catching up on my sleep doesn't seem to be working too well, but I'm not really suffering because of it. I worked until midnight last night (which surprised the heck out of me!), and woke up on my own at 5:30 for my morning appointment with the sunrise.

Since our elevator got fixed yesterday, I was able to go up to the widow's walk for a fabulous view. I took my blanket, coffee, and notebook. I guess I never realized that sunrises actually take about 2 hours -- it wasn't finished until 7:45! I find it hard to tear my eyes away from the sky because it seems that there are changes every minute. The clouds blow, the light increases ever so slightly, and the world starts waking up.

Today is a very cloudy day -- they are predicting storms later. It was relatively warm outside, but there was a chill to the wind. I don't know if it was windy because I was up so high (third floor on the side of a large hill) or because there was no wind block between me and Table Rock Lake.

Yesterday I think I got a lot done, but I'm not sure I got a lot accomplished. I spent almost all of the day doing research and found out some really cool stuff about fishing and fish in Lake Galilee, food and food preparation, the town of Capharnam (yes, that's the right spelling), and Peter's house. And I learned that I don't think I'll feel qualified to write this story until I become an expert on life and times during Jesus's life! Every new fact I find causes me to ask ten more questions that require more research; maybe I should have become a historian.

We had a group meeting from 3:00 - 6:00, and each of us set goals for the week. One of my goals was to not do ANY more research until I had written 2000 words! I didn't technically accomplish that; I only wrote 1,614 words on my book. BUT I wrote another 317 words as part of a character development exercise about Peter's wife, and I journaled four pages while I watched the sunrise, so I guess I can say I did it!

I also determined what my characters look like. Imma, Peter's wife, looks like Cote de Pablo (lucky her), and Peter (whom I will refer to as Simon from here on out), is Naveen Andrews (Sayid from Lost). What do you think?

I'm trying to figure out whom should 'play' Simon's mother-in-law. I want someone who can add some comic relief, and the only person I come up with is Estelle Getty (Sophia from Golden Girls). She doesn't quite look the part, but I love her personality! I'd love your suggestions.

So yesterday I started somewhere in the middle, and I wrote the story of the four men who lowered their paralyzed friend through Simon's roof. That story always made me think of Simon's wife and wonder what she must have been thinking as it happened. It flowed pretty well, and I wasn't TOO critical of myself as I wrote.

Today I want to transfer my notecards into an outline and start filling in stories as it feels right. This is not a book I'll write from beginning to end, but more in a puzzle fashion. I want to spend more time 'getting to know' the characters and write at least 2,000 more words (actually IN the book this time).

I'd appreciate your prayers for focus. I found out my mom is heading to the hospital AGAIN with stroke-like symptoms. My brother has it all under control, but I hate that he has to deal with this alone. I'm also really feeling the time in this chair both in my back and hips, so prayers for physical comfort would be helpful, too.

I love you all and miss you. Thanks for being on my side and supporting me through this exciting time!

Writer's Retreat -- Day 2

Although yesterday was Sunday, we decided not to attend a local church and to do our own independent Bible Studies in the morning. I read 1 and 2 Peter. Peter has always been my favorite apostle, and the book I want to write is about life from his wife's perspective. As I read it I took notes about things that made me think of Peter's personality after Jesus ascended. It made me wonder how his wife had changed as a result of her closeness to both the Savior and his most trusted apostle.

I finished outlining the events of the Gospels and stuck the rest of my note cards on the wall. Then I went through and put pink post-it's on events that Peter's wife might have witnessed, blue on those that Peter saw, and yellow on those things that were probably points of conversation between them. This gives me a lot of places I can start writing if I get stuck in one area! Plus it makes me smile to all this color-coded stuff organized on the wall...some of you will understand.

I did some more internet research on the Sea of Galilee, and I picked out actors to 'play' my two main characters. Just having a photo to look at as I write about these people will help me I think.

Our other two writing partners arrived -- Lisa and Susan. It is easy to feel like I'm the weak link in this group. Lisa is the minister at her own church, Colleen has a ministry degree, and Susan has published several Bible Studies and speaks all across the country. Nonetheless, I refuse to let Satan make me feel like I don't belong in this group. I know God has given me a story to write -- maybe not for the masses to read but at least for my growth and knowledge. This effort may not come to much, but I'm convinced I'm supposed to be in this place at this time.

This morning I woke up at 5:30 (no alarm) and re-read 1 and 2 Peter. Lots of new things popped out at me. I may re-read it every morning. After praying for my family, I decided to sit by the front window and watch the sunrise. After a few minutes I realized I might be missing out with such a limited view, so I grabbed a blanket and my coffee and headed to the front porch. I figured no one else on vacation here would mind my jammies and robe!

I sat there for about 20 minutes as the world brightened just slightly so I could see the outlines of buildings. I decided that having a roof over my head might be a barrier, so I took my chair and blanket and sat out at the edge of the street! Much better....for a few minutes. Then I noticed that it was just a bit brighter over the edge of a neighboring building, so I trotted my sock=covered feet across the street and down a few buildings and sat on an outcropping of rocks. I could feel a slight breeze on my face and thought about how God showed himself to Elijah in the gentle breeze.

There was a single frog keeping watch and a slight rustling of the decorative grasses, but no other sound. As the day brightened slightly I realized we had a pretty heavy cloud covering and wondered if the sunrise would be worth it. It was easy to sit in the dark, feeling the coldness of the hard rock beneath me, and think about how different or how similar sunrise might have been 2000 years ago. I kept a journal as the sky lightened.

All at once the world seemed to wake up. Crickets, more frogs, and hungry birds called out to each other to wake up -- it was time to get to work! It was quite bright and I almost headed in, thinking the show was over. Yet I stayed, enjoying the sounds as the world came to life. Suddenly the clouds at the horizon lit up from behind with brilliant golden edges. It almost looked like a lava flow through the grey. As I continued to watch, bright rays of light fanned upwards and lit the clouds above with a brilliant glow. Moment by moment it seemed to get brighter until it was almost too brilliant to watch. I blinked, then the orb of the sun broke through and seemed to rise within seconds. The world got silent for just a breath, then the birds started their chatter again.

To think I almost missed such a stunning sight. How many other things have I missed in my life because I didn't wait long enough? And I thought of all those who were sleeping and had no clue of the glory that passed right by. Maybe I put too much thought into a sunrise, but it just swells my heart to see the pomp and circumstance with which God chooses to start the day. Each day is different, yet has remained basically the same since the beginning of time. Was Peter's wife ever able to enjoy a sunrise, or was she already busily preparing for her day?

I came inside, ate a wonderful breakfast of oatmeal with nuts and berries, and decided to start my day. With an oh so brief visit with my precious granddaughter on skype, I'm ready to hit the books. I have no idea how much I'll write, but I hope to get at least 2000 words done (this post is almost 1000, so that doesn't seem unrealistic!).

We'll see how I did tomorrow. Praying that you each have a blessed day.

Writer's Retreat -- Day 1

I have the blessing of getting away from the world for a week with three great friends. We have rented a five bedroom condo in Branson, MO, for a week, and our intent is to hide away in our rooms most of each day to work on writing projects that we each have.

I rode down yesterday with my friend Colleen, and we had a wonderful time of conversation and some singing along with Christian music. We were both so excited about this opportunity that we were almost giddy. The car was packed to the gills with all the things we thought we might need...we weren't sure it would all fit, but between Colleen's and my husband Doug's master packing skills, we made it. I sure hope it all fits back in on the way home!

We arrived a bit early and the housekeepers were still cleaning the unit, so we went out for a late lunch and we hit the grocery store to prepare for the week.Once we got to our unit, we were thrilled and amazed with the space. There are two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living room, and kitchen on the lowest floor, another kitchen/living room, 1/2 bath, and a bedroom with a full bath on the main floor, two bedrooms and two baths on the upper floor, and a fabulous rooftop  area accessible only by the elevator in our unit! We spent several minutes walking through each room to figure out the best places for each of us to stay. Every room has some wonderful amenity -- a great place for us to put our folding tables (aka writing desks), a balcony overlooking the lake, or a great soaking tub! I chose a room with a great space for a desk and lots of wall space to use.

As you can see, I've already started using the wall space -- I brought tickytack and I've been putting my research on note cards for months! This is a timeline of events in the book I want to write. Hmm...looks like I should have brought a level to ensure my rows are straight.

A bit about my book -- it's an historical novel set in Biblical times. This is a real stretch for me -- all the writing I've done to date has been non-fiction. However, I love doing research, so I'm looking forward to taking real information and creating a book that documents the life of a woman who was close to Jesus and the apostles. This book has been on my heart for years, so we'll see if I'm capable of taking it from my imagination onto paper (well, onto a computer screen!).

Today I want to get everything set up so I can really start writing tomorrow. I want to set daily goals and finish up a couple of research items. I decided this morning during my quiet time that, regardless of how productive I am at writing, I want this week to be a prayer. I don't intend to say 'amen' until next Saturday, and I want to consciously pray continually that whole time. We'll see how well I do!

I intend to update my blog daily, and I'd appreciate prayers from anyone who reads these little posts. Please pray for clarity of thinking, focus, and creativity! It would also help if you pray for my amazing husband as he deals with a week of twin 13 year-old boys!

Cheaper, Better, Faster

Better, Cheaper, Faster -- Over 2,000 Ways to Save Time & Money Every Day

by Mary Hunt

My Thoughts:

I've been reading Mary Hunt's tips and tricks for saving money for years. She has always had unique, interesting ways to keep more money in your pocket. This book is no exception. I thought I'd read all the tips and tricks by now, but this book has SO much more.

The tips are divided into sixteen categories, such as automobiles, cleaning, food and cooking, pets, shopping, and travel/entertainment. Not all the tips are specifically money saving; they include ways to improve life and work activities, too.

This is a great book to keep nearby for whenever you have a few minutes to read or to keep in the car for those times you have to wait in a doctors office or other type of line. I'd recommend reading through the entire book so you are familiar with the contents, then using it as a reference whenever you have a specific need. 

About the Book

Syndicated personal finance columnist Mary Hunt shares over 2,000 tips to make just about everything Cheaper, Better, Faster. Hunt has received thousands of tips and tricks from readers of her daily newspaper column, and she has selected the very best ways to save time and money in this ultimate guide to making life easier.

Cheaper, Better, Faster is all the best advice you've ever heard, collected into one handy volume. Every tip is short, to the point, and helps readers make the most of their money and time, making everyday life less hectic and more enjoyable.

Proven tips on everything from removing hairspray baked onto a curling iron to enjoying gourmet coffee without the gourmet price are included. Readers will learn how to keep their cats from eating their houseplants and know how to get stains out of white carpet.

Hunt hopes the useful and oftentimes humorous information in Cheaper, Better, Faster will help readers spend their money wisely and get creative by using everyday items to achieve the results they need – whether that means finding a wedding gift that won’t break the bank or getting a stain out of a new t-shirt.

About the Author

Mary Hunt is an award-winning and bestselling author, syndicated columnist and sought-after motivational speaker who created a global platform that is making strides to help men and women battle the epidemic impact of consumer debt. She is founder and publisher of the interactive website Debt-Proof Living, which features financial tools, resources and information for her online members. Her books have sold more than a million copies and her daily newspaper column is nationally syndicated through Creators Syndicate and is enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of Everyday Cheapskate readers. Hunt speaks widely on personal finance and has appeared on shows such as Good Morning America, Oprah, Dr. Phil and Focus on the Family. She and her husband live in California.

Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.