About the Book
For Kate Porter in 1880s Canada, working as a governess is simply a means to an end, and she aspires to a high-society future that will lift her out of her middle-class existence. When she accepts a new position as tutor to Alonzo Colaco's children, she sees it as a step in the direction of her dreams. She eagerly envisions a grand house awaiting her...but when her new employer meets her at the train station driving a gaily painted gypsy wagon, Kate suspects her new job will not be all she anticipated.
Kate finds herself living in the woods in a refitted train car as she teaches the charming children of Alonzo, a tinker by trade. After trying in vain to secure another job, Kate is left with little choice. She must simply bide her time until a better position comes along. Soon, however, she abandons her preconceptions along with her bustle in favor of the joys of a simple life---and the possibility of true love. But when opportunity knocks, will Kate really be ready to walk away from all she has come to care about to pursue her high-society dreams? About the Author
Kristen McKendry began writing in her teens and her work has been published in Canada and the U.S. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Linguistics from Brigham Young University and has always been a voracious reader.
Kristen has a strong interest in urban agriculture, sustainable living, environmental issues, and the local foods movement. She incorporates these themes in her writing, and she also lets her Mormon background flavour her work to make her culture more accessible to mainstream readers. She enjoys playing the bagpipes and banjo, learning obscure languages, growing wheat in the backyard, and making cheese. Raised in Utah, she now resides with her family in Canada. She's also the proud grandmother of the world's cutest kids, Rowyn and Eòghann. Kristen won the 2012 Mississauga Arts Council MARTY Award for Established Literary Arts, and her book Garden Plot was nominated for the 2011 Whitney Award for excellence in LDS fiction. Review
Review coming soon...
A print review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
GiveawayTour Schedule
Oct. 10th
http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/ http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/ http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/ http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/ Oct. 11th http://www.wishfulendings.com/ https://atransparentmom.com/ http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/ http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/ Oct. 12th http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/ http://justcommonly.blogspot.com/ http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/ http://thethingsilovemost.com/ Oct. 13th http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/ http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/ http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/ http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/blog/ Oct. 14th http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/ http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/ http://www.kindleandme.com/ First Line Fridays -- 10.07.16
10/7/2016
It is Friday and I am joining these lovely ladies in First Line Fridays: Carrie from Reading is My SuperPower Rachel from Bookworm Mama Beth from Faithfully Bookish Andi from Radiant Light Click the links above to be taken to their posts and... If you would like to join us, send Carrie a meassage and let her know! Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line! Today I am going to post a line from The First Gift by Ruth Logan Herne. Can I just say I absolutely LOVE Ruthy's books! They are fun and beautifully written. And of course I HIGHLY recommend them You will definitely get attached to all her fabulous characters. And I am totally going to #fangirl for a minute. I got to meet Ruthy at CFRR this summer. It was soooo cool. I had been wanting to meet Ruthy for a while and CFRR presented the perfect opportunity. I liked Ruthy before, but oh my, I absolutely LOVE her even more in person!! "Brady, make sure that extra apple finds its way to the Carrutherses' mailbox this afternoon," Amanda Stanton instructed in a voice that meant business. What are you reading? What is your first line? Open the book nearest you and post the first line...
We are so excited to have Bethany Swafford back for a tour for her amazing book. We had such a great response to her blitz and every so many reviews coming this week from people excited to read her wonderful book. Come join us on the journey!
Twenty year old Diana Forester, a country bred young woman fears that her inexperience and uncertainties has driven Mr. John Richfield away. On arriving back home from London, she learns that he is already there, ready to continue their acquaintance. If Diana thought that it was difficult in London, courting takes on a whole new aspect when Diana's younger siblings become involved. She finds herself dealing with her own feelings, her sister, her younger brother, jealous members of a house party, a jilted suitor, and a highwayman as she falls in love with the charming Mr. Richfield.
For as long as she can remember, Bethany Swafford has loved reading books. That love of words extended to writing as she grew older and when it became more difficult to find a ‘clean’ book, she determined to write her own. Among her favorite authors is Jane Austen, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Georgette Heyer.
When she doesn’t have pen to paper (or fingertips to laptop keyboard), she can generally be found with a book in hand. In her spare time, Bethany reviews books for a book site called More Than A Review. Top Ten Favorites
Snippet
Excerpt #2:
“I thought you’d never get here!” Sarah said, ignoring my question completely as she spun to face me. I frowned at her as I put my outside garments away. She seemed highly agitated, a state which I had seldom seen her in. “Diana, I must speak with you!” “About what?” I asked calmly. Sarah took up pacing, and for a moment I believed she wasn’t going to continue with whatever she wanted to say. “You must listen to me for once in your life!” she finally said, as though I had been disagreeable. Sinking onto our bed, I tried to hide a smile. “Then come out and tell me what has you in such a state.” “I think Mr. Richfield is the highwayman!” My smile faded instantly as I stared at her. How had she come up with this ridiculous idea? “You what?” I asked in astonishment. “There, I’ve said it!” Sarah collapsed into the chair at the dressing table. “I’ve considered the matter carefully, Diana, and as your sister, I could not let you become attached to such a black-hearted criminal!” I couldn’t help but laugh in response to that absurd notion. “Blackhearted criminal? You cannot be serious, Sarah. I have never heard anything so outlandish. Have you been reading my novels?” “Diana, I am being completely serious! Stop laughing!” “How can I take you seriously when everything you say is utter nonsense? Why would you possibly think Mr. Richfield, a true gentleman if I’ve ever met one, is a common criminal?” Sarah leaned forward, her eyes wide. “Don’t you remember what Aunt Forester said at dinner yesterday?” she asked, lowering her voice for some reason. She acted like she was about to disclose some deep secret to me, and I found myself leaning closer. “About the highwayman being around the Bath area?” Thinking back, I did in fact remember the conversation and our aunt’s comment. “Yes, of course I remember. What about it?” “Mr. Richfield was there!” I failed to follow her line of reasoning. “I’m sure a great many people were in Bath at the same time, Sarah. Aunt and Uncle Forester, for example, were there for two months, I believe.” Shaking her head, Sarah groaned. “Don’t be obtuse, Diana! You have to see the connection here. Mr. Richfield was in Bath when a highwayman terrorized innocent people. And now, he’s here, where a highwayman has mysteriously appeared to threaten our peaceful home!”
I absolutely love the regency era. There is just something that draws me too it. This is in part what drew me to Bethany Swafford’s novel, A Chaotic Courtship. It is about a young women, Diana Forester, and a man she met in London, John Richfield, and wants to court her. Diana is hesitant to move forward with Mr. Richfield and is afraid she has scared him off with her unsureness. Along with her journey of romance, Diana must deal with her jealous siblings and a jilted suitor. She must also try to convince her siblings and a neighbor girl to let go of their idea that Mr. Richfield is the local “highway man,” which Diana thinks is ridiculous. This story is simply delightful. It is entertaining, engaging, and sometimes quite funny. Bethany’s characters come to life off the pages from page one. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy regency romance, as well as a light and amusing read.
Genre: historical, regency, romance Publisher: Clean Reads Publication date: August 16, 2016 Number of pages: 222 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 5 stars
A digital review copy of this book was provided by Loving the Book. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own
To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page
Celebrate Lit November 2016 Celebration Box -- Featuring Tea Shop Folly by Carrie Fancett Pagels
10/6/2016
Celebrate Lit November Celebration BoxThe November Celebration Box is here! This celebration box is a unique, one of a kind box with goodies hand picked by the author just for you! These boxes are special because they are not sold anywhere else. There is a limited supply so be sure to get yours right away! The November’s box features Carrie Fancett Pagel’s Tea Shop Folly. Sales for the November box will close on October 10 or while supplies last. The first 12 people to order will receive an ebook copy of the Maggie Award 2016 finalist, The Substitute Bride. The basic box includes:
To purchase your box, click here. Visit the CelebrateLit website HERE.
Between Hope and the Highway by Charissa Stastny Sometimes things get so messed up you have to pick up and get the heck out of Dodge. That’s what Liz Ruthersford does. Memories can be weapons, and hers have become incoming missiles. Fleeing home and her parents’ pity, she seeks refuge on a remote ranch in Montana where no one knows her tragic past. When she meets Bentley and Rawson Law, brothers with wounds of their own, life veers off course from her plans. Embers of hope and love flicker to life, but will Liz let them burn bright enough to warm her heart? Or will she hit the highway and run once again? A clean, heart-pounding romance and redemption story.
Praise for Between Hope and the Highway “Stastny has weaved an endearing tale with Between Hope and the Highway. It is a beautiful story about love, loss, redemption, and forgiveness of not only others, but most importantly, ourselves. This is more than a love story, it is a story of family and coming together." –Jennifer Peel, author “...an epic tale of romance, unconditional love, redemption, and the power of the human spirit to survive and transform amidst adversity. The metamorphosis of the hero makes this a highly gratifying read. He grows with each flip of the page, leaving behind a trail of optimism. This book will make you smile as you witness a true change of heart.” – Taylor Dean, author Excerpt As I finished loading the last horse, Rawson materialized and wrapped his arms around me again. I jumped as he nestled his stubbled chin into my neck. The tingling sensation he evoked sent delightful shivers clear down to my toes. “You ready to go, babycakes?” Goosebumps erupted as he rubbed his chin against my neck. I tried to escape, but Blondie stood nearby and Rawson acted for all he was worth. Twisting me, he pulled me close and leaned in to kiss me. I threw my hand over my mouth just before his lips made contact. At this angle, the bimbo couldn’t tell he kissed the back of my hand quite passionately. Thank goodness for small mercies. I might have passed out if he’d gone at my lips with such gusto. When he paused to wink at me, I whispered, “I hate your guts.” His blue-green eyes crinkled. “I know.” He grabbed my slobbery hand and said over his shoulder, “It was a pleasure meeting you, Kelsey.” He doffed his hat and closed the trailer. Opening my door, he helped me inside his flashy truck. “There you go, sweetheart.” When he climbed in the driver’s side, I hauled off and punched his leg. “I can’t believe you kissed my hand like that.” “I was going for your lips.” “Gross!” He laughed. Glancing out the window and catching Kelsey watching us like lab rats, he leaned over to peck my cheek. “Kiss me again and I’ll deck you,” I said between clenched teeth. “It might be worth it, especially if you move your hand.” “You’re impossible.” He waved as we pulled away from the arena. “I owe you big time for saving me from that blond nightmare. Thanks for playing along.” “You kind of forced me to,” I grumped. His grin caused havoc in my heart. “Did you see her face when you said all that garbage about what thing implied? It was difficult to keep a straight face.” I stuck my tongue out, making him chortle. “Ah, Lizzie, you’re all right.” “And you’re an idiot.” Roseanna is super excited to announce The Manor House Giveaway! This giveaway has been months in the making, carefully selected to coordinate with the books in the Ladies of the Manor series, and is without question her biggest giveaway to date! One lucky winner will receive: Word Cloud Classics Books, including: Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea Dracul Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Great Expectations The Brothers Grimm: 101 Fairy Tales The Brothers Grimm, Volume II The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (Several of these books are mentioned in mine--bonus point, ahem, if you know where, LOL.) Complete Set of the Ladies of the Manor Series The Lost Heiress The Reluctant Duchess A Lady Unrivaled Bone China Tea Set Winner's choice of pattern - because nothing says "English setting" like tea! $25 Teavana Gift Card So the winner can select her favorite blend, or try something new, and get any tea balls she might need for the awesome loose leaf varieties she picks. Read, set, enter!
Head on over to Roseanna's website and enter there!!! About the BookMcKenzie Forsberg is headed home. She's quit her big-city job to return to her roots in the small town of Lake Forest. Kenzi hopes to buy her childhood home from her brother, Tom, as a way of revisiting the peace and security she's been missing in her life. But soon she is shocked to discover that the house has a pending sale, and Tom won't budge from the sale—not even for his sister. Handsome widower Jared Rawlins catches Kenzie's eye until she realizes that he's the one who is buying her house—but he can only close the deal if he sells his own house by Christmas Eve. Jared is more than a little interested in Kenzie but has second thoughts when it seems that she may be sabotaging the sale of his home. Slippery feelings of animosity and distrust ensue, with both Jared and Kenzie denying the chemistry between them. But then an unexpected discovery about their connected past puts a new twist in the dynamic. Now, can they put their differences aside and come to terms on a relationship that could last forever? About the AuthorMy Background i Grew up in Sandy, Utah, where my parents had a mini-farm set on an acre and a half. Although my father raised a lot of things, the two main ones were gladiolus and mink. Yep, you read that correctly—mink and gladiolus. Think flowers and fur coats. My mother was a florist, and I like to think I get a little of my creativity from her. I was blessed to be raised as a Christian and am member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon). I’m thankful to know God lives and loves me and I’m grateful for the testimony I have of Jesus Christ, my Savior. He has blessed my life so abundantly. My Loves and Interests When I grew up, I met and married Kelly R. Sullivan. My husband and family are the light and love of my life. I am so proud of my seven children; they are all so amazing and wonderful, as are their terrific spouses. And, although I know others brag about their grandchildren, I have to smile indulgently, because my grandchildren actually are the cutest, smartest, sweetest, and most talented kids in the world! I have a lot of interests. For one thing, I’ve always loved animals. While my kids were growing up, we always had dogs and cats, along with a changing assortment of gerbils, tropical fish, hamsters, rats, parakeets, an electus parrot, and a sulfur-crested cockatoo. Right now, I only have four cats and three dogs and feel deprived. For fun, I like to read. As a child, I spent nearly every free moment reading, and although most of my time now is taken up by writing, I still enjoy sitting down with a good book. A few of my favorite authors are; Maeve Binchy, Elizabeth Berg, Agatha Christie, Andriana Trigiani and Anne Siddons. At night, I like to unwind by watching TV. In addition to a few select, current shows, I enjoy watching I Love Lucy and Andy Griffith. I also enjoy animated movies like Despicable Me, Over the Hedge, How to Train Your Dragon, Ice Age, Frozen, etc. I’m a kid at heart, I guess. I also love to go camping, although I no longer enjoy roughing it. Must. Have. Popcorn. Which means we take along our popcorn popper. During the summer, my husband and I like taking our RV on weekend trips and a few longer ones, enjoying the mountains, exploring new places, and often researching new settings for my books. I also like to garden. I love flowers and often go a little nuts planting in the spring and adding a few more tulip, hyacinth, and daffodil bulbs each fall. Right now, I’m having fun raising iris—I have more than 70 varieties. Each year I add a few new colors. On Writing I’ve wanted to be a writer. I started writing stories in elementary school and after receiving parental acclaim for one of my masterpieces, “The Old Blue Car,” felt encouraged enough to continue. Then, in my second year of college, I met and married my husband, Kelly. Having babies caused “writing interruptus,” and for many years, my writing career was put on the back burner. I know women can have it all, but I think it’s difficult to have it all at one time and excel at everything. There’s a time and a season for everything. I decided to be a stay-at-home mom and focus on my little ones. Writing remained in my heart and soul, however, and when my children got past the baby stage, I began trying to carve out some time to write. Since my time was still extremely limited, writing a book was out of the question, so I turned to writing short articles and stories for magazines and newspapers. A few years later, I started writing an LDS, non-fiction book. As my children got older, my husband and I found we needed a second income. I wanted to be home for the children, though, so we remodeled our garage and I opened a floral shop. I enjoyed being a florist but regretted that it left me very little time to write. However, as the years passed, I managed to finish my first book, Latter-day Saint Heroes and Heroines. Then, after ten years of being a florist, I had some medical issues arise. A biopsy was taken and during the week that my husband and I waited to hear if the tumor was benign or cancerous, I looked back over my life and asked myself; If I had the chance to live my life over, would I do anything differently? Besides wishing I had been a better person and mother, I could only think of one other thing—I would have spent more time writing. So, with my dear husband’s support, we sold the business and he began supporting me as I started writing full time. My next three books were about angelic experiences in early LDS church history; And There Were Angels Among Them, Visits From Beyond the Veil, and By the Ministering of Angels. Then I wrote Brigham’s Boys. Around this time, I took a sabbatical from writing and went back to college. It had always been another dream of mine to graduate. So with my last child in elementary school, I returned to college as a “mature student,” which is another way of saying you’re older-than-the-hills. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Utah. While in college, I began working on my first novel. I’d wanted to write one for many years, but wasn’t sure I had the talent or the ability. One thing I decided was that all of my novels would be “clean”—without profanity and free from inappropriate sexual scenes. I worked on my first novel in all of my writing classes at college and gradually the book took shape. It took me three years to write the romantic mystery, Light on Fire Island and I was thrilled when became a best-seller. Next I wrote another LDS, non-fiction book; Gaze into Heaven; Near-death Experiences in Early Church History. My next novel was a fun mystery, starring a quirky private detective with OCD; Motive for Murder. I suppose it’s the researcher in me that made me decide to have the settings for all of my novels as accurate as possible. My husband and I travel to each site, taking lots of pictures, talking with local residents, and making copious notes. I try very hard to be accurate when including street names, restaurants, and local attractions. I’m also careful to use the names of local plants, birds, and trees. I then wrote another LDS, non-fiction book; Heroes of Faith. I turned to fiction once more, and wrote two more mysteries; A Death in the Familyand Crooked House. Next up is another LDS non-fiction book; Glimpses into the Spirit World, which contains many experiences of people who have visited the spirit world. ReviewAt the beginning of the story, the main character, McKenzie Forsberg is a bi winey. Life isn’t really going her way; she is in a big fight with her dad and someone made an offer on the house she wanted to buy from her brother. McKenzie is a bit selfish and hurts some people, including Jared Rawlins, a guy she is interested in. McKenzie makes several mistakes and hurts some people along the way, but she feels bad and is repentant and apologizes. As the book goes along, McKenzie gets a bit of a better attitude. This story is about life struggles and forgiveness. I would recommend this story to readers that enjoy contemporary romance. Genre: contemporary, romance Publisher: Covenant Communications Publication date: October 3, 2016 Number of pages: 272 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 3 stars A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications. GiveawayTour ScheduleOct. 3rd:
http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/ http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/ http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/ http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/ http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/ Oct. 4th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/ http://thethingsilovemost.com/ http://iamareader.com/ http://empowermoms.net/ Oct. 5th: http://www.wishfulendings.com/ http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/ https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/ http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/ Oct. 6th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/ http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/ http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/ Oct. 7th: http://justcommonly.blogspot.com/ http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/ Revell October Author & Book Spotlight
10/4/2016
About the Author
Irene Hannon, who writes both romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 45 novels. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romantic fiction), a National Readers' Choice Award, three HOLT Medallions, a Daphne du Maurier Award, a Retailers Choice Award, a Booksellers' Best Award and two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. She is also a two-time Christy Award finalist.
A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, long walks, cooking, gardening, traveling and spending time with family. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com. About the BooksBuried Secrets
After seven years as a Chicago homicide detective, Lisa Grant has hit a wall. Ready for a kinder, gentler life, she takes a job as a small-town police chief. But the discovery of a human skeleton by a construction crew at the edge of town taxes the resources of her department. A call for assistance brings detective Mac McGregor, an ex-Navy SEAL, to her doorstep. As they work to solve the mystery behind the unmarked grave, danger begins to shadow them. Someone doesn't want this dead person telling any tales--and will stop at nothing to make certain a life-shattering secret stays buried.
Thin Ice
After losing her parents in a car accident and her sister to a house fire, Christy Reed has been mired in grief. Life is finally starting to feel normal again when an envelope arrives in the mail--addressed in her sister's handwriting. And the note inside claims she is still alive.
FBI Special Agent Lance McGregor, a former Delta Force operator, is assigned to reopen the case, but he's coming up with more questions than answers. If Ginny Reed is still alive--who is the woman buried in her grave? Where is Ginny? And is Christy a pawn in a twisted cat-and-mouse game--or the target of a sinister plot? As he digs deeper, one thing becomes clear: whoever is behind the bizarre ruse has a deadly agenda. Tangled Webs
After a disastrous Middle East mission ends his six-year Army Ranger career, Finn McGregor needs some downtime. A peaceful month in the woods sounds like the perfect way to decompress. But peace isn't on the agenda once he crosses paths with publishing executive Dana Lewis, a neighbor who is nursing wounds of her own. Someone seems bent on disrupting her stay in the lakeside cabin she inherited from her grandfather. As Finn and Dana work together to discover who is behind the disquieting pranks, the incidents begin to take on a menacing tone. And when it becomes apparent Dana's foe may have deadly intent, Finn finds himself back in the thick of the action--ready or not.
GiveawayYou’re invited back to Stoney Ridge for a story of dreams deferred and hopes fulfilled in The Devoted. Bright, curious, and restless, Ruthie Stoltzfus loves her family but is stuck in a sea of indecision about her future: Should she stay Amish? Or should she leave? She’s done all she can to prepare to go–passed the GED, saved her money–but she can’t quite set her journey into motion. Patrick Kelly is a young man on a journey of his own. He’s come to Stoney Ridge to convert to the Amish and has given himself thirty days to learn the language, drive a buggy, and adapt to “everything Plain.” Time, to Patrick, is of the essence. Every moment is to be cherished, especially the hours he spends with Ruthie, his Penn Dutch tutor. Ruthie’s next-door neighbor and cunning ex-boyfriend, Luke Schrock, is drawn to trouble like a moth to a flame. Rebellious, headstrong, defiant, Luke will do anything to win Ruthie back–anything–and Patrick Kelly is getting in his way. Suzanne is celebrating the release of The Devoted with a special giveaway!One winner will receive:
Enter to win by filling out the giveaway widget below, or click the graphic above to enter to win.
Genre: Devotional Journal, Non-fiction, Christian
Publisher: Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas
Publication date: July 11, 2013
Number of pages: 184
"In fifty-plus concise, focused, appealing, and penetrating meditations on scriptural passages, this book offers in-sights and challenges applied to 21st-century American life. The voice is original, unyielding and gentle, guiding, asking the readers to turn from busy-ness to consider, confront, and appreciate God in ourselves, in others, and beyond us and to be able to bring the divine to our scattered, tormented, and troubled planet. This book is surely a true gift of the spirit." -- Dr. Laura Dabundo, Inspirational-Religious Judge for the Georgia Author of the Year Awards
Rose’s devotional journal, God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea: Experiencing God in the Midst of Everyday Moments won the Georgia Author of the Year Finalist Award in 2014. It was also awarded the Selah Finalist Award in the same year. Rose enjoys writing for her blog, Write Moments with God and engaging with her readers. My Father’s House, published in March 2016, is her first novel. A native Georgian, Rose has lived in a suburb of Augusta for the last thirty years. Before retiring from Georgia’s public school system, Rose taught English, French, and ESOL. She is currently an adjunct English instructor at a community college. In addition to reading and writing, Rose enjoys cooking, sewing, gardening, and spending time with her six children and their growing families. And yes, sweet iced tea is her beverage of choice.
Perfect Peace
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trust in You.
Isaiah 26:3 NKJV
I visited the home improvement store recently and enjoyed the background music as I browsed the aisles. The cashier was listening too, because as I checked out, she actually started singing the lyrics of the catchy tune filling the airwaves.
That’s when it got stuck in my head. I first noticed it as I waited at the traffic light. I was singing it in my mind. By the time I got to the grocery store, I was singing it out loud. It wasn’t even a song I liked. That wasn’t the end of it. It happened again the next day, and the next. When I started writing this, it happened again. Do you know what I mean? Have you ever had a song stuck in your head that wouldn’t go away? Maybe you heard it on the radio, in church, or in the grocery store, and it played over and over like a broken record. Unfortunately, negative thoughts, self-doubts, painful memories, and worry can get stuck in our minds as well. Even though we don’t like it, those negative thoughts can play over and over again, causing us to lose our peace. For our mental and spiritual health, it’s important to control our thoughts. In Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV), Paul gives us a list: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Could he have been any more direct? Here we have God’s will in simple terms. Paul said think about such things. I like the promise he gives: The God of peace will be with you. Suggested Readings: Psalm 19:14; Isaiah 26:3; John 14:27; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Philippians 4:8-9 Journaling Considerations: Make a list of some negative thoughts that have worried you lately. List the eight things Paul tells us to think about. Prayer: Dear Lord, as the Psalmist said, “May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in your sight.” Help me bring every thought into conformity to your will. In Jesus Name, Amen. Today’s Sweet Tea Moment: When I am preoccupied with stormy thoughts and worries, I will fix my mind on the One who calms the storm. Prayer Focus: Those tormented by unholy thoughts.
Favorite scripture: Proverbs 4:18
Favorite dessert: Cream cheese pound cake Favorite author: Oswald Chambers Favorite ice cream place: Baskin Robbins Favorite comic book character: X-Men Favorite candy: Pralines Favorite vacation location: France Favorite fruit: Apple Favorite soda: Ginger ale Favorite movie: Just Like Heaven
Like that small boy’s loaves and fishes, my talents and offerings are meager, yet when they’re given over into Jesus’ hands to bless and to do with as He wills, miracles happen. Jesus’ blessings ensure that needs will be met. All I have to do is approach Him in faith, with a willing heart and open hands. I may not see the results, but they are guaranteed. My time, my talents, my life—when given to Jesus to bless and use in His service—can satisfy a multitude of hungry souls.
Rose Chandler Johnson’s devotional Got, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea, is a delightful inspirational and influential read. The book has several chapters of inspirational and though provoking ideas. Following each chapter there is a section that includes suggested scripture reading, a journal consideration, a prayer, a daily sweet tea moment, and a prayer focus. These sections are to get readers to focus on the topic in each chapter and think deeper. I would recommend this devotional to readers that want to delve deeper and become closer to God.
Genre: Devotional Journal, Non-fiction, Christian Publisher: Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas Publication date: July 11, 2013 Number of pages: 184 Content Rating: G Book Rating: 4 stars
A review copy of this book was provided by the author via SLB Tours.
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