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September 2010 ~ Giveaway #2

***Comments are now closed – winner will be announced September 20th***

Last Monday I started my ‘Birthday-Celebration’. I know, I know, my birthday is still 2 weeks away, but instead of receiving gifts, I thought it would be fun to give them 🙂 …

This week I am giving away another marvelous book. This book is very precious for two reasons: 1) it is signed by the author; 2) Elaine is on a very tough journey right now but continues to encourage others to look to Him for peace.

Yes, this week I am giving away a copy of Elaine Olsen’s book “Peace for the Journey“. I think that we all need a little daily peace these days. You just have to turn on the news to see what I mean (I guess that is why I avoid news altogether).

I just started working through Elaine’s book, but I know that this book will help me find the peace that is not of this world. The first chapter is titled “Peace in the Pardon”. Elaine talks about more in depth what grace means and why it may be tough for people to receive it as a gift.

I really enjoy working through “A Further Pause” at the end of each devotion. Elaine encourages with Scripture passages to explore the topic and answer the questions. What a wonderful way to start or end your day; sitting at His feet 🙂 …

What do you need to do to enter the giveaway? Not much, just leave a comment below and I will draw a winner next week. This giveaway is open until Sunday, September 19th.

The winner from last week’s giveaway is (drum-roll): Laurie Adams from “Women Taking A Stand“.

Have a blessed day and week…See you soon.

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September 2010 ~ Giveaway #1

***Comments closed – winner will be announced tomorrow, September 13th***

As many of you may know, September is my birthday month. Hitting the BIG 50 this year is something. Strange thing, I am more okay turning 50 than I was turning 40.

At any rate, to kick off my big celebration, I thought I have a weekly giveaway until my birthday. The first week I would like to give one of my readers a book that I have been reading over the last couple of weeks that really dug deep down into my heart. Later this week I will share a little more about a theme God has been impressing on my heart through this book and other means. The book I am talking about is Joanna Weaver’s book “Having a Mary Heart…”

Lori was surprised that I am just now reading the book (it has been on my wish list for 3 years – yikes). I truly wish I had more time to read, but my work-schedule and my photography do not leave room for much else.

There are many books out there that tell us how to keep focused on God in our busy lives; Joanna’s book is different. Joanna shares her own struggle keeping up with life’s demands. Her honesty encouraged me to say the least; I am not alone in the struggle finding time to meet with God. Don’t get me wrong, I get up early to get my ‘fuel’ for the day. To be honest though, some mornings I rather snooze 30 minutes longer…

What do you have to do to win the book? Simply leave a comment below (US, Canada, and APO Addresses only please). If you already have the book, please still enter for a friend/family member as a gift. I think that all women can benefit from this book no matter how long you are a follower of Christ. This week’s giveaway ends on Sunday, September 12th.

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“The Generous Mr. Lovewell” Giveaway

***Contest/Comments Closed – Winner Announced***

As I had mentioned on last week’s Thankful Thursday post, music is a huge part of my day. One of my current favorite CD’s is by MercyMe “The Generous Mr. Lovewell”. I always enjoyed MercyMe’s music, but this particular album is (in my humble opinion) their best to-date.

Why do I like that album so much? Its message. Although all songs are marvelous (and the messages), “Back to You” is my favorite song. Let me share some lyrics:

“Nobody said it would be easy
Nobody said that life’s a breeze
Tossin’ and turnin’, oh the wind keeps churnin’
Like I’m a little toy boat out on the sea”

Isn’t that the truth? Life is not a breeze, but as followers of Christ, we know that we are not alone in this journey; Christ is with us all the way.

So, how can you enter for this giveaway? Easy-peasy! Just leave a comment below stating what music means to you personally. I will draw a random winner by the end of this week. You already have the CD? Well, no worries. Just enter to give it to a friend or someone you think would benefit having this CD.

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope to see you all on Thursday for another Thankful gathering.

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Thankful Thursday ~ “Thin Places”

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
~ Psalm 18:2 (ESV)

I personally put books in three categories: pure enjoyment, teaching and life-changing. Mary DeMuth’s book “Thin Places“, which came highly recommended by my sweet friend Lori, fits in the third category — life-changing.

Last weekend I was able to read “Thin Places” (hubby was down with a terrible migraine 🙁 ). Little did I know that Mary’s book would have such an impact on me personally; one chapter in particular (“Like Me”) hit very close to home. You see, I want all people I come in contact with to like me. I usually do not speak up when someone is disrespectful or hurtful; I just let it be. I want to be accepted; fit in; do not want to ‘rock the boat’.

But guess what: not all people liked Jesus either (He was actually hated by some of His contemporaries). How in the world would I think that I could ‘satisfy’ all people — that is sheer impossible. There will always be people who won’t like me – and I am good with that. I am who I am – why should I always ‘fit-in’? No more! I will stand by what I believe is right and speak up!!!! So what if that bothers some people…I can still be respectful.

Mary, your book is amazing and am thankful that I was able to read it. Thank you for your willingness to share your story; God used the book to bring healing to my aching soul.

If you have not had the chance to read the book “Thin Places” please let me know in the comment section. I highly recommend this book and would like to give away a copy (random drawing). Winner will be announced next week (Friday – April 30th).

What are you thankful for this week? Please visit my dear friend Lynn at “Spiritually Unequal Marriage” to link up with other Thankful Thursday participants.

Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: God can use regular books to bring healing to your soul…