In Honor of Memorial Day

MEMORIAL DAY

It is the VETERAN, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion. It is the VETERAN, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the VETERAN, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble. It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial. It is the VETERAN, not the politician, Who has given us the right to vote. It is the VETERAN who salutes the Flag, It is the VETERAN who serves under the Flag, ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

Sing

Can wealth and fame satisfy your heart as deeply as family and faith? Award-winning author Lisa Bergren’s latest novel, Sing, explores the lives of two prodigals who must decide if they are willing to pay the price their dreams demand. Moira and Nic St. Clair have both defied their father’s desires for them and instead travel to the edge of their dreams and find themselves standing upon the precipice of decisions that will alter their lives forever.

Bergren first introduced the St. Clair family in the novel Breathe. Maintaining her strong and well-researched story line in Sing, she immediately transports readers to the end of the 19^th century and weaves the plot amid scenes from Europe, Brazil and Colorado. Moira St. Clair takes center stage in this dramatic saga, as the reader follows her on a treacherous journey across the Atlantic into a lifestyle that proves to be even riskier and more daring than her life upon the stage of the European opera. Believing the promise that she could become “the perfect specimen of modern womanhood,” Moira travels farther and farther away from her family’s heritage of faith. When she encounters a deadly nemesis from her past, she must quickly decide what she values most in her life, before it’s too late.

Bergren takes the reader on a suspense-filled and arduous spiritual journey as she weaves the lives of the three St. Clair children into an unforgettable prodigal story. Her award-winning prose is a strong voice showcasing God’s mercy and grace in the lives of defiant believers, and her characters and their trials will be remembered long after the final pages. Sing is a brilliant addition to Bergren’s Homeward Trilogy, and fans will be eager to learn what comes next in the lives of the St. Clair family.

My Review:

I loved this book because it's based back in the 1800's and is another wonderful historical fiction story that weaves the lives of the St. Clair family through three different places in time. You met Moria St. Clair who is living in Paris, singing in the opera houses, who comes to find out that her latest manager has embezzled all her money and know she is left broke. Odessa St. Clair is the wife to Bryce trying to make ends me on the family ranch during the rough winter that will rob them of the life they had imagined in Colorado. Finally we met Nic St.Clair, a fighter who has squandered his families inheritance in Brazil being a fighter, who finds out all too soon that when you lose the fight, no all the people who bet on you are willing to take the loss.

The best part of this series is that in each book you get three stories in one. I felt personally connected to each character who has to endure their own personal struggle to make it where they are and yet in the end, will their lives take them back to reunite and make it together as a family once more? You'll have to read this book to find out!

I received this book compliments of B & B Media Group and must say once more I rate this book a 10 out of 10 and can't wait to review the third in the series called Claim. For more information on this book, the author and where to purchase a copy, click on the link below:

Sing: A Novel of Colorado by Lisa T. Bergren (Book Two in the Homeward Trilogy)

David C Cook/April 1, 2010

ISBN: 978-1-4347-6707-3/373 pages/softcover/$14.99

www.davidccook.com ~ www.lisatawnbergren.com

A Matter of Character

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

A Matter Of Character

Zondervan (May 25, 2010)

by

Robin Lee Hatcher





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Robin Lee Hatcher discovered her vocation as a novelist after many years of reading everything she could put her hands on, including the backs of cereal boxes and ketchup bottles. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction (Whispers from Yesterday), the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance (Patterns of Love and The Shepherd's Voice), two RT Career Achievement Awards (Americana Romance and Inspirational Fiction), and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over 50 novels, including Catching Katie, named one of the Best Books of 2004 by the Library Journal.



Robin enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, reading books that make her cry, and watching romantic movies. She is passionate about the theater, and several nights every summer, she can be found at the outdoor amphitheater of the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, enjoying Shakespeare under the stars. She makes her home outside of Boise, sharing it with Poppet the high-maintenance Papillon





ABOUT THE BOOK

It's 1918, and Daphne McKinley, heiress to a small fortune, has found contentment in the town of Bethlehem Springs, Idaho. But Daphne has a secret.



A series of dime novels loosely based on local lore and featuring a nefarious villain known as Rawhide Rick has enjoyed modest popularity among readers. Nobody in Bethlehem Springs knows the man behind the stories ... except Daphne.



When newspaperman Joshua Crawford comes to town searching for the man who sullied the good name of his grandfather, Daphne finds herself at a crossroads, reassessing the power of her words, re-thinking how best to honor her gifts, and reconsidering what she wants out of life.



Robin is conducting a contest for the new book. Join in the fun HERE.



If you would like to read the Prologue and first Chapter of A Matter Of Character, go HERE.

My Review:

Here's another classic historical fiction this time set in 1918. We met Joshua Crawford, a reporter who suddenly finds himself out of a job when the integrity of his grandfather is called into question in the local paper. With little money to his name, Joshua sets out for Bethlehem Springs to answer a job offer as a reporter. While there, he is offered the job an managing editor of the paper since the owner has recently passed away and the town has been missing the local news at the beginning of World War 2 on the horizon.

We met Daphne McKinley, a budding author of dime story romance novels who does so, under the presumed name of D.B. Morgan since she can't get published any other way. Daphne is stuck on her latest book in knowing which direction to turn with her character Rawhide Rick. Should he die? Should he live? Oh the dilemma of writer's block. So she takes the opportunity to write a column for the local paper in hopes of stirring her creative writing back up again and in the process runs into the new Editor of the paper, Joshua Crawford.

What awaits Mr. Crawford who suddenly finds himself out of words to speak to Ms. McKinley as she offers her services to the local paper, and in the process finds out the real reason why Joshua Crawford is in town.

I loved this book because I enjoy a good twist to your standard romance books and I love historical fiction. This book had me from page one and with the holiday weekend upon us, finished it in one day. This is definitely a must read for anyone looking for some mystery and intrigue with their romance books and in my opinion rate it a 8 out of 10.

I received this book compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for me to review. The book comes in paperback only at this time.

Broken by Travis Thrasher

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Broken

FaithWords (May 25, 2010)

by

Travis Thrasher





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

It was during third grade after a teacher encouraged him in his writing and as he read through The Narnia Chronicles by C.S. Lewis that Travis decided he wanted to be a writer. The dream never left him, and allowed him to fulfill that dream of writing fulltime in 2007.



Travis Thrasher is the author of numerous works of fiction, including his most personal and perhaps his deepest work, Sky Blue, that was published in summer of 2007. This year he has to novels published, Out of the Devil’s Mouth, and a supernatural thriller, Isolation.



Travis is married to Sharon and they are the proud parents of Kylie, born in November, 2006, and Hailey, a Shih-Tzu that looks like an Ewok. They live in suburban Chicago.



Stop by and visit Travis at his Blog where you can sign up to follow him on Facebook and Twitter!



ABOUT THE BOOK

Laila had it all--love, family, wealth, and faith. But when her faith crumbles, her world falls apart and Laila finds herself living an empty, dangerous life as a call girl in Chicago.



When she is threatened, Laila shoots and kills a client in self-defense, sending herself into a spiral of guilt and emptiness. Six months later, she is trying to move on, but she's haunted by the past. She hasn't told anyone about the man she killed, and she's still estranged from her family.



When she is approached by a stranger who says he knows what she did, Laila has no choice but to run. But the stranger stays close behind, and Laila begins having visions of the man she killed. Little does she know she's being hounded by something not of this world, something that knows her deepest, darkest secret.

Scared and wandering, will Laila regain her trust in God to protect her from these demons? Or will her plea for salvation come too late?





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

My Review:

I was provided with these amazing Christians suspense thriller compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance to review. Again, along the lines of Stephen King, you find yourself transported by to New Orleans with Laila as she outruns the past and the voodoo that surrounds the town itself.

Is Laila really seeing ghosts from her past or is there something from another realm searching for the truth that Laila is running from? Who is the figure that appears to her with hallowed blacken eyes or does it merely exist in her imagination or dreams? I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves mystery thrillers based in Christian faith, then this is a must read for you.

For more information on this book, the author and where you can purchase a copy, please click on the link below:

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0446505552

Almost Forever

Bryn Hennesey, is a volunteer at the Grove Street Homeless Shelter who uses her free time in the evening to avoid being lonely while her husband Adam works the late shift for the fire department. He has sternly told Bryn that he doesn't working at the shelter any longer due to the recent attack there of another female volunteer.

He has gotten a bit more protective of her in the last few weeks as they have begun to have serious discussions of starting a family of their own. Yet Bryn has a sense of belonging there in helping the many homeless people, who due to reasons beyond their control in this economy and tough times have found themselves with no place to go.

Yet tonight will change all their lives forever in one split second when a fire breaks out in the shelter. Since Adam is on duty that night, his station was the first to respond. Bryn doesn't want him to know she is there and hides among those evacuating the shelter. She sees him enter the building with 4 other fire fighters and trusts that he will make it out just fine like all the other times she has faced the fear of his dangerous job.

Suddenly the building collaspes in an explosion and Bryn has to face the fact that no one could have survived that including her husband Adam. That night five heroric firefighters died at the scene and like the rest of the surviving spouses, Bryn must find a way to begin again. But Bryn must do so living with a horrible secret...

Garret Edmond's wife Molly, was the only female firefighter to perish in the blaze. As her husband, it was his job to protect the woman he loved...How can he go on in the face of such unbearable loss and guilt?

And what started the fire that destroyed the dreams and futures of so many? Investigators are stumped. But someone knows the answer...

In her first novel, Almost Forever by Deborah Raney, you find yourself in the midst of the surviving spouses and learn how they begin to try and put the pieces of their shattered lives back together while the search for who started the fire continues. She was also the author of another great book I reviewed awhile back," Beneath A Southern Sky".

I was honored to review this book, compliments of Glass Road Publications, and must say, it was a nail biter from beginning to end. It had me flipping pages as fast I could read them and had me crying during some parts. You discover how God's love can heal all things and understand that even when things like death happen, God can restore it all and make it work out for the best.

If you would like to know more about this book, the author and even how to purchase a copy, please click on the link below. This book is available through Barnes and Noble in paperback as well as eBooks for those of you with the ability to download books.

http://www.deborahraney.com/

URGENT PRAYER NEEDED FOR KAT!

Hello Prayer Warriors!

I have an urgent need for your prayers today. I got a phone call today from my husband, Steve and he was told he is being laid off tomorrow. He has been with this company almost two years and they told him that there will be no severance for him due to the company that just bought theirs out, doesn't offer it. They just don't believe in it.

So we find ourselves once more back in this unsettled and unknown economy. Only God knows what lies ahead so we have placed this burden for our financial needs in His hands while Steve continues to look elsewhere.

We need prayer for financial support to help us maintain from one month to the next.
We need encouragement and support for Steve who feels like he has let us down.
We need employers to be open to helping find him a job.

Thanks again mighty warriors and as you can see the enemy loves to seek to steal, kill and destroy and we will prevail against this attack as well.

Everything is Broken

On May 2, 2008, an enormous tropical cyclone made landfall in Burma, wreaking untold havoc, and leaving the official toll of 138,000 dead and missing. In the days that followed , the sheer scale of the disaster became apparent as information began to seep out of the hard-hit delta area. But the Burmese regime, in an unfathomable decision of near-genocidal proportions, provided little relief and blocked international aid from coming into the country. Hundreds of Burmese citizens lacked food, drinking water and basic shelter, but the xenophobic generals who ruled the country refused emergency help.

In the book, Everything is Broken, A Tale of Catastrophe in Burma, by Emma Larkin who had been traveling to and secretly reporting on Burma for years, managed to arrange a tourist visa in those frenzied days and arrived hoping to help. What she discovered during her time there is chronicled in this book. It is sad and tragic to learn of the international aid that was launched by so many countries willing to help and sadly turned away by the government of Burma. Meanwhile people went hungry, and bodies lay decomposing in the water ways, while the survivors scrambled for any available help from the kindness of strangers and people working together to survive.

This book was an eye opening account of just how strict some countries can be and how the military runs the country and does what is best for them instead of helping the people. Bribes were common and while the death count continued to rise daily, the government staged theatrical performances for the local news and media to report that things in Burma were not as severe as previously thought. It is a sad reminder that unlike the United States, the basic human rights are still being overlooked.

I would highly recommend this book as a true account of what happened to a little known country that was devastated by a natural disaster. While the world intervenes in some countries we did little to help the people of Burma in the wake of being at war in Iraq.

I was provided with this book compliments of TLC Book Tours and once again would recommend it to anyone looking for true stories of our earth’s history. I can only hope that as more people become aware of these situations like Burma, North Korea and even China, that basic human rights can not continue to be overlooked.

For more information on this book, the author and where to pick up a copy for yourself, please click on the link below:

http://tlcbooktours.com/2010/04/emma-larkin-author-of-everything-is-broken-on-tour-june-2010/

More Prayer Requests

Thank you prayer warriors for your immediate response to coming to my request for prayer for Denise last night and even going so far to Twitter about her to your Tweets, links on your blogs, and even dedicated postings on your personal blog. The response has been overwhelming and I truly believe that we will see a healing in this lady's life. If you have read about Denise, click here for her story.

In addition, I've been emailed from others who need our prayers today dear warriors so here are their individual requests:

1. Tabitha whom I introduced you to at I Choose Bliss has this request. These are her own words:

Dear Friends,

In march I had surgery to remove my gallbladder. In preparing for the surgery my doctor checked out my lungs to make sure things were okay as a precaution. I suffer from severe bronchitis and asthma, so he wanted to be safe. Although everything was a go for my surgery 11 days ago he informed me that I have some type of unknown tissue surrounding the top portion of my right lung. I have NEVER been a smoker, so this concerns him very much. As too much damage from bronchitis can lead to a lung disease, which I refuse to utter. I refuse to give this power what so ever.

I am asking you to please keep me in your prayers as my asthma has been on full blast and I have been experiencing shortness of breath more frequently. I will have an MRI done in a few weeks to see if this thing has grown or is as it was. I am no quitter, so please join me in storming Heaven with prayers.

Thank You & God Bless!!

If you would like to visit Tabitha directly, please click here.

2. Mary at Piles of Smiles desperately needs prayers of protection against the enemy that is coming against her family as they go through some difficult issues. Please pray that God will uncover them for what they are and allow the courts to do the right things for her family.

3. Mea whom you all remember from my prayer button on my side bar, my niece, her mom updated me on her progress and I wanted to share it with you:

I wanted to let you know that Mea saw the ophthalmologist last week Wednesday. The vision in her left eye (the weak eye) has improved slightly, which was great news to hear! However, at this point the doctor said as far as her vision improving that it is like “trying to squeeze a drop of water from a rock”. The focus at this point is to get her vision as good as we can get with the 5 – 6 hours a day of patching and once it has reached that “this is it” point…then she will be able to decrease the number of hours she has to patch…but will still need to wear the patch in order to maintain what we have been able to accomplish so far.

Although, I have to say that I felt a bit vindicated that I have been able to allow Mea the opportunity to skip days or not wear the patch for a full 5 -6 hrs/day as prescribed and she still had some improvement. I guess mothers really do know best!! It’s still a daily struggle to get her to wear the patch on the days I ask her to wear it, but each week we work towards a goal like a trip for ice cream or a trip to the nail spa. It’s helping a little…but again, some days are better than others. So that’s the latest with that --- thank you for continuing to keep her in your prayers. I have no doubt that the prayers she gets help provide her the strength to get through the hard days she experiences.

4. Tina at Such A Life As This wanted me to let you in on this sister in Christ as well. Here is the message from Tina:

Hello
God certainly sent me to your blog this evening! I just read from a dear blogger friend of mine that her bro-in-law committed suicide in their office last night. Here is their link...

http://thoughtsnwhatnots.blogspot.com/2010/05/prayer-warriors.html

As you can see the need for prayer right now is great and we need all the prayers we can get. My personal thank you in advance for taking the time to lift this prayers up to heaven.

The Last Christian Giveaway

In the future, it’s possible to live forever but at what cost?

A.D. 2088. Missionary daughter, Abigail Caldwell emerges from the jungle for the first time in her thirty-four years, the sole survivor of a mysterious disease that killed her village. Abby goes to America, only to discover a nation where Christianity has completely died out. A curious message from her grandfather assigns her a surprising mission: re-introduce the Christian faith in America, no matter how insurmountable the odds.

But a larger threat looms. The world’s leading artificial intelligence industrialist has perfected a technique for downloading the human brain into a silicon form. Brain transplants have begun, and with them comes the potential of eliminating physical death altogether – but at what expense?

In the Last Christian, by David Gregory, this near-future science fiction thriller collides with thought-provoking religious themes to create a spell-binding, what if novel. The technology described in this novel is downright scary when you think of the reality of just how close we are to this becoming a nonfiction book. Being a fan of books like this one, it opens the possibility up to just what devastating effects man can have on the world when he tries to play God.

I received this book compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers and for those of you who love science fiction, Christian suspense thrillers, and this one will have you on the edge of your seat till the last page, literally.

For more information on this book and where to purchase a copy, click on the link below:

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781400074976

You can download the first chapter here for free:

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781400074976

For followers of my blog, I am hosting a giveaway of a copy of this book to one lucky winner. Simply leave me a comment telling me how you think you envision the advancements of technology in the future. The giveaway will end on June 2^nd.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST!!!!

I had the opportunity to get some emails in the last couple of days and God has especially laid it on my heart to open my blog and ask for you much need prayers, Prayer Warriors. Here is the first one. I want to dedicate this post to Denise: Here is her story!

Edie from Rich Gifts is currently working on a prayer button for Denise. I hope to have it by the morning so you can grab it and prayer for a Divine Miracle in her life. I had the honor tonight to talk to Denise. She is the wife of someone my hubby works with that is struggling with Guillain-Barre syndrome. Her doctors have told her this disease has now spread to her brain and her intestines interferring with her ability to eat food by mouth. She now has a feeding tube since she can't eat on her own.

She and her family are in the worst possible financial position. Her hubby Scott has to work to support their financial and insurance needs and yet struggles to get home to spend time and take care of Denise. They are still waiting for Social Security to be approved so she can really get the care she so desperately needs. The doctors have already told Denise she doesn't have much time left, but she is a Christian and we ultimately know who holds the answer to how much time any of us have left.

She is also being tormented by the enemy and keeps pushing her family away when all she wants to do is spend time with them. She feels because her husband works so hard that she shouldn't ask for anything from them. Please lift this beautiful sister in Christ up tonight for a Divine Miracle and for approval of her benefits with Social Security.

If you would like to send her cards or gifts to encourage her, please contact me and I can get them directly to her since she is in and out of hospitals. Friends and warriors let's bind the enemy who would like nothing more than to isolate her. Let us work on comforting her in our prayers. You can comment here tonight and I will print this comment page out for Denise to let her know there is love in Christ all around.

Abba Father,

We as a united body of believers in Jesus Christ lift our sister, Denise up in prayer tonight. We ask Lord that this precious lady be comforted in your mighty arms in which we can rest from the heavy burdens this disease places on the body and mind. We ask for a Divine Miracle in her life Lord, because despite what the doctors tell her, we know You have the answer to when her time here is up. You, the Great Physician, can heal her Lord and with the faith of a mustard seed we ask for Your Healing Hand in her life. Let her feel the warmth of your touch and rest in the comfort of Your wings.

You are Denise's shepherd, She has everything she needs. God, You will provide Denise rest in Your green pastures and calm waters. Denise has Your new strength. You will lead her on the paths that are right for the good of Your name. Give her strength and encouragement when she feels like she is alone, remind her that even though this valley seems deep and dark, we walk not in this valley alone and she will not be afraid because YOU are with her.

At times we may feel too weak to go on but Your rod and Your staff comforts us. As we walk, we will feel no evil. You prepare a meal for Denise in front of her enemies. You pour oil of blessings on her head. You fill her cup to overflowing. Surely Your goodness and love will be with Denise all of her life, and she will dwell in your house forever.

In Jesus' Mighty Name, we pray ~ AMEN

Frenzy

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Frenzy

Thomas Nelson (May 18, 2010)

by

Robert Liparulo





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Robert Liparulo is a former journalist, with over a thousand articles and multiple writing awards to his name. His first novel, Comes a Horseman, released to critical acclaim. Each of his subsequent thrillers—Germ, Deadfall, and Deadlock—secured his place as one of today’s most popular and daring thriller writers.



He is known for investing deep research and chillingly accurate predictions of near-future scenarios into his stories. In fact, his thorough, journalistic approach to research has resulted in his becoming an expert on the various topics he explores in his fiction, and he has appeared on such media outlets as CNN and ABC Radio.



Liparulo’s visual style of writing has caught the eye of Hollywood producers. Currently, three of his novels for adults are in various stages of development for the big screen: the film rights to Comes A Horseman. were purchased by the producer of Tom Clancy’s movies; and Liparulo is penning the screenplays for GERM and Deadfall for two top producers. He is also working with the director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive, Holes) on a political thriller. Novelist Michael Palmer calls Deadfall “a brilliantly crafted thriller.” March 31st marked the publication of Deadfall’s follow-up, Deadlock, which novelist Gayle Lynds calls, “best of high-octane suspense.”



Liparulo’s bestselling young adult series, Dreamhouse Kings, debuted in 2008 with House of Dark Shadows and Watcher in the Woods. Book three, Gatekeepers, released in January 2009, and number four, Timescape, in July 2009, and number five, Whirlwind in December 2009. The series has garnered praise from readers, both young and old, as well as attracting famous fans who themselves know the genre inside and out. Of the series, Goosebumps creator R.L. Stine says, “I loved wandering around in these books. With a house of so many great, haunting stories, why would you ever want to go outside?”



With the next two Dreamhouse books “in the can,” he is currently working on his next thriller, which for the first time injects supernatural elements into his brand of gun-blazing storytelling. The story is so compelling, two Hollywood studios are already in talks to acquire it—despite its publication date being more than a year away. After that comes a trilogy of novels, based on his acclaimed short story, which appeared in James Patterson’s Thriller anthology. New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry calls Liparulo’s writing “Inventive, suspenseful, and highly entertaining . . . Robert Liparulo is a storyteller, pure and simple.” He lives with his family in Colorado.



Visit Robert Liparulo's Facebook Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/LiparuloFans







ABOUT THE BOOK

Their destiny is to fix history. Their dream is to get home.



When you live in a house that's really a gateway between past and present, you have to be ready for anything. It's a painful fact the Kings have faced since moving to Pinedale eight days ago. Desperately trying to rescue their mother from an unknown time and place, brothers Xander and David have lunged headlong into the chaos of history's greatest--and most volatile--events. But their goal has continually escaped their grasp.



And worse: Finding Mom is only a small part of what they must do, thanks to the barbaric Taksidian. His ruthless quest to sieze their house and its power from them has put not only the family, but all of mankind, in grave danger.



Somehow, the key to it all hinges on Uncle Jesse's words to the boys: "Fixing time is what our family was made to do." But how can they fix a world that has been turned updisde down--much less ever find their way home?



At long last, the secrets of the house and the King family are revealed in the stunning conclusion to this epic series.



If you would like to read the Prologue and first Chapter of Frenzy, go HERE.



Sign up for the Frenzy Newsletter HERE.


My Review:

Even though this is book 6 of the Dreamhouse Kings series, I was able to review this book as a stand alone. There is much information provided at the beginning of the book that you can get an understanding of what this book is about.

With this book being a juvenile fiction it provided me with a wonderful opportunity to see if my kids would also like this book. Since it is a book about time travel and having portals that take you to different places in time, I know both of my kids would love this series.

It's written with a Christian theme throughout and without giving away too much let's just say you stay completely interested from the first page to the last. The first book in the series is called House of Dark Shadows, and I know I will be getting them for some fun reading for the whole family this summer.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of the book, Frenzy by Robert Liparulo, to review for Christian Fiction Blog Alliance. I would highly recommend this book to any child to begin their reading adventures from age 10 and up!

Trusting God With Your Journey

This is the last Bible Study in Shelia Walsh's book, Beautiful Things Happen When Women Trust God. Please join us today as we study Trusting God With Your Journey.



Abraham's journey has taught me so much about what evolving trust looks like. It helps me see how patient and loving God is with us as we learn. It's unlikely that many of us in the next year will be asked to pick up everything we own and transfer across the country or across the world, but there are other kinds of pilgrimages. If we could shift our perspective to view each day as a spiritual pilgrimage, how would that change our lives?

What would it look like for you to get up every morning with the heart of a traveler? I understand that you have commitments and responsibilities, but those do not have to be the loudest voice in your day. Each morning when I get up, I pray, "Lord,, I don't know where you are going today but, wherever it is, I'm coming with you."

On any regular day I know that I'll get up, make coffee, and have some quiet time with Christ before i wake my son and take him to school. Then I'll come home, go to the gym, come home, take a shower and do whatever is on the agenda for the day. But I do it with the heart of a pilgrim who asks, "Let me see with your eyes, let me hear with your ears, don't let me miss a moment with you on this journey home." In blue jeans or a ball gown, I am a pilgrim going home.

FIND ~ God told Abram: "Leave your country, your family, and your father's home for a land that I will show you." ~ Genesis 12:1 MSG How would you respond if that instruction were given to you?

Now, I would do as God asks because my faith is so much stronger than where it was before so if God said Go, who I am to question His intent and reasons.

What would make someone like Abraham follow those instructions?

Because Abraham was a great the only person in the Bible called God's friend. (2 Chronicles 20:7). So because of any relationship you have with your friends, if any of them called and asked for a favor from you, you would generally go with them.

Read John 1:35-51 When Jesus called the first disciples, they followed without delay. Why are we so reluctant to follow Christ the way the first disciples did?

I think it's because we may have grown too far away from God and too close to the world and the way of the "ME". We want to do what we want, when we want to. It's hard when it may be an inconvenience to us.

Jesus said, "Follow me." What did he mean by this command?

To literally leave everything and go where He went. Take nothing and just pack it up. The ultimate road trip.

How does his call to believers today compare to that call?

It doesn't really except that we don't have the physical Jesus here to follow, so we are suppose to do what Jesus would be doing if He were here on Earth today. Not putting ourselves first but to be willing to spend our lives serving those that don't deserve it so that by our works and not our words will they be won over to Jesus Christ.

FEEL ~ We know that God created us, and according to Jeremiah 29:11, has a plan for our lives. How do you feel about turning over management of your life to God?

Since it would make my life so much easier knowing which direction I should be going and walking with God, doesn't it make sense to walk with the creator of my life than walk ahead on my own. Isn't that how children get lost? When we gain overconfidence and do things our own way? I'd rather stay on the right path.

The early disciples left behind their homes, professions, and possibly their families to follow Jesus. In other words, their faith was their first priority. If someone followed you for a week, what would she conclude is your first priority?

Hopefully they would see, first is Jesus, it's how I start off my mornings, then devote time to my family and then others before finding time for myself. I think that is how God has designed it.

How do you feel about that being your priority in life?

I am completely content and wouldn't want anything else to have that priority but God.

What is something you think God might be asking you to do?

I think God wants me to share more of what's going on in my life with others and start to share the gospel more with this next generation. It's like passing the torch onto the next generation. If there is no one here to educate them, then what? We need more lights in this dark world.

In consideration of that matter, respond to the following questions: Is God telling me to do this, or am I just imagining that because of my own wants?

I am still waiting on this to be confirmed by God, if it's something He wishes me to pursue, let my home be filled with teens that need to hear the message He wants me to share.

What if I get this wrong?

Then God will find me, since He knows where I am, and bring me back to do what He wants me to do.

If it is God speaking here and I don't follow what I hear, will I miss his best for me?

I think we will miss out on the blessing and lesson He had in store for us, but He ultimately knows what our answer will be. He will just find another person willing to do His will for now.

God had been preparing Abraham for his journey. What is God doing in your life to prepare you for his plans for you?

I am sharing my mornings in prayer before my day begins and making sure that I am equipping myself in His spiritual armor He provided. He created it for me to protect me from the enemy but He can't put it on for me, it's my choice to do so. When I do, my days are so much more spiritual. The more I can keep God in my mind and praying as much as possible it really changes the outcome of your day. Problems literally flow off your back like water on a duck. I've finally learned how to actually put the armor on. Now I am ready to face my spiritual warfare for the day, prepared for battle and hoping that the enemy is trembling that I woke up.

Every place Abraham went he built an altar as a reminder of God's promises. What reminds you of God's promises to you?

My blog as it has served as my journal for my walk of faith in the last 2 years. It's easy to look back and see how far I have come, when I didn't think I would ever pass through those storms that I find myself in. Now I want in a closer relationship with Him. It really does impact all your relationships after giving Him priority in your day.

FOLLOW ~ It's hard to follow an unknown path. But it is possible if we trust the guide. God wants to guide us on a path to an unbelievable future. A future that is built upon his promises to us and his power over our circumstances. Is that the kind of life you want?

Who wouldn't! It's the path anyone should want. We have to remember however it doesn't mean our path won't have obstacles in them but we do have the ultimate power accompanying us on our journey who can handle anything.

What is keeping you from accepting God's offer?

Sometimes I think it's our own stubbornness. When things come crashing down, God is our first response, yet when things are going along smoothly, we take off running without Him. He needs to be with us, every single step every single day. As our first response everyday.

Summarize the instructions of John 1:43 by completing the following statement:

Because Jesus said Follow Me

I will go where He calls and follow Him!

Now write a prayer restating your commitment to follow Christ. Use this prayer as part of your daily time with God and as a reminder that because God created you, he has the best possible plan for you.

Abba Father, You know the plans that you have for me, plans to prosper and not harm me. You've known who I am since before I was born and I surrender my life and everything in it to you. May I continue to walk alongside you in every day I remain here, doing Your Will and Glorifying You. In Jesus' Name ~ AMEN

Predator

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

PredatorZondervan (May 25, 2010)

by

Terri Blackstock





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Terri Blackstock’s books have sold six million copies worldwide. Her suspense novels often debut at number one on the Christian fiction best-seller lists, and True Light, published last year, was number one of all Christian books—fiction and non-fiction. Blackstock has had twenty-five years of success as a novelist.



In 1994 Blackstock was writing for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening drew her into the Christian market. Since that time, she’s written over thirty Christian titles, in addition to the thirty-two she had in the secular market. Her most recent books are the four in her acclaimed Restoration Series, which includes Last Light, Night Light, True Light and Dawn’s Light. She is also known for her popular Newpointe 911 and Cape Refuge Series.



In addition to her suspense novels, she has written a number of novels in the women’s fiction genre, including Covenant Child, which was chosen as one of the first Women of Faith novels, and her Seasons Series written with Beverly LaHaye, wife of Tim LaHaye.



Blackstock has won the Retailer’s Choice Award and has appeared on national television programs such as The 700 Club, Home Life, and At Home Live with Chuck and Jenny. She has been a guest on numerous radio programs across the country and the subject of countless articles. The story of her personal journey appears in books such as Touched By the Savior by Mike Yorkey, True Stories of Answered Prayer by Mike Nappa, Faces of Faith by John Hanna, and I Saw Him In Your Eyes by Ace Collins.







ABOUT THE BOOK

The murder of Krista Carmichael's fourteen-year-old sister by an online predator has shaken her faith and made her question God's justice and protection. Desperate to find the killer, she creates an online persona to bait the predator. But when the stalker turns his sights on her, will Krista be able to control the outcome?



Ryan Adkins started the social network GrapeVyne in his college dorm and has grown it into a billion-dollar corporation. But he never expected it to become a stalking ground for online Predators. One of them lives in his town and has killed two girls and attacked a third. When Ryan meets Krista, the murders become more than a news story to him, and everything is on the line.



Joining forces, he and Krista set out to stop the killer. But when hunters pursue a hunter, the tables can easily turn. Only God can protect them now.



Enter the Terri Blackstock iPad CONTEST: http://www.terriblackstock.com/contests/.



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



Watch the book trailer video!





My review: In light of so many social networking sites, every parent and teen should read this book as a way to be aware of the risks and potential threats that are out there. With FaceBook, MySpace and Twitter, we are not aware at just what threats are possible and even the way our information can be used against us. This is a must read! Please for the safety of our teens and children, I would suggest reading this book.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book from Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my review and to date once of the best resources for a parent to own. May this story stay a fiction book and not a reality!