Mercy Rising

Simple Ways to Practice Justice and Compassion
About the Author:
AMBER ROBINSON is an ordinary woman seeking to bridge the gap between the needs for justice and balancing family, work, and service. Her life’s passion is to write and advocate for children with Compassion International. She speaks to groups who want to incorporate justice pursuits in simple, practical ways. She is an imperfect Christ follower and reluctantly optimistic.
Amber began this journey when chronic illness forced her to reevaluate her priorities and learn to serve with limitations in everyday life. She networks with leaders in the justice movement as well as everyday women with various limitations in time, resources, and energy but long to serve in simple, practical ways. What can we do at home, shopping, in business, or with family and friends? Not everything, but we can find our “one thing”.

Back Cover:
Images from the media leave us shaking our heads.  We want to do something about the hurts of the world, but we aren’t sure what steps to take.  In Mercy Rising, author Amber Robinson offers the tools women need to make the impact their hearts desire.  Filled with helpful hints, inspired insights, and solid biblical wisdom, this organized resource will show you practical ways to find and focus on serving those who suffer.  
With clever charm and earnest exploration, Mercy Rising will help even the busiest of women find the right place to spend meaningful moments practicing justice and compassion.
My Review:
I received this book a week after we had a missionary from Africa staying with us.  Needless to say, my heart was WAY primed for this topic!!  There are so many less fortunate in our world!!  It doesn’t seem to matter how desperate someone’s situation is, there is always someone more in need.  It doesn’t matter if you are in the United States or a third world country, there are people who need the basic necessities of life that most of us take for granted.  Mercy Rising if full of ideas and information on how YOU can get involved.  Monetary ideas, service ideas, prayer ideas, and the list goes on.  It doesn’t matter if you have a lot of time or NO time, there IS something you can do and it will make a difference. 
I loved this book, the stories of real people just like us making a difference.  I loved all the ideas, big and little, the lists of organizations you can get involved with, the information to help you decide where YOU fit in.  I also love that each chapter ends with a list of questions to enhance your thoughts on what you have just read.  
I really didn’t feel this book was just for women, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to make a difference, anyone who doesn’t think what little they could do would make a difference, and especially to those who have never really thought about making a difference!!
Thank you Amber Robinson for the complimentary copy of your book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Counting it all Joy!!

Let's Go To The Hop!!


Book Blogger Hop
In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on!  This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books!  It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed!  So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list at the bottom of Jennifer's blog!!  Go Here!!


The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun!  This is a weekly event!  And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added!  We get over 200 links every week!! 


Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.

If you start following someone through the Hop, leave a comment on their blog to let them know!  Stop back during the week to see other blogs that are added!  And, most importantly, the idea is to HAVE FUN!!

RULES:  (in hopes of simplifying things for everyone!)

1.  Enter your book blog link in the Linky List below (be sure to include how long you've been blogging and what genres you review!).  If you post about the Hop on your blog, please link directly to your Hop post (don't forget to answer this week's question - see below!).

2.  Visit other blogs in the Linky List!  Make new friends!  Follow new book bloggers!  Talk about books!  Rave about authors!  (Please do not leave your link and not visit other blogs - it's just not cool and not in the spirit of the Hop!)

3.  Post about the Hop on  your blog!  Spread the word about the book party!  The more the merrier!

This week Jennifer has asked us to tell what we are currently reading:

I am reading Mercy Rising by Amber Robinson and Angel Song by Sheila Walsh and Kathryn Cushman!!  Both for review, one to learn from and one for fun!!

Have a fabulous weekend and enjoy hopping!!

Counting it all Joy!!

Hurricanes in Paradise

Author Bio:  Denise Hildreth is a novelist and international speaker. She has spoken for the last ten years to women's ministries, churches, and for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Denise began her career over seventeen years ago writing for other people. She eventually ventured into the world of fiction with her first novel, Savannah from Savannah, and has since published several books. Her novels have been featured in Southern Living; hailed as "smart and witty" by Library Journal; and chosen for the Pulpwood Queen's and Women of Faith book clubs.




Back Cover:
From the moment Riley Sinclair stepped onto Paradise Island, Bahamas, and into her new job as director of guest relations at a five-star resort, she felt the pieces of her once-broken life finally coming together.  But the waters become choppy when Riley discovers that some who come to the Atlantis hotel arrive with more than just suitcases and suntan lotion in tow - they’re accompanied by their lurking demons, paralyzing secrets, and overwhelming fears.
Riley and three women guests are in desperate but unknowing need of each other, eventually forging unlikely yet powerful friendships.  With a hurricane headed straight for the island, together they embark on a journey of laughter and lunacy, heartache and healing.

My Review:
When I had the opportunity to read and review this book, I was really excited.  I had never read anything written by Riley Sinclair, but I love finding new authors I enjoy!!  I was not disappointed!!  This is a fabulous book.  It not only takes you on a journey to the Bahamas, it takes you on a journey through the lives of four women all of which are going through major storms of their own.  Some with storms in their spiritual lives, some with storms in their personal lives, and all with a storm threatening their physical lives!!  Through all the storms it is quite clear that God is with them, loving on them every step of the way even when they don’t see it or feel it.  I would definitely recommend this book to everyone!!  It covers everything from God working in the lives of people, to romance, to suspense.  It made me laugh out loud and it made me cry!!  Great book, can’t wait to read more from her!!
I would like to thank Tyndale Publishers for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Happy Reading!!


At the Hop!!

Book Blogger Hop

In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on!  This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books!  It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed!  So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list at the bottom of Jennifer's blog!!  Go Here!!


The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun!  This is a weekly event!  And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added!  We get over 200 links every week!! 


Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.

If you start following someone through the Hop, leave a comment on their blog to let them know!  Stop back during the week to see other blogs that are added!  And, most importantly, the idea is to HAVE FUN!!




RULES:  (in hopes of simplifying things for everyone!)

1.  Enter your book blog link in the Linky List below (be sure to include how long you've been blogging and what genres you review!).  If you post about the Hop on your blog, please link directly to your Hop post (don't forget to answer this week's question - see below!).

2.  Visit other blogs in the Linky List!  Make new friends!  Follow new book bloggers!  Talk about books!  Rave about authors!  (Please do not leave your link and not visit other blogs - it's just not cool and not in the spirit of the Hop!)

3.  Post about the Hop on  your blog!  Spread the word about the book party!  The more the merrier!

This week Jennifer has asked us to share what book we cannot wait to get our hands on (past, present, or future):

I would have to say a new series coming out by Karen Kingsbury about Bailey Flanigan.  She is a girl I have followed in Karen Kingsbury's other series and I love them.  More than that though, I would love to just have the time to read her last book - Take Four - which I have but haven't had a chance to enjoy yet!!!

Have a fabulous weekend and enjoy hopping!!

Counting it all Joy!!

Simon's Crossing

Authors:  Charles William Asher and Dennis Patrick Slattery



Back Cover:
Enter the biblically historic world of Simon of Cyrene, where a world of grief, revenge, and tender devotion awaits.  There, families are torn apart, marauding soldiers enact their violent ways, and random events suddenly disrupt life.  Along this journey there will be encounters with Pontius Pilate, Veronica, Mary, and the sons of Simon, Rufus and Alexander, as they seek to grasp the mystery of a compassionate Nazarene, serenely putting into practice the kingdom of God.
Forced to carry the cross of Jesus, Simon of Cyrene, a little known biblical figure, reluctantly yields to his task.  At the same time, Simon struggles with personal loss and a fiery desire for revenge.  In Simon’s story, the vulnerability of our own journeys is laid bare as we cross paths with a simple wooden cross and a redemptive twist of fate.
In Simon’s Crossing, this ordinary man, from Cyrene, steps boldly our of the pages of the Bible.  He senses that his own life depends on the Nazarene staggering just ahead of him.  Persuaded by sacrificial love, we too discover what it is like to cross over into the imaginal power of a story well-told, where salvation lies close at hand.  Simon’s story compels us to carry on as well.

My review:
When I was asked to read and review Simon’s Crossing by Charles William Asher and Dennis Patrick Slattery, I was really excited and couldn’t wait to get my hands on it.  I love reading biblical fiction, and was excited to read about Simon of Cyrene.  I didn’t know much about Simon and was anxious to learn.  Unfortunately, this  wasn’t the case for me.  This book is completely written from the authors imagination and except for the fact that Simon carried the cross, it isn’t very biblically based.  
I did continue to remind myself that this book was fiction, but I really felt there should have been more truth to it since it is being marketed Religious Fiction and since the back of the book describes it to be based on the real story.  I was surprised at the sexual references, very graphically described between Simon and his wife.  I understand times were different back then, but I found the description distasteful and I was somewhat embarrassed to be reading it.
Take away all the sex and rape and this book would have been a wonderful version of what could have been Simon’s reason for being on the road that day.  It did give me insight and deeper thought as to what could have and probably did go on, on that awful day, during that walk to Golgotha.  A deeper look into how Jesus felt about us, even as He was walking His last walk, to save ME.
I know there are a lot of people who would love this book, it is well written, easy to read (minus all the sex), and it is an interesting scenario, I am just probably not the right person for it.  That being said, I do not feel I could recommend it to my target audience.
I definitely think there should be a warning or rating on the book because you would never think it to have such ADULT content.
Thank you iUniverse, Charles Asher, and Dennis Slattery for the complimentary copy of your book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Counting it all Joy!!

Let's Go To The Hop!!

I have been following this meme for a few weeks and am so excited to be linking up today with people who have a heart for words like me!!  Thank you Jennifer for hosting!!  Go here to link up.
This week Jennifer has asked us to share who our Favorite Authors are and why we love them!!
My Favorite Authors:
Karen Kingsbury, her books are so true to life.  They are always about families I can relate to and learn from.  I love how she links her characters all together with the Lord!!
Beverly Lewis, her writing about the Amish fascinates me and makes we want to visit Lancaster County myself!!
ABOUT THE HOP:
In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list at the bottom of Jennifer’s blog!!
The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added! We get over 200 links every week!! 
Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.
If you start following someone through the Hop, leave a comment on their blog to let them know! Stop back during the week to see other blogs that are added! And, most importantly, the idea is to HAVE FUN!!
DISCLAIMER:
The Hop isn't just for you to throw your link in there and not visit any other blogs. It's all about networking and finding new blogs that are of interest. So, in the spirit of the Hop, try to make some time to visit other blogs and don't post your link if you are not planning on visiting other blogs in the Hop that week. This is a weekly event, so if you don't have time this week, that's fine! We'll see you next week!
Have a hopping weekend!!
Counting it all Joy!!

Hermie & Friends

Who is in Charge Anyway


Video Description

God even cares about a little flea!!
When Freddie hears Hailey and Bailey ask their mother what’s special about fleas, he thinks it’s time to have a talk with God.  
Freddie is reminded that Hermie and Flo and Buzby and Webster and even Antonio all had to learn important lessons before their special talents were put to use.  Freddie learns that God did not make anybody by accident, and that He’s not finished with us yet.
Lesson is based on Psalm 90:16
“Show your servants the wonderful things you do; show your greatness to their children.”  (excerpt taken from the back of the video)

My Review
I loved this video!!  Being the mom of 5, the wife of a Children’s Pastor, and someone who has been involved in children’s ministry for lots of years, I have watched more kids videos than I can count.  I always love it when I find one with a strong yet easy to teach message.  If all kids could get the message of this video engraved on their hearts and in their minds, it would change the world.  Actually, I think there are a lot of adults who could benefit from the message as well.  We are made like we are because that is how God wanted us, we are not mistakes, He doesn’t make mistakes, we are all a part of the big plan.  We just need to follow God and fulfill our part instead of wishing we were something else!!  Great video, great message, would definitely recommend. 

Thank you Thomas Nelson and the Booksneeze program for the complimentary copy of the video in exchange for my honest opinion!!

Counting it all Joy!!




Inside the Broken Heart

Julie Yarbrough is a native of Dallas, Texas. A magna cum laude graduate of Texas Christian University (B.M., B.M.E., M.M.), she is the author of Modern Languages for Musicians.

With over thirty years’ experience in business management she currently serves as president of Yarbrough Investments. She is the author of
Peace of Mind – Financial Management for Life, an estate planning guide.

Following the death of her husband, she established a support group for widows and widowers.
Inside the Broken Heart was written specifically for the spiritual and emotional needs of those who have lost a spouse, inspired by the author’s personal experience, and the need expressed by group participants for timely words to live by on the journey through grief.

She is a member of the board of directors of Methodist Health System and the board of Golden Cross, a division of Methodist Health System Foundation. She also serves on the board of directors of the North Texas Food Bank.

She has written for the
United Methodist Reporter and Mature Years. She cooperatively authored the manual Preparing for Death for Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, where she is an active member.
To contact Julie: julie.yarbrough1@gmail.com
 ABOUT THE BOOK
How does the heart understand grief when it is broken by the death of a husband or wife? To survive and live forward, those who grieve must find answers. Inside the Broken Heart is for anyone who has ever grieved the death of a spouse and asked ‘why?’ The book meets the reader at a spiritual place reserved specifically for widows and widowers. Julie Yarbrough survived the sudden and untimely death of her beloved husband, a prominent United Methodist minister. As a lay grief facilitator, she believes that those who seek comfort and inspiration in grief best identify with an authentic point of view.

We grieve because we love, in direct proportion to the depth of our love. Spousal love is a sacred gift ordained by God, the death of husband or wife unlike any other experience of loss. The marriage vow moment “until death do us part” forever changes those who survive. Grief cannot be understood until it is experienced.

Grief is not a crisis of faith, it is a crisis of the heart.
Inside the Broken Heart uses topical references from the Bible to illuminate the unfamiliar emotions and questions of grief for the surviving spouse. Because we must grieve in order to live, the book explains spiritual and practical issues of grief and suggests specific coping strategies for widows and widowers.
As journey through “the valley of the shadow of death,” Inside the Broken Heart guides the way back to fullness of life. Through rediscovery of hope, pain and sorrow are vanquished, death is rendered powerless, and grief is no more.We are healed by God’s triumphant adequacy,
“HE HEALS THE BROKENHEARTED AND BINDS UP THEIR WOUNDS.” PSALM 147:3

“The love that we have known with our husband or wife here on earth will never die. It is eternal. Death has not taken it away; it has only separated us, in body but not in heart. The essence of love is the grace of God in our life. Love can outlast anything.” (Excerpt taken from the book)
My review:
When I was asked to review this book, I agreed with hesitation because I haven’t (thank the Lord) lost my spouse.  I have however, recently lost my mom, so I agreed to read it thinking it could even help me in that process.  There are parts that deal with grief of any kind, but it is definitely written with the loss of a spouse at the forefront.  I think this book is a wonderful resource to anyone who has lost a spouse.  It is so full of God’s Word and insights as to how to begin, walk through, and live out the healing process.  It covers just about everything you need including a financial section to help remind you of the things easily forgotten when you are dealing with such grief.  I would definitely recommend this book to those it was intended for, a grieving spouse.
Thank you Julie for blessing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Counting it all Joy!!

Let's Go To The Hop!!

I have been following this meme for a few weeks and am so excited to be linking up today with people who have a heart for words like me!!  Thank you Jennifer for hosting!!  Go here to link up.



BOUT THE HOP:

In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on! This weekly BOOK PARTY is a
n awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list below!!

The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added! We get over 200 links every week!!

Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.

If you start following someone through the Hop, leave a comment on their blog to let them know! Stop back during the week to see other blogs that are added! And, most importantly, the idea is to HAVE FUN!!

DISCLAIMER:
The Hop isn't just for you to throw your link in there and not visit any other blogs. It's all about networking and finding new blogs that are of interest. So, in the spirit of the Hop, try to make some time to visit other blogs and don't post your link if you are not planning on visiting other blogs in the Hop that week. This is a weekly event, so if you don't have time this week, that's fine! We'll see you next week!

Don't forget to sign the Linky and start hopping!!

Counting it all Joy!!
Angel


ABOUT THE HOP:

In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a placejust for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on!  This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books!  It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed!  So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list below!!

The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun!  This is a weekly event!  And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added!  We get nearly 200 links every week!! 

Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.

If you start following someone through the Hop, leave a comment on their blog to let them know!  Stop back during the week to see other blogs that are added!  And, most importantly, the idea is to HAVE FUN!!

DISCLAIMER:
The Hop isn't just for you to throw your link in there and not visit any other blogs.  It's all about networking and finding new blogs that are of interest. So, in the spirit of the Hop, try to make some time to visit other blogs and don't post your link if you are not planning on visiting other blogs in the Hop that week.  This is a weekly event, so if you don't have time this week, that's fine!  We'll see you next week!

I have been following this meme for a few weeks and am so excited to be linking up today with people who have a heart for words like me!!  Thank you Jennifer for hosting!!  Go here to link up.

Counting it all Joy!!
Angel



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Angel
I am a fully devoted follower of Christ!! I love my husband and kids more than I ever thought you could love. I have a wonderful granddaughter who is the most precious little girl in the world. I am a long time homeschool mom and love every minute of it. I thank God every day for blessing me with my family and allowing me to be able to stay home and devote my life to them!!!
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I Review For The Tyndale Blog Network