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Monday, December 31, 2012

Peaceful Passage (Book Review)


Peaceful Passage


By Author Kim West

I highly recommend the “Peaceful Passage” by author Kim West this book is essential in helping you during the journey of a love one’s dying process. This book assist you in knowing what steps you need to take in helping your love one during the dying process, along with helping yourself through the process. It also helps you in handling the daily demands of your marriage, family, children and career. You’ll find checklists and resources to keep you on track, and at each chapter’s end, journaling pages invite readers to record their experiences. Kim had experience of this journey due to her mother becoming ill with terminal cancer and brought her to her home and taking care of her until the day she passed.  At that time Kim didn't have any experience in caring for a dying person so she journal through the process to help with the grief. She realized that she needed to write about her process to help others through the same experience. This book is one that can be used by any and all family members going through this process. 

Kim West has a PhD in Clinical Pastoral Counseling and her Master of Divinity in Counseling and Family; this provides her to help families that are going through the end-of-life journey. 


Learn more about Kim West here http://www.peaceful-passage.com/about-the-author.html


I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of THE CWA Review Crew. 




Friday, December 28, 2012

Shop my AVON store!

Shop my AVON store!: Here's a sneak peak at some of the latest products available at Avon. Be sure to click

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Book Review - Finding Faith in the City Care Forgot by Teena Myers


Finding Faith in the City Care Forgot by Teena Myers














If you are looking for a book that is inspiring and encouraging then "Finding Faith in the City Care Forgot" by author Teena Myers is one you don't want to miss out readying. She has gathered people's stories of their lives events of how God's mercy and grace is still active in today's world. Each story will touch you differently rather it uplifts you or brings you to tears you will enjoy each one.  

I really enjoyed reading this book because of the inspirational stories of people's lives and the everyday encounters they had with others and with God. This book shows you of what people encounter with life and having God's mercy and grace to endure during those encounters. You can find this book on Amazon.com for the price of $13.25.

Teena Myers is a freelance writer, certified Belief Therapist, Member of the Southern Christian Writers Guild and the Northshore Literary Society. She worked in Children's ministry, Christian Television and taught Sunday school before she found her God given niche of writing. Teena lives in new Orleans with her husband Rod of 27 years. 








You can learn more about Teena Myers here: http//teenalmyers.com/

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Christmas Time to Remember!

I have to say Christmas was very good this year. I was just so happy watching everyone else opening their gifts that I wasn't really worried about getting much, since I knew we couldn't afford much this year. But I was totally surprised by the gift my oldest daughter purchased for me this year. Her and her brother and sister chose a mother's ring that I have been wanting for a long time which she paid for it all by herself with the money she has been working so hard to make. It is so beautiful with four stones and their names included. Here is a picture of it... 












Had some family and a friend from high school over for Christmas dinner. We had turkey, ham, sweet potatoes, potato salad, macaroni salad, green bean casserole, angel eggs (they are devil eggs but have started calling them angel eggs because of my Aunt calls them that), stuff celery, and stuffing and Apple pie for desert. Hope your Christmas dinner was just as good. Had a wonderful time, ended up going to bed early since I had stayed up late the night before watching a movie. It is another early night to bed for me again tonight. Will post again tomorrow. Hope everyone's Christmas was a happy and blessed time.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Book Review: On a Quest for Christ tracing the footsteps of your spiritual journey

On a Quest for Christ
tracing the footsteps of your spiritual journey

By: Lisa Aré Wulf













     The book “On a Quest for Christ tracing the footsteps of your spiritual journey” by author Lisa Aré Wulf is a book that will not only touch your heart but transform your life by the words she has written. This book is a 30 day devotional that will help you trace your steps in finding your spiritual journey. At the beginning of each chapter there is a scripture verse, Lisa then tells you her story then there is a section that is for your story. Then follows is the reflection section, followed by Give it to God and then Your Special Prayer.

     I really  enjoyed this book because of the inspiration and that Lisa told her own story which lets you know that you aren't the only one going through what you go through. I recommend this book to anyone that not only enjoys doing devotionals but wants to transform their life. 

     Lisa is a ministry leader and Fuller Seminary graduate.  She has spoken to women’s groups and churches across the country. Before entering the ministry, Lisa served eight years on the Colorado Springs City Council. She is also a retired CPA, a former radio talk show host, an accounting professor, and was a violinist. 













Learn more about Lisa Aré Wulf here:  http://www.onaquestforchrist.com/


I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Friday, December 7, 2012

iBloom

Come on out and check out what is happening with iBloom, here is just a couple of things happening...

Join us on the 3rd Tuesday of each month for Inspiration, Encouragement, and Fun!
facebook-party









ibloom New Year's Party

Review of NuNaturals Stevia













     I had the chance to experience the product NuNaturals Stevia. I was a little caution in sampling this product because like most sweeteners they have an aftertaste, but I have to say this one didn't and it doesn't have any fillers either. NuNaturals doesn't use any artificial flavorings they are all made with PURE ingredients and they are Gluten-Free. They sent me several different ones to sample which included PreBiotic Blend 3.5 oz. Powder, White Stevia Powder in packets that you would use for sweeten your coffee or tea. They also sent several Pure Liquids Alcohol-Free 2 oz. bottles which included Lemon, Orange, Peppermint, Vanilla and clear, the aroma of these when you opened the bottles were amazing. I used them in my water (yes I wanted to try to see what the flavor was first), and my tea which they were very good in both. I also made a No Bake Lemon Drop Cookie. Not sure what happen because I couldn't get the balls formed so when you picked them up they just crumbled, but I have to say the taste was very good on the ones that stayed together. If you are looking for a sweetener that doesn't have an aftertaste or artificial flavorings then you will want to try this. You can find all of their products and recipes listed at their website: https://nunaturals.com/




















I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of THE CWA Review Crew. 

Friday, November 16, 2012

Book Review - AMAZING LOVE


Amazing Love
Author: K. Dawn Byrd









K. Dawn Byrd is an author of inspirational romance. When she was asked why she writes, she says, "For the simple joy of putting words on the page!"

"Amazing Love" is a novel by author K. Dawn Byrd that is a great read; it is in the form of a digital book in length of 249 pages. It is about a pastor name Gabe Knight that lives in a small coastal town who falls in love with Dee Dillow who hired him to remodel an estate she's inherited from her aunt. He hears God in a small still voice telling him to marry Dee Dillow. But is it really God telling him that since he has found out that she was one of the highest paid call girls in the state of Nevada and is part-owner of the brothel, after much questioning him and Dee marry. God tells him to love her unconditionally but can he after he finds out she betrayed him. He realizes what love is and why God can love us unconditionally after almost losing her. This book is similar to the story of Hosea and Gomer from the Bible. 

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone that is looking for that novel that keeps you on your seat. This book kept me reading late into the night wondering what was going to happen next. You can find this book on Amazon.com for the price of $4.99.








Learn more about K. Dawn Byrd here www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of THE CWA Review Crew. 




Thursday, November 8, 2012

Book Review - Not Just A Hearer But A Doer Volume One


Not Just A Hearer But A Doer
Volume One

By Author Yolanda Shanks












As I sat reading this book "Not Just A Hearer But A Doer" Volume One written by Yolanda Shanks I was wondering what she meant by the title, wasn't this a deliberately living life devotional study. The devotional contains 31 days of the author's topics and her personal message. Then she has the observations which include a scripture, then the background of that scripture. Then she includes the interpretation and Application of how to apply the scripture. She also includes Additional Memory Scriptures and a space of where you can personalize the scripture text. This devotional will get you to ponder on it throughout your day.

After reading this devotional study I understood what Yolanda meant by the title "Not Just A Hearer But A Doer" Volume One. Yolanda was saying that we sit in the pews and sing the songs and recite Scripture-Scripture we know by heart, but do we do what we have read in the Scripture or sing in the songs? A lot of times we don't we just listen and that is it, this devotional will get you to not only think about what she discusses but get you to act on it. We need to be more than just the Hearer, God wants us to be a Doer also. I recommend this book to anyone that not only enjoys doing devotionals but wants to put what is spoken into action not just being a hearer.


The author Yolanda Shanks is a wife, mother, and grandmother, she is a Texas native where she lives with her Husband in Houston. She is the award-winning author of Destined to Live. She writes books that uplift and encourage readers to live life to its fullest. Yolanda is also a speaker and is available to speak to your church, school, or civic group. Whether you need encouragement and instruction on the issue of suicide or you need a challenge to embrace godly living, Yolanda can deliver an engaging and fun session to bless your group. 









You can learn more about Yolanda Shanks here http://yolandashanks.com/about-the-author/


I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.






RAMBLINGS from the SHOWER (Book Review)


RAMBLINGS from the SHOWER
By Faye Bryant











RAMBLINGS from the SHOWER by author Faye Bryant is a book that will get you to think about your conversation with God and when we do most of the talking we need to be still to hear his voice. Faye did just that in this book while in the shower she heard from God. While reading through the Bible, she would ask questions then head off to the shower. She said that with all the thinking/praying time, that by the time she got out of the shower she would have the answer. The insight of some of the questions that were answered for her is ones that we most wonder about and these are the ones she shared. She not only lets you know what the questions were that she had asked, but she also puts the answered and the scripture verses that God had directed her too. Faye wrote this book about things we have all gone through in life integrity, abuse, grief, putting people on pedestals and other things that we all see in our everyday life; she is speaking to us as if we are sitting there next to her.  I would recommend this book for anyone who is looking for some answers that you haven’t found, or if you just want a good book to read.

Faye Bryant is not only an author, and Blogger but she is also Wife, Mother, Step-mother, and Grandmother. Faye was born in Florida and lived there until age 25 then she moved to Tennessee where she has been ever since. Faye serves at the Church of Cove in Townsend as the Ministry Assistant and Communications director; she also owns her own business as a scopist, where she loves to work from her home office. She says just ask and she’ll explain that one.

I really enjoyed reading this book because it talked about her life and how she dealt with some challenges she has faced. It also gave some insight of some things I always wondered. There were so many eye opening things for me that I was surprised on some of them, for instance she states “That happiness dwells all around us. Sometimes we find it then lose it, because we don’t choose to hang onto it or we think it requires something or someone else. We choose our focus, and so many times, we choose poorly.”  I have to agree on this one, I have not only experience this one but seen so many people including my own children experience this. I was so blessed by the words Faye spoke and I think you will too. To see other things she has spoken about in her book you have to read this book.  You can purchase her book at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. 











You can learn more about Faye here http://www.fayebryant.com/. Faye blogs at fayebryant.com and tweets at @rfbryant

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.


Saturday, November 3, 2012

Book Review of Prayer Never Fails Especially During Trials


Prayer Never Fails Especially During Trials

By: Berney K. dorton



I had the privilege to read the book “Prayer Never Fails Especially During Trials” written by Berney K. Dorton. The book emphasizes the spiritual strength and fortitude required to pray consistently. Berney vividly describes the tragic loss of her love ones, caring for her sick child while dealing with her own personal health issues. Berney’s faith and prayers helped her cope with the ordeals in her daily life.  
I really enjoyed reading this book not only do you get to experience the author’s personal loss of her love ones but how her faith and prayers helped her to cope with them, she even refers to Scriptures that speaks of those trials. There were some things that she spoke about in her book that just stuck with me, like “Walk forward in faith instead of backwards in fear”, another one she said was “When we become serious about our Father’s business, He will become serious about our problems”. It just makes you sit and think about these and how they will really help me in my walk of faith and my prayer life. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning how to strengthen your faith and how to prayer fervently. You can find this book on amazon.com for the price of $13.95.





You can learn more about Berney K. Dorton at http://www.berneykdorton.com/

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.


Friday, November 2, 2012

ShapelyGirl Final Post




I have had the privilege this past month to use the ShapelyGirl “Walking Fit and Fabulous” workout DVD. Debra Mazda and her Shapely Girl Team really did a wonderful job in keeping me motivated; I really enjoyed this workout DVD. Debra Mazda mentions in her videos that no matter what size you are- even if you’ve never worked out before – get off that couch and move. At the age of 21 Debra weighed 300+ pounds, was in an abusive relationship, having chronic depression and high blood pressure she took one simple step by joining a health club. While moving her body she improved what she ate. Debra realized that she could inspire other women; she sought the credentials to become a teacher and trainer. She earned a BS in Human Movement and a M.Ed. in Sports Psychology at Temple University. Debra created ShapelyGirl Fitness a motivational fitness program that includes workout DVD’s, inspirational CD’s and access to an online community (www.debramazda.com).
When I started the Walking Fit and Fabulous workout I weighed 191.5 pounds I have lost down to 187. My weight goes up and down also due to having thyroid issues. I would recommend this DVD if you are looking to start a new workout, Debra and her Shapely Girl team will keep you motivated. You can find the Walking Fit and Fabulous for $14.95 along with her other products at https://www.debramazda.com/catalog/index.php.

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew. 

Monday, October 22, 2012

Oct 22nd Progress, Struggles, Breakthroughs



The third week of ShapelyGirl “Walking Fit and Fabulous” workout is over. This past week workout was not that great. I only got to workout for one day, the other days was running like crazy with work and was so tired and not feeling well. 

I didn't even want to step on the scale this week because I know that I didn't do that well. This week I need to stay focus and do my workouts, even though my body has been hurting. 

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.  

Monday, October 15, 2012

Oct 15th Progress, Struggles, Breakthroughs





The second week of ShapelyGirl “Walking Fit and Fabulous” workout is over. This week workout was a little more than the week before. My legs weren't burning and hurting as bad as before. After each workout I felt wonderful. 

I weight myself again today and I am at 191 so i gained those two pounds I had lost back. I went away this weekend and even though I did a little more exercise than I normally do my eating habit was not good since I had more sweets than I normally do. Need to stay more focused this week. 

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew. 

Monday, October 8, 2012

Book Review of A Thin Film of Lies A novel by C.S. Lakin













I have had the privilege to review Susanne Lakin book “A Thin Film of Lies.” This Christian novel is of suspense, crime fiction and is very faith-based. This book is a great read if you enjoy reading mystery/suspense and like relational drama. The story is about a homicide detective Fran Anders who is investigating a murder. A married couple Mike and Alisa Jepson marriage is falling apart while their lives are being turned upside down when all the leads that are sent to the precinct is pointing at Mike. While Mike is in jail, Alisa takes comfort from her friend Dee Dee who moves in with her. As Fran is investigating the case she is concerned about Alisa well-being during this time. Fran a middle-aged, divorced, single parent with two teenage children is hoping to find a great man and remarry. While Fran is caught up in the investigation she is trying to stay focus on being a good cop and mom, while relying on God to direct her steps.

I really enjoyed reading this novel because it not only kept me in suspense of who was the murder if it wasn’t Mike, then why was someone pinning it on him. This novel shows Fran the detective of how she struggled during her weakness and also as well as her strength when she was relying on God. Each character was well described and you felt like you were right there with them. You can find this book on Amazon.com in Kindle Edition for the price of $4.99. 













Learn more about Susanne Lakin here:  http://cslakin.com/index.php

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Oct 8th Progress, Struggles, Breakthroughs



The first week of ShapelyGirl “Walking Fit and Fabulous” workout is over. I was so happy when I started out on Monday, thinking this is going to be a breeze since it looked so easy. Well, I realized after just the warm up that I was really out of shape since I hadn’t workout in so long. My legs were burning and hurting so bad but I pushed through it, I even did ½ hour each of the three workouts. After I was done I felt so wonderful and felt like I had a lot of energy.  I was determined to keep going no matter what.

I weight myself before I started and I was at 191.5 by the next day I had lost two pounds. I was so happy just to lose those two pounds. By the third day I had gain those two pounds back, but realizing since I didn’t work out that day that is probably why I gained them back. Well, I weighed myself this morning and I have lost those two pounds again. I am looking forward to this week’s workout. 

Monday, October 1, 2012

My Journey with ShapelyGirl




I am one of 27 women that have chosen to take on a challenge this month with Custom Crew for ShapelyGirl!
The DVD that I will be using for this challenge is “Walking Fit and Fabulous” created by Debra Mazda M.Ed. You can find out more about this video and others at ShapelyGirl Fitness Page



Debra Mazda M.Ed created The ShapelyGirl Workout as a safe, fun and energizing program for women of all sizes to move, breathe and feel great. The ShapelyGirl Workout is more than just an exercise routine. It's a positive way of thinking about your body and your health. 

I am looking forward to doing this challenge!

The reason for this challenge is to change my mind set since I am not a big fan of exercising so since Debra Mazda is very motivated in her video’s I figured why not try this. I need to not only change my activity level, but I also need to change what I eat and how to think positively throughout this journey. So I will be doing a work out three times a week. (YES, you read that right)! I have decided to do this journey to not only to feel healthier but to feel better about myself.  Currently I weigh 191 pounds the heaviest I have been since I have been pregnant with my children. I really want to lose down to 144-150. Keep me in your daily prayers.
Each one of us in the CWA (Christian Women’s Affiliate) is choosing a Power Scripture throughout this journey!

My Power Scripture this Week is:
I can do all things through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

If you would like to see how I am doing on this journey just follow my progress here, I will be posting once a week through the month of October and with my Wrap Up by November 2. 

Monday, September 24, 2012

Book Review of "Everyday matters Bible for women" By Hendrickson Bibles


I highly recommend the “everyday matters Bible for women” by Hendrickson Bibles. The daily life challenges that women encounter each day can be so overwhelming that there is never anytime to sit down and spend time reading let along reading the Bible.  With these challenges this New Living Translation Bible is easy to read and to help you with the daily challenges of life.   

It comes with over 300 articles focused on 24 spiritual practices. Which each spiritual practice are explored in 4 different types of articles: Everyday Matters which is a Two-page articles introduce major themes and focus on an essential part of understanding and practicing a discipline, Everyday Profiles features Profiles of twenty-five Biblical women highlight a particular discipline, Everyday Reflections is  Selections illustrate ways to personalize and apply God’s Word to your own situation., and Everyday Q&A’s are Short articles delve into a difficult aspect of the spiritual practice and offer practical help on incorporating the discipline into your daily life. 

Not only does this Bible have a very colorful cover it is full color printing throughout. It includes Resources for Further Reading, How to Use This Bible in a Small Group Study and it has an Index for the Spiritual Practices. It is very encouraging to women of all walks of life.

Some of the Contributors which are well-known Christian leaders and writers included are:
Ruth Bell Graham,
Sara Groves,
Priscilla Shirer,
Ann Voskamp,
Sheila Walsh,
Kay Warren,
Philip Yancey.

I have several favorite parts of this Bible which include the Everyday Matters, Everyday Reflections, and Everyday Q&A’s.

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew. 

Friday, September 21, 2012

TRUST

Have you ever have one of those day's when you know that you need to get up and go to work but you just don't have the energy because your not feeling well? Well, that was me for two days in a roll. I thought to myself I have to stay up after taking my son to school but then when I get home I tell myself I will lay down for an hour to rest. Then what happens an hour turns into two to three hours then my day is wasted. This does not help with my business since I run my own business. I am an Avon Independent Sales Representative, so I need to be out there taking some orders and helping more people do what I do. I have to sell over a certain amount each campaign and I wasn't sure I was going to do it. The bad thing was I kept dwelling on that and Satan just kept bringing it up that I wasn't going to do it, but God just kept telling me trust me. Well, I thought to myself okay if I am going to get that certain amount it is only with God's help. I put my trust in him and I got that amount. I am thanking and praising God for what he does and is doing in my life.

As I sit here I was thinking I had a conversation with my friend on Tuesday night about trusting God. WOW! If we just trust him look what he can do. Who is going to trust God now?

Friday, September 14, 2012

Book Review of "CROSSING VALUES" by Carrie Daws





     I had the privilege of reading “Crossing Values” by Carrie Daws. It is a short read with only one hundred and sixty pages with some chapters only being one page (which I have never seen before). The book is a Christian romantic fiction that focuses on emotional and family healing; I would recommend this book to anyone that likes to read romantic fiction but keeps you in some expense. It is about a young girl Amber who is avoiding the skeletons in her closet by running around the Northwest and ending in a small town Crossing, Oregon. As she was slowing making her way east she was job-hopping every few weeks, so no one could get close to her. During the winter while looking for work Frank Yager offers her a job at the families logging company, has she decides to take the job she realizes that the family is different from any she’s ever known before. As Amber watches the family interacts she has more questions than she has answers not knowing if they are genuine or not. As Amber is getting to know Frank, Faye, and Peter and that they have gone through their own tragedy she slowing lets her guard down and start letting them get closer to her.
     
I really enjoyed reading this book because it not only kept me in suspense of why Amber was running but it showed you how others can love someone even if they don’t know them. This book shows you what true faith is and how to rely on God. It also shows that once Amber can trust the Yager family and they share things about God, she sees true love that the family shows her and that God wants a closer relationship with her and not have her run away from him.  I am looking forward to the sequel of “Ryan’s Crossing”.  You can find this book on Amazon.com for the price of $11.99.



Learn about Carrie Daws http://carriedaws.com/about/ 

















I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.