highly happy and "yes"

                      

If you are into statistics, you will very much enjoy this book.  The author put much time into providing the reader with a variety of statistical evidence characteristic of  "highly happy" marriages.  I would guess that these statistics define "highly happy" (or content) people in general.  I have to admit, I fast-fwd read through some of the statistics to get to the principles.  The words" highly happy" are repeated through the book.  This book is written in a way that someone without a "churchy" background can pick it up and easily understand some Biblical love principles right out of 1 Corinthians 13.  When I choose to "always hope" or expect the best in my spouse (or anyone) I am happy because I am doing love God's way.  When I keep no record of wrongs and choose to forgive, I may not necessarily feel "highly happy", but I do experience peace.

 Love is patient,

 love is kind.

It does not envy,

does not boast,

 it is not proud.

It does not dishonor others,

it is not self-seeking,

it is not easily angered,

it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil

but rejoices with the truth.

 It always protects,

 always trusts,

always hopes,

always perseveres.

  

Shaunti Feldhahn is the best-selling author of For Women Only and other books with sales of more than two million copies in 22 languages. With a master’s degree from Harvard, Shaunti uses her analytical skills to uncover life-changing surprises about our most important relationships. Her research has been featured on The Today Show, Focus on the Family radio, in Cosmopolitan magazine, and in the New York Times. She and her husband, Jeff, have two children and live in Atlanta.

   

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review.

  

 

 

made for MORE.

 

 

I watched the first four sessions of the "Restless" dvd

 

and

 

this

on the same day. 
The 8  Restless dvd segments are inspirational.  It is important to stop, listen and be reminded of God's intentionality and purpose for each life.  Re-evaluate.  We become "restless" for a reason.  I watched the "baby box" and felt just this.  Restlessness must result in action. 
How can I help?
What can I do?
It might start with praying, but it has to result in DOing something.
Jennie Allen discusses through the sessions how God has a purpose for each person.  That purpose begins in the unique way He created you and place He puts you.  (In other words, start right where God has you, with the people right around you.  Love and care for them...and maybe, if you are like me, show them the baby box too :) and ask them to join in and pray about how to help).
Are you RESTless? 
Good!
Maybe there is a need for another "baby box"
within your reach. 
Even the little stuff is big when it is done in love.

I received a copy of this dvd for the purpose of review.

the star flowers

I was given these beautiful Star of Bethlehem flowers

(picked out on a grocery run)

before Christmas...

...they sit on my kitchen window (still white)

with the ever timely ☺ reminder

of Isaiah 9:6

 

For to us a child is born,

 to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulder

and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.

 

 

take time

 

This small gift book devotional includes 365 daily thoughts taken from Samuel Brengle's writing on holiness.  Bob Hostetler has edited and pieced together these devotionals in a way to inspire the reader to think on the doctrine of holiness. This is not an easy read, but that is ok :).   It is good to labor in thought all while resting in God's holiness.

 

Samuel Logan Brengle (1 June 1860–19 May 1936) was a Commissioner in The Salvation Army and a leading author, teacher and preacher on the doctrine of Holiness.

 

 

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review.

reclaim hope

"we've diagnosed a marriage that has terminal cancer

and treated it as if it were only suffering from a common cold..."

This book is divided into three sections. 

1.  Seeing your marriage clearly.

2.  Change begins with you.

3.  Initiating change in your marriage.

Secular "therapy" tells women to leave.  Divorce.  No questions asked.  The church tells women to "stay".  No matter what.  No questions asked.  Author Leslie Vernick writes from a hopeful and honest place where the reality of life and wisdom meet.  In Chapter 7 she discusses CORE strengths that need to be developed. 

The goal is to be Committed to truth and reality

Open to growth, instruction, feedback

Responsible for myself, Respectful toward others

Empathetic and compassionate toward others without enabling them to abuse and disrespect

These goals accomplished with the help of God.
 

The principles in this book are practical and could be applied to relationships other than marriage.

 

Leslie Vernick is a licensed clinical social worker and relationship coach.  She has been helping individuals, couples, families heal, rebuild, or grow their relationships.

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review.

The Women of Christmas

 

Each"Liz" book I have read has been a joy and encouragement.  This author has a way of bringing to life Biblical characters and truth.  The Women of Christmas focuses on the stories of Elizabeth, Mary and Anna.  I was blessed to read and be reminded of these women's great faith in the midst of difficult circumstances.  How the anticipated coming of the Messiah was for Mary anticipated through an unexpected pregnancy...labor...birth. There is a study guide included in the back.

Stop. 

Be still.

Sing...God IS big.

Worship

when you can't understand.

 

watch this... celebrate JESUS!


BeaUtiful.
The Greatest Gift is on my list of books I need to read.

I received a copy of the Women of Christmas for the purpose of review.

because...

my girls wanted to make sure I saw these too.

☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺

Peace on Earth

Mary Engelbreit is known throughout the world for her distinctive illustration style, imbued with spirited wit and nostalgic warmth. The unmatched following for her work has grown with a range of licensed products that stretches from calendars, to best-selling children's books, millions of greeting cards sold each year, and thousands of gifts, crafts and home accents.
Mary's art makes an emotional and often humorous connection with customers on multiple levels with a unique combination of images and quotes. Her timeless style celebrates universal moments customers can relate to their own lives, and has fostered outstanding customer loyalty for nearly 30 years, an achievement unparalleled for an illustrator!

Life is just a chair of bowlies was and is my favorite ME (it was a print, but wouldn't a puzzle be fun?!). ☺. 

Her newest book

 

is a Christmas collection full of whimsical illustration, favorite poems, carols, and most importantly the story of Jesus  birth.  This book will go in our family basket of books that comes out with the Christmas decorations each year.  It might be a small thing, but the happy polka dots you can see on the front cover are indeed "glittered".   A collectable collection we are already enjoying.

 

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review.

Focus on the Family

 

Take the challenge.

Visit FocusOnTheFamily.com/DateNight

Dr. Gary (son of Dr. Gary Smalley) and Erin Smalley lead marriage seminars around the world. 

This little book has 52 ideas for spending time together (conversation starters included). 

It is packed full of little bits and pieces of love "builders".

Three things in human life are important:

the first is to be kind;

the second is to be kind;

and the third is to be kind. --Henry James

It would make a great gift for a married couple with children of any age,

along with coupons for free babysitting!!!

 

From the Back Cover

Thought dating was a thing of the past? Think again!
Not only can dating your spouse strengthen your marriage, rekindle your romance, and deepen your connection—but dating is also just plain fun! That’s why this Little Book of Great Dates offers you 52 creative, fun-filled ideas for spending time together talking, laughing, and connecting over shared activities. With imaginative suggestions for dates that are easy on the pocketbook, married and engaged couples will also value the conversation starters aimed at building emotional intimacy. Most of all, this little volume is a big promise to the one you love that more discoveries and an ever-deepening love are always on the horizon.

I received  copy of this book for the purpose of review.

Our God Comes...

 

view in i-tunes

Our God Comes cd is one of prayerful worship.

 

 

I had not heard of the Antioch movement before receiving this cd.  I learned that this is a relational network of churches founded with a "passion for Jesus and His purposes on the earth.  The movement became well-known after two of its overseas missionaries, Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer, (you can read their story  )

were imprisoned by the Taliban in Afghanistan during the same time period as the 9/11 Attack on the United States of America.

 

.

The Antioch movement:

We are a people on mission, with a passion for Jesus and His purposes in the earth.

That means from the local coffee shop to the remotest edge of southeast India, we are to proclaim the word of God in truth and in love. As a people on mission for Christ, we share the passions of God’s heart for one another, for our city, for our nation and for the nations of the earth.

I received a copy of this cd for the purpose of review.

adventure...

"mom, it's like being in a sight and sound theater!" she said.

"..I know it's for younger kids, but I like all the sound affects." (10 year old)

She sat in the "comfy" chair (with the kitten) listening to the cd's

and looking at the pictures in the book.

"Do you think it is too much for bedtime?" I asked.

"no, it's not scary or anything".

"oh, by the way, manna means what is it..."

storybook (meaning specific stories chosen, not the complete book) Bible for kids ages 4-7

Adventure kids and parents will enjoy!

Stories from Genesis through Acts.

Includes complete book on cd.

Beautifully illustrated.

. The Adventure Bible Storybook was the 2009 Retailers Choice Award winner

 in the Children's Nonfiction category.

 

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review.

"through"

 

 

 

because...this life is just a journey.

 

 

In this book Max Lucado takes a look at Joseph's life.  Joseph knew suffering.  God allowed him to be unjustly treated.  This read encouraged me to remember that though God did not deliver Joseph from every circumstance, He did deliver him through.  God was with Joseph and working together something Joseph could not see. 

 

"Joseph would be the first to tell you,

life in the pit stinks.

Yet, for all its rottenness,

doesn't the pit do this much?

It forces you to look upward.

Someone from up there

must come down here

and give you a hand."

 

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of  review.

 

faith adventure

 

 

 

A girlfriends in God

Faith Adventure ☺

8 week daily devotional

journal pages

weekly study guide for reflection and prayer

creative application

 

I enjoyed the personal testimony and worship included in this study.  Even if you have previously studied the names of God this study is a wonderful refresher.  I love that the last day focuses the Lord God, my strength and my song.

 

"For the LORD GOD is my strength

and my song,

and He has become

my salvation."

Isaiah 12:2

 

Listen... 

I received a copy of this study for the purpose of review.

 

Think 4:8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the teen version.

The challenge  is to take 40 days to get your thoughts

rolling in the right direction.

 

This is a fun little book that brings the Word to life.

Work it (journal)

Talk it

Stick it (sticky note thoughts for the day)

Pray it

"think THIS

 not THAT"

Philippians 4:8 

authentic,

compelling,

gracious—the best, not the worst;

the beautiful, not the ugly;

things to praise, not things to curse.

Put into practice what you learned from me,

what you heard and saw and realized.

Do that, and God, who makes everything work together,

will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

 

 

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review.

 

 

back to

(school)...

somebody little was happy with this Walmart find. ☺

 

 the (sch&&l) word was not to be mentioned

out loud at any point  during the summer.

the (sn&w) word even less!

...even so I "thrifted" these fun puzzles

in anticipation of cold wintery days ahead.

Hope all the pieces are there, ☺but if not

we might do something like

THIS !

 

listening too...

 

about...

this is the place I review books (that I think I will like...).  
This is a good fit for my life at this time and for the ages of my children. ☺
Maybe you will find a good book as well!
Enjoy.