Review: She Laughs-Choosing Faith over Fear by Carolanne Miljavac

Carolanne Miljavac talks in her book about the fact that we will fail in life at some point. It's not IF, but rather WHEN.  It all boils down to trust and whether you trust that God has you even when you do fail. In her book She Laughs-Choosing Faith over Fear she shares with us how she has used laughter to help her in difficult times.  One of the quotes that I loved from the books is "She laughs without fear of failure because she knows in time, He'll reveal His purpose." Carolanne didn't grow up with a silver spoon in her mouth, but yet has used the tough times to learn when and how to lean on God. 

This book really touched me because we all go through tough times in our lives. This book reminded me to have faith and remember to laugh because often times that laughter can help push us through the dark times more than we can even imagine. 

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"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."

Review: Amish Front Porch Stories

I've loved reading stories about the Amish for years. I'm drawn to the way the focus on faith and not so much of the world. I love the "idea" of their life, but I know that I could never do without most of the modern appliances that I currently use. I'm also drawn to the community that they seem to have built. People come together in the good times and the bad. They visit and they work together for the good of everyone. In Amish Front Porch Stories the author tells us 18 short tales of Faith and Wisdom. I really liked the idea of these short stories because they each focused on a trait. Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness and Temperance.  I often don't enjoy short stories because I feel I don't get to know the characters. I didn't have to worry about this with Wanda E., Jean and Richelle Brunstetter as the authors.  Each story was so well developed and I truly felt touched by the traits that were being taught. This is a book that I'll read again and again just as a reminder of how we all need to work on ourselves and do better to help others. 

For more information on this book or others check out Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter and Richelle Brunstetter.  These ladies have written some amazing books.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."

Review: In The Cradle Lies by Olivia Newport

I received In The Cradle Lies by Olivia Newport from Barbour Publishing a while back. Sadly I had so many books on my shelf and so little time that I just got around to reading it recently.  The author is new to me, but one I will be checking out for sure now that I've read this book. In The Cradle Lies in the second book in the Tree of Life series. I didn't realize that while reading it, but will definitely be going back and reading book one. Even though I jumped into the series it was, for me, a book that could easily stand on it's own.  

As the books starts one of the main characters, Tucker, is dealing with some internal demons in the best way he knows how. He's spending his family wealth all around the town of Canyon Mines, Colorado. Tucker loves to ski and has come to town in search of the famous hill, Hidden Run. It's an overgrown, unused ski hill that hasn't been used in decades. Tucker is an amazing skier, but is willing to risk his life to ski Hidden Run.  While he's researching the hill he makes friends with all the town locals.  He finds a ski buddy in Kris, but her ultimate motive is to convince him NOT to ski Hidden Run.  Her friend, Jillian and her dad are in on the plot to find out what is behind Tucker's need to ski down Hidden Run as well as why he's spending money like the world is ending.  Jillian is a genealogist and works behind the scenes trying to figure out Tucker's family history and what has set him off on this dangerous course.  As the three work together to friend Tucker and try to help him deal with his past more comes to light than any of the three could ever imagine.

I plan to go back and read The Inn At Hidden Run which is the first book in the Tree of Life Series.  When I Meet You will be available in May 2020 and What You Said To Me will be available in November 2020.  Can't wait to see what's to come!  For up-to-date information on these books check out Facebook and Twitter.  


"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review." 

  

Review Stratagem by Robin Caroll

Suspense and mystery have not been the style that I typically enjoy reading. I've recently read and few and seemed to be getting hooked.  When I was picked up Stratagem I was hooked almost from the beginning.  Psychologist Grayson Thibodeaux makes a living by using his background to make adventure games for businesses. He uses knowledge that he learns about those in the game to push them to the limits in areas which they would normally avoid.  When his ex-wife, Anna-Belle, is murdered in one of these games Grayson becomes the prime suspect.  The spouse is always the first person looked at in a murder, but when your the ex as well as you created this game they aren't looking any further than you. When you also took time off at the exact time this adventure game/murder occurred you look even guiltier.

Grayson has previously worked with and developed a good relationship with the local police department.  When his friend, Brandon Gibbons, and his partner, Danielle Witz, start the murder investigation they have differing opinions about Grayson. Brandon doesn't think he has anything to do with it, but Danielle feels he's the first, last and only suspect. Anna-Belle had a food allergy that not many knew about. She was so very careful to not let others know about this allergy as well as to carry multiple epi pens around just in case. Nobody seemed to understand what happened on that day. Even though Grayson trusts his friend he knows that he can't just sit still while others work the case. He and his assistant, Pam, jump feet first into their own investigation. As they watch the video from the adventure game weekend they realize that there is a block of time missing. As they discover this someone vandalizes Grayson's house and they realize than more than Detective Danielle blame him for Anna-Belle's death. Can Grayson and Pam find out who the real killer is before the detectives arrest Grayson for his ex-wife's murder?

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"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."

Review: A Christmas Prayer by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Christmas is probably my favorite time of the year. I've always be in awe of those that journeyed across the US for a better life. I often think I would have liked living in those times, but I can't imagine the work load and stress that they endured.  In A Christmas Prayer Cynthia Cooper and her mother are attempting a cross-country journey with her new fiance, Walter Prentice.  Walter isn't exactly the ideal man that Cynthia would like, but she needs someone that will take care of her and her mother and she knows he will do that. She's marring for stability rather than love. Walter isn't really a hands-on type of man and that become apparent very quickly as the journey starts. They are traveling with two other wagons, one a widowed man with children and the other a brother and sister team.  Cole is the leader of the wagon train, but Cynthia sees that Jack is equally capable. She is hopeful that their knowledge will make up for Walter's lack.  

Traveling this way is not easy and Cynthia and her mom struggle to adjust.  They enjoy the company of the others at night and soon Cynthia and Virginia, Cole's sister,  take over the care of Jack's children during the day to try and help keep them occupied. The days are long, but just when they think they are getting close to the end winter weather starts to fall.  The men go back and forth about the best way to deal with the current situation. They still have some food left, but can't survive the winter out in the snow. Later the group is blessed by Cole running up on an abandoned cabin while hunting for food. This may be the answer to their prayers. It's small and it will be hard for them all to live in such tight places, but it will be protection from the winter weather and may just save their lives.  

As they wait out the winter and pray their food lasts until better traveling weather romance seems to be running through everyone's veins. Cynthia is engaged to Walter, but Walter feels that Cole is "too friendly" around her and that she spends too much time watching Jack's children.  Is Cynthia on the path to true love rather than the stability that Walter will offer?

A Christmas Prayer by Wanda E. Brunstetter and a great story.  There are 170 pages, but the author engages us so easily through the characters that it's a very quick read.  There are so many great choices from this author that you could keep busy for many months. She has written stand alone books as well as several series.  To keep up-to-date with what books are coming out check out her social media sites: Facebook, Pinterest, Youtube, Twitter and Godtube


"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."

Review: Too Blessed to be Stressed for Moms by Debora M.Coty

I know most moms like to say they are too blessed to be stressed, but do we really act that way?? I know I like to say that, but then I turn around and stress about so many things. Most of the things I'm stressing about I have no control over anyway! Debora Coty has given us an amazing tool to help work on the stress in our lives and truly act as we speak.  Too Blessed to be Stressed for Moms has a gorgeous cover that just grabs your attention to start.  The flowers seem to jump right off the cover and there is a handy, pink ribbon to keep your place while reading.  The book starts off with a "stress test" for moms.  There are 10 true/false questions to help place you in the yellow alert, orange or red areas for stress.  I fell into the orange alert level.  "Look out-you're at toxic stress levels".  I felt that pretty much summed up my daily life :) 

There are four sections in the book: 

1) Why Didn't Anybody Warn Me?
2) So Where's the Ding-Dang Motherhood Manual?
3) Coloring My Word with the Crayons Papa God Gives Me
4) Mothering is a Lifetime Gig

In each of these sections there are short, but sweet, lessons to help lower the amount of stress in our lives.  Chapter 2 I'm Not Crazy-I'm Crazy-Busy is how I might describe my life! We are given the verse I will strengthen you, surely I will help you from Isaiah 41:10 One thing that stood out to be in this chapter is that the word "should" is a dangerous word. Deborah tells us that it's a stress-filled pressure-packed slave driver. We compare ourselves to others and what they are doing. We then feel we "should" be doing certain things. This often is a use cause of stress in our lives.  In Chapter 12 Chocolate Caulks Relationship Cracks we learn about Forgiveness.  Romans 12:19 says Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do.  "I'll do the judging," says God.  "I'll take care of it." We often feel the need to get revenge on those that do us wrong.  Sometimes it's a struggle with a neighbor or a friend.  We need to learn to be kind to one another, tenderhearted and forgiving.  At the end of each chapter there is a navigating the hood section. There are a few questions that really help to dig deep and study our hearts.  

Motherhood is a challenge no matter what age your children are at the time.  When they are younger we are dealing with taking care of their every needs. As they grow older they don't need us as much and often push us away when they do need us. As they grow and leave our homes we have to learn to parent in an entirely different. Once they leave the home and start families of their own they still need us, but in different ways. We are parents for life, but it doesn't mean it's easy. It's easy to get stressed and not rely on our heavenly father to help us through the tough times.  We need to pray and remain faithful that he's got this and will be by our side always.  

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"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."

Review: The Hope Jar by Wanda E. Brunstetter

I'm not sure I have ever picked up a book written by Wanda E. Brunstetter and not thoroughly enjoyed it! The Hope Jar fell right into that category.  After Sara Murray's mother passes away she learned a secret that shocked her to her core.  Her mother had been born Amish and Sara still had Amish grandparents living. She reached out to them in hopes of learning more about her mother.  Michelle Taylor is struggling in her daily life. Dating someone that is not treating her right and she feels she just needs to get away and start fresh.  Mary Ruth and Willis Lapp hadn't heard from their daughter since she left and didn't know whether she was alive or dead.  When they receive a letter from Sara they struggle to deal with the news that their daughter has passed away, but they are blessed to have a granddaughter. Sara has said she'd like to come see them and so they anxiously wait for her arrival at the bus station on the date planned. As they are looking for Sara Mary Ruth sees someone that she instantly knows is Sara. The color of her hair is the same as their daughters.  When they approach Sara she doesn't know what to say. This couple comes to her as if they are family and welcomes her with open arms. After so much time of not feeling safe she is comforted by the warmth and safety she is just offered so she goes with them. There is only one problem she is not Sara, the granddaughter they think.


Two people in such troubled times of their lives and one couple to offer warmth and safety. As Michelle is assumed to be Sara she goes home with the Lapps and feels she will enjoy the safety and comfort offered for a few days and then move on elsewhere. She doesn't expect to feel such a connection with the family.  As we read through the story and figure out why Sara didn't show up that day we see that Michelle becomes more a part of the Lapp family than she ever imagined.  As Michelle finds the jars of scriptures and prayers she starts to feel more of a connection to the family. She wonders who was so troubled and wrote such heartfelt prayers.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review." 

Review: The Fashion Designer by Nancy Moser

There have always been those in history that have started the new trends and helped move us forward in business.  In The Fashion Designer by Nancy Moser the main character, Annie, is the one setting the trends.  Annie Culver had worked as a pattern maker, but decided to branch out on her own with friends to start their own fashion house.  She is starting a new business as well as a new family.  How could life change much more than that?? Annie has received financial backing to help start the business, but when she realizes the backing is really more for personal gain than the business she has to make a decision. With prayer and support from her husband and friends they move forward in a different direction. Their ultimate goal is for wearable and fashionable dresses for the "average" lady. They ask people they know to be models to show off who they really want their fashions to be worn by in the future.  As they push forward working on designs for the shown the unexpected happens. Annie falls early one morning and they have a scare with the baby. She now has to slow it down and lets others take on more responsibility. Thankfully her mother-in-law joins the team and provides much needed support and help.  Will they be successful? Will their fashion house become known to all the "average" women? You'll have to read The Fashion Designer to get these answers.  For additional books written by Nancy Moser you can follow her social media: 

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** "I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."

Review: The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep

The Captured Bride is book 3 of The Daughters of the Mayflower series.  In this book we meet Mercy who has lived her life torn between two cultures? Mercy Lytton  was born with a unique skill to see what others don't see. She has spent a large part of her life using that skill as a scout. She has worked with a dear friend, Captain Matthew Prinn, for many years and is about to accompany him on his last scouting mission. When this mission is over Matthew plans to retire and farm. Their mission is to pretend to be a family with a "traitor" acting as Mercy's husband. The wagon load of goal that they are to make sure arrives safely to a nearby fort is actually gold that was taken from Elias Dubois-the traitor.  Mercy doesn't feel good about this mission, but she would do anything to help her longtime friend, Matthew. As the mission is underway Elias quickly begins to win the friendship of Matthew as well as Mercy.  Will this last scouting mission be an easy one for Captain Prinn? Will Elias tell them why he is considered a traitor? This book is full of questions, romance, intrigue and action.  Who knows what adventures Mercy will end up taking!

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review." 

Review: the Hawaiian Discovery

The Hawaiian Discovery is book 2 of The Hawaiian Book Series by Wanda E. Brunstetter & Jean Brunstetter.  The second book of the series focuses on Mandy & Ken and the life changing circumstances they are facing.  Ken's father has passed and they've had to sell their B&B in Indiana and move to Hawaii to help his mother with her organic chicken farm.  While there Ken is injured in a terrible accident and their life is turned completely upside down.  Ellen Lambright has been best friends with Mandy for years and has struggled with her moving to Hawaii. When she hears of Ken's tragic accident she immediately seeks permission to fly to Hawaii and do what she can to help. While in Hawaii she meets Rob. He's working for Ken's mom and they enjoy spending some time together. As Ellen wonders if she's developing feelings for him she learns that he isn't who he's told them.  This story is one of perseverance, love, faith and forgiveness. 

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"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review." 

Review: When God Says go

When God Says go by Elizabeth Laing Thompson is a wonderful book of people in the Bible and how they followed God's call. We often say that we are following God, that we are open to anything he calls us to do, but are we truly? Often times we aren't even sure if we know what God is calling us to do. In this book we learn about the following people, their stories and even how we can relate them to our own lives.  

At the end of each chapter there is a "Let's Go Deeper" page. This includes further verses to read as well as journal prompts and a prayer prompt. This is a great book to read alone or even to read along in a group setting. I felt like the chapters were chosen to reach out to us all. How many times have we thought that God's call is too scary? When his call is unclear? When the call isn't glamorous? These are some of the samples of what is in this book that can help us to a deeper understanding of just what is God's call for us.  

**"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."

Review: The Prayer MAP FOR WOMEN

I've really enjoyed using The Prayer MAP For WOMEN-A CREATIVE JOURNAL.  The layout is the same for each day which is nice to be able to see growth! There is a place to start a prayer, what you are thankful for, worried about, people you are praying for, what is happening in your life, what you need as well as other things that are on your heart. There is a little dotted line that leads you through each section, but you could easily do them out of order as well. It's nice having the date as well to be able to go back later and see how God has answered your prayers and needs. One of my favorite parts is the verse for each day. One of my favorites is:

Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you.  Psalm 5:2

This is a great tool to use daily in your quiet time. The verses could be used as jumping spots for your daily reading as well. If you have children they have one available for girls as well as boys.  I highly recommend this book!

**"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."

Review: Shadows of Hope by Georgiana Daniels

Imagine.....

You have struggled to have a baby..
You find out that your husband is cheating on you..
You have been cheating on your wife and the the women ends up pregnant and threatens your marriage and career...
You find out your pregnant and the man you've been dating tells you he's married..

Imagine being in any of these situations and how that would affect your life.  Marissa Moreau is a crisis pregnancy worker and starts to worry that her husband is cheating on her. They have struggled with infertility and that has put a huge strain on the marriage.  Marissa and her partner from work meet every morning at the local coffee shop. She develops a friendship with one of the baristas. She later confides to Marissa that she is pregnant. She's dropped out of school, looking for extra work and her parents aren't supportive. Marissa helps her pick up some extra work at the pregnancy center. As their friendship develops Marissa is struggling more and more with her home life.  Kaitlyn doesn't talk about the babies father much and is really just struggling to get through each day. 

Suddenly the day comes where Kaitlyn goes into labor and texts Marissa to come be with her at the hospital.  Marissa walks in the room only to discover her husband sitting there with Kaitlyn.  Only then does she realize the friend she has grown so close to is the mistress her husband was seeing.  

Marissa isn't sure how she can handle this situation. She knows that she needs God more than ever now to help her through it. She's angry at her husband and angry at Kaitlyn. She feels she's been betrayed by them both. As the time goes on she realizes that Kaitlyn never knew and that as bad as this situation is neither of them knew she knew the other.  Marissa isn't sure she wants her marriage to end, but she knows she wants to be loved and it shouldn't be hard for her husband to do that. Colin has always wanted to be a day, but always thought it would be with Marissa. Can the three of them work out a way to be civil and have a relationship with each other? Can Colin and Marissa save their marriage? Or will the precious little baby be the one to suffer for the actions of the adults?

Check out Georgiana Daniels' website and follow her on social media for the latest updates.  

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**"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review." 

Review: My Heart Belongs in San Francisco, California

Abby Effingham is on a mission to find her mother. Her mother left home in search of a more interesting life. Abby knows if she finds her mother she can convince her to come back home. On the way they are derailed due to weather and end up in San Francisco in the middle of the gold rush.  The town and people are unlike anything Abby is used to knowing. She's very pleased with the housing they find, but realize that her money is quickly dwindling and she needs to do something about it. Abby is not your working girl, but decides to take a job offered at the local restaurant.  The work is hard and Abby isn't used to the demanding work and long hours. As she waits for her mother to arrive she finds out that her family's butler, her traveling companion, has contacted her father because he doesn't find her working acceptable. Abby develops a great friendship with Cookie, the cook, and she finds Sam, the owner's son, an interesting companion.  As she starts to know the people of the town better she realizes that her background could come in handy. Some of the men have become rough around the edges after panning for gold so long away from their wives.  Abby starts teaching "manners" classes in hopes of helping these men become a little more dignified for when they return to their wives. As Abby becomes intertwined in the town she realizes that she can't imagine leaving.  When both her parents arrive and Sam's dad has a big decision on his hands to make there are lots of twists and turns in this book right at the very end.  I love when a book takes me in an unexpected direction.  

For additional books written by Janice Thompson check out her website. You can also follow her on social media:

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**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.** 

Review: The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo

I truly enjoy historical fiction reads, but they are even better when the characters are relying on God to help them through situations.  In The Pirate Bride, Book 2 of the The Daughters of the Mayflower Series, we meet Maribel Cordoba. She is the daughter of Spanish nobleman, Antonio Cordoba, and he has told her that her mother and grandfather have died and she has to go with him. Her father hasn't had much time for her during her short life, but one of her favorite books is The Notorious Seafaring Pyrates and Their Exploits, so she views this trip as an adventure. Her traveling companion, William Spencer, is with her and that makes the trip better.  As they start out on their venture they are approached and fired on by a ship that William deems the legendary Ghost Ship.  As they are attacked Maribel's last thoughts are to Pray Away the Fear before she succumbs to the darkness.  

Captain Jean Beaumont and his crew have overtaken the ship and to his surprise he comes face-to-face with Antonio Cordoba, the man that killed his family.  All Beaumont has dreamt of was avenging his family, but close friends on the ship try to dissuade him. They try to convince him that God doesn't want him to punish Cordoba for his sins.  That is something God will do. As Beaumont and Cordoba are fighting as well as Beaumont fighting his inner being Cordoba is thought to have died in the sea.  Now Captain Beaumont is left with Maribel and while she tries to persuade him to allow her to join his crew he knows that he cannot let that happen. Her companion, William Spencer, almost begs to join the crew and is quickly accepted. Maribel just doesn't understand why she isn't allowed to join and she tries explaining she knows everything about pyrating from her book reading.  

As time goes by things have settled on the ship and Maribel is even allowed in her favorite spot, the look out tower. She always has a book with her and insists that she can keep her eyes open all the while reading. One day as she's on duty a vessel approaches and they are fired upon. The look out tower is destroyed and Maribel is lost at sea. The captain and his crew search for her, but to no avail. While searching they are again attacked and this time the captain is injured. As the ship is boarded and the captain is to be taken hostage his good friend, the doctor, does some quick talking and is able to save his life. 

As time goes on the captain doesn't know that Maribel WAS rescued by his crew and taken to a safe place to be forever protected. As the years go by he often thinks of her and feels he let her down by not finding her. He doesn't know that she is alive and that she too thinks of him only to be told her memories are dreams. 

Will they ever meet again? Will the captain continue sailing and living a double life? I highly recommend you read The Pirate Bride to find the answers to these questions and much more! Throughout this story we see how God has guided these characters and how they have tried to turn to him in all situations.

** I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review." 

Review: The Innkeeper's Daughter by Michelle Griep

In this day and age it can be hard for a single woman to be running the family business as well as being responsible for her mother and brother.  Imagine having that life back when the women that worked were looked down on and frowned upon.  Typically it was the ladies of the night or the truly poor females that worked. All others has gentleman to provide for them and keep them safe.  Enter Johanna Langley who is running her families business, The Blue Hedge Inn. All the while trying to keep her mother from working herself to death and keep her younger brother out of trouble. The rent and hearth payments are due, there is only one customer and he hasn't paid. Then enters the mysterious Mr. Morton.  He's in town with one mission on his mind, but after meeting Johanna he struggles to stay focused.  He seems to be a mysterious gambler and Johanna has no time for one who gambles.  He does have a tender spot for her young brother, seeing himself as a child in him.  As he tries to get closer to Johanna he's suddenly imprisoned.  Will he be able to complete his mission? Will Johanna and her family be able to keep the inn? What is really going on with Mr. Nutbrown and his puppet? To find out the answer you'll need to read The Innkeeper's Daughter.  There is a page of historical notes at the end of the book that I found truly fascinating.  

** I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review." 

Review: I Will Love You Forever by Cori Salchert with Marianne Hering

I have to admit that in the past I have read books that I thought would move and inspire me and they really didn't. From the very first chapters of I Will Love You Forever I was so inspired by Cori. Her faith is amazing and her love has no bounds. Of course she has an amazing husband and family that have helped and supported her through this journey.

Cori had a special needs sister that passed away at a young age. In their childhood it was especially hard to care for a child with any special needs. There really weren't support services or help available like there is now. I can't imagine having lost a sister and especially accidentally like in Cori's sisters case.  Cori didn't let that loss stop her from moving forward and being successful. She had struggled with some health issues over her life, but as she got older they grew worse. Cori's life was really unlivable due to the pain and suffering she had.  She even tried to end her life at one point because she felt there was no other way. She approached endless physicians, but nobody was able to really help her solve the mystery. She did finally receive a little relief and a plan to work on while in Mexico.

Cori had studied nursing and worked as a bereavement specialist until her health stopped her from continuing. As Cori's story unfolds in this book we see her and her family take in several babies with extreme health issues that otherwise don't have a home. Did they wonder if they could manage a child with so many medical issues? They sure did and prayer helped move them forward.  Anything in life that is so extremely important needs prayer and guidance from God. Cori repeatedly went to God for answers as well as support in knowing these were the right decision for the child and her family. I can't imagine taking in a child that you know is terminal, but you are prepared to love that child as your own for as long as they live. We all love holding a sweet smelling, but baby, but when they are hooked up to machines are we as likely to jump in and hold them? I'm not sure that most of us are. To put our lives into a place that is run by a medically fragile child and how their health is holding up. Again, not many of us are. I like to think that I would love to be there for a precious child that has no other to hold them, but I'm not sure I could handle it emotionally. Cori showed us the true love that was given freely to these children as well as the heartache her family endured when they passed. I wanted to pick a verse out of the book that I thought summed it up, but there are so many great ones I just couldn't choose.  This is truly an amazing and inspiring book and one I will recommend to all the women in my life.


"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."

Book Review: Set Free to Choose Right by Josh McDowell

Equipping Today's Kids to Make Right Moral Choices for Life... How do we do that and what does it truly mean? I've seen what is almost a moral decline with the rise of technology. When we were growing up you had encyclopedias you could look sex up in or someone's parent might have a book or magazine. That was pretty much it other than kids talking and the discussions that our parents had with us. The rise of technology has changed all that and made it very hard for parents to monitor what and how their children learn about sex.  It's not even just what they learn about sex, but pornography is rampant on the internet. Our children, or even us, can run across it without ever even meaning too!

When I was growing up doing the right thing meant what my parents had taught me and if it was right in God's eyes. As I grew older those were the things I asked myself when deciding to make a choice. Granted I made choices that weren't "right" in my parents eyes or God's eyes, but for the most part that's what I and most people were thinking. In this day and age it seems almost like whatever feels good should be done and as long as it doesn't hurt someone physically then it's ok. Is it ok for a child or husband to view pornography? Well, if it's not physically hurting anyone then why not let them? There doesn't seem to be thought or consideration to the wife or the family as a whole. It seems to be mostly about what I want, what I can get and can I get more than another. It seems what we grew up thinking was right and the moral values we had have quickly gone out with the bath water so to speak.  We need to focus on and work with our families to bring the morals back home and have more accountability in the choices and action we chose.

Josh McDowell has written a wonderful book with lots of great examples and suggestions to help our families get back to those moral values.  He has written about the 4 C's process.  This is a guide to help your children make great choices.  

1. Consider the choice

2. Compare it to God

3. Commit to God's way

4. Count on God's protection and provision

We must learn as we use this process that we should be the ones asking questions trying to get to the heart of the matter with our children.  We can chose our way or God's way. Sin is when we choose our own way in an attempt to fulfill our selfish desires.  If we chose God's way then we have a relationship with him that brings fulfillment and joy.  Following God's way always results in a rewarding purpose. I think this book is wonderfully written with lots of examples of how to work through situations with our children. I would highly recommend it.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."