Lakeside Retreat by Marci Seither includes Giveaway-on Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Lakside Retreat

Author: Marci Seither

Genre: Devotional gift book

Release date: July 5, 2022

Close your eyes for a moment. Inhale. Can you smell the pine trees? Now listen. Can you hear the loon’s call echo off the water and the geese honking as they fly overhead? Now imagine tasting the smoke-tainted marshmallows straight out of the campfire. Think about feeling the warm summer sun on your skin and the cool breeze against your face.

Lakeside Retreat is an invitation to surround yourself with the majesty of God’s creation and wrap yourself in the warm blanket of Scripture’s wonderful, eternal truths.

Let this collection of vacation-themed devotions, recipes, and DIY projects transport you to a quiet place of rest, renewal, and connection with God.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Marci Seither’s writing career began after her humor article about a cookie baking fiasco she experienced with her kids was published in a small-town newspaper. Since then she has authored two books and hundreds of articles for local papers as well as written for Guideposts, Light & Life, and Focus On The Family.

Besides writing, she enjoys teaching workshops, speaking, food photography, canning, and anything that involves using real butter.

Her biggest joy, besides being married to John and raising six kiddos, is being grandma to six of the cutest kids in the western hemisphere. She recently moved from CA to TN.

More from Marci

I don’t know about you, but there is something about being at a cabin, on a lake, or in the woods. The pine scented air is crisp; the water is refreshing, and lingering over a hot cup of coffee as the sun comes up over the tree tops causes one to just sit in AWE at God’s fingerprints in creation.

Growing up, some of my favorite memories were made camping with cousins and hanging onto an inner tube that was tied to the back of a ski boat, now, just listening the loon’s call echoing off the rippling water at sunset is something I savor, well, that and a perfectly toasted marshmallow for my  s’more.

This book was so fun for me to write. I spent two weeks at the cabin with one of my best friends, Ginger Vennerstrom and her two granddaughters. Our husbands were able to join us for the second week and that was when we went on our crazy kayak adventure. We baked yummy treats, took nature walks through the woods, sat around the campfire, and did a lot of swimming.

One of the highlights was to take the pontoon boat down to the point and see the eagle’s nest with the half grown eaglets squawking from the edge, hoping one of their parents would bring a freshly caught fish.

I loved learning about the area that had once been a logging camp and hear stories about the cabin that is lovingly named Swan Stuga and the people who made it special.

Besides the 40 devotions, there are journal prompts and 12 tutorials for things you can do with your family such as make a pinecone bird feeder, follow a recipe for the perfect berry cobbler, and how to experience the night sky in a way you might have never considered.

Most of the photos, including the picture on the cover, are ones that I took at the cabin so readers will not just read about the lake; they will feel like they have actually been at the restful shores of Lake Nebagamon.

The cabin is calling…

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, September 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 8

Inklings and notions, September 9

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, September 9

She Lives To Read, September 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 11

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 12

Lily’s Book Reviews, September 12

deb’s Book Review, September 13

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 15

Mary Hake, September 15

Blossoms and Blessings, September 16

Cats in the Cradle Blog, September 17

The Adventures of a Travers Wife, September 18

Livin’ Lit, September 19

To Everything There Is A Season, September 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marci is giving away the grand prize package of a canvas tote bag filled with Lakeside goodies that include a blanket, mug, signed copy of Lakeside Retreat, and a solar lantern for your next outdoor adventure!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/21374/lakeside-retreat-celebration-tour-giveaway

Advertisement

Inspired Artistry by Pamela Poole on Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Inspired Artistry

Author: Pamela Poole

Genre: Non-fiction, Devotional

Release Date: March 30, 2020

Spirit-filled creative expression is an outreach for Christians to be ambassadors of the Kingdom.

This insightful devotional explores how the imprint of our Creator on all mankind makes it natural for Christians to embrace their unique gifts. Through Scripture, true stories, prayer, and study questions, readers will explore how every person born has a meaningful gift to contribute joy and beauty in the world. Led by the Holy Spirit, believers can live higher than the corrupting influences that distort Christ’s intent for our personal Inspired Artistry.

The pages of Inspired Artistry contain delightful illustrations and pages for readers who journal to write their own “Inspired Musings.”

Click here to get your copy!

Inspired Artistry, by Pamela Poole, is an inspirational and enlightening devotional. Though not very long, it packs a LOT of information.

I often don’t feel creative at all, nor do a lot of women I know.  Inspired Artistry dispels that idea quite nicely. There are many ways one can be artistic without being an artist. Poole quotes a passage in Exodus 35, verses 10-19, to illustrate her point. In one passage, it mentions shepherds-I never thought of shepherds as artists-but just think about it for a moment. It helps to keep me from feeling like a lowly homemaker!

I really appreciated a section on her personal stance against objectionable materials that are encountered by artists of varying types and how to deal with them for ourselves.

As I read her good advice, I very well remembered a situation where I had a real struggle with this issue. I had wanted to join a large, nationally known and heretofore well-respected Christian fiction organization. Before I committed a substantial amount of money, I saw a comment on FB from an author I respected. The comment related there was to be a guest speaker at the convention who had been there before and used some hard-core curse words in their earlier speech, leaving the author to believe it would happen again. I checked into the allegations and found they were true.

 I was heartily disappointed because other authors I knew and respected were on the committee. Also disappointing me, there was nothing from any of them to let prospective attendees know of the nature of the speaker’s past speech. Only a tenacious and searching mindset allowed me to make an informed decision. Needless to say, I didn’t join. Christian artistry needs the testimony of Pamela Poole.

I enjoyed Poole’s openness with her own struggles and how she related specific, detailed Bible verses to share her line of reasoning. If you’re facing writer’s block, painter’s block, feelings of inadequacy as a homemaker or a woman, you will like and be grateful for Poole’s perspective.

I received Inspired Artistry from Celebrate Lit. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.

About the Author

Pamela Poole’s love for the South inspires all her books and paintings. She and her husband Mark currently live in Raleigh, NC, but she’s hoping to get back home to the Lowcountry of SC someday.

If making her fictional stories public was a step of faith, writing her first devotional was a leap! Believing all Christians have a sphere of influence, she wanted to be certain that sharing her views was a process grounded in Scripture. Pamela believes nothing is wasted for a child of God. Using examples learned through challenging experiences, she reveals accounts of true events that only her family knew about before. Years of teaching art, teaching Bible Studies, leadership roles, membership in guilds and associations, mentoring, painting, exhibiting, and writing books has provided her with a wealth of hard-won lessons to share.

Pamela lives life loving Jesus and her family as a wife, mother, and Gigi, and she is blessed with true friends. She is a member of the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society and PaintNC. Readers and art enthusiasts alike can enjoy her Youtube channel for painting demos, art history lessons and projects, and peeks into an author’s life. Her blog can be found on her art and publishing websites. Her illustrations for FREE coloring pages are her contribution to a cause she cares about, the healing that happens through art, and they can be downloaded on her websites. To enjoy the latest content, sign up for her newsletters and follow Pamela Poole, Artist and Author and Southern Sky Publishing on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

More from Pamela

“I don’t have a talented bone in my body.”
“I can’t even make stick people.”
“I’ve never taken art classes.”

As an artist, teacher, author, and craft lover, I’ve heard statements like these all my life. My favorite is when my art students came to the first class saying, “I can’t even draw a straight line!” Flashing them my most engaging smile, I would respond brightly, “Me, either! I always use a ruler.”
Every person on the planet has a special gift of creativity. It is the stamp of our Maker, in whose image we are made. From the opening verses of the Bible, creativity is the first attribute that God reveals about Himself to mankind.

Christians have talents, but they do not think of them as creativity or as having any value in their faith or outreach to the world. Inspired Creativity—Embracing the Creative Calling is my first devotional, written to encourage my sisters and brothers in Christ to discover and develop their unique gifts. I base the book on the authority of Scripture, and I use personal stories to apply the Biblical principles to real situations.

Many people shy away from their talents because of the rejection and ridicule they could face from those whose tastes run differently. I understand this well and have the scars to prove it after decades of participating in professional organizations, art exhibitions, classes, art galleries, and the online book market. Readers can look at any author’s reviews and see they will range from mean and scathing to helpful and glowing. By publishing this devotional, I have set myself up for criticism by sharing what I’ve learned and how it all fits into a biblical Christian worldview. Knowing how vulnerable creative Christians feel, I point out in this book that if we are abiding in Christ and following His lead, our work is inspired as both a healing, spiritual growth activity for our souls and something He may call us to share. We must get past our dread and remember we work to please Jesus, not mankind. Since when did Christ’s enemy not attack those who talk about Him or reach out in His name?

When writing Inspired Artistry, I faced a few scary moments when relating experiences in my creative life that only my husband and son knew had happened. But nothing is wasted when believers walk with Christ, and I obeyed the tug on my heart and the spiritual certainty that I traveled those roads for such a time as this. It is my prayer that readers will discover and embrace their creative gifts for their role as ambassadors of the Kingdom to come!

Note to readers who color and journal: the print version of this devotional has coloring and journaling pages.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 23

For Him and My Family, July 24

Texas Book-aholic, July 25

Bizwings Blog, July 26

Holly Jo Morris, July 26

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 27

Inklings and notions, July 28

Emily Yager, July 29

Godly Book Reviews, July 30

deb’s Book Review, July 31

Splashes of Joy, August 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 2

Captive Dreams Window, August 3

Mary Hake, August 3

Artistic Nobody, August 4 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Pamela is giving away the grand prize package of Inspired Proverbs Coloring Journal, Tin of Colored Pencils, and a print copy of Inspired Artistry – Embracing the Creative Calling!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/fe30/inspired-artistry-celebration-tour-giveaway

Mother’s Day Devotional-Free 6-day e-devotional from Everyday Grace for Mothers by Denae Jones and Jennifer Gerelds

 Exciting News-See Below for Free Gift for Your Friends on Mother’s Day

#EverydayGraceforMothers

Send the mamas in your life encouragement for all they do and all they are. Fill out the form at the link below and authors Denae Jones and Jennifer Gerelds will send a 6-day e-devotional directly to her! You can even add a personal note AND select devos specifically for her stage of motherhood, from pregnancy to grandparenting and every stage in between.

Happy Mother’s Day!

https://bit.ly/MothersDay2020Devotional

#EverydayGraceforMothers

Promo Blast for God Hears Her – on Tour with Celebrate Lit February 1st-14th

About the Book

Book: God Hears Her

Author: Our Daily Bread

Genre: Non-fiction / Christian / Devotional

Release Date: September 2017

Tour Dates: February 1 – 14

When you’re having one of those days, you just want to know that someone is on your side. You have more than just someone . . . you have your Heavenly Father! He is with you. He is for you. He hears your heart’s cry. And He will reassure you of this through the beautifully designed, hardcover devotional collection, God Hears Her. The personal stories, Scripture passages, and inspirational quotes pulled from Our Daily Bread devotionals will lift you up and remind you that God is bigger than the trials you face.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Our Daily Bread Publishing – Our Daily Bread Publishing is a division of Our Daily Bread Ministries. Founded in 1938, the ministry has grown from a small group of dedicated radio listeners to millions of people around the world who use our Bible-based resources, including the beloved Our Daily Bread devotional. Our Daily Bread Ministries is a non-denominational, non-profit organization with staff and volunteers in over 37 offices working together to distribute more than 60 million resources in 150 countries. Regardless of whether it’s a radio or television broadcast, DVD, podcast, book, mobile app, or website, we provide materials to help people grow in their relationship with God.

More from Our Daily Bread

‘Feels Like Home’ Winter Recipes

As the weather turns colder, it becomes the time to pull out those tried and true winter-time recipes. You know, the ones that make us (or even keep us) warm on the inside. This is the time for the food that just feels like home.

Kirsten Holmberg and Elisa Morgan from the God Hears Her blog have shared some of their families personal recipes. These are the ones that are good for everyone. Feel free to try them yourself, bookmark them for later, or share them with a friend.

Kirsten Holmberg

In the winter, I’m partial to any slow-cooker soup or stew because I love coming home to it in the evening. My favorite is a Vegetarian Chili with some Italian influences:

2 bell peppers, diced

2 stalks of celery, sliced

2 lb zucchini halved and sliced

1 lb fresh mushrooms, halved

1 large onion, diced

3 cans diced tomatoes (fire-roasted or herbed for the most flavor)

1 can tomato sauce

1 small can black olives, sliced (or fresh in any amount desired)

1 can cannellini beans

2.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced

½ cup water

Toss it all in a slow cooker for a few hours on high, or all day on low. Or, put it on the stove instead and simmer until the veggies are cooked through and the flavors blended (about 45 minutes). Parmesan cheese on top for an extra zing.

Elisa Morgan

A Cranberry Nut Bread recipe handed down by my mom, Paige Lee

2 cup flour

½ tsp salt

1 ¼ tsp baking powder

½ scant tsp baking soda

1 cup sugar

Sift above ingredients together twice. To the juice and grated rind of 1 large orange, add 2 tbs of melted shortening and enough boiling water to make ¾ cup. Mix with dry ingredients and add…

1 beaten egg

1 cup chopped pecans

1 cup halved fresh cranberries

Bake in greased loaf pan for 75 minutes at 350 degrees.

If you double the recipe, bake a little less time and use 3 loaf pans. It also makes good muffins and can be frozen.

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, February 1

deb’s Book Review, February 1

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 2

Texas Book-aholic, February 3

Mary Hake, February 3

God is Love, February 4

Emily Yager, February 4

Genesis 5020, February 5

A Diva’s Heart, February 5

Girls in White Dresses, February 5

Lighthouse Academy, February 6

amandainpa, February 6

For Him and My Family, February 7

For The Love of Books, February 7

Inklings and notions, February 8

Andrea Christenson, February 8

Blossoms and Blessings, February 9

CarpeDiem, February 9

Older & Smarter?, February 10

She Lives to Read, February 10

For the Love of Literature, February 11

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 12

Godly Book Reviews, February 12

Artistic Nobody, February 13

Back Porch Reads, February 13

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 14

Kat’s Corner Books, February 14

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Our Daily Bread is giving away the grand prize package of a God Hears Her hardcover, God Hears Her leather-like, God Hears Her journal, God Hears Her CD, God Hears Her pen, and God Hears Her Scripture & Encouragement cards!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/f540/god-hears-her-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wheels of Wisdom by Tim and Debbie Bishop

My Review

Tim and Debbie Bishop married late in life, for the first time, in their 50s. As one would imagine, after so many years of being single, a person becomes very set in their ways. Imagine then, taking a honeymoon tour on BICYCLES, coast to coast. WOW! I mean talk about refining by fire, right?

Wheels of Wisdom covers three cross-country bicycle tours Tim and Debbie embarked on, and we can glean their knowledge, not only of helps, hindrances and wisdom for short or long bicycle tours, but also their insight and intelligence from a Christian perspective.

There are six sections and 52 lessons in the book. The introductory page to each lesson explains the gist of the lesson and includes a takeaway area for you to write your notes. The 52 lessons are perfect for use as a devotional for the year, using one a week. Plus, they each end with an applicable Bible verse, along with questions, under the title “Personal Reflection.”

There were many little nuggets of truth and not a few ideas I have decided to follow and to implement in my own life. I enjoyed not only the truths I found within the book, but also the glimpses into Tim and Debbie’s lives as they navigated their way cross-country in all kinds of weather while encountering their odyssey’s inevitable challenges.

The entire chronicle is heart-warming, thought-provoking and inspirational. As I said earlier, there are many nuggets of truth. One kernel of truth Debbie relayed from a church marquee said, “A closed mouth collects no foot.” Another from the last lesson, spoken by someone they met, “Bless me into usefulness.” Both are great reminders for our journey through life!

Tim and Debbie alternately share their thoughts, feelings and observations in separate chapters. As readers, we come to appreciate the challenges they faced and the understanding and knowledge they impart.

I received a copy of the book from the authors. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.

Publisher’s Summary

Winner of the 2017 National Indie Excellence Award for inspiration

Looking for more out of life?

After three tours totaling over 10,000 miles, Tim and Debbie Bishop have discovered wisdom and truth from the seat of a bicycle. In Wheels of Wisdom, the authors share the life lessons they learned on the open road.

When you’re looking for enlightenment, you can find it almost anywhere, be it from watching two herons saunter across a Florida road, pedaling to a dead-end in a Kentucky tobacco field, or observing eagles flying overhead in Montana. In each lesson of this book, you’ll find practical insights, inspiration, and encouragement–along with personal reflection questions that will help you:

• Adopt the right mind-set
• Conquer fear, worry, and inaction
• Overcome obstacles
• Relish life’s journey

Certain principles are universal whether you are bicycling across America or chasing your own lifelong dream.

You may be continuing your education, connecting with new people, looking to change jobs, or simply wondering about your future. Wherever you are in life, Wheels of Wisdom will give you a fresh perspective and new motivation for your own adventure. Not only will you encounter meaningful truth as you travel vicariously to new places and meet new people, you’ll also experience some genuine “God moments” and have some fun on the way.

So, pack up your dreams and passions and come along for the ride. It’s time to learn on the open road!

Be the Miracle by Delores Liesner

About the Book

Book Title: Be the Miracle

Author: Delores Liesner

Genre: Non-fiction, Christian living, devotional

Release date: June 1, 2018

Whether we title these unexplainable happenings miracles, God-sightings, or some other name, people love to hear of such occurrences. Why? They increase our faith by providing evidence of the miraculous in our everyday lives and heighten awareness of God’s desire to minister personally to us and through us.

Delores Liesner is a prayer warrior with a track record of seeing Christ work in her life and the lives of others. Her articles, devotions, and columns reflect the excitement of seeing miracles transpire, and now her book chronicles many of these amazing experiences. You’ll enjoy it.—Dr. Dennis E. Hensley, author, Jesus in the 9 to 5

My time with God in the morning is the most precious part of my day. Be The Miracle is a devotional filled with wonderful personal stories that will build your faith and stir your heart to receive fresh grace from God and be on the lookout for new ways to serve Him each day.—Dan Walsh, bestselling author, The Unfinished Gift, Remembering Christmas, and The Dance

Miracles happen all around us, every single day if we’ll only be sensitive enough to recognize them and thank God for His divine intervention. Author Delores Liesner shows us that whether a miracle comes as the smallest kiss from heaven or a life-changing act of God, our Heavenly Father is still in the prayer answering business, and as the Word says: ‘We have not because we ask not.’ I love this book! It makes me want to shout about all of the times God has come through for me. It will encourage you, too! It’s a must read! —Michelle Medlock Adams, award-winning, best-selling author of more than 80 books including her latest Get Your Spirit On! Devotions for Cheerleaders and Love & Care For the One and Only You

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Delores is a storyteller. Her passion, whether writing or speaking about activating faith is to be the miracle for others.

Over a thousand of those stories, devotionals, and teaching articles are published in print and online, including a compilation of 31 stories and life-changing challenges in her devotional, Be the Miracle! (Elk Lake Publishing). Delores is often spotted reading (3-5 books at a time), trying new recipes, or munching dark chocolate and orange peel. Her personal ministry is to benefit children with life-threatening illness via Fullness of Life Foundation, Scottsdale, AZ

My Review

Each devotional in Be the Miracle is impactful, some are tear-inducing, but all showcase the promises of God. The book is divided into 31 chapters. At the end of the individual chapters, there is a section which I see as a call to action-a way to deepen our relationship and experiences with God, along with several pages to journal. Because there are 31 chapters, you could use one a day for a monthly devotional. Be prepared, however, to want to re-read it, or read it more slowly, in order to really absorb its message.

Be the Miracle would make a fantastic Bible Study book, and in fact has guidelines at the end to do that if you wish. I would have preferred a different Bible translation because the verses from The Message are paraphrases and make them read like a story. The original King James is my personal favorite. This is a minor complaint and a personal preference and doesn’t really detract from the devotions at all.

I received this book from CelebrateLit. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.

Guest Post from the Delores

Would you believe a cow turned me into a miracle-believing lady? Though I’d always known about Jesus dying on the cross, and the Bible being God’s words, it took a couple of amazing and unexplainable events for me to understand miracles could happen to me!

We didn’t realize we were risk taking when we hopped in the car and headed for Colorado. Youthful and ignorant˜ in the ways of the world, we were excited to learn that the organization who produced the memory verse cards and Bible studies our friend had given us were having a conference that began the next day, we packed up and went! A startled young man answered our phone call, made when we were already half-way across the country and got to thinking maybe we should have told them we were coming!

The conference was full, but separate rooms across campus were found for us. Consequently, we only sat by each other during meetings and some meals, so we didn’t compare notes until on the way home. That was when we both started sharing the same message from God – to give a certain amount to a missionary for 6 months. We did not have the money and the only amount in our budget that matched was groceries. Would God ask us to give up groceries for 6 months? We felt He would, so that He could surprise us with the provisions in a most unexpected way – like sending a cow!

That is a bit of a teaser for Surprise Us for Dinner, God, the first story in my upcoming 31-day personal challenge devotional, Be The Miracle! You see, when God did that miracle-series at the beginning of our Christian life, we knew He was real, and that He dealt with people on a personal level. If God could do this, we figured, He could do anything, and we have many amazing stories that prove it!

Each of the stories is a true incident of God leading me to bless someone else (often a stranger, but sometimes someone we knew), or someone bringing us an unexpected answer to prayer.

When I began sharing stories like You’re the One, The Wrong Store?, Stranger No More, and Impossible Dreams, there were two main responses. Some women were excited to relate to stories of miracles in their own lives, and some women wondered if God would do miracles through them too.

I always share that I do not believe God is a giant get your prayers answered here vending machine, serving us just to make us ‘happy.’ The joy in these stories, and their life challenges, is that God wants all of his followers to be His hands and feet (and less often his voice) in the world. Just as we can represent our spouses with our children, and our supervisors with the public or with other employees because we know them so well, and understand how they would respond to a situation, we can know God in such a personal way that we can represent Him to others too.

That takes time. And that is why each story is followed with a verse, its teaching and a challenge you can follow to recognize and activate God’s command and gift to be “the miracle” – the messenger delivering an answer to prayer.

Blog Stops

Just the Write Escape, September 13

Mary Hake, September 14

Because I said so – adventures in parenting , September 15

proud to be an autism mom, September 16

Real World Bible Study, September 17

Bigreadersite, September 18

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 19

Captive Dreams Window, September 19

Texas Book-aholic, September 20

Bibliophile Reviews, September 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 22

Janices book reviews, September 23

Carpe Diem, September 24

A Baker’s Perspective, September 25

A Diva’s Heart, September 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Delores is giving away

Grand Prize: Vertical Be the Miracle plaque, miracle magnet, Be the Miracle stamped cuff bracelet, an eternity circle necklace and Ebook or paperback copy of Be the Miracle

First: Gold miracle plaque, choice of Ebook or paperback of Be the Miracle, and shoe bracelet (be hands and feet of Jesus)

Second: Pink miracle plaque, choice of Ebook or paperback of Be the Miracle, and cross ribbon bookmark

Third: Blue background – Bee the Miracle canvas and Bee pin – choice of Ebook or paperback of Be the Miracle!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d436/be-the-miracle-celebration-tour-giveaway

Everyday Bible Promises for Women Compiled by Barbour Staff

My Review

The Everyday Bible Promises for Women Devotional is short, with to the point sections corresponding to the daily Bible verses. Each day features one to two paragraphs, two Bible verses and a prayer illustrating the day’s topic. The topics are wide and varied and include areas such as hope, faith, rest and trials, to name a very few.

I liked how the end of the devotional broke the study down into the books of the Bible that were highlighted, beginning with Genesis, and gave the days that corresponded to each of the passages. However, I would have liked to have an index giving each day separately, too.

The Everyday Bible Promises for Women is a perfect companion devotional for those hectic, can’t seem to catch up days.

I received this book from NetGalley. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.

Publisher’s Summary

Refreshing Blend of Bible Promises and Encouraging Inspiration for Women

Barbour’s Bible Promise Books are perennial bestsellers, with millions of copies in print. Here’s a fantastic book of promises just for women, featuring an inspiring scriptural theme for every day of the year.  Covering topics like Wisdom, Faith, Prayer, Encouragement, Love, Joy, and more—each scripture speaks directly to your heart, drawing you ever closer to your heavenly Father.  Two daily scripture selections are complemented by a brief devotion and prayer, for a refreshing blend of Bible promises and encouragement!

Starting Strong (Growing A Strong Marriage) Volume 1

Publisher’s Summary

Just as Christ transforms individuals from the inside out, he is also working on the heart of your marriage. Through this video Bible study series, learn to cultivate and enjoy a beautiful marriage that’s rooted and grounded in Christ. Because whether you have been married for a few years or thirty years, there is always room to grow!

In Starting Strong (Volume 1), learn about the importance of cultivating a strong and solid biblical foundation. The candid, never-before-seen video interviews with your favorite marriage experts will help you explore what it means to have shared vision, unity, and belief in your spouse, as well as how to find your true identity in Jesus. Through touching and personal stories, timeless wisdom, and sage advice, you’ll glean spiritual understanding and inspiration for a lifetime of marriage.

Four DVD sessions, ranging from 8 to 20 minutes long, feature touching interviews and personal advice from John and Staci Eldredge, Chip and Theresa Ingram, Gordon and Gail MacDonald, Les and Leslie Parrott, Art and Lysa TerKeurst plus Gary and Lisa Thomas.

My Review

Let’s not kid ourselves. Marriage and love are hard work. They each require a constant daily commitment to dedicate ourselves to consciously affirm we love our spouse and are going to stay in the marriage. Starting Strong (Growing A Strong Marriage)
Volume 1, is a great resource, regardless of where you are in your marriage or how long you have been married.

The booklet and DVD are best if used together, as they complement each other. The DVD gives us a peek at six couples beginning with their adult lives from when and where they met and through their marriage years. One couple, Gordon and Gail MacDonald, reminded me of my parents. The MacDonalds met, were engaged three weeks after meeting, married after only knowing each other for four months and have been married for over 50 years. My Mom and Dad met and married after only knowing each other for just over three months. Their marriage lasted 57 years and only ended due to my Mom’s death.

One aspect of the DVD and study guide that will touch home is its teaching that marriages can go through three cycles-Isolation, Drifting and Oneness. It’s so easy, as the couples recounted, to fall into drifting because of the busyness and business of life. This leads to a roommate type situation and sets the couple up for the feelings of isolation. I think the couples summed up the purpose of a Christian marriage well. Marriage is meant to teach us to love, to be holy and to model our role as the Bride of Christ.

Any couple, regardless of whether they are newly engaged or married for many years, will get a lot from this study.

I received a free copy of Starting Strong (Growing A Strong Marriage) Volume 1, 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.

I Can Only Imagine Individual and Small Group Study Series from City On A Hill

GIVEAWAY LINK

https://www.blessedfreebies.com/indescribablestudygiveaway.html

My Review

I recently saw the movie I Can Only Imagine, about the story behind the blockbuster hit written by Bart Millard and sung by the group MercyMe.

The song has always resonated deeply with me, in fact, I have requested it be one of the songs sung at my Mom, Dad, and baby Brother’s funerals. To me, somehow, it seemed fitting and appropriate. After seeing the movie, it is even more evident to me.

So, you can imagine my delight when the opportunity arose for me to review several products that expanded on the movie.

The DVD features Bart Millard in 4-episode installments featuring lessons God has taught him, along with scenes from the movie. I enjoyed the DVD, though there were some tough situations portrayed, as there are in the film, too. However, Bart Millard’s style is open and relatable, making the lessons easy to identify with and absorb while challenging us to reimagine our future.

The devotional, broken into four 7-day studies, for a total of 28 days, concentrates on the life of Jesus and what His life means and can mean to us. The emphasis is on the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, written in a story like version. Included within each day’s lessons are questions for reflection and scripture; then the week is concluded with a call to action. Scattered throughout are interesting facts and different songs to enrich your study experience.

The leather journaling notebook is 100% vegetable tanned leather handcrafted in Haiti. It has 128 pages and is refillable. In addition to its incredible, aromatic leather smell, it provides the opportunity for you to record your prayers and their answers, along with your questions and answers and any reflections you may have as you study the Bible.

I received the I Can Only Imagine Study Series from FrontGate Media. However, I was under no obligation to write a review.

Purchase link: https://cityonahillstudio.com/shop-3/i-can-only–imagine/   
Promotional code: use frontgate10 for a discount of 10% off the I Can Only Imagine Series and/or Journal

Publisher’s Product Descriptions

DVD

Want to hear more of Bart Millard’s incredible testimony after watching I Can Only Imagine? This 4-Episode Video Series features Bart Millard, lead singer of MercyMe. Bart shares his true testimony of redemption and hope, along with the lessons God has instilled in him. Contains select scenes from the I Can Only Imagine movie. Each episode is approximately 12 minutes.

DEVOTIONAL

Find hope and purpose in this 28-day study of Jesus’s life and ministry. This beautifully designed 28-day study journal is effective as a stand-alone study or as a participant’s guide for the I Can Only Imagine Video Series. Embark on a journey through the Gospels to discover Jesus’ encounters with broken people. Each day will include scripture, reflective questions, and prayer— all working together to reveal God’s incredible heart for you.

LEATHER JOURNALING NOTEBOOK

Journaling has always been a healing exercise for Bart Millard, lead singer of MercyMe and writer of the song, “I Can Only Imagine.” Bart’s journals act as a record of God’s amazing grace throughout his life. Using this refillable leather notebook, begin to create your own library of prayers, thoughts, and questions and start to see the evidence of God at work in your life.

GIVEAWAY LINK

(One entry only per person)

https://www.blessedfreebies.com/indescribablestudygiveaway.html

21 Days of Joy by Kathy Ide

About the Book

Title: 21 Days of Joy

Author: Kathy Ide

Genre: Non-fiction, Devotional

Release Date: April 1, 2016

Tour Dates: April 28 – May 11

Oh, the joys—and struggles—of motherhood!

21 Days of Joy honors mothers of all varieties. Biological moms. Adoptive moms. Stepmothers. Grandmothers. Godmothers. “Second moms.” Even men who “mother” children when circumstances put them in that position.

Whether you are a mother, have one, or know one, these heartwarming fictional stories will touch your soul and help you see that you are not alone. The work you’re doing will have an impact for eternity. And those rewards will make the trials all worthwhile.

God knows every sacrifice you make for the children He has brought into your life. So take a few moments out of your busy schedule to read this book, and get a glimpse of your daily routine from a divine perspective.

Compiler and editor KATHY IDE has written fiction and nonfiction books and is the author of Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors. She is a professional freelance editor and the founder and director of two organizations for editorial freelancers. She has ghostwritten ten nonfiction books and a series of five novels. Kathy makes her home in Orange County, California.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Compiler and editor KATHY IDE has been a published author since 1989. She has written fiction and nonfiction books and is the author of Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors. She has ghostwritten ten nonfiction books and a series of five novels. She also writes columns of writing and editing tips for blogs and newsletters. Kathy makes her home in Orange County, California.

Q & A with Kathy Ide

Tell us a little about yourself

I’ve been writing for publication since 1989 and I’ve been a full-time freelance editor since 1998. I teach at writers’ conferences across the country, and I’m the director of the Orange County Christian Writers Conference here in Southern California. I’m also the founder and director of two organizations for freelance editors: the Christian Editor Connection and The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network.

You’ve created a Fiction Lover’s Devotional series. What inspired you to gather a collection of short fiction stories to be used as devotions?

I’ve always loved Christian fiction, and I’ve seen the power of fiction to touch hearts and change lives, both firsthand and hearing about the experiences of others. But you know, in my quiet times with the Lord, reading a chapter from a novel just doesn’t seem quite appropriate. So a devotional with short fiction stories seemed like a great solution.

Tell us about the books in this series

Each one contains 21 short fiction stories, followed by brief life applications, each written by a different author. Some contributors are best sellers, some are mid-range authors, and some are new writers. The first book was 21 Days of Grace: Stories that Celebrate God’s Unconditional Love. That came out June 1st of last year. The second book, 21 Days of Christmas, released on September 1^st. 21 Days of Love came out January 1st.

Tell us about this third book, 21 Days of Joy

21 Days of Joy: Stories that Celebrate Mom contains stories about mothers of all varieties. Biological moms. Adoptive moms. Stepmothers. Grandmothers. Godmothers. “Second moms.” Even men who “mother” children when circumstances put them in that position. It makes a wonderful Mother’s Day gift. And it’s a great way to boost your spirit when dealing with your kids—or your mom—becomes challenging.

Tell us about some of the stories in 21 Days of Joy

Some of the stories are about the struggles moms have dealing with their kids at various ages and stages. Others are about women dealing with their aging mothers. One story is about a young woman who thinks her dreams of having lots of kids are shattered when her fiance dumps her right before the wedding. There are a couple of stories about adopted kids meeting their biological moms. One story is about a barren woman who realizes she actually has lots of children. And one story, written by one of Bob Hope’s comedy writers, is a humorous tale of a woman who applies for the job of mother.

How do you hope readers will use 21 Days of Joy?

This book makes a great gift, with its beautiful debossed hardback cover, full-color interior, even a ribbon page marker. With stories about all kinds of mothers, it’s great for anyone who is a mom, has a mom, or knows a mom.

Like the other books in this series, 21 Days of Joy makes a wonderful daily devotional. And if you want to go deeper, you can get a Study Guide with additional questions about each of the stories. It will be available soon as a free PDF download at FictionDevo.com or as a 99-cent e-book from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

What do you hope readers will get out of reading 21 Days of Joy?

I’m praying the Holy Spirit will speak to the hearts of everyone who reads this devotional about how much God has shown His love for them through the mothers in their lives, and what a tremendous impact women have in the lives of the children God has given them to love.

What is unique about this series?

Most devotionals contain true stories. And those are great! But so many believers today are big fans of Christian fiction … because fiction can be a powerful way to soak in spiritual truths and apply them to our daily lives. In this devotional, the authors share the themes and messages they see in the pieces they’ve written, and encourage readers to look for those types of things in these devotional stories as well as in other fictional things they might read.

What life circumstances worked together to put you in a position to be able to create this series?

Since I’ve been a professional freelance editor for several years, I’m able to edit the submissions I choose to use, polishing them without losing the author’s unique voice. And since I’ve been teaching and speaking at writers’ conferences across the country, I’ve connected with several authors at all levels, including well-known best sellers. So there are a lot of people I can personally ask about submitting to the books in this series. And I’ve developed a strong social media presence, so I can get the word out to other writers as well.

What other books have you written?

I wrote Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors, to help writers and editors learn how to proofread manuscripts for typos, inconsistencies, and errors in punctuation, usage, grammar, and spelling, according to the industry-standard guidelines.

What do you do besides write?

Read, of course. And go to movies. I also love to travel with my husband. We visit our out-of-state relatives (when they’re not visiting us—which happens often since we live in Southern California). We also enjoy going jet skiing, and camping in our RV.

Can you share some of the names of the authors who have contributed stories to the devotional?

Absolutely! 21 Days of Joy has chapters written by well-known, best-selling novelists, including Deborah Raney, Lynette Sowell, Mary DeMuth, Sherry Kyle, and New York Times best-selling author Cindy Woodsmall. There are also stories by writers you may not have heard of. At the end of each chapter is an author bio that gives some background information, and usually the author’s website. So if you really like a story in the devotional, you can find out what else that author has written. You may just find some new names to add to your favorites list.

And if you haven’t read much Christian fiction, this devotional will give you a small taste of several different authors and genres, without having to commit to reading an entire novel. You might just discover that you actually love Christian fiction!

Where can people purchase the books?

They’re available online at Amazon, ChristianBook.com, Barnes & Noble, and other websites. If you go to FictionDevo.com, you’ll find several links that will take you directly to the ordering pages for all of the books in the series. You can also find them at many Christian bookstores and Barnes & Noble stores.

My Review

I appreciated each story I read in 21 Days of Joy, which celebrates moms of all types, be they birth, adoptive, stepmoms or any other woman who has taken on the role of mother. Each story’s life applications were different, leaving a profound impact upon reading.

The devotionals are perfect for whenever you have your devotions. The book is the ideal size to fit into your purse and carry with you to read on those occasions, like doctor’s appointments or kid’s after school activities, when you have an extended wait time.

I have read and reviewed several of the 21 Days of Series and have not been disappointed. I look forward to more being released.

If you are looking for a more in-depth devotional and one that celebrates moms from all walks of life, then you are sure to like and enjoy reading this new 21 Days devotional.

I received this book free through the CelebrateLit Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, April 28

Blossoms and Blessings, April 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 30

Janices book reviews, May 1

Captive Dreams Window, May 2

Mary Hake, May 2

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 3

Moments Dipped in Ink, May 4

Simple Harvest Reads, May 4 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Bibliophile Reviews, May 5

Carpe Diem, May 6

A Baker’s Perspective, May 7

Bigreadersite, May 7

Artistic Nobody, May 8 (Spotlight)

Margaret Kazmierczak, May 9

proud to be an autism mom, May 10

Beck to Basics, May 10

Aryn the Libraryan, May 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathy is giving away a hardback copy of 21 Days of Grace and an eBook copy of 21 days of Joy to two winners!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cc8e