http://bible.us/Eph4.32.KJV And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

My Prayer Circle

Last night, I stepped down on something and my foot went one way and my body went the other way.   My ankle seems to be strained.  I have been limping all day.  Tonight, I asked my oldest daughter to say her prayers before getting into bed.  She said that she had to do something first.  She got her sister, brother and dad to come in her room.  I was told to stand in the center of the room while they joined hands to form a circle around me.  Each one of them prayed for me so that I could feel better.  I was truly touched by their prayers and the faith that my little ones have in God.  They believe their prayers matter.  I thank God for each one of them.


I should not be surprised by what they did.  My husband and I regularly include them in praying for others.  Last year, we we told them their uncle was sick and needed our prayers.  Jeremiah, Jasmine and Madie offered a quick prayer on his behalf right away and before they got into bed.  One time we were going out of town and we were caught in a bad storm.  The rain was so heavy that it was hard for my husband to see clearly.  My oldest daughter, Jasmine, started to pray and asked God to "help daddy drive".  The rain slowed down much to our relief after her prayer.  She was so happy that God heard her and she knows that prayer works.  My youngest, Madie, likes to offer quick prayers anywhere and drop a few words of wisdom.  Her little cousin was sick and she prayed for him and then continued to eat her snack.  I remember another time when I was trying to stop potential panic on the school bus that I drive by getting rid of a bug before the students got on. I became scared myself and screamed when the bug flew towards me.  Madie asked did I need God.  I said yes.  She said that He is already here.    My children are a wonder and a gift from God.  They do not pray long prayers.  The prayers may not be perfect English, but they are filled with faith.  Although I have a group of women that I call with my prayer requests, I have little prayer warriors right here in my home.  I pray that the Lord will increase their faith and that they will never let go of the awe and joy of talking to God.

Scripture of the Day

http://bible.us/Prov3.5.KJV Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Book Review - A Marriage Carol

Every Christmas season for me has some requirements to make it special.   Decorations must be up right after Thanksgiving so I can enjoy them for a month.  Nat King Cole’s The Christmas Song album must be played and A Charlie Brown Christmas must be watched.   At least one version of Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol must be seen.  I do not grow tired of watching Ebenezer Scrooge change from the meanest man in town to a kind and generous person.

What would this classic Christmas story look like if the “Scrooge” was a married couple? We get a chance to see the transformation of a marriage instead of a person in The Marriage Carol by Chris Fabry and Gary Chapman.   We are introduced to Marlee and Jacob who are on their way to get a divorce on Christmas Eve.  Ironically, they were also married on Christmas Eve.   The weather conditions are not great on their way to the lawyer and they become involved in a car crash.  Marlee tries to find her husband, Jacob after the crash.  While searching, she finds an older gentleman at home.     His home is actually a retreat for married couples to heal.   Marlee takes the older man’s offer of hospitality to get warm.   Being in his home is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket.   The older man tells her about the three golden pots which gave her a glimpse of the past, present and future.   She takes a chance and is given the gift of insight for her life.   

This book made me think about how easy it is to forget what is important.  Marlee was reminded of how special and close she was to Jacob in the beginning of their marriage.   Lack of communication and misunderstandings led Marlee and Jacob to a present that could not have been imagined at the beginning.    She saw how her choices affected everyone around her.   A choice that seemed insignificant today had a great impact on her life and the lives of her children and grandchildren.

One misunderstanding that stands out for me is when Marlee and Jacob attended a marriage conference.   She thought she was the only one who cared about making things work because she was taking so many notes.   Jacob did not look interested and he did not even write anything or so she thought.  That scene alone confirmed for me that I only know so much and that I need to give a little more grace to my spouse.   Wrong assumptions can cause misunderstanding and damage to a marriage.

I enjoyed this book.  I was reminded that even though a marriage can appear to be dead, one spouse can hope and make changes to improve the relationship.  There is no guarantee that the other spouse will respond favorably to the changes you make.  The important part is to work on you and take small steps each day for a lasting marriage.

Netgalley provided this free ebook for me to review.  All opinions expressed are my own.   

I Miss My Local Christian Bookstore

I went to Barnes & Noble tonight looking for devotionals for a preteen boy and girl.  I had an idea what I wanted and hoped that Barnes & Noble had it.  I wanted to read a few pages before deciding.   Unfortunately, they did not have what I was looking for so I will have to order it online.   This trip to B&N made me realize how much I miss Christian bookstores.  The four Christian bookstores that I used are gone.  I just found out another store that I thought had survived is gone, too. I am so upset.


I always enjoy a trip to a bookstore.  Time in a library or a bookstore became a place of refuge for me.  My dad made these places special for me.  Going to a bookstore or library was special because my dad said it was and he was with me.


Although I have visited Barnes & Noble and Borders often in my lifetime, it was the atmosphere of the Christian bookstore that was most special to me.  The music, people and the products offered created an inviting and peaceful atmosphere.  That book I was looking for would have probably been there and I would have someone to discuss the best choice for a tween.


I should not have been surprised that these stores would close.  Times are difficult for everyone and the big book retailers has swallowed up the little stores.  I saw the signs of the downfall of the Christian retail market when I went into my favorite Christian bookstore and the magazines were gone.  My all-time favorite Christian magazines Pray and Marriage Partnership were discontinued.  Those magazines have been gone for a few years now and I am still sad about it.  You can still order back issues at NavPress, but I miss receiving my magazines in the mail.


I will still order online for books.  I will still shop at Barnes & Noble.  I will continue to use my nook and Sony book reader,  but none of these things can truly replace the special quality of a Christian bookstore. :(

Free Kindle Book List from the Doorkeeper Blog

I read other blogs for encouragement, information and blogging help.  I read the Doorkeeper by Renee Ann Smith.  She has been kind enough to keep an up-to-date list of free books for the Kindle.    This list is perfect if you read Christian living or Christian fiction books.  She also writes book reviews and devotionals for encouragement.   Read her blog and tell me what you think.


I have noticed that sometimes the same books that are free for the Kindle are also free for the nook.  The selection of free eBooks changes so check them out as soon as you can.

The Gift of Words

I read the book Silver Boxes by Florence Littauer a very long time ago.  It is book that is still in my library.  I will not give it away.  I would rather buy you your own copy.   I remember reading that my words should be like a gift with a bow on top.   She was trying to explain Ephesian 4:29 to children.  Her description helped me too because I never forgot it.  Ephesian 4:29 says "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers".


Everyone likes to receive a present.  A beautifully, wrapped gift is hard to resist and makes your heart glad.     Before those words come out of your mouth, ask yourself would I want to receive what I am giving out.   Encouragement is what we all need to keep moving forward.    Give the gift of encouragement to your spouse, children or neighbor.  Give the perfect gift this Christmas...your beautiful, wonderful words!