I could use . . .

. . . a tutorial on how this whole blogger thing works! 

I had things pretty much down to a science at HSB.  Now I have to relearn everything.  Such as how to insert a neat topper onto this blog template.  Guess that'll require some more playing around. 

Final 24 hours for 7.95 subs and international/Canadian subs

If you've been thinking about subscribing to TOS, NOW is the time!

The subscription sale ends at midnight on the 31st.

Only $7.95 for US subs and 40% off for internationals.

(Plus, there are bonus gifts for US subs!)

Click here for details.

desperate times call for . . .

. . . eating chocolate!

What is it with me and chocolate?!  I love the stuff - especially when I'm stressed!
So, I grabbed a box of mini-truffles that my precious assistant, Brenda, sent me for Christmas.  (Isn't she great?!)  Anyway, they come from a place called Queenbee Gardens and they're made out of honey!  So, they must be kinda good for me, right?!

Help me out here, ladies, cause I'm eating the whole box of them!

moving over all these old posts . . .

. . . though it's very frustrating, boring, and time-consuming . . .

        . . . has actually proven to be kinda fun (yes, I'm actually saying that! LOL)
It's rather fun reading over all these old posts about my children and their antics!  It's sorta like looking through an old photo album and reminiscing.
So, whether any of you actually go back and read my old posts or not, that's ok - I'm reading them, and I'm getting a kick of it.  I'm waxing a bit nostalgic though - they're all growing up much too fast!  I don't have babies anymore.  :(

slowly but surely . . .

. . . I'm working on moving my blog.

If you happen upon this blog before I "announce it" and you'd like to learn more about me, visit my "home blog".

I'm going to start by moving all my reviews over, then we'll work on the personal stuff! Once it's all moved, maybe I will feel more at home here and can start posting again! :)

from my family to yours . . .

Christmastime is here again – it’s time to write our letter.

We thought long and hard on what to write – and decided to go one better . . .

So, we offer you this poem – all about our year.

We hope you find it fun to read and it brings you a bit of cheer.



Brian still works at Campbell’s, crunching numbers every day.

He blows his whistle in the evenings when the basketball’s in play.

Heidi’s still a homeschool mom, working from home with joy.

She loves sharing her days with her two girls and one boy.



Ashley spends her days reading, writing, singing, and playing guitar.

She’s 16 now and waiting to drive – hoping the car will take her far!

Tenth grade is full of ups and downs, hard days and fun ones too.

The years are passing much too quickly – she’ll graduate in two!



Gracie enjoys doing math and lots of crafts and art.

She plays the piano quite well now and recently the violin did start.

Fifth grade is going well this year and passing quickly by.

It’s hard to believe she’ll be 10 in 6 months – my how time does fly.



This year, Ian has changed and grown and learned many new things

He entertains us every day – especially when he sings.

In school, he’s learning letters and numbers; in his spare time he plays with toys.

He teaches us so much each day – the fun of living with boys!



In January, we traveled to Florida to spend some time with Mickey Mouse.

In the spring, we worked on the attic of our 80-year-old brick house.

Now each child has their own room – their own extra special place.

Summer took us on day trips and Brian went to Iowa for the big race.



We visited the Historic Triangle in Virginia for a few days this fall.

Even the rain couldn’t stop us from exploring, learning, and having a ball.

We’ve been through some hard days and learned lessons galore -

About friends, church, and cancer, and waiting to see what God has in store.



Now 2009 is ending and we’re looking forward to 2010.

And we want to send this poem to our family and our friends.

May God bless you with a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a new year full of fun.

And, if at all possible, let’s get together this coming one!

Triviathon

My family loves games.  Once in awhile, a game comes along that just stands out above the rest.  Triviathon is one such game.  I was introduced to Triviathon by a friend, and was thrilled when it arrived in the mail yesterday and we had a chance to sit down and try it out for ourselves.  Though the box says that it's for ages 8-128, even 3 year old Ian was able to "play" this game! 



The byline for the Triviathon game is "the trivia game where you can compete and win without ever knowing the answer to a question" (hence the reason that Ian can not only play this one, but win it too!)  There are 3 different types of questions that make up the game cards - how many spaces do you want to move? (2 types) and to what colored space do you want to move?  Here's an example of one of the cards (taken from the website):

How many spaces do you want to move?

A. The number of countries that border the Sargasso Sea

B. The number of hearts in an octopus

C. The number of people named Oscar to have ever won an Oscar

D. The number of dogs that survived the Titanic



You can only move 1, 2, or 3 spaces (or 0, and stay where you are).  Of course, you want to move the most spaces (as the object is to make it around the board first).  So, which one would you choose?



The questions are fun; and, while they do require some thought, they can also be answered "off the top of your head" and still get you a good move on the game board.  In addition to the cards, though, there is also fun to be found in the playing pieces.  This game actually comes with 12 playing pieces (which I find a wonderful asset - most games require you to play in teams if you have more than 4-6 players).  Each playing piece is a different color, and each one has a name/personality - such as The Flirt, The Whiz, or The Bully (you can find out more about each character here).  Each character comes with a card that explains its personality trait, and a special "move" that the character is allowed to make throughout the game.  We haven't used these special moves yet, as we're still adjusting to the game itself; but I think they will be a fun addition to the game and would make Triviathon hilarious to play at a party.  (You can also create your own character).



Triviathon was invented by the Herbert Brothers, whose Doritos ad gained the distinction of "#1 Super Bowl Commercial of 2009". I'm impressed, as this is a game that definitely required much thought, time, and research in order to create it. The game sells for $29.99 and is, in my opinion, well worth that price. It will pay for itself in fun in no time! It can be purchased from the Triviathon Online Store or at Amazon.com.



Though I think that Triviathon would make a fabulous Christmas gift, it's too late for Christmas delivery now.  However, there is plenty of time to get Triviathon to you before New Years Eve!  I'm sure your friends will thank you for it! 



Oh, and did I mention that we had almost as much fun reading the box and the directions as we did playing the game?! 

NOTE: I received Triviathon for free in exchange for sharing my honest thoughts about the game.  These results and thoughts are mine, and may or may not be typical (though I can't imagine not liking this game!)

Snowed In

We're not literally snowed in - yet - but the snow is coming down pretty quick.  I don't like being cold and I don't like driving in the snow - so I'm as good as snowed in!  Sounds like much of the east coast is buried in snow!  What are YOU doing on your snow day?

I'm testing a recipe for an upcoming Crock-Pot cookbook for Molly Green of Econobusters.  I've been testing new recipes all week, and it's been quite fun.  Today's recipe (the last one I'm testing) just happens to be Potato Chowder - and this is the perfect day for a nice warm bowl of soup. 

We also enjoyed spending some time with the West Ladies from Homestead Blessings this morning.  We learned all about soap-making.  I'd love to give it a try - but all the talk of lye and how caustic it is sort of has me freaked out.  Maybe we'll just attempt the hand-milled soaps (made with an already prepared soap bar).  Those actually look like more  fun to me anyway.  If you've never seen any of the Homestead Blessings dvd's, I'd encourage you to check them out.  We have all 6 of them now (with the exception of the newest addition - The Art of Cooking), and I just love watching them.  Truly, I'd love to go and visit with the West Ladies in their home - it looks so cozy and they all seem so hospitable. 

We also spent some time with Tim Hawkins this morning.  That guy is always good for a laugh!  We have 3 of his dvd's now and, no matter how many times we've seen them, we still laugh each time!  I'm looking forward to seeing him in person at the Midwest Homeschool Convention in Cincinnati this spring!  Speaking of the convention, are YOU going to be there?  If so, be sure to stop by the TOS booth and say "hi". 

I think we'll spend some time playing games and baking Christmas cookies today.  That sounds like a good plan, doesn't it?

Beautiful Mess by Diamond Rio (with Tom Roland)

Can a band comprised of six very talented but very different musicians make a difference with their music?
What made it possible for Diamond Rio to weather the storms inherent in the fickle world of fame and fortune and go more than two decades without a single lineup change? Any reader in search of transparency and a behind-the-scenes look into the life of the band as a unit as well as the individual lives of the players and singers will be well satisfied. Can true loyalty exist within the competitive, seemingly unforgiving music industry? In A Beautiful Mess, Marty Roe, Dan Truman, Jimmy Olander, Brian Prout, Gene Johnson, and Dana Williams each has an entire chapter devoted to his personal and professional life. A Beautiful Mess is a wild ride from the edge of disaster and a little-known secret to an ongoing heart-warming revival.


What can I say?  I'm a Diamond Rio fan.  I have been, ever since their very first hit - Meet in the Middle - debuted on the country music charts in 1991.  I was raised on music and, right away, I could tell that this was a band that I was going to love.  The rich harmonies and the wonderful musical sounds were addicting.  I quickly bought their cd and I was hooked.  I bought the next cd, and the next . . . I loved singing along with their songs - both the catchy, fun ones  and the hauntingly beautiful ballads. 

I was thrilled when I heard that they were coming to our local county fair in 2001.  Having a famous band here in our little corner of PA was big news (and, in my personal opinion, there have been no acts to rival them here before or since).  Brian bought me tickets to go see them, and we had front row grandstand seats.  I loved that concert!  (I only wish I had pictures to share!)
I hadn't heard anything from Diamond Rio in awhile, so I was excited last week when my daughter came to me and said "Guess what, Mom? Diamond Rio has a book out!"  She knows I'm a fan - she is too (it's in the genes).  So, needless to say, I was thrilled when I saw the book on the Thomas Nelson blog review list!  Call me crazy; but the book came in the mail yesterday and I finished reading it today.  I just couldn't put it down! 

Marty, Jimmy, Dan, Gene, Brian, and Dana all contribute to this book by sharing their personal stories.  You'll learn how they got their start in Opryland, USA, how the band was formed, how they decided on a name, and all the twists and turns in the road that got them where they are today.  Guess what?  It wasn't all easy and fun.  These guys have faced adversity and trials.  But, they've remained true to themselves and true to Diamond Rio as a whole. 

I enjoyed learning a bit more about each group member as an individual - learning about their personal lives, upbringing, and the things that led them into music.I also enjoyed seeing all the great pictures - straight from the member's personal photo collections.  And, at the end, I was thrilled to learn that, even after 20 years in the music business, Diamond Rio is still going strong.  I was especially impressed to learn of all the work they do in support of Big Brothers & Big Sisters (a very reputable cause) and that their latest release is on Word Records - The Reason.  (I'll definitely be adding it to my cd collection - can't wait!)
Diamond Rio fans, this book is a must!  You can learn more about the book by viewing this video.

NOTE: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson, in exchange for my honest review.
Had I paid for it, my thoughts would still be the same.

My Best Friend

"but there is a friend who sticks closer
than a brother"
~Proverbs 18:24b

Over the course of my life, I've had several people that I've considered to be my best friend. Circumstances change, people change, and friends tend to drift in and out of our lives. Thanks to Facebook, I am back in touch with many of the BF's of my past (if you're reading this on FB, you know who you are! )

But, for the past 16 years of my life, there's been one constant friend in my life - my best friend Sue. We met at church when Ashley was just a baby. We had an instant bond. I looked at her and pretty much knew that we'd be friends. At the time, of course, I had no idea what all we'd go through together - but I knew, right away, that we'd be friends.

We have a lot in common; and in the areas where we don't agree, we compliment each other quite well. We sound alike (which could be the result of so many hours spent talking on the phone), and have even been known to make each others' phone calls on occasion (you know the ones I'm talking about - the calls you just don't want to make!)

Over the years, our friendship has grown and changed - but, through it all, Sue has remained my very best friend. She was there for me when I had my tubal pregnancy - and even came to check my incision when I called to say there was something wrong (and, trust me - that was a huge sacrifice on her part!) We've both left the church where we first met; and we've learned that church wasn't the glue that held our friendship together - God is!

So, suffice it to say, I was quite shaken this past summer when she found a lump that turned out to be an ovarian cancer mass. She had a hysterectomy, followed by 3 chemotherapy treatments, and was declared cancer-free. Even when she lost her hair (and I can only imagine how hard that must have been), she never looked sick to me.

Then, a few months ago, we were out for a girls' night together (our first since before the cancer). Sue was having some back pain. One thing led to another - a doctor visit, another CT scan - and the scary prognosis - it looked as though the cancer may have returned in her lymph system. There were a few very rough weeks there - back to the surgeon, the news that she would need to go through chemo treatments (again!), and another surgery to come (to remove the infected lymph node). Sue was in a tremendous amount of pain and it was horrible to see her that way.

I went along for her chemo treatment. We were able to smile and laugh a bit. Honestly, I was afraid they might kick us right out of there! The next week was another rough one. But then, like a miracle, she called the following week and sounded like herself again. She stopped in later that week; and, I thought she was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen (she was a sight for sore eyes, to be sure).

We continue to walk this road called cancer, one day at a time. Some days I'm scared, I confess. There have been days when I have literally cried out to God, begging Him to spare my friend and make her well again. I don't want to lose her. I hope she feels the same way about me! Cancer is a scary thing, and it has no favorites, that's for sure.

But, I've learned a lesson or two through this trial. I've learned not to take things and people for granted. I've learned to be thankful for every new day.

Sue, if you're reading this, thanks for being my friend. Thanks for being you! Thanks for always accepting me as me. You're the best and I love you to pieces. I'm looking forward to better days ahead and lots more memories in the making.

"a friend loves at all times"
~Proverbs 17:17a

Big Truths for Young Hearts by Bruce Ware

Equips parents to guide their young children through all major doctrines in an understandable, chapter-a-day format.

Sure, it’s easy to teach your children the essentials of Christian theology when you’re a theology professor. But what about the rest of us?

With Big Truths for Little Hearts, Bruce Ware, (you guessed it!) a theology professor, encourages and enables parents of children 6–14 years of age to teach through the whole of systematic theology at a level their children can understand. Parents can teach their children the great truths of the faith and shape their worldviews early, based on these truths.

The book covers ten topics of systematic theology, devoting several brief chapters to each subject, making it possible for parents to read one chapter per day with their children. With this non-intimidating format, parents will be emboldened to be their children’s primary faith trainers—and perhaps learn a few things themselves along the way.

Bruce Ware is an evangelical theologian and author. He is currently Professor of Christian Theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Formerly, he was at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School where he served as Associate Professor and Chairman of the Department of Biblical and Systematic Theology. Prior to this, he taught at Western Conservative Baptist Seminary and at Bethel Theological Seminary. Dr. Ware has written numerous journal articles, book chapters, and book reviews.

Crossway is the publisher of the English Standard Version of the Bible that I won several months ago. I've been so enjoying that Bible - it's easy to read because of the large size and the additional study notes are so helpful in learning and researching more about the Bible. Dr. Ware's new book - Big Truths for Young Hearts - is a great way to utilize my Bible (or your version of choice) to teach my kids important Biblical truths.

I have not actually started working through this book with my children yet, as I thought it would be a great way to usher in 2010 - by starting the year off learning more about God and His Word. This book could be used in a family setting, for family devotionals (daily or weekly, depending on how much time you choose to spend); but it would also be useful for Sunday School teachers. It's been my experience that so many of the current Sunday School curriculums are extremely dumbed down; so if I were teaching a younger children's class right now, I'd enjoy using this book to teach truths and stir up intelligent discussions. Children are so smart and absorb so much. This book will help them absorb things that are important.

NOTE: I received this book free from Crossway in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Primal by Mark Batterson

Be Astonished Again

We have a tendency to complicate Christianity. Jesus simplified it: Love God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength. If we are to live out the essence of Christianity, we must commit to being great at this Great Commandment.

In Primal, Mark Batterson explores the four elements of Great Commandment Christianity: compassion, wonder, curiosity, and power. Along the way, he calls you to be a part of God’s reformation, starting in your own life.

As Mark writes, “Is there a place in your past where you met God and God met you? A place where your heart broke for the things that break the heart of God? Maybe it was a sermon that became more than a sermon. Maybe it was a mission trip or retreat. Maybe it was a vow you made at an altar. In that moment, God birthed something supernatural in your spirit. You knew you’d never be the same again. My prayer is that this book would take you back to that burning bush—and reignite a primal faith.”

Primal will help you live in light of what matters most and discover what it means to love God. It will help you become great at the Great Commandment.

The author of Wild Goose Chase and In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Mark Batterson serves as lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. One church with nine services in five locations, NCC is focused on reaching emerging generations and meets in movie theaters at metro stops throughout the D.C. area. Mark has two Masters degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago. He and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill with their three children. www.markbatterson.com

In the past, I've made it pretty clear that non-fiction books are not my genre of choice. However, this past year, I've read several non-fiction books that I've LOVED. Primal is one such book! I loved ever single word of this book - sometimes I found myself reading back over a page - not because missed something the first time or quickly skimmed it - but just because I wanted more. The author, Mark Batterson, takes one of the most important verses in Scripture - the Great Commandment - and expands on it. He gives you ideas and ways to put the Great Commandment to work in your life.

Do you know how to love God with all your heart? Sounds easy enough, right? Not so much! I guarantee that, if you read this book, you'll feel convicted to work on your heart and loving God more. What about your soul? mind? strength? Read the book! I'm just sayin . . . If you choose to read only one non-fiction book in the year 2010, may I be so bold as to suggest that Primal be that book. Seriously! This book has changed the way I look at myself and my Christian walk, it's convicted me in many areas of life (one of which is my study of the Bible), and it one that I'll pick up and read again and again. That's saying a lot, for a non-fiction book!

I've not read either of Mr. Batterson's other books, but I'll be picking them up when I find them. I appreciated his "real" and transparent writing style - he's not "preaching to the masses" but speaking from experience. If I lived in Washington, D.C., I'd be worshipping in a movie theater, that's for sure.

NOTE: This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

40 Loaves by C.D. Baker

“Why don’t I have more faith?”
“Why am I so bored with Jesus?”
“Why are Christians so hard for me to like?”

There are many questions we’re not supposed to ask when playing by the religious rules. It makes people uncomfortable. So why is it that Jesus invited questions and even asked some of them himself? What is it that you’re afraid to ask God? It’s a risky prospect to begin asking–but far riskier to continue simply trying to get by without knowing. Author C. D. Baker asked himself 40 soul-searching questions which started a conversation in his heart and ultimately showed him more about God than He ever expected.

Can we become more honest with who we really are and find who God says He really is at the same time? Come indulge yourself in daily readings with an honest exploration of your secret fears and thoughts, and know that you will always be welcomed in God’s unconditional love.

Search me, O God … and know my anxious thoughts.
–Psalm 139:23 NIV

C. David Baker founded an award-winning business before redirecting his career to write full-time from his small farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He is the author of eight books, including six novels, one of which was nominated for a Christy Award. He has contributed articles to the Christian History Institute’s international publication Glimpses, and to Christian Singles magazine. Baker has a Master’s degree in theological studies from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

Heidi Says: I previously read and reviewed C.D. Baker's book - 101 Cups of Water. I was excited for the opportunity to review another book by this author. 40 Loaves was not a disappointment! The book's subtitle is "Breaking Bread with Our Father Each Day" - daily readings to renew a hungry spirit. Where 101leaves off, this book picks up. Now, you can have the "bread" to go along with your "cup of water".

It's been "one of those years". It's one thing when you can say "one of those days" - but when you've had a year filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, trials and tribulations, you end up with A LOT of questions. That's where I am. So, this book came to me right when I needed it most. C. D. Baker answers some very simple, yet thought-provoking questions in this book - questions such as "Why don't I feel safe at church?" (I found this one particularly interesting), "Why do I always feel exhausted?", and "Why don't I have more faith?"

I received an extra copy of this book for a giveaway - I gave it to my friend Sue who is still battling cancer. She's got questions too - and it seemed like a perfect gift! If you are looking for a quick devotional book containing daily readings that will make you think, I'd definitely recommend 40 Loaves.

NOTE: I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for free, in exchange for my honest thoughts on it.

I'm the Featured Member . . .

. . . at the TOS Homeschool Crew Facebook Fan Page!

Each week, we feature one of our special Crew members - and, boy, do we have some interesting ladies (and a guy or two) on our Crew!  If you're not reading these weekly features, you're missing out on meeting some great people, finding some new blogs to follow, and making some new friends.

If there's something you've been wanting to know about yours truly, chances are you'll find the answer in this week's column!    You can check it out here.

The Christmas Lamp by Lori Copeland

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Christmas Lamp
Zondervan (October 1, 2009)
by
Lori Copeland


Christmas trees, twinkling lights, skating in the park, and holiday displays are the hallmark elements for celebrating Jesus birth for the sentimental residents of Nativity, Missouri. Will fiscal responsibility replace Christmas their traditions when times are tough? Though their priorities and methods clash, Roni Elliot and Jake Brisco want the same thing, for the town to prosper. As the two get to know each other better, each begins to gain a new perspective on what the real wealth of Nativity and the season might be.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Christmas Lamp, go HERE.


Lori Copeland has been writing for twenty-five years and has over three million copies of her books in print. She began her writing career in 1982, writing for the secular book market. In 1995, after many years of writing, Lori sensed that God was calling her to use her gift of writing to honor Him. It was at that time that she began writing for the Christian book market.

To date, she has more than 95 books published, including Now and Always, Simple Gifts, Unwrapping Christmas, and Monday Morning Faith, which was a finalist for the 2007 Christy Awards. Lori was inducted into the Springfield Writers Hall of Fame in 2000.

Lori lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband Lance. They have three sons, two daughter-in-laws, and five wonderful grandchildren. Lori and Lance are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.

Heidi Says: What a sweet Christmas novella. I love reading books like this at this time of year, and this one was not a disappointment. It was a quick read, but it was fun to read. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. I believe this was the first Lori Copeland book that I have read, but it certainly won't be the last! I'll be watching for more books by this author.

Once again --- Disney does not disappoint!

When we went to Florida in January, we rented an awesome home from Florida Dream Homes.  Not only were we thrilled with the house, but we were very pleased with the treatment and services we received from the staff at Florida Dream Homes.  I receive their e-newsletter, and have recently started following Lance's blog.  Today's post made me proud of Disney, yet again!  I love it that they go the extra mile to cater to people with special needs. 

We appreciated the special assistance they give to parents with young children - allowing some to wait off with little ones and then get a Fast Pass to avoid the long lines.  Gotta love Disney!

Once again --- Disney does not disappoint!

When we went to Florida in January, we rented an awesome home from Florida Dream Homes.  Not only were we thrilled with the house, but we were very pleased with the treatment and services we received from the staff at Florida Dream Homes.  I receive their e-newsletter, and have recently started following Lance's blog.  Today's post made me proud of Disney, yet again!  I love it that they go the extra mile to cater to people with special needs. 

We appreciated the special assistance they give to parents with young children - allowing some to wait off with little ones and then get a Fast Pass to avoid the long lines.  Gotta love Disney!

Value Gifts for the Holiday Season by various authors

In tough times discover…99 Ways (times six) to thrive!

                          

                                                                         
The Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group introduces 99…times six…practical and up-to-date ways to help families flourish despite present economic challenges, priced at just $5.99 per book. These books are not only timely, but also inexpensive enough to fit into everyone’s tightening budget.


•    99 Ways to Entertain Your Family for Free (ISBN-13: 978-0-307-45836-0) by Mack Thomas, bestselling author of The First Step Bible and father of five. Offers activities and events sure to entertain and educate family members of all ages.

•    99 Ways to Stretch Your Home Budget (ISBN-13:978-0-307-45841-4) by Cheri Gillard, nurse and mother of quadruplets. Practical ideas on how families can save money around the house.

•    99 Ways to Increase Your Income (ISBN-13:978-0-307-45839-1)by Frank Martin, successful entrepreneur and author of over sixteen books. Provides tips to generate more cash, and rebuild or supplement an income, while hanging on to existing dollars.

•    99 Ways to Build Job Security (ISBN-13:978-0-307-45840-7)by Gary Nowinski, veteran in corporate management and downsizing. Introduces key strategies to help employees keep their jobs during economic cutbacks.

•    99 Ways to Fight Worry and Stress (ISBN-13: 978-0-307-45837-7) by Elsa Kok Colopy, Associate Editor for Focus on the Family Publications. Presents skills to guard rest, dream a little, and dive into truth and more.

•    99 Bible Promises for Tough Times (ISBN-13:978-0-307-45838-4) by Randy Petersen, seasoned author of more than fifty books and Bible studies. Gives encouraging and wise words found in Scripture to mediate upon.


Written for families and individuals who are hoping to not only survive but thrive, during tough times. These value-packed, applicable resources offer relevant and reliable insights to endure the current economic downturn, and are sure to appeal to families in all stages of life.


Don’t Let Relationships Suffer Because of the Economy

Just because the economy is suffering doesn’t mean relationships have to suffer, too. The Value Non-Fiction Line  offers insightful books on love, marriage, relationships and personal growth. At just $6.99, WaterBrook Press is offering readers on the most limited budgets, valuable resources to help them grow and succeed in their personal lives. Titles include:


More Than A Match (ISBN: 978-1-4000-7489-1) by relationship experts, Michael & Amy Smalley, marriage and family counselors who demystify the science behind compatibility tests to help singles in search of love recognize when the right relationship comes along. They also reveal the specific skills that can transform an ideal match into a lasting love.

Fool Proofing Your Life (ISNB: 978-0-307-45848-3) by Jan Silvious, Precept Ministries (Kay Arthur) radio co-host discusses how attempts at coping with difficult people often fails, because they are what the Bible refers to as “fools.” Silvious provides tools to help readers get along and conduct relationships in a way that honors God, while preserving their own sanity.

How to Act Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrong (ISBN: 978-0-307-45849-0) by Leslie Vernick, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years experience, reveals how God uses the imperfections, difference and sins of a spouse to help anyone become more like Christ.


What Women Don’t Know and Men Don’t Tell You (ISBN: 978-0-307-45850-6) by Michelle McKinney Hammond, best-selling author, speaker, singer and co-host, with Joel A. Brooks, Jr., senior pastor of Christian Life Center, clears up misperceptions, providing women with the information they need to succeed in a lasting male-female relationship ─ both while waiting and after the wait is over.

The Value Non–Fiction Line provides readers with invaluable resources at a low cost, and offers priceless insights to help build meaningful relationship.

Heidi Says: I received 99 Ways to Stretch Your Home Budget & What Women Don't Know and Men Don't Tell You.  I enjoyed reading the ideas for stretching our budget.  Most of them were things I am already doing, since we have been a one-income household for many years now.  Others were things that I was glad to have a reminder of, or new ones that we'll be incorporating.  I did not read the other book as it seemed more geared to single ladies looking/wating for their future mate.  I think I'll pass this one along to a single friend.

I love the affordability feature of these books!  They are very nice-quality books and would make excellent gifts for anyone on your Christmas gift-buying list.  Surely there's a title listed that will be appropriate for anyone on your list.  Be sure to head over to Waterbrook Multnomah to find out more and purchase these books.

NOTE: I received 2 free books from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest thoughts.

The Christmas Glass by Marci Alborghetti

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Christmas Glass
GuidepostsBooks (October 1, 2009)
by
Marci Alborghetti

In the tradition of The Christmas Shoes and A Christmas on Jane Street, the heartwarming story of The Christmas Glass shows how, today as always, the Christmas miracle works its wonders in the human heart.

In the early days of World War II in Italy, Anna, a young widow who runs a small orphanage, carefully wraps her most cherished possessions -- a dozen hand-blown, German-made, Christmas ornaments, handed down by her mother -- and sends them to a cousin she hasn't seen in years.

Anna is distressed to part with her only tangible reminder of her mother, but she worries that the ornaments will be lost or destroyed in the war, especially now that her orphanage has begun to secretly shelter Jewish children. Anna's young cousin Filomena is married with two-year-old twins when she receives the box of precious Christmas glass.

After the war, Filomena emigrates to America, where the precious ornaments are passed down through the generations. After more than forty years, twelve people come to possess a piece of Christmas glass, some intimately connected by family bonds, some connected only through the history of the ornaments.

As Christmas Day approaches, readers join each character in a journey of laughter and tears, fractures and healings, as Filomena, now an eighty-four-year-old great-grandmother, brings them all to what will be either a wondrous reunion or a disaster that may shatter them all like the precious glass they cherish.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Christmas Glass, go HERE.


Marci Alborghetti has been writing only slightly longer than she's been reading. In seventh grade she received her first writing prize for a zany Halloween story. The prize? A five dollar gift certificate to a local bookstore. She was hooked. The Christmas Glass is her fourteenth book, and she is currently at work on a sequel as well as a non-fiction book about service. Some of her other books include: Prayer Power: How to Pray When You Think You Can’t, A Season in the South and Twelve Strong Women of God.

She and her husband, Charlie Duffy, live in New London, Connecticut and the San Francisco Bay area. While in New London she facilitates the Saint James Literary Club.

Heidi Says:  This was a great way to start my holiday reading!  Though this book contained a lot of characters, I was able to follow along with all of them, thanks to the handy character listing in the front of the book.  Sometimes lots of characters make a book hard to follow, but that cross-reference list made it easy to stick with.  I loved reading about each piece of the Christmas Glass - learning more about it's new owner - and how each person tied in with the original owner.  The last chapter was especially interesting, as you finally see the ending for each person's individual story.  I will be passing along The Christmas Glass.

Dec. 1, 2009 Treasured by Leigh McLeroy and God Gave Us Love & God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Cigar boxes. Refrigerator doors. Scrapbooks and sock drawers and top shelves. These are the places we store our treasures–the keepsakes that tell the story of whom and what we’ve loved, how we’ve lived, and what matters most to us.

God is a collector, too, whose treasures are tucked securely into the pages of his book: a golden bell here, an olive leaf there, a scarlet thread, a blood-stained cloth, a few grains of barley. Each of these saved artifacts reveals a facet of his heart and tells the story of a Father whose most precious possession is…us.

In Treasured, Leigh McLeroy considers tangible reminders of God’s active presence and guides us in discovering evidence in our own lives of his attentive love.

Leigh McLeroy is the author of The Beautiful Ache and The Sacred Ordinary.  An avid collector and recorder of everyday moments, words, and wonders, Leigh’s keen eye for God’s presence in ordinary life infuses her writing and living with a deep, insistent joy.  A frequent conference and event speaker, the author makes her home in Houston, Texas, and posts often on www.leighmcleroy.com and www.wednesdaywords.com.

Heidi Says:  This book was just what I needed - a reminder that, though it doesn't always seem this way to me, I am a treasure to God.  I love how the author takes "treasures" from the scriptures - starting with a fig leaf and ending with one smooth stone - and weaves them together with tales from her life.  You'll find yourself easily relating to the stories in this book. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As Little Cub and Grampa Bear’s fishing adventure is interrupted by mischievous otters, the young polar bear begins to question why we must love others… even the seemingly unlovable.

In answering her questions, Grampa Bear gives tender explanations that teach Little Cub about the different kinds of love that is shared between families, friends, and mamas and papas. Grampa explains that all these kinds of love come from God and that it is important to love others because…

“Any time we show love, Little Cub, we’re sharing a bit of his love.”

This sweet tale will warm the hearts of young children as they learn about all the different sorts of love, while the gentle explanations of each provide a valuable opportunity to encourage children to share with others a “God-sized love.”

As Little Cub and her family prepare to celebrate the most special day of the year, the curious young polar bear begins to wonder… “Who invented Christmas?” Mama’s answer only leads to more questions like “Is God more important than Santa?” So she and Little Cub head off on a polar expedition to find God and to see how he gave them Christmas. Along the way, they find signs that God is at work all around them. Through Mama’s gentle guidance, Little Cub learns about the very first Christmas and discovers that… Jesus is the best present of all.

This enchanting tale provides the perfect opportunity to help young children celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and to discover how very much God loves them.

Lisa Tawn Bergren is the award-winning author of nearly thirty titles, totaling more than 1.5 million books in print. She writes in a broad range of genres, from adult fiction to devotional. God Gave Us Love follows in Lisa’s classic tradition of the best-selling God Gave Us You. She lives in Colorado, with her husband, Tim, and their children, Olivia, Emma, and Jack.

Heidi Says: If you've already seen God Gave Us You, then you've already fallen in love with the adorable bear family that Lisa Tawn Bergren introduced us to in that book.  I was excited to see these new additions to the God Gave Us . . . collection, and I was not disappointed.  These books are precious stories to be shared with your little ones.  They help introduce important lessons in an easy-to-understand way.  Kids can relate to Little Cub and will love looking at the lively, colorful illustrations in these books.  These are both perfect books for your Christmas gift-giving.

The above books can be purchased at Random House, using the following links:
Treasured
God Gave Us Love
God Gave Us Christmas

NOTE: The above mentioned books were provided to me from Random House, in exchange for my honest reviews.