Charlie Brown's Christmas Miracle by Michael Keane

 

I love it when you get a behind the scenes glimpse at anything, whether it is a movie scene, how a concert is preparing for its debut, how a home goes through a remodeling process and even how a great beloved children's animated movie like a "A Charlie Brown Christmas' captivates the world even decades from its debut. 

In the book, Charlie Brown's Christmas Miracle by Michael Keane, the reader is taken to a private place to gain a deeper understanding to what went into bringing the gospel message found in a scene from Linus about what the true meaning of Christmas really is as he enlightens poor Charlie Brown who has been caught up in commercialism until that point. In the midst of so much going on in the world at the time, it seemed like America too have delved too much into commercialism of its own. We began to sterilize the one thing that all of us looked forward to each year and that being Christmas. But was there something we were all missing like Charlie Brown? 

It is hard to imagine that A Charlie Brown Christmas almost never was after taking a calculated risk at putting the Bible on national television. What would the sponsors say, even nationally recognized ones like Coca-Cola? There is so much in this small book at the behind the scenes look at Charles Schultz, who was also a World War 2 veteran, who shared with us all in the daily comics printed out in newspapers, characters with personality flaws very much like we find in ourselves. Is it any wonder why this movie still changes hearts today? Could it be that like Charlie Brown, we all want more to believe in at Christmas time that things can change and be better? If like me, you love to know more about the story and details behind the beloved Christmas movie, you will love reading Charlie Brown's Christmas Miracle by Michael Keane. For me, this one is a 5 out of 5 stars! 

If you would love to pick up a copy of this book, you can find it available on Hachette Book Groups website by clicking below: 

Charlie Brown's Christmas Miracle by Michael Keane

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention them on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. 

Joyce Meyer's latest book, "The Answer to Anxiety," is a compelling and practical guide for anyone struggling with anxiety. Meyer, a well-known author and speaker, draws from her own experiences with anxiety and provides readers with a roadmap for overcoming this challenging emotion.

The book is divided into three parts. In the first part, Meyer discusses the causes of anxiety and the importance of understanding the root of the problem. She emphasizes the role that negative thinking plays in anxiety and provides practical tools for changing thought patterns.

In the second part of the book, Meyer offers practical strategies for managing anxiety, such as prayer, meditation, and self-care. She also emphasizes the importance of seeking help from a professional if needed.

The final part of the book focuses on the role of faith in overcoming anxiety. Meyer shares personal stories of how her faith has helped her manage anxiety and provides practical advice for readers on how to incorporate faith into their own lives.

Overall, "The Answer to Anxiety" is an excellent resource for anyone struggling with anxiety. Meyer's writing is engaging and relatable, and her practical advice is easy to understand and implement. Whether you're looking for strategies to manage anxiety or seeking guidance on incorporating faith into your life, this book is sure to be a valuable resource. I easily give this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

If you want to purchase a copy of this book, you can click on the link below from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Answer-Anxiety-Tyranny-Anxious-Thoughts/

If you'd love to learn more about Joyce Meyer, you can visit her website here.

Girl, Wash Your Face

Sometimes as women we need that emotional cheerleader in our life that takes whatever we are going through to take us by the hand and give us that much needed talk to stop feeling sorry for whatever you're going through and get moving forward. Yet all too often we fall for the lies our own self is telling us. Lies that we aren't a good enough mom, while others around us seem to breeze through motherhood without a care in the world. Lies that all of our dreams will remain just that, dreams of a life we never got around to living. Lies that we are not good enough, when God cared enough to make us the fine women we are today. Don't you need someone to give you that honest talk to shake you out of your pity party of one and get moving on with your life with a better outlook for tomorrow.

Enter Rachel Hollis, who I think resembles Anna Kendrick quite a bit and who always seems to have it together and never seems to have a bad day, a bad month or even a bad year. Yet as women that is how we constantly compare ourselves to others around us instead of comparing our yesterday person to our today person. Why do we do that? In her book, Girl, Wash Your Face, Rachel gets brutally honest, like your best friend would and holds nothing back to get you through the lies she faced and quite honestly like most of the lies all women believe. It is a cry along with her book as she faces adoption struggles, laugh with her when she shares the most incredible stories of her own life and gives you a transparent look at how she can appear to have it all together on the outside and is barely holding it all together on the inside.

She is the one friend I think all of dream of having. She is the person who would come cry with you while your enduring one of life's most challenging struggles, like losing her brother to suicide and then helping you back on your feet to show you that you don't have to stay in that place, and you can use what you're going through to make you stronger. She is such a wonder to listen to and trust me, all of us women NEED this book. I found so many great take away's that I believe I'm going to have to buy another one so I can have a pristine copy, while this one is my reference source to run to when I need a quick pick me up. For me, this book is a much needed book for all women both young and old and why I feel it is beyond worthy of 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Girl, Wash Your Face, Rachel Hollis, or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

You can find https://www.facebook.com/TheChicSite/Rachel Hollis on Facebook to stay up to date with all her wonderful projects.

God, Faith and Reason

"What you will see in this book are snapshots of God, not a complete film. This book is presented in an omnibus style and does not have to be read in precise, sequential order. What you will see is one man's glimpses of God - images along the road of life. It is a scrapbook of the highest power through dreams, memories and stories, much like the ancient texts. I know a lot of people who are not religious but say, "You know, it's terrible. We were once a great Christian nation, and the churches are empty and the mosques are filling up. They always wanted someone else to go to church. People who don't go to church don't' really believe in God. They want someone to believe for them. They cry, "Oh, why are the churches empty?" To which I reply, "Well, why don't you go?" They aren't religious, but they wish other people were. Well, you are the other people."

As I have said many years ago, we've gone from St. Christopher medals to dream catchers in one generation. When I was a kid, it seemed as though every other car had a Catholic owner. They had little St. Christopher's statues on the dashboard. Myself, I didn't have one, but I liked that there were people who believed in God. And one day, I woke up, it was post-Obama and there were dream catchers hanging off mirrors. There are so many things hanging off mirrors, I don't know how people can see through their windshields. Mirrors and beads and voodoo. There is voodoo paraphernalia hanging off automobile mirrors and the country is melting down. It's total anarchy." (God, Faith and Family Preface).

God, Faith and Reason is a hard hitting book from Michael Savage, who doesn't hold back blunt honesty. If you are looking for a candy-coated rainbow colored book on what has happened to this once great nation that was founded on Christian principles, you might want to find another book. Michael Savage is about taking the hard hits and giving readers the blatant truth of his own opinion on where he believes this country was headed and how we might hope to get back the same foundation it was once built on. But it is going to take people to stand up for what is right, regardless of the costs. We need to stop building more laws and put the old laws back into place. Our country was built on the Constitution the way our founding fathers wrote it, not reinterpreting it to please our latest mood at the moment. When did people start becoming so offended anyway? Do we all have to agree? Can we not all have differences of opinion any longer? Must we all be forced to get along even when we don't agree with the way things are going?

I received God, Faith and Reason by Michael Savage, compliments of Center Street Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Groups. I LOVE his books because he doesn't hold back the punches that need to be addressed. For the last 8 years, we have had leaders in this once great nation, completely rewrite and reinterpret what our Constitution has meant. Almost reading between the lines as it was. Now bakeries are being sued because a gay couple wanted a cake baked to their standards even if it didn't agree with this particular bakeries standards and beliefs. In fact, they had turned down other orders for the same reason, but now, it seems like everyone is lawsuit crazy instead of merely taking their business to another baker, they sued based on what? Their feelings being hurt. Seriously, that is what is wrong with this country and it is time to take back the country from the children who were running it based on what certain people felt. In my own lifetime I never thought I would see it coming apart at the seams but thank God in His mercy, He has allowed us a chance to possibly get this country back on its feet and earn the respect it once had. Something people could be proud of. We just need to get rid of those in office that are making that difficult. Hopefully some of the things Michael talks about in this book might help us do just that. All it takes is one person at a time, doing the right thing. For me, I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. Check it out for yourself and I hope you LOVE what you find tucked inside.

For more information about God, Faith and Reason , Michael Savage or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

God, Faith and Reason by Michael Savage

You can find Michael Savage on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest books and projects.

To read more reviews on God, Faith and Reason, please visit Hachette Book Group's website.

Rhinestones on My Flip-Flops

In this life, we are bound to have difficult days, most of the time whether we want them or not. I find that humor can often help us get over some of the really difficult days and I want to ensure that everyone single woman I know reads, Rhinestones on my Flip-Flops by Jane Jenkins Herlong. Think of her as a bit of Erma Bombeck coupled with a southern Lady and you might just have touched the ice berg of what you will find tucked behind the covers of this wonderful book.

The reason why I would recommend it to every woman alive is that there are things only women can relate to being a woman that is, from our periods, which Jane refers to that should be renamed as exclamation marks instead. Just reading that, I knew I found someone I could relate to and thus the adventure into this book begins. Using examples of both her own life's humor married to those classic examples we find in the Bible are woman, Jane refers to as WOW, women of wisdom. Sometimes those might come in the form of a mother, sister, best friends or just people you might make that connection with in the world. It unites us and makes us all look at life through a different perspective at times, and we all definitely need those when we feel we are at the end of our rope and its unwinding quickly.

She labels these women by their own chapters like Deceived Eve, Domestic Diva Martha, to even Whiny Naomi and more. There are things we can learn from these women of the Bible even though we have read about them more times that we can recall. We all know that Eve was the first who didn't read Apple's Terms and Conditions thoroughly. Sound like you? I can relate, if I am being honest. So what might you learn from Eve besides learning that her husband would point the finger of blame at her when God asked, what happened? We have to remember that the crafty serpent was initially to blame and even though he tickled her ears with wanting to know everything like God, he failed to specify the consequences that might go along with those seemingly innocent choices she made. Do you know of anyone in your life that might be playing with a little fire themselves or maybe you are dealing with a moral dilemma.

"I bet that serpent in the garden had Eve so mixed up that she could have been convinced to count Adam's ribs just to make sure that there was not another woman around. The enemy's greatest tool is deception and many, beyond reason and common sense, fall prey. Eve truly had it all and didn't even have to wish for world peace. If there had been a label to read it would have said 'perfect.' Did Adam wear the "plants" in the family? When God questioned him, he blamed Eve. Then Eve blamed the serpent. What else could she do? There was plenty of blame to go around, so God said to both Adam and Eve, "Sorry, out you go."

I received Rhinestones on my Flip-Flops by Jane Jenkins Herlong compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups and I am so glad I got this book. It would be such a fun study for women to work through this book together at church. I can imagine the friendships that would be made providing us with more WOW to hang out with, pray with or even cry with at times in our own life. The small section above it just a few short paragraphs of the wonderful eye opening humor and life lessons you will take away from this. I think at times reading this that Jane is my relative, we just don't know the connection yet or perhaps we are related by God's wonderful bloodline. If you know of someone going through a tough time, consider picking this book up for them as a huge encouragement and even a way to bring a smile if not a laugh back into their day. For me, hands down a 5 out of 5 winner in my opinion.

For more information about Rhinestones on my Flip-Flops, Jane Jenkins Herlong or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Rhinestones on my Flip-Flops by Jane Jenkins Herlong

You can find Jane Jenkins Herlong on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books.

To read more reviews on Rhinestones on my Flip-Flops, please visit Hachette Book Group's website.

A Prairie Girl's Faith

Do you often wonder why so many people are still watching beloved reruns of Little House on the Prairie? Why so many mothers still read the books to their children? What has been the lasting impact on why so many people are still drawn to the woman who shared her stories of life living on the prairie for so many generations to enjoy?  You just might be interested in A Prairie Girl's Faith by Stephen W. Hines, to discover the spiritual legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder.

In a world of vastly different subject matters, parents I believe are still holding on to the family values and good-natured morals of the Ingalls family. Where forgiveness can still be found, where family is the greatest binder of faith, hope and love, and where holding on to the values that the Bible speaks of rings true no matter the age or background of those interested in the books or television show. I believe that people could identify with Laura and the true stories she told of life on the prairie with her family and those they came into contact with, where every family member felt as real to us as those in our own family.

The Ingalls family has taught us that those pioneer values of hope, endurance, courage and religious conviction, shaped by our Lord and His teachings, have given us a vision of America that we should strive for. True Christian faith can guide us into the future and one example for a healthy, loving faith is found in Laura Ingalls Wilder and her beloved family. It is her faith that is woven into her family's story of pioneering in the old West. This book introduces and takes the reader through understanding why this young woman's story has outlasted time, and seems to find new fans throughout the generations and those to come. That despite the odds against them, the family remains together and united by their faith. There is no consideration of leaving, divorce or walking away when the going gets tough. They work through things, not always perfectly, but together.

I received A Prairie Girl's Faith by Stephen W. Hines compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers. I LOVE how this book, takes readers into the background of things we never questioned but what built the foundation that continues to draw people into the Ingalls family. This was a family for whom their faith was tantamount because going to church on Sunday, was just a common as getting up for milking the cow. It was never questioned how one might spend that day. It was reserved for nurturing the family in strengthening their faith, and that closeness shared between their family. Perhaps that is what is missing so much from the world today, that faith can move mountains. It can reunite and heal brokenness in a family and give them the strength to endure whatever hardship that comes their way simply by applying their faith as they understood it through what they learned and applied in their day to day lives. I easily give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about A Prairie Girl's Faith, Stephen W. Hines or where you can pre-order a copy of this book today due out in February of 2018, please click on the links below:

A Prairie Girl's Faith by Stephen W. Hines 

You can find out more information about anything related to Little House on the Prairie by visiting their website. 

To read more reviews on A Prairie Girl's Faith, please visit WaterBrook Multnomah Publisher's website. 

A Woman Overwhelmed

"So much to do. So little time."

So much can be said in those two statements and most of the moms, wives, sisters, women, and more can attest to how truthful it feels like for us on a daily basis. What about you? Feeling like at times your day can feel overwhelming? How can women handle the day to day stresses without falling apart? How can we hold it all together when it seems like it is all falling apart at the seams some days?  Where is God in all of this and how can He help?

You might want to pick up a copy of Hayley DiMarco's latest book, A Woman Overwhelmed: Finding God in the Messes of Life. It might just provide the encouragement we all need. What overwhelms you? Is it finances, trying to make ends meet when there simply isn't enough to go around? What about a health issue you've been diagnosed and it seems like prayer just isn't working and it's getting worse? What about your marriage that you've been struggling to hold onto knowing God can do all things? Do you ever wonder if the reason you feel overwhelmed is because we are NOT in charge? Tough question but one easily answered. If you were in charge of those situations, would they overwhelm you any longer? Not a chance.

Whatever is out of our control is what is overwhelming us. So often our goal in life is to find the best way to control, well, everything, including those around us. Especially the ones we consider our people, our kids, our spouses, our friends and family. In fact if you take any of the online stress surveys available, if four or more symptoms stress you out, they suggest a bigger problem. A problem with too much to handle. Let's see how you do. Do you struggle with any of the following, and be sure to be honest, at least with yourself.

Emotional eating
Insomnia
Digestive Problems
Ulcers
Anxiety
Tension Headaches
Weight Gain
Quick Irritation

When life is more than we can handle, just looking at it reveals our complete inadequacies, and failures and all we long to do it simply to go back to bed. We know we are overwhelmed and not in a good way. When our bodies are begging us for a straightjacket and a padded cell, and we start to at least consider it, we know its time to reassess our priorities and to look for the flaws in our logic and planning. Aren't you tired of being overwhelmed by life. Don't you want something more? Don't you?

I received A Woman Overwhelmed by Hayley DiMarco compliments of Abingdon Press and Litfuse Publicity. Almost every single woman can identify with feeling overwhelmed at some point in their life and she gives you the tools and encouragement you need, not only to realize you are not alone, but how to manage quickly through them and get to the other side of the issue. She opens up her own life and that is how I feel she wins readers over. We realize someone else has been there with us and the feelings she relates are exactly how we have felt. By the conclusion of this book, hopefully you can see the depths of God's love for you and maybe even the ability to catch a glimpse of the comedy of an overwhelmed life seen from the rearview mirror or the passenger seat of our car, and you will discover freedom. You will find grace to begin to close your worldly eyes to the messiness of life as you open your spiritual eyes to the beauty surrounding our messes. I easily give this book a solid 5 out of 5 stars and plan on referencing it often along with prayer to get through my own issues that threaten to overwhelm me.

For more information about A Woman Overwhelmed, Hayley DiMarco or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

A Woman Overwhelmed by Hayley DiMarco

You can find Hayley DiMarco on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books.

To read more reviews on A Woman Overwhelmed, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.


"A woman overwhelmed"-is this a phrase you can relate to? If you answered yes, you need to read Hayley DiMarco's new book, A Woman Overwhelmed. The best-selling author shares biblical insights and personal stories to offer a glimpse at the comedy of an overwhelmed life while encouraging us to discover the depths and heights of God's love and power. Choose to bask in the abundance of the Father instead of the abundance of life as his unfathomable depths can surely replace our fathomable messes.

Become a woman less overwhelmed by life and more overwhelmed by God and enter to win Hayley's $75 Merry Maids Visa Card Giveaway to help lessen your daily load.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of A Woman Overwhelmed
• A $75 Merry Maids Visa Cash Card

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on November 3. The winner will be announced November 6 on the Litfuse blog.

Know The Word KJV Study Bible

I love reading the Bible. There is so much based on historical and archaeological evidence that to question its relevance in the world today, would be a huge mistake. In fact many libraries, museums and even archaeologists reference the Bible because its accuracy can't be questioned. From the ancient civilizations founded at the beginning of the world in Mesopotamia according to our history books, evidence has been found, and continues to be found to support every single book of the Bible. Makes you wonder why there are so many wanting to keep people from reading its very contents to see what it contains. Others make a mockery of it, calling it a random library of ancient made up myths from men in the desert who rode camels. Funny how this very book is the most published book in all of history and yet it continues to change lives forever.

This will be my 4th time reading it from cover to cover and what I have found is that each time, I gain greater understanding of what it going on in my life at the time, and how I can work through it. Think of it as our book of instructions if you will to get you through life. What I have found that benefits me is reading a different version each time and following up what I don't understand with a Bible Commentary. It makes it come alive in new and exciting ways because that is the beauty of God's Word. It is a living document of our entire past and our future that awaits us all.

I have been using the Know the Word Study Bible in the King James Version during my morning reading time because it helps you understand more of what your reading in vastly different ways. You can read it book by book which is how I have been doing it, but more along the lines of the chronological way the events happened, or you can just study the Bible verse by verse or even topic by topic. I find most people gravitate to the Bible by the topic at hand in their life the most when they reference it, like a quick answer guide of sorts. The King James Version is probably one of the most accurate versions of the Bible based on its interpretations from the the Greek and Aramaic texts found within the Dead Sea Scrolls word for word. For those new to reading the Bible, this version might turn you off, because it is like reading Romeo and Juliet from Shakespeare's old English interpretation. There are a lot of thee's and thous, with might frustrate a new time reading it.

However whatever version you choose, you can find valuable insights into every version. What I love about this version is the More Insight sections you find scattered throughout. It's like having a commentary right there and also provides you with additional resources to study in the Bible that will make the topic a bit more clear to the reader. I love following references that will help me understand what I am reading a bit more. Like a sequel to the book almost! Its almost like getting a commentary all in one place. There are also great resources included in this Bible, like full color maps, which I love to use to see where these places were in the past as compared to now, a concordance, which allows you to look up specifics words like "love," or "angels," to see where in the Bible these topics are referenced. This also includes Jesus' words in red so you can separate what others say compared to the exact words He spoke. Like most Bibles, I love the hard cover format. It makes it easy to keep your notes all tucked in one place and use for note taking by having something hard to write on in church.

I received Know the Word KJV Study Bible by Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Book Tours. You can even download a sample of this Bible for your reference first by going to downloads.thomasnelson.com/KJVknowtheword. That is a great resource to use before deciding on whether this might be the type of Bible for your use. This Bible also comes with resources to enable you to receive a lifetime guarantee on this Bible. Don't let reading the Bible intimidate you, simply pray and ask God to show you what He wants you to know and you're off and running. For me this one rates a 4.5 out of 5 stars in this reader's opinion.

For more information about Know the Word KJV Study Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers or where you can pick this Bible up today, please click on the links below:

Know the Word KJV Study Bible by Thomas Nelson Publishers. 

You can find Thomas Nelson Publishers on Facebook, to stay up to date on all their latest products.

To read more reviews on Know the Word KJV Study Bible, visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.

Diving deeper into God's Word can be easy and rewarding if you break it down book by book, verse by verse, or topic by topic with the new KJV Know The Word Study Bible by Thomas Nelson. The book-by-book series of notes leads you through the main points of each book of the Bible. The verse-by-verse notes help you to dig deeper into God's Word. The topic-by-topic articles, which cover 21 theological topics, guide you through a series of insightful notes and give you a thorough biblical understanding of each topic. With the beautiful and timeless text of the KJV translation, the KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers you choices of how to study Scripture and grow in your relationship with Christ.

This fall, become a regular student of the Bible and enter to win the Kindle Fire giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of the KJV Know The Word Study Bible
• A Kindle Fire 7
• A Kindle Fire case (winner's choice)

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on October 31. The winner will be announced November 1 on the Litfuse blog.

The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional

I fell in love the Random Acts of Kindness that first appeared in the movie Bruce Almighty, and even inspired me to spend my 49th birthday finding 49 different ways to do things for someone else instead of buying me more stuff I really don't need. And you know what, it is the only birthday I can remember over any of the other ones. I can even remember the things I did to make someone else's day instead of my own and the feeling was so amazing.

Now Tyndale House Publishers has appealed to me once again with The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional. In it readers will find themselves challenged not only by the daily Scripture reference from the Bible, but an applicable story that shows just how you can both apply the Scripture but also make someone else's day through random acts of kindness. At the conclusions of each days devotional, readers are challenged in some way to take that idea and make it their own, like Do something unexpectedly kind for a teacher, encourage someone else with your story of God's faithfulness, honor someone in your life by picking up the slack in their busy season, invite someone new to Thanksgiving this year and so many more.

Divided into daily devotionals, readers will love the ease and simplicity of being reminded it is about serving others through the daily acts we can perform to show them the love of Christ working within us. It keeps these reminders at the forefront and helps us to keep our hearts in the attitude of serving rather than being served. Each of the three authors, Kendra Roehl, Kristin Demery and Julie Fisk each take their turns at writing each daily devotional so in a sense they are sharing their own testimony and life with you as you work your way through each of the 365 days. The best part is that you don't have to wait to begin in January 1st, you can just pick up like I did right when I received my book.

I received The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional by Julie Fisk, Kendra Roehl and Kristin Demery compliments of Tyndale House Publishers. This is such a great book that I can speak more highly about, but that if you are looking at a way of making your daily life count more, looking for ways to serve others, and even ideas on incorporating daily acts of kindness into your day, than this book is perfect for you. I give this one a 5 out of 5 stars because as a busy mom, wife and more, I need something to keep my heart in the right place and this works for me.

For more information about The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional by Julie Fisk, Kendra Roehl, and Kristin Demery

You can read more reviews of The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional by visiting Tyndale House Publisher's website. 

Unshakable Trust

I've heard it stated that once trust is broken, it can be the hardest thing to repair. That is probably true because no one wants to deal with the "I told you so's!" when it happens again through no fault or perhaps fault of our own. In fact it was the first lesson I learned in my second marriage. I was hell bent on people having to earn my trust before I just gave it to them. However my future husband told me if I do that, you are treating everyone else that comes into your life as if they were the one's that broke your trust to begin with. Everyone has to be given a 100% in your life and you adjust accordingly. We all can agree that once trust has been violated, it is hard to mend those fences. In fact, it begs to ask the question is it even possible to do?

Well in Joyce Meyer's latest book. Unshakable Trust, she reminds readers in how to find the joy of trusting God at all times and in all things, because when we place our trust in man, it will be likely broken at some point because we are expecting perfection and no one can give us that perfection but God in our lives. Even I can agree that I am far from perfect so why would I anticipate that my trust would be an different. Trusting God is the best way to honor God and the benefits of doing so are countless and amazing. I could tell you story after story of putting my trust in God even when I didn't trust myself and have seen the incredible benefits in doing so. In fact God's ways almost defy human explanation. Trust is not an obligation we owe to God. It is a privilege that He makes available to us. When we do this, we open the door to a life of peace, joy and fruitfulness in our lives. It enables us to live without fear, worry, anxiety, fear, reasoning or debilitating stress. God wants us to lean on Him at all times and in all things, not just the ones we aren't getting our own way in.

Since we all have a tendency to be self-reliant and independent, it usually takes us quite a while to learn how to trust God. Part of that difficulty stems from our unpleasant experiences that often teach us that people cannot always be trusted. But God's ways are far above those of people, and His Word teaches us that His character is such that He cannot lie or deceive. In this book, Joyce will show you how to learn to trust without borders and have faith beyond reason. Total trust in God should be our goal. Hebrews 11:6 states, "without faith it is impossible to please Him." Faith and trust are so connected that we cannot separate them. It maintains His presence in our lives and connects us to Him in a very powerful way. Yet we also have an enemy, Satan, who continually seeks to prevent us from enjoying a relationship with God and the life He offers us. Satan tempts us with worry, fear, and anxiety, reasoning, stress, doubt and everything else that will get our mind off of God and cause us to lead self-absorbed lives in which we desperately try to take care of ourselves.

I received Unshakable Trust by Joyce Meyers compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups. The only antidote for these miseries is complete trust in God. The best part of any of Joyce Meyer's books is that she shares her own personal struggles, often times laced with a bit of humor and gives you just the right advice as if your own Momma were dishing it out. It's straightforward, honest, and cuts right through the worlds own perverted self help ways to get us out of whatever we are going through. She can show you how to rebuild trust that is broken even if we can no longer converse with those that caused us to mistrust. She tears apart those world myths that too many of us fall for as well like 'don't assume that because you been hurt by someone that everyone will hurt you!' This was mine mantra for so long. God will not only heal you, but He will restore all those lost years of your life when you place your faith and trust in Him. For that reason, I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and believe that we could all do with a dose of learning how to really TRUST again!

For more information about Unshakeable Trust, Joyce Meyers or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Unshakable Trust by Joyce Meyers

You can find Joyce Meyers on Facebook to stay up to date with all her teaching and books.

To read more reviews on Unshakable Trust, please visit Faith Words' website. 

I'll Have What She's Having

When Harry Met Sally.

Sleepless in Seattle.

You've Got Mail.

Three iconic romantic comedies that may not have been such a huge hit when they were first released in theaters noting the competition among movies released at the same time, but these three movies are the ones that most women will often tell you they love. They are the ones they can watch over and over again. We have our favorite lines or moments from each film that makes them unforgettable. At the time they were in the works, female directors were almost as extinct as dinosaurs and when someone like Nora Ephron comes along, she will face not only harsh criticism from her fellow male directors, but also writers too! Romantic comedies are one of the hardest things to direct and write a screen play for. There has to be the perfect mix of comedy and chemistry between the lead actors.

In the book, "I'll Have What She's Having," by Erin Carlson, we get a sneak peek not only into the making of these fabulous movies but also into what it took to breath life into them and make them the legacy movies women still love even today. This book takes you into the lines made famous by each movie including the title of the book from When Harry Met Sally. In fact if you are a fan of any or all of these movies, you will absolutely adore this book. Readers will learn what actors were going to play the parts but at the last minute gave them up. How very different these movies would have been had they not been played by the originals. You'll learn how hard it was to find a houseboat to shot Sam's house in Sleepless in Seattle. Did you know that the roof top scene on top of the Empire State Building wasn't even shot on location?

In You've Got Mail, you will learn that Fox Books was filmed at an iconic Barnes and Noble, and that the construction scenes are from those very days of building the store, even though the close up shots were filmed on a studio backlot. You learn that The Shop Around the Corner was just another storefront on 106 West 69th Street for Maya Shaper Cheese and Antiques that they were about to use and repaint while filming all the outdoor shots of the bookstore. You'll learn that AOL did not originally coin the phrase "You've Got Mail" until the movie went into production and someone else did it for them so that they could have it. There is just so much wonderful information gleaned from this book that fans will want to pick it up. Be warned, however, it might just be followed up with watching all three movies back to back like I did!

I received I'll Have What She's Having by Erin Carlson compliments of Hachette Book Groups. This is such a must have book for fans of any or all three iconic romantic comedies. There are the famous lines we all love to quote and perhaps my all time favorite was from You've Got Mail, "Don't you just love fall in New York? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address." While there were many great moments, the book does end with the tragic death of Nora Ephron who passed away June 26, 2012 but she left behind a world full of strong women characters, hope and a whole lot of love. I easily give this book a 5 out out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about I'll Have What She's Having, Erin Carlson or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

I'll Have What She's Having by Erin Carlson

You can find Erin Carlson on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books.

To read more reviews on I'll Have What She's Having, please visit TLC Book Tour's Page

No Regrets

The one statement most of us dreads, is that we are dying. Perhaps dying before we have even had the chance to do some of those things we always thought we would have time to do. So what do you do when you get that kind of news, perhaps even personally, or a family member does? All of us wants to live a life so that when we look back, we can see it was a life well-lived. Filled to the brim. A life without regrets. Perhaps those that get that devastating news are the ones living their life to the fullest. Making every single moment count. Because in all reality they don't know when that last day will be. But doesn't it affect us all? No one knows when our last day might be. We might go without any warning or we might go over time.

How can you take the time right now to learn to make the most of your life. To love deeply and unconditionally. To let the past stay behind. Forgive those who have wronged you and for whom you still might be carrying resentment against. How to choose life. To choose joy. To choose love and live a life with no regrets! In Robin M. Bertram's book, No Regrets, she shares her own personal journey of her own death where she began to take an honest look at her life, do an inventory and change some of the things she wasn't content to spend whatever days left, doing. You will learn in this book, how to live every moment as if it were your last. To see things through a biblical perspective and live the way God would have you spend that moment in time. To see blessings instead of disappointments with the things that happen to us and most of all, to participate in a thirty day Love Challenge, which is something of an intentional challenge for all of us. To live like we were dying. How very different our own lives would be.

We have the opportunity NOW to look at our life and make a change. To live a life now without any regrets so when we are facing our final days, we can look back in satisfaction, knowing we lived our life well and hopefully lived it for Christ! It will change your life in ways that will express the importance of living today with greater joy while making every moment really count. It will encourage you to develop an intimate prayer life, to develop a willingness to forgive, to embrace every good gift you've been given with a thankful heart and to live your life to the fullest because no one is guaranteed a tomorrow. Through Scripture combined with the insight gained from real-life stories with victorious outcomes, No Regrets will encourage you to forgive, to love, to mend broken relationships, and to begin building a legacy now so that when that days comes, there will be a strong spiritual legacy to leave behind.

I received No Regrets by Robin M. Bertram compliments of Charisma House. This book will help you overcome those "If only..." moments, and using the Pillars of Abundant Living, scriptures that will give you comfort, wisdom, and insight during your own personal journey. The Intentional Living section at the conclusion of each chapter are several keys that will help you become more intentional in living your life for Christ and embracing today. The Shareworthy section are text boxes scattered throughout each chapter to expand on the ideas in this book that are worthy sharing on your social media platforms, and the 30-Day Love Challenge is a way to personally evaluate your own love walk on a daily basis for thirty days to get an honest picture of where you are and where you can grow. This is such an inspirational book and one that would be a great gift to anyone dealing with their own personal adversity. I love that this book can inspire us even now to take greater responsibility for the life we choose to live each day, and for that reason well worth 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about No Regrets, Robin M. Bertram or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

No Regrets by Robin M. Bertram

You can find Robin M. Bertram on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

To read more reviews on No Regrets, please visit Charisma House Publisher's website. 

Here's Some Happy

I read on social media somewhere that someone believed that coloring books are dying out. Whether that is true or not, I love coloring. It is a way to pass the time. It allows me to slow down and take a moment to simply breathe, cast aside my worries for a moment and just allow God to speak to me as I color. While there may be a coloring book out there geared for just about everyone and their personal interests, I wanted to share one of my favorites. It is called Here's Some Happy by Gina Graham and it has something unique that most coloring books don't.

First of all, it is hard cover. That is perfect because you don't always have the perfect surface to color on and this make portability while coloring more manageable. I just love the weight of it too! It's solid, a reminder of what my spiritual life should be like. Within this coloring book are plenty of wonderful pictures to color, but also scriptures geared to spark a sense of personal prayer time while meditating on the coloring. This is the perfect time to just escape and get some alone time with God. I love putting on some upbeat praise or worship music while I am working on my pages. This coloring book is meant to be a prayer journal as well. Whether you choose to use a page for every prayer or simply a way of capturing something you feel God is laying on your heart, there is a perfect place to capture that.

When I was selecting my picture to color for this post, I happened upon the Psalm 4:8 "I will both lie down in peace and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." This is perfect for me, as I have been dealing with a horrible case of tonsillitis for three weeks and sleep has been skipping me. Not only that but with all the flooding in Texas, its a reminder that while I have a place to lay down that is warm and dry, many tonight don't. They have lost everything. But as children of God, we know that there isn't anything God can't do. He can move financial resources where they are best needed and even material things can be replaced. Perhaps it was His way of waking the world up to what is important in this life. Life. Not things. Not money. Not our jobs but those we love and who love us. This journal entry I made was my personal prayer for those in Texas, a reminder that we still serve a God who cares and has not left them. New days are coming and with it, the promises of His unfailing love and provision.

I received Here's Some Happy by Gina Graham compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups. This is such a great way to keep all those Scriptures, thoughts and prayers in one place and you can look back to see how God has answered those needs as He reminds us to stay faithful. There is something fun in this journal for everyone to enjoy. I could even see doing this with your children together and adding both of your prayers as a way of teaching them how to journal and use their creativity at the same time. What a great gift as well to someone who could use a little happiness in their life right about now. The pages are single sided so depending on the type of media you use, it might bleed through. I use Prisma Coloring Pencils so I had no issues. I would easily give this a 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Here's Some Happy, Gina Graham or where you can pick up a copy of this coloring journal today, please click on the links below:

Here's Some Happy by Gina Graham

You can find Gina Graham on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

To read more reviews on Here's Some Happy, please visit Faith Words Website. 

Forty Autumns

What would it feel like to make a decision in one moment that would forever affect your life for the next forty years? Imagine your family having to make that decision for you? To lead a life of freedom or one of tyranny and oppression. I believe more of us need to learn the stories from those who lived without freedom. A historical journey into Germany's blackened past where at one conjuncture to defy freedom, a wall went up to separate one region of Germany for another. For what reason? Could it happen again?

In the novel Forty Autumns by Nina Willner, she shares her grandparents history which undoubtedly became her own legacy of a tough choice they had to face when totalitarian leaders ran Germany the way they saw fit. All about control. Taking away from the people at the conclusion of WWII, Germany tried to find a way to rise to the top again. In a nutshell all it did was point the world's eyes to the atrocities it was trying to hide while saving face to the world. Families were separated overnight. While others tried to escape in droves, most were shot without any sense of compassion or empathy, believing the propaganda they were being spoon fed made it justified. Overnight the wall went up in hopes of preventing any more East Germans from fleeing the country. With it any viable means of labor went with it.

This is one families journey through forty years. How they survived against the odds. How they learned to accept what was happening in order to stay together even though they didn't agree with it. How they managed to save one daughters life in an effort to give them the truth that could only come from the outside world away from East Germany. How one patriarch of the family Opa, vowed to do whatever he could to keep his family safe and protected even if it went against everything he believed and how one matriarch, Oma was the driving support behind keeping the family strong and loved, well-fed and held together in a city of their own that was falling apart.

I received Forty Autumns by Nina Willner compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers. I believe everyone needs to read this book, because it seems like our current nation is slowly striving to rewrite the history that needs to be told and shared, otherwise we will be doomed to repeat it. I clearly see signs in the works that this world might be headed to the very thing that should be left behind and that communism doesn't work. The power does not lie with the government but with the people. We need to know their stories and that is why this is such a critical book to be read and studied. I am horrified at the things we never studied in history. I guess to glaze over it in our history books in a very subtle paragraphs is an easy way to take out what should be known to those who faced it. These are the stories that should be shared. For this reason I am giving this book, a 5 out of 5 stars. There are some great historical notes following the book and some epilogues that highlight what happened later to those featured in the book. This has some amazing photos the author shares so you can honestly feel what it was like in those times.

For more information about Forty Autumns, Nina Willner or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Forty Autumns by Nina Willner

You can find Nina Willner on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest projects.

For more reviews on Forty Autumns, please visit Harper Collins Publisher's website. 

Included in Christ

The Book of Ephesians from the Bible is perhaps one of my favorite books. There is so much wisdom to be gleaned and it is a surprisingly short book at that. Yet don't be confused that just because it is short, doesn't mean that there isn't much to learn. In fact, Paul probably used so many concise specific topics that not only applied to the people living in Ephesus, but also is very relevant to us in our current modern day age. Ephesians is a letter from Paul that you can understand best by thinking about seven operative or most important words in this short study. These words happen to be vivid verbs. The seven words in the 8 week study of Ephesians surely change you. It represents deeply transformation material. The hope is that after you finish this study people will begin to wonder and ask if you are a different person.

To complete this study you will need, a Bible ( one that you love the most will benefit you the best and everyone has their preferred choice), something to write on and with. Even though this study comprises eight weeks, five days each, keep your own pace and what works best for you. God may be calling you to spend time on something in this book that might be relevant to what He wants to teach you and what you are going through. I guess what anyone needs in completing any Bible Study is an open mind and a willing heart. This book can be used in an individual, couple or even a small group study through the book of Ephesians.

Each chapter in this book will ask you to think carefully about the crucial verb in each section and to picture a scene in our mind about this verb, such as 'how does a person understanding this verb live?' You first begin to answer the question bu first identifying their opposites or contrasts to enhance how we make sense of our new identity in Christ. You will begin with a shadow narrative about the particular verb you are studying. How that applies to your life, what are you doing or should be doing  and then using your five senses see if you can develop a short story about how He is currently writing about this verb in your life. These can be positive or negative and can be things you want to share or just keep to yourself. By the end of the study you will quickly identify ways your Shadow Narratives prevent you from fully embracing and fully inhabiting God's Word and you will have new stories to tell, your Savior story, to truly learn from the Scripture.

I received Included in Christ by Heather Holleman compliments of Moody Publishers and Side Door Communications. Each of this daily and weekly studies are to help you understand how you can become a new creation in Christ and embrace that and learn to let go of the old you, the former person who is trying to keep you from all Christ has in store for you. Think of it like spring cleaning for your soul and its about time to learn to let go of that excess baggage we've been carrying and lighten our loads and embrace the joy that comes from having a Christ centered life. These are perfect for small group studies or even a couple's study that will enrich your relationships in ways you never dreamed possible. I would give this a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Included in Christ, Heather Holleman or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Included in Christ by Heather Holleman

You can find Heather Holleman on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest information.

For more reviews on Included in Christ, please visit Moody Publisher's website.

The Unexplainable Church - Bible Study

How does the grace of God work harder within us? How do we promise its fruit in our lives? Can we accept the grace of God as an intellectual assent and not experience any of its effects? Many Christians rest in the assurance of God's grace to take them to heaven, yet experience little of its ramifications in their daily lives. Or they yearn for more. There is a stirring in their soul, ushering them to experience the fullness of God's grace in their lives. But how?

This fifty-day journey is an invitation to walk alongside a man who never got over the awe and wonder of God's grace. For years he had sought God's favor through a religion of works, spiritual disciplines, knowledge and service. Then he met Jesus, and after approximately a decade of understanding Jesus as the Messiah, he finally came to the realization of the fullness of His grace. And he was never the same again. Rather than resting on a bed of laurels at the gift of grace he had been given, he strove even harder to ensure that God's grace to him was not in vain. He accepted the divine invitation and most likely met his Savior with a clear conscience and no regrets.

In The Unexplainable Church by Erica Wiggenhorn, readers will use this study guide to work their way through the Acts, chapter 13-28 over fifty days to discover the invitation that not only went out to Paul and his disciples after the ascension of Jesus but also to those who began believers at that time, and the beginning of what we know now as the church age believers. It helps us all understand our own unique place we have not just to be followers of Christ, but understanding the importance the role of the church plays in spreading the gospel message. Each day's study begins with a thematic title and Bible passage that should take you about 20-30 minutes to complete. The version used in this study is the English Standard Version, but you can use any version you are most comfortable with to do this study. You will encounter questions in blue working through your daily assignment. These questions are geared to help you stop, pray, collect your thoughts, and write out the answers.

Writing responses will take you into a deeper understanding of these passages of scripture to see how they can apply to your life today. On certain days, you will come across blue frames and these are your time to be creative, draw, doodle or ponder and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you in the quietness of your heart. Bible Study is not meant to be a task to complete. Instead, it is an avenue for building a relationship with God. This resource can be used in small group Bible studies and the leader's guide for this study indicated which questions work best for groups. You can access this resource through the website provided in this book as well as additional resources that will take you deeper into the daily studies if you want to as well.

I received The Unexplainable Church by Erica Wiggenhorn compliments of Moody Publishers and Side Door Communications. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. Each days study can be completed in as little as 30 minutes or less and is designed to take you into a deeper study of the early believers that make up the age of church age believers which began when Jesus left and sent His Holy Spirit to begin to minister into the hearts of those willing to be open to His message. I especially love this study in Act because we have a common place with the invitation of the early church age believers. We are still adding to them daily and it helps to understand the various roles the church plays in making this the success that it has in the world today. It helps us all understand the individuals roles we all play to continue this ministry until we are called home. I easily give this a 4.5 out of 5 stars and I especially love the additional resources that can be found online that can incorporate this into a small group Bible Study.

For more information about The Unexplainable Church, Erica Wiggenhorn or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The Unexplainable Church by Erica Wiggenhorn

You can find Erica Wiggenhorn on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books.

To read more reviews on The Unexplainable Church, please visit Moody Publishers website. 

Anything But Simple

"Books opened my eyes to a broader world, gave me a safe place to explore that did not threaten my own existence. Lost in pages, I lived the lives and dreamed the dreams of a thousand people in a thousand times. I ruined my eyes but saved my mind with books. "

This is one of my favorite quotes from Anything But Simple by Lucinda J. Miller because is exemplifies the very reason why I have loved reading books since I was old enough to read. It is the one thing that stands out in my dad's mind when he recalls my childhood. In this book, Lucinda J. Miller tells readers what it is like living as a Mennonite, the differences between being Amish and Mennonite and her own personal struggles with the guidelines that the church establishes for those living in the community in rural Wisconsin.

"I used to wonder, when I was young, what it would be like if the whole world were Mennonite. What if you'd past a gas station and see Mennonites there, pumping gas? And what if you'd go into the grocery store and there were only Mennonite families doing the shopping? The dads in the lead, smiling in a friendly sort of way and wearing long-sleeved dress shirts like the men wore to church, the wives in their dresses and head coverings pushing heaped carts down the aisles, children gathered around them in bundles.

What if you never had to worry about anyone stealing from you or doing bad things, because everyone obeyed Jesus? (As, in my childish mind, I assumed Mennonites always did.) And what if everywhere you went - to the ocean, to the park, to California - it was as if you were meeting family, because everyone was just like you?"

I guess it is something most of us forget when we look at the Amish and Mennonites is how very different they are compared to us. But what about putting the shoe on the other foot and wonder how difficult it must be for them to live among the English world and the ways that are far different from their own. Anything But Simple conveys what it is like for one young woman growing up and seeing so many things changing around her as the established ways that set Mennonites and Amish apart are now trying to hold on to their faith while living in a world quite different from their own. I really enjoyed the stories that Lucinda shares in her book about her dreams of wanting to be a writer but stuck in a sense dealing with being very different and trying to share her own personal legacy with readers in this book. I applaud them in their efforts much like as Christians, we understand how vastly different the world is around us, trying to hold on to our faith in a growing hostile world.

I received Anything But Simple by Lucinda J. Miller compliments of Herald Press. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free andments were received, unless specified otherwise. "But if you try for simplicity, is it simple anymore?" Lucinda compares some of the complex code of laws, both written and unwritten, as exists within her denomination, as the Pharisees of Jesus' day might be an excellent comparison. In the Mennonite world everything matters, clothes matter because they define you as separate in society and they define you in Mennonite circles as part of a certain fellowship or conference, a certain level of liberal or conservative. But then again something as insignificant as whether or not a man's top shirt button is closed during church service can become an important issue in certain church groups. In their world, every decision is given excruciating examination in light of the Bible and the church. This is a wonderful insightful book for anyone who really wants to know the truth about living life as a Mennonite and for that reason I give this a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Anything But Simple, Lucinda J. Miller, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Anything But Simple by Lucinda J. Miller

You can find Lucinda J. Miller on Facebook to stay up to date on all her books.

To read more reviews of Anything But Simple, please visit Herald Press' website. 

   

The Buffer Zone Diet

"I've lost the same twenty pounds over and over, and I always gain it back again, plus a few extra pounds. What's wrong with me? "

Men and women from all over the world are ready to get off the diet rollercoaster but don't know how. They are fed up with counting calories, carbs, and fat grams, and obsessing over every bite and sip. They lose weight, only to regain it when they start eating normally. Ever hopeful, they try another new diet, only to be disappointed again.

Every year there is a hot new diet craze that promises to melt off pounds by eating this but not that: Paleo, Atkins, South Beach, Cabbage Soup, Cookie Diet, Weight Watchers, and more. They all tell you something different: eat protein, but not carbs. Eat carbs, but not fat. Eat fat, but not carbs. No wonder so many people are confused about health and nutrition and every expert seems to have a different perspective. Fred Cuellar knows exactly how you feel and his own experience with dieting left him frustrated, baffled and heavier than before, and he wondered why diets never work in the long run. This led him to seek answers to the questions millions of people ask on a daily basis: Why can't I lose weight and keep it off?

Millions of us are dieting, yet obesity levels keep on rising, but why? Fred was determined to figure out the solution to the diet problem and create a formula to lose weight permanently, in a way that is easy and sustainable. It's called the Buffer Zone Diet. He explains the science behind weight loss and gain, while debunking several myths about what we should or should not eat or drink using himself as a guinea pig. With much trial and error, he devised a method to lose weight and maintain a healthy body, all without deprivation, hunger , or will power. Dieting is actually making you gain weight. It is what the diet industry doesn't want you to know.

The Buffer Zone isn't a diet book. You will not be required to measure carbs, count fat grams or starve yourself. Instead you will be given a specific method to timing your meals to lose weight and, best of all, keep it off. You will be amazed at how attuned you will be with your body and give yourself the nutrition you need for optimum weight loss. With guidelines in learning to understand emotional hunger from true physical hungry and our goal shouldn't just be losing weight, but to be healthy.

I received The Buffer Zone Diet by Fred Cuellar compliments of Max Vera Publishing and The Cadence Group. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise.I think there isn't one of us that hasn't tried some form of diet in our life time and I was truly inspired at the approach this author took to his research on a personal level that he shares quite openly in his search to figure out what works and what doesn't and perhaps more importantly, why. This is a science that I hadn't considered but yet it makes logical sense. It is timing out your meals between 8-10 hours from the end of your final meal of the day to breakfast the next day. You decide when you will have  the largest meal of your day and incorporating two primer meals to get you through to your next meal. It can be lunch as your big meal of the day with breakfast and dinner being your primer meals, always stopping 3 hours before bed and allowing at least 10-14 hours between last and first meal each day.

He believes the problem doesn't lie with what we eat, although that is important, it is how many times we eat during the day and how much food we do eat. He believes there is a science in the timing of our meals and that most of us eat between 21 meals each week along with upwards of 49 snacks a week. That is what is making us fat along with the content of what we eat. I am impressed with his research particular detailing his own weight loss failures and finally success! He even provides you with examples of how you can begin to incorporate this into your life and still have things like pizza and donuts! I give this a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion and you still need to determine calorie counts of food to come up with a daily plan of what works for you.

For more information about The Buffer Zone Diet, Fred Cuellar or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The Buffer Zone Diet by Fred Cuellar

You can find Fred Cuellar on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest information.

You can pick up a copy of this book at Amazon or other retailers near you. 

The Parables of Jesus

It seems like there is a coloring book to suit every interest and genre and while most started out for just children, now adults are experiencing a sense of peace and creativity in coloring as well. Whether you are a kid or a kid at heart, I believe you will love The Parables of Jesus Coloring Book Devotional by Laura James and Katara Washington Patton. This is something a bit different than your standard coloring book because while there are only 46 illustrations to color, the remainder is a devotional based on the parables of Jesus found in the Bible.

Each of the 46 illustrations takes Scripture directly from the Bible and applies it to real world learning, like struggling with a difficult boss at work and how we can use this to help us not only get through the situation like God would plan for us, but also incorporating prayer into as well to remind us not only to pray for our own situation but for others as well. Some of the lessons focus on Being Humble, Building a Solid Foundation, Dealing with Debt, Being Aware, Reminding Us About Our Treasures Being Stored in Heaven, Bearing Fruit, When Weeds Grow and so many others,

I chose A Fine Pearl to focus on from Matthew 13:45-46. It illustrates not only where pearls are formed and found, but understanding how Jesus uses this illustration pertaining to the Kingdom of God. A person who harvests pearls know when he has found a rare and perfect one, like the hidden treasure it was until it is opened and revealed, much like us. We fail often times to find value in ourselves, but we need to understand how precious we are to God and how important our relationship is with Him to secure our eternity with Him. It isn't something that can be bought or sold. Are you willing to do what is necessary to secure your eternal future? What are some of the things you need to rid yourself of to better enjoy the Kingdom of God today? Then a beautifully illustrated picture follows so you can focus on finding the beauty in what you color and create.

I received The Parables of Jesus by Laura James and Katara Washington Patton compliments of FaithWords, a division of Hachette Book Groups.In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. The best part of this coloring book is that each image is one sided so that when you use a media form that bleeds through like markers, as long as you add a blank piece of paper in between, you don't ruin other pages in this book. Crayons and Coloring Pencils will not have any issue with bleeding through the pages. What a great way to get some devotional time in while also enjoying the tranquility of coloring as well. I'd give this book a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about The Parables of Jesus Coloring Book and Devotional and where to pick one up today, please click on the links below:

The Parables of Jesus Coloring Book and Devotional by Laura James and Katara Washington Patton

You can purchase a copy of The Parables of Jesus Coloring Book and Devotional at Amazon and other find retailers today.

To get a free download of one of the parables and coloring page, visit Faith Words' website.