A Wedding Blunder in the Black Hills by Kim O'Brien

Millie's mom and adopted aunts continually set her up on blind dates with everyone in their small town. When they try to set her up with the new dentist in town, she decides she's had enough. Millie and David (the dentist) decide that they'll start a fake relationship to get everyone to quit setting them up. All is going according to plan until they begin to develop real feelings for each other.

A Wedding Blunder in the Black Hills was an easy, summer read. Although it started off pretty slow for me, it eventually picked up and I found myself enjoying the book more and more. The book was fairly predictable and definitely falls into the normal "Christian romance" category. BUT, the story was sweet and I found myself rooting for Millie and David to overcome their past in order to move onto a happy future. (One other note is that the title was a bit weird for me. The "wedding blunder" doesn't actually happen until the end of the book and is somewhat insignificant to the plot, so I wasn't sure why the title was based on that. Not a major point ... just strange.) I would definitely recommend this book if you're looking for something enjoyable to breeze through this summer.

I received a free copy of this book from Barbour Books and NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Book
David and Millie both have big problems. A widowed dentist with an almost-teen son, he’s being stalked by an amorous patient. Millie’s mom keeps sending her on blind dates, even though the café owner has trust issues. So when a lost filling lands Millie in David’s office, the two of them find a solution—a faux relationship. No one gets hurt and no one gets nagged. It’s a great plan—until they really start to care. Now what will they do?

About the Author
Kim O’Brien grew up in Bronxville, New York. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and a master’s degree in fine arts from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York. She worked for many years as a writer, editor, and speechwriter for IBM.  She is the author of eight romance novels and seven nonfiction children’s books. She’s happily married to Michael, has two fabulous daughters, Beth and Maggie. She is active in the Loft Church in The Woodlands, Texas.  Kim loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her Facebook author’s page.

This Week's Top Pick: The French Flea

A while back I was invited to a trunk show at a new friend's house. She was showcasing some stuff by The French Flea. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to go but I have been stalking her blog ever since. She also displays some things at a local consignment store and I LOVE everything she has there too. It's such a cute style and it's totally affordable. She also has an Etsy shop.

All pictures from The French Flea

Blog Tour: Forever After by Deborah Raney

Deborah Raney is a new author for me, and I was pleasantly surprised by Forever After.  A tragic fire has changed everything for Lucas and Jenna. The fire killed Lucas' father and Jenna's husband and stole Lucas' dream of being a firefighter. A year later both are still grieving their losses and must learn to lean on friends and more importantly God to navigate each challenge along the way.

I really enjoyed this story. It was gripping. The pain, sorrow, grief ... it's so life-like. However, peace, joy, and hope also shine through. This is the second book in the series, but each book stands on its own very well. It made me want to go back to catch up on the previous story!

I will say that the story seemed to skip over some pretty big things. For instance, there is much discussion about Jenna never having loved her deceased husband, but there is never really any explanation of why. It is just sort of an accepted thing. And then at the end, there are a few leaps as well. I felt like a little bit more explanation in a few parts would have helped really complete the story.

Overall, though, I really enjoyed it and would read the other books in this series!

I received a free copy of this book from Glass Road PR in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Book
A fire killed his best friend and his lifelong dream of being a firefighter. The same fire killed her husband and hopes for a family. Can new dreams replace old?
 
Lucas Vermontez was a proud firefighter like his father. Now, not only has he lost his father and his best friend, Zach, in the fire at the Grove Street homeless shelter, but the devoted rookie can no longer do the work he loves after being crippled in the tragic event. When friendship with his buddy's beautiful widow turns into more, he wonders, what could he possibly offer Jenna?  

Jenna Morgan is trying to grieve her husband's death like a proper widow, but the truth is, she never really loved Zach. His death feels more like a relief to her. But that relief is short-lived when she loses her home and the financial support of her in-laws. Now the secrets of her past threaten to destroy her future. Can the two forget the painful past and discover new reasons to live and love?

About the Author
Deborah Raney's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, was awarded a Silver Angel from Excellence in Media and inspired the acclaimed World Wide Pictures film of the same title. Since then her books have won the RITA Award, the HOLT Medallion, and the National Readers' Choice Award; Raney was also a finalist for the Christy Award. She and her husband, artist Ken Raney, make their home in their native Kansas.

False Witness by Randy Singer

Fantastic! False Witness by Randy Singer is absolutely fantastic!!! I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading, but the story immediately gripped me and I have been reading furiously ever since! Much like John Grisham, Randy Singer weaves an incredible tale in this legal thriller. I kept trying to figure out how things connected, who did what, where the connections were between seemingly unrelated characters (or sections of the book!), which characters were good guys and which were bad guys. It wasn't until the end that I finally started figuring some things out. A book that keeps me guessing until the end is certainly a winner!

I won't go into the details of the plot because I don't want to give too much away. I will say though that there is an emphasis on the Christian church in India, persecution of believers, and ministry to Dalit children (those in the "untouchable" caste) which was an added bonus! Proceeds from this book are being donated to Dalit Freedom Network, which provides a first-class education to Dalit children and helps them escape from human trafficking.

I think you will love this book if you like suspense, thrillers, and legal novels!

Note: This is a repackaged and updated version of a 2003 release by the same title.

I received a free copy of this book from The B&B Media Group in exchange for my fair and honest review.

If you absolutely HAVE to know a little more about the plot, I pasted the copy from the back of the book in anyway. But, seriously,try not to read it ... I think the book will be much better if you don't. :)


About the Book
Clark Shealy is a bail bondsman with the ultimate bounty on the line: his wife's life. He has forty-eight hours to find an Indian professor in possession of the Abacus Algorithm—an equation so powerful it could crack all Internet encryption.

Four years later, law student Jamie Brock is working in legal aid when a routine case takes a vicious twist: she and two colleagues learn that their clients, members of the witness protection program, are accused of defrauding the government and have the encrypted algorithm in their possession. After a life-changing trip to the professor's church in India, the couple also has the key to decode it.

Now they're on the run from federal agents and the Chinese mafia, who will do anything to get the algorithm. Caught in the middle, Jamie and her friends must protect their clients if they want to survive long enough to graduate.

An adrenaline-laced thrill ride, this retelling of one of Randy Singer's most critically acclaimed novels takes readers from the streets of Las Vegas to the halls of the American justice system and the inner sanctum of the growing church in India with all the trademark twists, turns, and the legal intrigue his fans have come to expect.

About the Author
Randy Singer is a critically acclaimed author and veteran trial attorney. He has penned 10 legal thrillers, including his award-winning debut novel, Directed Verdict. Randy runs his own law practice and has been named to Virginia Business magazine's select list of "Legal Elite" litigation attorneys. In addition to his law practice and writing, Randy serves as teaching pastor for Trinity Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He calls it his "Jekyll and Hyde thing"—part lawyer, part pastor. He also teaches classes in advocacy and civil litigation at Regent Law School and, through his church, is involved with ministry opportunities in India. He and his wife, Rhonda, live in Virginia Beach. They have two grown children.

Secret Church

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., 6/22/2011 - Disciple-Making International (DMI) is pleased to announce that the next Secret Church gathering will take place on Friday, November 4, 2011, and will once again be simulcast in partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources.

In April, DMI in conjunction with LifeWay, enabled 50,000 people to participate in Secret Church by offering a simulcast link-in. The simulcast enabled 1,300 churches and small groups to participate with the 3,000 participants that were gathered on-site at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Ala., and heard  David Platt teach on “Crucifixion, Salvation and the Glory of God.”

Secret Church began four years ago with two main purposes in mind: to worship through intensive study of the Word and to identify with and pray for persecuted brothers and sisters around the world. Over the years Secret Church has grown in its popularity as participants are drawn to its simplicity and the profound study of the Word.  Out of necessity, Brook Hills began selling tickets at a minimal cost in order to help reserve seating. (The ticket price also covers the 100+ page study guide that is provided at each gathering.)

Over the last several years tickets for Secret Church have sold out in a matter of minutes. In an effort to open up Secret Church to more participants, DMI decided to try a simulcast to enable churches and small groups to participate. With the help of LifeWay, the first simulcast on Good Friday was a huge success.

The topic of the November Secret Church gathering will be “Heaven, Hell and the End of the World.” Tickets for attendance at the Brook Hills campus will go on sale in August and simulcast registration will begin in September.

Ticket and simulcast information can be found on the Secret Church website as well as the DMI website.

Angelia Stewart
Communications Director
Disciple-Making International
205.313.7735

Press release taken from the DMI website.

This Week's Top Pick: Bloggy Craftiness

I'm not a huge crafter. I want to be ... but often I find myself with a plethora of ideas but lacking the supplies, time, and dedication to actually finish any of the ideas.

 

 I love checking out everyone else's great ideas and seeing how things turn out. One of my favorite blogs to "stalk" is The Speckled Dog. I just love all of her great ideas! And none of them are very expensive to do ... things you've got at home, cheap at the store, items from thrift stores and yard sales, etc. Plus, lots of other bloggers link up to her blog from time to time so there are lots of fun things to check out.

 (Images courtesy of TheSpeckledDog)

Saturday's Random Thoughts

Hubs is watching Ice Road Trucker on Netflix. Apparently they got tired of filming truckers driving over ice and decided that a greater challenge was needed. The season he is watching now films Americans driving large trucks in INDIA. Watching them drive in Delhi is making me carsick!

We had a GREAT day at Six Flags yesterday!

Today we went to visit Hubs' parents to celebrate Father's Day and my birthday.

Lunch at Cheddar's today made me renew my commitment to petition for one here in town. I LOVE that place! My spasagna (combination between spaghetti and lasagna) was excellent!

Hubs and I are in this unique place right now where we are in the midst of preparing for TWO mission trips. More details to come on both. Prayers appreciated!

Lots of change coming in the next few weeks. Trying to take it one day at a time and enjoy every moment.

Excited about more birthday celebration tomorrow and later this week!

Lauren and Eric brought their sweet baby girl home ... check out their blog post here. I am so thankful for the Lord's provision for a great flight and a happy baby! Please continue to pray for them as Zoey gets adjusted to life in the US and Lauren and Eric adjust to being new parents.

This episode of Ice Road Truckers is hilarious. One guy just gave up and went home after only one day of driving in India ... he normally drives on this icy highway in Alaska (?) where there is a chance of the ice breaking and the truck freezing in the water but he can't hack it in India. Interesting. (Just to note ... I don't think for one minute that I could drive in India. I just think it's interesting.)

I have a ton of blog posts rattling around in my brain but honestly I'm too tired to put ink to paper (or fingers to keyboard) tonight.

Something fun for Thursday

A while back I posted about a friend who was raising money to complete their adoption.

Well ... this week Lauren and Eric went to get their baby girl Zoey. She is absolutely precious! Check out their blog and read about this sweet couple and their journey to becoming a family of three. If this doesn't make your heart melt, I don't know what will!

Pray for them tomorrow as they bring her home.

Memorizing with a Twist

I asked Hubs to choose a verse for me to memorize this time. He picked a really LONG passage, but we narrowed it down to these two verses. We're going to work on memorizing them together. :)

Is anyone out there still memorizing? It would really encourage me to know what you're working on right now!

All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name.

For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.

Psalm 86: 9-10, ESV

Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann

Kristen Heitzmann is one of my favorite new-to-me authors. I've read four of her books in the past year or so and have loved every one of them. Indelible was no different! The thing that amazes me the most is how different her writing style is from book to book (or series to series). It kind of blows you away, actually. This series is full of suspense and a little bit of crazy, while the others were much more romantic and "chick lit." Regardless, I liked them all!

Indelible is set in Redford, a wealthy resort community, where strange things happen. When Trevor starts receiving bizarre pictures in the mail, he knows it's only a matter of time before things begin to escalate. Natalie is new to town and has an unusual gift. She needs friends more than ever when her nephew unexpectedly comes to live with her.

There are lots of moving parts in this story, but somehow it all flowed together and made sense. The characters are unique and interesting ... definitely not your typical romance hero and heroine. It seems that every character has some unusual quality that piques the interest of readers until they figure out what exactly is going on. The second book in this series, I actually enjoyed it more than the first ... if that's even possible. I could hardly put it down and somewhat seriously considered skipping work just so I could finish it. :)

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my fair and honest review.

Would you take a minute and rank my review? Thanks in advance. :)

About the Book
In a clash of light and darkness, can courage prevail?


Rescuing a toddler from the jaws of a mountain lion, Trevor MacDaniel, a high-country outfitter, sets in motion events he can’t foresee. His act of bravery entwines his life with gifted sculptor Natalie Reeve—and attracts a grim admirer.

Trevor’s need to guard and protect is born of tragedy, prompting his decision to become a search and rescue volunteer. Natalie’s gift of sculpting comes from an unusual disability that seeks release through her creative hands. In each other they see strength and courage as they face an incomprehensible foe.

When a troubled soul views Trevor as archangel and adversary, Redford’s peaceful mountain community is threatened. Together with Police Chief Jonah Westfall, Trevor presses his limits to combat the menace who targets the most helpless and innocent.

About the Author
While home schooling her four kids, Kristen Heitzmann wrote her first novel. It became one of a five book historical series. Since then, she has written three more historical novels and eight contemporary romantic and psychological suspense novels including The Still of Night, nominated for the Colorado Book Award, The Tender Vine, a Christy Award finalist and Christy Award winning Secrets. She lives in Colorado with her husband Jim, sundry family members, and pets.

Love on Assignment by Cara Lynn James

I really enjoyed Love on a Dime by Cara Lynn James, so I was excited to read Love on Assignment, the next book in the series. I loved diving back into the Gilded Age with Charlotte. Her dream of becoming a news reporter seem attainable when she is given the chance to go undercover as a governess for a wealthy professor. As she gets to know the professor, though, she doubts whether or not he is actually guilty of what the newspaper's owner is accusing him of.

The story was intriguing and enjoyable. The characters were wonderful. Charlotte and the Professor were as likable as Mrs. Wilmont was detestable. The author did a great job of explaining the underlying currents that made the characters who they were ... back story without going into all the gory details. At times, though, the book dragged a little and there were a few places where the story seemed to jump a bit from one thing to the next. It just wasn't as good as the first book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers and Net Galley in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Book
The chance to break the big story is all Charlotte needs to secure her future. But when the truth comes out--it may cost her the love of her life.

Newport, Rhode Island, in 1900--a glamorous resort town where the rich and famous go to see and be seen.
Charlotte Hale isn't part of that world. She's a working girl, a secretary for a local newspaper, who dreams of becoming a real reporter. When her boss offers her an assignment, she jumps at the opportunity. She'll go undercover as a governess to invesitgate a scandal about her new employer, Daniel Wilmont, a young widowed professor of religion who writes a controversial column in a rival newspaper.

Charlotte's qualms about misrepresenting herself to Daniel soon morph into a deeper quandry. How can she get the goods on a man who turns out ot be so honorable? How can she plot the downfall of a family that has inspired her to rediscover her faith? And how can she protect the man she now loves from a scheme she's been part of since the beginning?

About the Author
Cara Lynn James is the author of Love on a Dime. She's received contest awards from Romance Writers of America and the American Christian Fiction Writers. She resides in Florida with her husband Jim.

Summer Reading Program

As much as I love to read, I absolutely despised reading for school. The worst was "summer reading" for school. I think we mainly did this in high school, but it seemed that we always, always, always had to read the worst books. (Even my English-major-brother says that some of these weren't very good!) I always put it off until the last possible minute ... or didn't even really finish at all.

So the words "summer reading" don't have a great connotation for me.

But I ran across a couple of really need Summer Reading Programs that I thought I'd share with you ... and these are the kind I LOVED growing up.

Tyndale House Publishers - Read five books on the reading list, post your reviews, and choose a free book. Read five more, post reviews, and get another free book. Easy enough, right? I've read several of the books on the list and there are some good ones!

Barnes & Noble - This is a great one for kids. Read any eight books and you get a freebie. We all love freebies, don't we?!

Master Books - There are options for kids (ages 5 and up) and adults. Read the books on the list and choose between two prize packs.

Pizza Hut Bookit Program - Does anyone else remember this one? I had a collection of these buttons filled up with little gold stars that I could turn in for a personal pan pizza. It seems the program has changed a bit, but this could be fun for kids who just completed grades K-6.

Plus your local library is sure to have some fun reading program going for kids and adults alike.

Let's give "summer reading" a new definition ... one that is more fun than the high school summer reading I was required to do!

More Stories from Grandma's Attic by Arleta Richardson

I enjoyed these sweet children's books by Arleta Richardson. Each chapter tells a different story about when Grandma was growing up. As she tells these stories to her granddaughter, she weaves in wonderful lessons that teach character. These old-fashioned stories are simple and easy to read, but the lessons are valuable and timeless.

I received this book from The B&B Media Group in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Book
If you are young enough to love a story - and just about everyone is - here are more stories from Grandma's attic. Magical pieces of a day gone by . . . told by that natural storyteller of all loving families - Grandma, the one who never forgets the fun and laughter of a simpler, perhaps richer time.

Stories of an old rag doll that seems to come alive . . . of a newborn goat dancing stiff-legged in the old farm kitchen . . . and of a faith that gives life meaning.

Here are those marvelous tales, faithfully recalled for the delight of young and old alike, a touchstone to another day when life was simpler, perhaps richer; when the treasures of family life and love were passed from generation to generation by a child's questions . . . and the legends that followed enlarged our faith.

About the Author
The late Arleta Richardson grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan. There, her storyteller grandmother recounted memories of her childhood. Arleta retells those tales vividly, stories that have now reached more than two million people around the world.

In Grandma's Attic by Arleta Richardson

I enjoyed these sweet children's books by Arleta Richardson. Each chapter tells a different story about when Grandma was growing up. As she tells these stories to her granddaughter, she weaves in wonderful lessons that teach character. These old-fashioned stories are simple and easy to read, but the lessons are valuable and timeless.

I received this book from The B&B Media Group in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Book

A young girl delights in her grandmother’s stories of days gone by, sparked by keepsakes and simple questions, Grandma shares marvelous stories of mischief , discovery, and laughter, such as the time she accidentally lost the family buggy.

Part of the bestselling Grandma’s Attic series, these charming tales—updated with delightful new illustrations—will whisk you away to another time and place. And you’ll find something worth far more than any treasure or keepsake…timeless lessons of life and faith!

About the Author
The late Arleta Richardson grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan. There, her storyteller grandmother recounted memories of her childhood. Arleta retells those tales vividly, stories that have now reached more than two million people around the world.

That's When I Talk to God by Dan & Ali Morrow

That's When I Talk to God by Dan & Ali Morrow has just launched itself to the top of my list of children's books! A little girl and her mom have a bedtime conversation. Mom tells her that she can talk to God any time ... just like she talks to her mom or dad. The next day the girl looks for opportunities to talk to God - when she needs help, when she is thankful, when she is scared, when someone is hurt, when she is wrong.

This book provides a great way to start God-centered conversations with children! The story is very natural and uses ordinary situations to point children to God. Additionally, the illustrations by Cory Godbey are wonderful and imaginative. What a great tool for parents, grandparents, or anyone who loves children!

I received a free copy of this book from The B&B Media Group in exchange for my fair and honest review.

Canary Island Song by Robin Jones Gunn

Robin Jones Gunn is one of my all-time favorite authors. I grew up reading the Christy Miller series and have loved her adult fiction as well! I couldn't wait to get my hands on her newest novel Canary Island Song.

Carolyn has spent her life taking care of other people. When her daughter encourages her to think about herself and move on with her life, she decides to return to her family's ancestral home in the Canary Islands where her mother now lives. Running into Bryan,her first love whom she originally met in the Canary Islands, brings up memories from the past and forces Carolyn to deal with the hurt, regret, and disappointment that life has dealt her. Will she learn to trust God again or will she continue to try and make her own way in the world?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Carolyn and Bryan's story. While I thought the book started off a little slow, it picked up and kept me engaged until the very end. I loved Carolyn's daughter and mother ... the dynamic of three generations of women in the same family was absolutely wonderful. And, for all you Robin Jones Gunn fans, you'll be surprised (and delighted!) to learn of Bryan's family history. (I won't ruin the surprise for you.) This is a great summer read!

I received a free copy of this book from Howard Books in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Book
When Carolyn's grown daughter tells her she needs to "get a life," Carolyn decides it's time to step out of her familiar routine as a single woman in San Francisco and escape to her mother's home in the Canary Islands. Since Carolyn's mother is celebrating her seventieth birthday, the timing of Carolyn's visit makes for a perfect surprise.

The surprise, however, is on Carolyn when she sees Bryan Spencer, her high school summer love. It's been seven years since Carolyn lost her husband, but ever since that tragic day, her life has grown smaller and closed in. The time has come for Carolyn to get her heart back. It takes the gentle affection of her mother and aunts, as well as the ministering beauty and song of the islands to draw Carolyn into the fullness of life. She is nudged along by a Flamenco dance lesson, a defining camel ride and the steady gaze of Bryan's intense blue-gray eyes.

Is it too late for Carolyn to trust Bryan? Can Carolyn believe that Bryan has turned into something more than the wild beach boy who stole her kisses so many years ago on a balmy Canary night?

Carolyn is reminded that Christopher Columbus set sail from the Canary Islands in 1492 on his voyage to discover the New World. Is she ready to set sail from these same islands to discover her new life?

About the Author
Robin Jones Gunn is the much-loved author of seventy titles that have sold more than four million copies worldwide. Her popular Christy Miller series and Sisterchicks® novels have won a number of awards, including three Christy Awards for excellence in fiction, and a Gold Medallion Award finalist award. Robin's unique destination novels transport readers around the globe. To ensure that her tales of these extraordinary locations ring true, Robin has enjoyed the privilege of traveling to each location in order to experience the local culture. Her three visits to the Canary Islands provided bountiful research as she took flamenco dance lessons, rode a camel, and visited the chapel where Columbus prayed before departing on his famous journey. Robin and her husband have two grown children and live in Hawaii.

The Spirit in Baseball & The Spirit in Football

I had the opportunity to review two new children's books recently: The Spirit in Baseball and The Spirit in Football. I really liked the concept ... teaching kids about the fruit of the Spirit by showing them how these character traits can be displayed in the midst of playing football and baseball. These books go beyond simply talking about good sportsmanship. Instead, the books teach the character of Christ, supported by Scripture.

In theory, these books are wonderful. However, I was disappointed by these books. The layout is not what I expected. Both books include a single page with the text from the rest of the pages. Then it goes on to the actual content and illustrations. Additionally, there are a lot of "extras" - dedications, about the author, information about a famous athlete, etc. They seemed a bit all over the place. The illustrations were also fairly simple ... and quite cutesy. Since the books were about baseball and football, I felt like the pictures should have been more suited for boys. These would have been fine for a book for girls.

So ... unfortunately, I don't believe that I would use this book or give as a gift. I did like the concept, though!

I received a free copy of these books from The B&B Media Group in exchange for my fair and honest review.

So Long, Insecurity

Last year Beth Moore published a new book called So Long, Insecurity. The title alone compelled me to read it ... not to mention my respect for Beth Moore. I have followed her blog community for a while now and was excited about an online book discussion that Beth hosted as part of the release of the book.


Let's be honest, we all (women especially) struggle with insecurity. I was even a little insecure to read a book with the word "insecurity" scrawled across the cover. So, I asked a few friends to join me in reading and discussing the book over a period of ten weeks. Well-worth our time!

Beth starts off by talking about the fact that most of us are, indeed, insecure. She shares insights from women who contributed through her online community. She then spends a (lengthy) chapter talking about the roots of insecurity. Then she discusses the ways we can - with God's help - overcome our insecurities and see ourselves as the women God created us to be. A unique chapter gives insights from men about their insecurities, which was particularly helpful when thinking about relationships with husbands, brothers, fathers, sons, etc.

The book was fantastic! I have done several Beth Moore studies, but this was the first book I had read. Beth's writing style is much like her speaking style ... like a conversation with an old friend. If you've ever seen a video or heard her speak live, you will hear her voice floating around in your head as you read!

The discussion element with friends was a huge benefit as well! I'm super excited that there is now a new "group experience" book that will make group study much easier!

I highly recommend this book to anyone willing to read it! Women of ALL ages will benefit greatly!!!

5 Minute Friday: Every Day

It's time for 5 Minute Friday hosted by The Gypsy Mama.

The rules?  Write for only five minutes. Don’t edit. Don’t over think. Don’t stifle your creativity. Easy enough, right?

Timer set for five minutes. On your mark, get set, go!

Every Day

Every day I wake up. Much earlier during the week than on the weekends. The mornings have a routine about them. I get up, shower, get dress. Some mornings I crawl back in bed to watch the news and put on makeup. Some mornings I plop down on the couch to eat breakfast and finish getting ready.

Every day I go to work. The drive used to drive me nuts. Now I actually enjoy the time. It may be the only time I have to myself all day long. No expectations from anyone. Just driving. Listening to my favorite morning show. Singing loudly at the top of my lungs. Talking on the phone. It's my time.

Every day I come home. Some evenings I end up alone. Other times Hubs is at home with me. Mostly, we're at home. It's where I like to be after a long day at work.

Every day I go to bed. I could go to bed at 9:00 but Hubs doesn't exactly work that way. I read, watch TV, get good and sleepy. And then it's time for bed.

Every day my favorite time is the time we spend right before sleeping. The time when we're laying in bed, talking about anything and everything. Dreaming about the future. Laughing about some random joke. Fighting over who steals the covers every night. Just being together.

Then it's time to sleep.

Every day.

Ephesians 5:33

As unbelievable as it is, it's June 1! Can you believe it?! That means a lot of things, but today it means that it's time to choose another verse to memorize.

Over the past few weeks, we have been talking about biblical manhood, biblical womanhood, and biblical marriage at church. The series has been seriously thought-provoking and has led to some interesting discussions in the car, at home, at work, and just about everywhere else I've been over the past three weeks.

The verse I'm choosing is one I underlined in my Bible this past Sunday as we studied marriage and glad submission and sacrificial love.

However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Ephesians 5:33, ESV

I have such a long way to go in this area and am thankful for God's grace in every area of my life!!!