Review and Giveaway for Faithwords Book Club – Take the Day Off

Recently I had the opportunity to review the Faithwords Book Club and its selection for the month, Take the Day Off by Robert Morris.  Considering I love to read and also love sharing about what I am reading, this seemed like a perfect opportunity for me.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Rest your mind, body, and spirit and focus on God’s principles for rest with this helpful guide from bestselling author Robert Morris.

A constant stream of busyness can slowly wear away at us over time: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Yet believers often forget that taking a day of rest is one of the Ten Commandments! When we don’t give our minds and emotions a break, our will to make good choices can often become compromised. Resting is also important to those around you. If you have a weary soul, you can’t pour yourself into others at home, work, or wherever you are. It’s vital-you must take the day off.

In Take the Day Off, Pastor Morris explains why rest is central to your wellbeing, how to do it, and how helpful it can be. You will be inspired to experience true rest and make it a priority in the rhythm of your weekly schedule. Don’t wait and delay God’s blessings in your life. Start implementing the principle of rest in your life and you will see eternal benefits.

What others are saying about it:

“I strongly encourage every believer to read and reread this book. I pray it becomes a staple in every Christian home, where we function at our highest level, and can in turn raise a generation to do the same.”

– Bill Johnson, Bethel Church, Author of The Way of Life and Raising Giant-Killers

“I discovered a deep revelation of the importance of Sabbath from Pastor Robert’s teaching years ago. Applying these principles of rest to my life has greatly impacted me and my family and has allowed us to run the marathon of life well. I encourage you to read and apply the wisdom of this book to your life!”

– Kari Jobe Carnes, Worship Leader, Songwriter

“A must-read if you’re feeling overwhelmed and struggling for a light at the end of the tunnel.”

– Danny Gokey, Grammy-nominated recording artist

“As I work with CEOs and other high performers, overload is one of their biggest issues. The boundaries of time and space have disappeared…You are never safe until you remember that God has commanded us to protect some time to rest. Neuroscience and other fields have proven it to be true, and Robert gives us some practical ways to do it.”

– Dr. Henry Cloud, psychologist and co-author of Boundaries

The book club takes place on Facebook, and I have to say unfortunately I do not particularly care for Facebook as the main platform for a book club.  It is too easy to miss posts or for posts to get lost in a sea of other posts and groups.  I really wanted to love this experience, after all, sharing with other individuals all reading the same book should be wonderful. But I felt it lost something in the platform.

Flor some individuals I am sure it would be a perfect fit, especially for those who have a limited number of family, friends, and groups that they follow.  The teaching videos and other relevant information are all shared on the Facebook platform.  The questions, Facebook graphics, and sharing flowed well with the study.  But I had to make it a point to remember to check the group.

Here is an interview with Robert Morris and his wife Debbie.

Here is an excerpt of one of the videos for this book.

 

I have to say I really enjoyed the book.  Robert Morris does an excellent job of examining the effect busyness is having on our society.  This book reminds us of how rest is a necessary and sacred experience.  The book consists of ten chapters that examine everything from the forgotten commandment to The Getaway to Rest and Humility and more.  I found the book easy to read and definitely worth taking the time to read because it encourages the reader to accept God’s gift of rest.

After all, if God took the time to rest on the seventh day of Creation, we should do the same.  But in the hurry-up mentality of today’s society in the world, we need a reminder to rest.

So check out the Faithwords Book Club for yourself on Facebook by clicking here.

Click here to enter the giveaway.

I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.

#Faithwords #TakeTheDayOff  #RoberMorris

Review and Giveaway for Holly Lane – Christian Jewelry

Recently I had the opportunity to review a necklace from Holly Lane, a Christian jewelry company that specializes in jewelry designed to share Jesus Christ with others. The company has a line of sterling silver jewelry that allows you to share Christ with others as well as reflect your personal faith.  The jewelry is designed in central Virginia by jewelry artist Tiffany Scott.  She has based her designs on passages of Scripture from the Bible in order to bring comfort to the wearer while representing God’s promise.  The unique designs are meant to encourage conversations about Jesus Christ.

Every piece of jewelry comes with a Story Card that displays the Scripture reference on the front along with an explanation of the design’s significance on the back.  Tiffany’s love of semiprecious gemstones shines through in her use of a variety of gemstones throughout the line.  The Holly Lane line enables customers to put together their own personal combination of pendants, chains, and bead drops that reflect the promises they are holding onto as well as God is speaking to them in their own lives.

Here is a video about how the jewelry is made.

Below is what I found when I first opened my box from Holly Lane.

I could tell that every Holly shipment must be packed with a tremendous amount of care that allows the customer to see just how truly special they are.  I know as I opened my box, I could tell the care that was given to shipping my necklace.

From the moment I placed my order for this review, I could tell this experience would be unforgetable.  From the email I received upon placing my order:

ORDER #23894

Hi Patti, thank you for your order! We are lovingly crafting your jewelry and getting it ready to send! You will receive a shipping notice via email with tracking info once your order is on the way. First Class Mail will ship in 1-3 business days. Priority Mail will ship same or next business day. We hope your Holly Lane jewelry will be a constant reminder of His Word and give you many opportunities to share it with others! View your order status or Visit our store

 

To the email I received to let me know my package was delivered demonstrates how much Holly Lane cares about the customer.  So many companies seem to be forgetting about their customers, Holly Lane goes to the other end of the spectrum and illustrates how important their customers are to them.

When I opened up the box and found the necklace was wrapped in tissue paper with a ribbon and a gold seal, I felt like I was a very special customer.  Upon opening the tissue paper, I found a box inside.

The necklace came with a beautiful card containing the Scripture passage for Proverbs 31:10, 28-29 – which was the necklace I selected.  I truly appreciate the attention to every detail with this necklace.

The ruby and other charms on this pendant make it a beautiful and meaningful piece to wear.  Here is the description of the necklace from the Holly Lane website, “A crowned heart because you are a daughter of the King, a blessed charm to represent the great joy of family, and a precious ruby drop to remind you of your great worth. Inspired by Proverbs 31, “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness…Her children stand and bless her…”  As a wife and mother, I find this necklace so precious to wear.

The necklace is 18 inches long, however, the company does offer extenders if you want a longer chain.  I think at some point in the future I will probably purchase the extender since I like my necklaces to be a little bit longer.

I truly love this necklace and am sure I will be purchasing more pieces from this company in the future.

You can use the code “20FORYOU”  to receive 20% off their purchase at hollylane.com

Click here or on the graphic below to enter the giveaway for a chance to receive a $100 ecard certificate to Holly Lane.

This jewelry provides the opportunity to share your faith as well as express your faith in a beautiful piece of jewelry you will come to treasure.  So check out Holly Lane for yourself.

Review and Giveaway for Reclaimed

About the Book

Book: Reclaimed

Author: Stephanie Broersma

Genre: RELIGION / Christian Ministry / Counseling & Recovery

Release Date: August 21, 2019

Stephanie Broersma lived a charmed life . . . until the day she discovered a deleted online conversation between her husband and another woman. When confronted, he confessed to a ten-year addiction to pornography and multiple affairs. Yet even as her world crumbled, Stephanie refused to allow Satan to turn her marriage into another dismal statistic.  

Reclaimed: Finding Your Identity after Marital Betrayal is Stephanie’s story—from revelation to reconciliation and all the pain and confusion in between. But it’s also a guide for those whose lives have turned upside down—a raw and honest look at the emotions, decisions, and difficulties women face in marital betrayal. It’s a collection of stories shared by real women, a journal with leading questions to help put words to feelings, and an encouraging compilation of Scripture verses to give strength to the weary. 

Stephanie’s goal in sharing her story is that you will realize that you are not alone. That you are not without hope despite the chaos and pain around you. That you will find healing from the shame, anger, and brokenness that overwhelms you. That you will gain confidence as you rebuild trust and self-worth. And that you will walk out of this fire with your head held high, giving God the glory for the amazing, reclaimed story of your life. 

Click here to get your copy.

What a powerful and moving book this one is.  It delves deep into the gritty and painful realities of what pornography and extramarital affairs cause to the other party.  Stephanie Broersma holds nothing back when talking about the pain and anguish she felt when she discovered her husband was addicted to pornography and had engaged in multiple affairs.  Yet rather than letting Satan destroy her marriage, she and her husband were able to reclaim their marriage and come out on the other side stronger.

The background information provided at the start of the book provides the foundation for the thirty days of readings, exercises, prayers, and thoughts that follow.  I feel this book would be excellent for anyone walking through the pain of infidelity, trying to take proactive action to avoid infidelity or wanting to support someone who is walking through the pain and devastation.

While I have not experienced this in my own marriage, my mother experienced this, and the repercussions were devastating.  My parents’ marriage did not survive.  It broke my heart to see their marriage break up after 23 years of marriage.  So check out this book for yourself.

I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.

 

About the Author

Stephanie Broersma is a living example of how God brings beauty from ashes in the lives of His children. Married since 2002, she and her husband, Tim, have walked through the valley of marital betrayal and come out the other side stronger, more in love, and fully devoted to Christ. She now heads Reclaimed Ministry, an organization that seeks to help other broken brides recover from the pain and devastation of marital infidelity. For more information or to find help, visit reclaimedministry.com. 

More from Stephanie

FUN FACTS about the book and Stephanie:

– In keeping identities private, Stephanie had to come up with a system to replace names when sharing stories from other women. She replaced the names with cast members from her favorite TV series, The Office.

– Stephanie has walked in two Susan G. Women 3 Day breast cancer walks and has ran in races with distances from 5k-50k.

– Her goal is to run a race in every state by the age of 50. She’s welcome to invitations and races with causes.

“Reclaimed is here to walk you through your season of brokenness. To support you with authentic tools and scripture based guidance that supports you and meets you exactly where you are. My name is Stephanie and I also have come from a place of dark despair. I created these materials to guide you on the path to wholeness and living a redeemed identity.

If your husband has had an affair… if pornography or sexual addiction has hurt your marriage… if you have discovered an emotional affair… then this message is for you.

Here’s why…

The problem is most women don’t know where to go for help when they discover an affair. Many will get counseling. Some will talk to close friends and family. Many will hide and pretend everything is fine. But none of that brings about the healing we need.

• We need to connect with a community that understands what we are going through.
• We need to discover the healing available through Jesus Christ.
• We need a life that doesn’t feel out of control.

What happens if you don’t find healing? If you just keep doing what you have been doing? You remain stuck in brokenness and shame and may even continue enabling the same patterns of abuse.

My heart is for you to

• Find your true identity
• Develop confidence
• Learn to love again”

Blog Stops

CarpeDiem, November 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 20

Book Love, November 21 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, November 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 23

A Baker’s Perspective, November 24 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 25

janicesbookreviews, November 26

SusanK. Beatty, Author, November 27 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain, November 28

Inklings and notions, November 29

Andrea Christenson, November 30 (Author Interview)

Quiet Quilter, December 1

Simple Harvest Reads, December 2 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Stephanie is giving away a $250 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/ee1b/reclaimed-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review of Thinkwell Press’ High School Math

When it comes to teaching High School Math, I prefer to use video-based instruction such as Algebra 1 from Thinkwell.  Our high school-aged daughter prefers to do any other subject more than math, so I am always on the hunt for math programs that will help her understand mathematics. I am so glad we had the opportunity to review this program.  Because we already had another math program she was using, we utilized this program as a supplement to what she was already doing.  So I wanted her to aim to use this program three times a week.  This online program can be accessed anywhere at any time.

Thinkwell Press offers online homeschool programs for grades six through Calculus.  In addition to the mather courses, they also offer a selection of science and economics honors courses.  The courses are video-based and are taught by award-winning professors.  The Algebra I course is taught by Professor Edward Burger.  As a parent, I appreciate how clearly he speaks and how everything he does is explained and illustrated.  Placement tests are available so you can make sure your child begins at the right level for them.

I love the convenience of our daughter being able to watch the videos and do the exercises.  Then if she should encounter any difficulties, she can come to her father or me.  The videos are clear, concise, and do an excellent job of explaining what the students will be doing.  As a former math teacher, and someone who loves math, I appreciate the fact the problems being demonstrated correspond to what our daughter has to do on her own.

The course is broken down into sections that cover:

• Foundations for Algebra
• Equations, Proportions, and Percents
• Inequalities
• Functions
• Linear Functions
• Systems of Equations and Equalities
• Exponents and Polynomials
• Factoring Polynomials
• Quadratic Functions and Equations
• Data Analysis and Probability

I love how our family had the ability to jump around in the course to the sections our daughter needed to work on.  I also appreciated the fact that the online exercises for the sections we worked on could be printed and worked out on paper prior to completing the answers on the computer.  Another handy feature is the fact that real-time feedback is given.  So when our daughter put in her answer for a problem, she immediately knew if she got it right or wrong.  But in addition to just saying if the answer is right or wrong, the solution is also displayed which helps ensure your child can see what they needed to do if they got the problem wrong.  In addition to worksheets and exercises, there are also review exercises and their answer keys provided.

Another feature I really appreciate is the fact that the transcripts of each lesson are provided.  So families can print them out for the student to refer back to if they have encountered any difficulties.

You can find Thinkwell Press on social media on Facebook and YouTube.

So if your family is looking for an online math program, check out the High School Math, programs including Algebra 1 from Thinkwell.  Other members of the Home School Review Crew are reviewing Algebra I along with other grade levels and courses from Thinkwell Press, so check out their reviews by clicking here or on the graphic below.

 

Review for Lake Season

About the Book

Book: Lake Season

Author: Denise Hunter

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Release Date: November 12, 2019

A lost letter, a new love, and old secrets beckon this summer at the Bluebell Inn.

When their parents die in a tragic accident, Molly Bennett and her siblings pull together to fulfill their parents’ dream: turning their historic Bluebell, North Carolina home back into an inn. The situation would just be temporary—three years at the most—then they would sell the inn and Molly could get back to chasing her own dreams.

Adam Bradford (aka bestselling author Nathanial Grey) is a reclusive novelist with a bad case of writer’s block. Desperate for inspiration as his deadline approaches, he travels to the setting of his next book, a North Carolina lake town. There he immediately meets his muse, a young innkeeper who fancies herself in love with his alter ego.

Molly and Adam strike up an instant friendship. When Molly finds a long-lost letter in the walls of her inn she embarks on a mission with Adam to find the star-crossed lovers and bring them the closure they deserve. But Adam has secrets of his own. Past and present collide as truths are revealed, and Molly and Adam will have to decide if love is worth trusting.

Click here to get your copy.

Let’s face it, love is not always easy.  Sometimes you can find the right person when you are not even looking.  With the setting in North Carolina, which is our family’s home of record, I knew I wanted to read this book.  The devastation Molly and her siblings must have felt with the deaths of their parents, I can not imagine the pain they felt.  However, deciding to put her own dreams on hold, Molly convinces her older brother and her younger sister that the three should embark on fulfilling their parents’ wishes to turn their home into the inn their parents desired.

When Adam Bradford, a best-selling author, enters the scene, I could feel the chemistry between the two as I read the words written.  Truly these two seemed made for each other.  If they can just get through the secrets and other things that hinder their romance. So if you want to read a wonderful book with captivating characters that are worthy of a Hallmark movie, check out this book for yourself.

I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.

About the Author

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 25 books, including A December Bride and The Convenient Groom, which have been adapted into original Hallmark Channel movies. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Carol Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist. When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking green tea, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are rapidly approaching an empty nest. To learn more about Denise, visit her website DeniseHunterBooks.com; Facebook: AuthorDeniseHunter; Twitter: @DeniseAHunter; Instagram: deniseahunter.

Read a premium Excerpt

You can read a premium excerpt of Denise’s Lake Season here.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 12

My Devotional Thoughts, November 12

The Power of Words, November 12

A Baker’s Perspective , November 12

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 13

Mia Reads, November 13

Back Porch Reads, November 13

Carla Loves To Read, November 14

All-of-a-kind Mom, November 14

Among the Reads, November 14

Genesis 5020, November 14

Wishful Endings, November 15

Reflections From My Bookshelves, November 15

CarpeDiem, November 15

Older & Smarter?, November 16

Cultivating Us, November 16

Inside the Wong Mind, November 16

Blossoms and Blessings , November 16

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 17

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, November 17

Avid Reader Nurse, November 17

Through the Fire Blogs, November 18

For Him and My Family, November 18

Jeanette’s Thoughts, November 18

Splashes of Joy, November 18

Robin’s Nest, November 19

Mary Hake, November 19

Baker Kella, November 19

Simple Harvest Reads, November 20 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 20

SusanLovesBooks, November 20

Lights in a Dark World, November 20

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 21

Vicky Sluiter, November 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 21

Quiet Quilter, November 22

Andrea Christenson, November 22

Pause for Tales, November 22

Just Your Average Reviews, November 22

Hallie Reads, November 23

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, November 23

To Everything There Is A Season, November 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 23

Texas Book-aholic, November 24

janicesbookreviews, November 24

A Reader’s Brain, November 24

Inklings and notions, November 24

Batya’s Bits, November 25

Livin’ Lit, November 25

The Christian Fiction Girl, November 25

Remembrancy, November 25