Thursday, September 30, 2010

Praying For your Husband Day 30 & 31

Day 30
Pray that your husband will serve God and other with pure motives.  Pray that he will obey from his heart and glorify Him in everything. (1 Cor. 10:13; John 7:17-18; Col. 3: 23-24)
Day 31
Pray that your husband will recognize the lies of the Enemy in his life.  Pray that his attitudes and actions will be guided by the truth as he brings his thoughts into captivity to the Word of God. (John 8:44, 2 Cor. 10:4-5)

Today was the last day of posting the prayers for your husband.  I hope you were able to bless your husband with these prayers everyday.
Here is a pdf file of the whole list in case you missed it.  I printed it off and carry this list in my Bible.

Recipe of the Week: Italian Chicken



This is probably one of my favorite recipes to make and it's so good!  As you can see it's a great freezer meal too.  Here is the link to the recipe: Italian Chicken from 30 Day Gourmet.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Love, Charleston Book Review and Giveaway!

Love, Charleston is the story of three related women going through different situations.  Anne is looking for love, Della is tired of her love and Lish is losing her love.  It all begins when widower, Roy Summerall moves to Charleston to become the new priest at St. Michael's, but he's not sure if he can meet the needs of his new parishioners.  Things start to look up when he meets Anne, a beautiful bell ringer.  Della is married to an unemployed artist and even though she dearly loves her little girl, she's anxious to give her a better life.  Lish is a successful doctor along with her husband.  After delivering her third child, she sinks into a serious depression and not even her sister or cousin can convince her husband how sick Lish is.  What happens to these three women in the beautiful city of Charleston?  Only God could orchestrate the outcome of their situations.  Let Beth Webb Hart show you the conclusion.

My interest ebbed and flowed with this book.  Overall, it was somewhat depressing and the characters seemed inconsistent.  Each chapter came from the perspective of a different character.  Roy's story was boring, but I really liked how he was connected to the other three women from his past.  I was not impressed with Della's outlook of "the grass is greener on the the other side."  I also was not sure why Lish's condition was never stated until I read it in the reading group questions guide.  And I couldn't figure out why Anne seemed like a confident woman, but in her first meeting with Roy she was a total basket case.  But after I read the acknowledgments , I know that a lot of research went into this book and I applaud the author for her dedicated work.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


Win it:  I am having a giveaway for this book.  Open to US only and giveaway ends Friday, October 8.

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.




1. Mandatory: Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)
2. Put my button on your blog and provide the link. 
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Praying For Your Husband Day 29

Day 29
Pray that your husband will surrender his time and talents to the Lord.  Pray that his spiritual gifts will be manifest in his career, at church, and in your home.  (Eph. 5:15-16; 1 Cor. 12:4,7)

Pamper Me Please Event Ends Friday October 1

MMEM

Have you entered all of the Pamper Me Please Event Giveaways? Friday is the last day to enter and be sure to fill out the EXTRA entry form if you entered more than one giveaway.


*Handmade Creations by Greta & Elle ends 10/1
*Knit on a Bike $25 GC ends 10/1
*Skin2Spirit Body Mousse ends 10/1
*Brandi Button Bags ends 10/1
*Sweet Scent Soaps Gift Basket ends 10/1

Thanks for making this a great week and supporting my sponsors!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Praying For Your Husband Day 28

Day 28
Pray that your husband will be a man of prayer.  Pray that he will seek and pursue God in purposeful quiet times. (1 Thess. 5:17; Luke 22:46; James 5:16)

Monday, September 27, 2010

Make Your Home a Haven Fall 2010

I have decided to link up again to Woman Living Well for a Making Your Home a Haven for Fall 2010.  I feel like I'm always going in so many directions and I need a focus not only for my home, but also for my spirit.  If you want to join up, please head over to Woman Living Well and watch Courtney's video introduction.  I'm ready!

Just so you know...I have another giveaway event week on Milk N' Honey Learn and Grow

MMEM


Just so you know... I have another giveaway week going on at Milk N' Honey Learn and Grow called Handmade Fun 4 Children! If you have children or grandchildren, this would be a great opportunity to get some Christmas gifts. I have 5 great Etsy shops that have some awesome prizes to win. Hop on over and enter! Thanks, Shonda

Praying for Your Husband Day 27

Day 27
Pray that your husband will understand the importance of taking care of his body- the temple of the Holy Spirit- for the glory of God.  Pray that he will practice self-control by making wise food choices, and get sufficient exercise to stay healthy.  (Rom 12: 1-2; 1 Cor. 6:19-20, 9:27)

Heavenly Homemakers Cookie Ebook Sale until Friday, October 1!!!

If you haven't guessed it, I just absolutely LOVE Heavenly Homemakers and her Ebooks.  Laura is so creative and also seeks to give out information that is health conscious.

THIS WEEK:
25% off until Friday, October 1
Coupon Code: WHITE
25% off until Friday, October 1
Coupon Code: BROWN

Be sure to click on the links to find all the great recipes that are featured in each book and know that these recipes were especially designed to bring healthy treats for your to make for your family.  I'm certainly enjoying making these myself! 


**As an affiliate, I receive a small commission from each sale at this website.  Thanks for shopping!**

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Song Sunday: The Stand

Praying for Your Husband Day 26

Day 26
Pray that your husband will discover and live his God-given purpose.  Pray that he will offer all his dreams to the Lord, and pursue only those goals that will bring God glory and count for eternity.  (Jer. 29:11; 1 Cor. 10:31)

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Praying for Your Husband Day 25

Day 25
Pray that your husband will be courageous in his stand against evil and injustice, and that he will stand for the truth.  Pray that he will protect you and your family from Satan's attacks.  (Psalm 31:24; Eph. 6:13; Ps. 27:14)

EZ Reading From A to Z Book Review

EZ Reading From A to Z by Michelle Goosby is a very fun and interactive book for learning all different sounds in the English language.  This book is a real treasure in that at the front it has charts for all the phonetic and consonant sounds.  This includes for each sound the different spellings for that sound.  For example: sounds of long Oo- o, oa, oe, ou, ough, ow, owe.  Michelle then writes a story for every phonetic and consonant using all of the different spellings of words.  There is an illustration along the with the chart for each story.  All the sounds that are to be worked on are bold faced and underlined in the entire story.  For the teacher in me, I would have my kids write down all the words in the story that were emphasized and make separate lists for the different sound types.  I would also have my kids come up with other words that could be on the list for those particular sounds and words.  They could then write their own sentence or story using those words.  Also, put the sounds and words on flashcards and match them up.  There are endless possibilities.

Trying to create a story with all those different sounds is pretty daunting, but Michelle pulled it off.  She has a great imagination because all the stories are really silly and a little ridiculous, but they get the point across.  I would say this book would be good for readers who are advanced but need to practice their phonetic sounds and spelling.


If you are interested in purchasing this book, you can do so at Dorrance Publishing. Click on Non-fiction, then Education/Parenting.  It would be a great supplement for your readers!

Friday, September 24, 2010

Praying For Your Husband Day 24

Day 24
Pray that your husband will have a balanced life- that he will balance work and play.  Pray that he will fear God, but also gain favor with people he knows at work and church. (Luke 2:52; Prov. 13:15)

Extra Entries for Pamper Me, Please!

MMEM

Did you enjoy this week of Pamper Me, Please?
I hope you found some great items to put on your wish list for Christmas and birthdays. 
My intent for this week was to introduce you to some great new stores that will definitely give you some ideas for pampering yourself.

I really hope you get a chance to win one of these great prizes that are offered this week.
If you want extra entries, please fill out the form below:

It's No Secret Review and Giveaway!!

 It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books.  A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured.  The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between!  Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!


Today's Wild Card author is:


and the book:

David C. Cook; New edition (September 1, 2010)
***Special thanks to Karen Davis, Assistant Media Specialist, The B&B Media Groupfor sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Rachel Olsen is a writer, editor, and speaker on staff with Proverbs 31 Ministries. She serves as Editor-in-Chief of their online devotions, “Encouragement for Today,” with a readership of more than 375,000. She also writes for and serves on the editorial board of the P31 Woman magazine. Olsen is a national women’s speaker who enjoys interacting with audiences at women’s retreats and conferences from coast to coast.

Visit the author's website.

Product Details:

List Price: $14.99
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook; New edition (September 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1434765377
ISBN-13: 978-1434765376

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:


Always RSVP

Revealing the Secret to Responding to God

Everyone has a story. Everyone chooses to ignore God, (re)define God, or search for God and respond to Him as He truly is. I’ve done all three.

When I was growing up, my family attended church in a brown brick building with stained-glass windows and bright red carpet. The sanctuary smelled faintly of wood. I’m surprised I remember the smell; we weren’t there often—a few times a year.

I don’t remember much about going to church other than feel­ing embarrassed by my mother’s singing. We rarely went, but each time we did Mom sat us front and center, and then she sang as loudly as she could. She sang with passion, but she couldn’t carry a tune with a U-Haul. Being from the South I’m required to follow that criticism with “bless her heart.” (So let it be noted here that I blessed my momma’s can’t-sing-a-lick heart.)26 It’s No Secret

I listened to the pastor’s sermons, but I didn’t understand much about the subject matter. From what I could gather, God was good and He didn’t do bad things. So I concluded that if I wanted God to like me I, too, needed to be good and not do anything bad. Being a proper Southern girl, I very much wanted God to like me.

I thought believing in God and trying to do the right thing was what church was all about. I didn’t realize that—because Jesus lived, died, and rose—I could have a dynamic relationship with the God of the universe and He would delight in empowering me to live well. Instead, I assumed it took willpower. Like a diet or a marathon.

Glimpses of Revelation

When I was twelve, my mother called me into her room and patted the edge of the bed. I sat down beside her. With an unsettled look on her face, she revealed she’d been diagnosed with breast cancer. The room started to spin, splintering my carefree world within its centrifugal force.

She explained something about cells and masts. Then she braced me for the likelihood that the treatments would cause her hair to fall out. That did it. I ran from the room crying inconsolably. My momma, sick, without her pretty auburn hair? It was too much for a tweenager to take in. I might have been only twelve at the time, but I understood the importance of big hair to Southern women.

During the months of cancer treatments that followed we went to church more often. About this time our church employed a new minister, and I really liked him. I understood more of his sermons, perhaps because I was desperate, or maybe because I was growing Always RSVP 27

up. All I know is I sensed something stirring in a dormant chamber of my heart.

I asked Mom to buy me a Bible; she did. I sat on the floor one Saturday, sunlight streaming through my window, and read through Genesis. (OK, I might have skimmed a little bit.) Then I skipped to the middle—because I’d never read a book this long—and read through Matthew, Mark, and part of Luke. Then I skipped to Revelation to find out how the book ended.

I don’t know if you’ve spent much time in Revelation, but it isn’t exactly light reading material. Challenging concepts make it difficult to grasp, especially for a clueless tween with no decoder ring. I closed the book, remembering the stories about Jesus. He lived doing good, which reconfirmed my notion that I had to be good and do good to make heaven’s invitation list. I’d finally made a Jesus-sighting, but I was still missing His point. I didn’t hear His message of mercy.

I set out to be and do good. I unloaded the dishwasher without being asked. I invited less-popular kids to sit at my lunch table. I even said “yes ma’am,” and “no sir” to my teachers. But inevitably something would happen to throw me off my good game. Someone would insult me, something would depress me, or some boy would pass a note my way.

After a year or so of mastectomy recovery and radiation treat­ments, my mother’s cancer went into remission. Things returned to normal around our home. Sadly, the preacher I liked so well left to pastor another church, and my interest in the things of God faded as my interest in the things of my peers grew. I didn’t give God much thought during my high school years, preferring to focus on fashion, sports, boys, and music.28 It’s No Secret

Halfway through my freshman year of college, my brother called to tell me Mom had again been diagnosed with cancer. This time, it was a brain tumor. His words sank into my own brain, creating a mass of stress and fret.

One night, I lay alone in my dorm room trying to sleep when I thought I saw Jesus standing in the corner. He didn’t say anything; He just looked at me, His arms extended toward me. He looked just as He did in the statues you see in old churches—long brown hair and white flowing robe. I wasn’t sure if I was dreaming or hallucinat­ing, but I decided it meant that my mom was going to be OK.

Turned out, the tumor was inoperable. The doctors resorted to chemotherapy and radiation, but I could tell they didn’t think it’d work. I spent my spring semester driving the two hours back and forth between college and home. By exam week I was sick with a sinus infec­tion, probably stress-induced. I’d take an exam, drag myself back to my room and sleep, then stagger—coughing and sniffling—to the next test. At the end of the week, I lugged myself home.

Hope Deferred

That Sunday, Mother’s Day, I visited Mom at the cancer center, determined to keep a smile on my face and do my best to cheer her up. I didn’t want her worrying about me. I purchased a sweet card and wrote, “Thank you for being my mom.” When I arrived, the nurse told me I couldn’t enter her room because I was sick.

I still remember the sterile feeling of the cold, hard floor in the hall outside her room, where I sat and cried. But it’s Mother’s Day, my mind protested between sobs, but she’s dying anyway…. Even today, the memory stings my eyes with tears.Always RSVP 29

A few days later I was better, but Mom had worsened. She came home from the cancer center with hospice care. A couple days after that, she couldn’t respond to me beyond raising her eyebrows at the sound of my voice. Panic set in as I realized I was losing contact. She was sliding away, and I was powerless to stop the inevitable.

Later that evening, my dad and I went out to grab dinner, leav­ing Mom under my grandmother’s watch. As we returned, I spotted a police car parked out front—and I knew. I ran to the bedroom to find my beautiful, vibrant mom lying lifeless.

She was gone. I was seventeen.

That night my life passed before me. Not my history with my mom, but my future without her. Where my prospects once looked promisingly bright, I now saw a haze of uncertainty.

I cried on the shoulder of a family friend. Gasping for breath and wiping away tears, I questioned, “What will I do when it comes time to graduate and my mom isn’t there to pin on my cap and clap? Or when I set out on my own and I don’t have my mom to advise me? What happens when I get married, and have babies, and I don’t have a mom to help me?”

Placing her hands on my trembling shoulders, she stared into my moist eyes. “When those times come, Rachel, God will make sure you are taken care of.” She spoke the words with enough cer­tainty that I resolved to believe her.

Filing that promise away in my heart, I held on to the hope that God would somehow become a mother to me. I had nothing else to cling to. My dad and brothers argued over Mom’s will, then went their separate ways. I didn’t just lose my mom; I lost my whole family that May.30 It’s No Secret

Coming Undone

In the fall I headed back to college, where I majored in journalism. I spent weekends trying to drown my sorrows at fraternity parties. I recall stumbling home one evening and walking into my closet, where I caught sight of one of my mom’s sweaters. My knees buckled beneath me as heavy sobs ensued. I realized the party life wasn’t fixing anything; it was an insufficient distraction. But I didn’t know how else to find relief.

My junior year I met a corduroy-clad young professor with uncommon wisdom and peace. He taught two of my classes, sched­uled back-to-back. As the weather turned cool and leaves crunched underfoot, we’d walk across campus together from one class to the other. I learned he was a Christian. He felt like a safe place. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d felt that way around anybody.

I found myself telling him about my mom, my fractured family, and my uneasiness about the future. I asked him questions about his faith. He answered convincingly, and when the semester ended, he invited me to his church.

Inside that prefab metal building I witnessed vibrancy. Those people possessed hope, joy, and peace, all of which I coveted. I learned about Jesus and how His shed blood washes away my sin and unites me with God—even though I don’t deserve such kindness. 


I discovered God doesn’t just want me to be good, He wants me to be in Him—hand in hand, heart to heart. I realized it isn’t just a matter of willpower and proper performance He’s after, but a grow­ing relationship through which He’ll shoulder most of the burden to make me vibrant. Yahweh so desires that I bear His image, I learned, He will transform me into His likeness through His Spirit. He can Always RSVP 31

make the most tarnished Southern belle glorious. In fact, in Him my purpose is found and fulfilled. In coming to Him I’d become a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a bride. All in Him, and all to Him.

After attending church two Sundays, I responded to this divine truth. I walked to the front, acknowledged my need for Jesus, and handed Him the jumbled mess of my broken heart. I asked Him to forgive me, clear the haze, and untangle my knotted-up hopes and dreams.

Inside a priceless decoder ring, God inscribed my initials with an eternal beam of light. In the instant I responded to Christ’s call, I became a beloved daughter of the Most High God and a member of His Yahweh Sisterhood.

The Favor of a Reply Is Requested

You and I need a jeweler’s loupe of sorts to see the secrets Yahweh wants to reveal to us—indeed to see Yahweh Himself. Our basic eye­sight needs some spiritual amplification. We need a divine ointment to anoint our eyes for the task.

Remember that Greek word musterion, meaning a sacred secret revealed by God? Its root word is muo, which means locked up or shut, as in eyes that are closed. In Revelation 3:17–18 Jesus told the people of the church at Laodicea that, although they didn’t realize it, they were spiritually blind. Their eyes were locked shut and could not see God. They were neither seeing nor responding. Jesus counseled them, “Buy from me … salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see” (v. 18 ESV). Jesus affords us the ability to see, hear, understand, and respond to God. Only Jesus can provide that divine salve we need.32 It’s No Secret

In Matthew 5, we find Jesus perched on the side of a moun­tain near the ancient city of Capernaum to preach. Massive crowds gathered to watch and hear what He had to say. Some in the crowd followed Jesus; they had already opened themselves to His teach­ing. Others desperately sought a miracle or healing. A few counted themselves Jesus’ enemies. Others showed up out of curiosity. They’d heard the rumors and came to decide for themselves if Jesus was a fake, a prophet, or a Savior.

Jesus gazed across the mountainside at the congregation of people. Many eyed Him skeptically, wondering if they would see something that proved a connection to God. He told them, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matt. 5:8 NIV). A pure heart; an authentic heart; a humble, believing heart open to Jesus’ teaching—that’s the currency that buys the salve to allow our eyes to see God. That’s what enables us to respond to God. Lacking it, many heard Jesus’ words without understanding Him or watched His moves without realizing they were staring into the face of Yahweh.

God’s gals understand that only Jesus can open the eyes of a woman’s heart, cleansing them pure enough to see and respond to Yahweh. Jesus says in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” Did you catch the secret Jesus reveals here? He said He’s the only way to God, the full embodiment of truth, and the only source of vibrant, lasting life. Jesus is the way we want to go, the truth we need to know, and the eternal life that we crave. You just can’t get to God without going through Jesus. Jesus is our way to God, and God’s way to us.

Jesus is who God wants us to respond to.Always RSVP 33

All religions do not lead to heaven, despite popular opin­ion (John 3:3). God is wise beyond wise and has a purpose for everything He does, and He designed salvation in such a way that believing in God is not sufficient. We must also believe in His Son, who ushers us to Yahweh and shows us how to live His way.

So our membership in the Yahweh Sisterhood—our becoming a daughter of God—happens at Christ’s invitation to follow Him. You cannot buy, earn, or bluff your way in. You must be invited—and you have been. God’s own hand addressed your invitation some two thousand years ago, at the desk of the cross, on the parchment of Christ’s body, in the ink of His blood.

Have you RSVP’d?

A year of high school French enables me to inform you RSVP stands for “répondez s’il vous plaît.” It means “please respond” … don’t put it off … don’t wait and see … say you’ll join me!

If you’ve never responded to Jesus’ invitation to come to God through Him, now is the time. Don’t wait for tomorrow. Don’t put it off until you get your act together—RSVP right now through prayer. Receive the gift of forgiveness offered through Jesus, and ask God to take charge of your life and future. Receive your divine decoder ring. Tomorrow may be too late. Be Jesus’ guest today.

Guest List

In Jesus’ day, a person throwing a soiree sent out servants to issue invitations to the guests and gather their responses. Invitations noted the day of the gathering but not the hour. The hour depended on when everything was ready. 34 It’s No Secret

Once everything was ready on party day, servants again went out to call in the guests. Those who’d said they’d come were expected to be dressed, ready, and waiting that day. When the ser­vant knocked on their door, they were to head immediately for the banquet room.

This scenario mirrors what happens in the spiritual realm. God sent His Son and Servant Jesus to issue our invitation on the cross. Those who accept are born anew spiritually—then expected and empowered to live in such a way that they are ready for the day Jesus will return, calling us to God’s heavenly banqueting table.

Though we don’t know the day or the hour, we will be ushered to a great wedding feast, the marriage banquet for Jesus and His bride. Jesus’ bride is the church, meaning you and me—all who have RSVP’d to His invitation.

I read about this feast in the book of Revelation that day in my room. What I couldn’t grasp fully back then now sets my heart aflutter in a way that nothing else can. I am loved, chosen, adopted, prepared, and betrothed—to the King of Glory. You are too! The wildest thing about this Yahweh Sisterhood? We’re all engaged to the same Man—Jesus—yet no one seems to mind.

You and I must RSVP and ready ourselves for our heavenly wed­ding day. The rest of the divine secrets in this book will purify and prepare us to take our Groom’s hand as He replaces our decoder ring with a wedding band. I don’t want to miss it. Nor do I want to get there and find myself underdressed and unprepared.

Understanding and responding to the twelve divine secrets that follow—internalizing and enacting them—will keep us dressed Always RSVP 35

and ready for the future party. While simply responding to the cross secures our seat at the grand banqueting table, keeping these secrets assures us that our heavenly Groom will look on us with utter delight.

My fellow belles, have you saved the date? Because a wedding feast looms on the celestial calendar. It’s part of your story. And savvy Yahweh Sisters are always dressed and ready for a party!

A Garden Wedding

Twenty days after I graduated college, I had my own wedding feast. I married that young professor, Southern style, in a garden surrounded by azalea bushes in full bloom, three-hundred-year-old oaks drip­ping with Spanish moss, and swans swimming on the lake behind. It was gorgeous.

God not only adopted this lonely girl into His heavenly family, He placed me into Rick’s earthly family. He presented me with three sisters-in-law and countless Sisters-in-Christ. I learned the truthful relevance of Psalm 68; it became the story of my life:

Sing praises to God and to his name!Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds.His name is the LORD—rejoice in his presence!

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy.

God places the lonely in families;he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. (Ps. 68:4–6) 36 It’s No Secret

He’s a Father to the fatherless, and I can testify He’s a mother to the motherless as well. God has guided me, protected me, com­forted me, taught me, and provided for me. He also untangled my hopes and fears and brought me the joyful desires of my heart.

So now you’ll find me in church each week, singing praises to Yahweh and His great name. Oh, and I sing rather quietly when I praise Him in public. It’s not that I’m not extremely thankful—I am. It’s not that I don’t like to sing—I do. And it has nothing to do with embarrassing memories from my church past in that brown brick building with the red carpet.

Truth is, I sing every stinkin’ bit as off-key as my momma did.

Shhh, don’t tell anyone. Sisters stick together, right?

But you can go ahead and bless my heart over that vocal deficit. I need all the help I can get.

BIBLE STUDY

1. Check out this parable Jesus told about a man throwing a feast:

A man sitting at the table with Jesus exclaimed, “What a blessing it will be to attend a banquet in the Kingdom of God!”

Jesus replied with this illustration: “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. When all was ready, Always RSVP 37

he sent his servant around to notify the guests that it was time for them to come. But they all began making excuses. One said he had just bought a field and wanted to inspect it, so he asked to be excused. Another said he had just bought five pair of oxen and wanted to try them out. Another had just been married, so he said he couldn’t come.

“The servant returned and told his master what they had said. His master was angry and said, ‘Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the city and invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.’ After the servant had done this, he reported, ‘There is still room for more.’ So his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full. For none of those I invited first will get even the smallest taste of what I had prepared for them.’” (Luke 14:15–24)

What struck you when the people in Jesus’ story made excuses for not being prepared to attend? List the things that preoccupied them.38 It’s No Secret

What excuses do you make for not responding to Christ, or not living “dressed and ready”?

2. Read about the coming wedding feast in Revelation 19:6–10. What does it say about the bride (you) and her wedding dress?

3. Next time you throw a bash at your plantation, Jesus offers this advice for planning the guest list:

Then he turned to his host. “When you put on a luncheon or a banquet,” he said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.” (Luke 14:12–14)

That’s precisely what God did when He created the Yahweh Sisterhood. He sent out invitations welcoming every one of us to His supper club. The glass slipper fits each gal here. Everyone gets the rose. The King of Glory doesn’t require Always RSVP 39

designer gowns or shiny black limos for us to dine with Him. What a relief!

In the space below, write a thank-you note to your King.

Dear Jesus,

_____________________________________________


Here's my review:
It's No Secret: Revealing Divine Truths Every Woman Should Know by Rachel Olson is a down to earth look at God's heavenly "secrets" for women.  Rachel addresses twelve topics that are areas of our lives where God wants to mold and shape us.  As Rachel refers to her readers as "Yahweh Sisters", she honestly relates some of her struggles and mishaps to us and how to find God's standard for living.  Some of the topics she addresses are: humility, handling conflict, living generously and confessing sin.  Her book is fresh and current and draws you into the intimacy of a coffee house chat.

I really liked this contemporary perspective on God's "secrets" for woman which are actually no secret because they are found right in the Bible.  What I enjoyed was Rachel's gentle way of discussing heavy topics.  She wasn't harsh, but had a rhythm of telling the truth in an engaging way and getting you to really think about an area of your life in a whole new way.  There is also a Bible study built in to each chapter which would bring application to each topic.  I really enjoyed Rachel's book and feel that it is a good book to review now and again.


*This book was provided to me free of charge for purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of this book and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion.*
 

Win it:  I am having a giveaway for this book.  Open to US only and giveaway ends Wednesday, Oct 6.

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.




1. Mandatory: Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)
2. Put my button on your blog and provide the link. 
3. Subscribe to my blog by email (top right corner)
4."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 
5. Follow on Networked Blogs (link on my blog) 
6. Follow me on twitter (@shondaet)
7. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site) 


Pamper Me, Please: Sweet Scent Soaps Review and Giveaway

MMEM

Last Day of Pamper Me, Please!
It's time for Sweet Scent Soaps!!
I was recently privileged to work with Michelle from Sweet Scent Soaps which is also called Yummy Bath Treats on Etsy.  She sent me this yummy coconut slice cake soap made with goat's milk that looks good enough to eat.  I was amazed at how creamy and milky this soap was as I took my shower.  I love the coconut scent and the yumminess of the look of the soap.  She also sent me a Chili Pepper N Sweet Orange Whipped Body Mousse that is heavenly.  I rubbed it on my body after taking a shower in the morning and it was so light and refreshing.  It was a great day to start my day.


Let's get to know Michelle a little bit:

*Where did you come up with the name of your shop? 
We are called Sweet Scent Soaps! Yummy bath treats was a after thought!

*How long have you been making these products? 
I have been making soap for about 6 years and recently just with the lotions, creams, and other things.

*What do you like best about what you do? 
Being creative and use all the different fragrances and colors and just know that I have created this master piece!

*What is unique about your shop?
I really can't say because what I though was unique with our soaps is what everyone else is doing. We offer soaps that smell sweet and look like dessert and still give you the benefits of goats milk and all the yummy skin loving oils. So I really can't say!
Thanks, Michelle!
Yes, these are soaps, but they look good enough to eat!

*This product was provided to me free of charge for purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of this book and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion.*

Buy it: Michelle  says "Welcome to my store! I love to create cold process soaps and other bath and body products. My goal is to provide you with truly pampering goodies that will soothe your senses and your skin! With the addition of goat milk brings it to a whole new level of goodness! So come on in take a look around, and go ahead - indulge yourself in the royal treatment!"


Win it:   Michelle has offered one winner a great GIFT BASKET that will include: bar of soap, bath bomb, 6 oz bath salts, 4 oz body mousse, and 4 oz body scrub in your choice of scents.  Wow! Open to US.  Giveaway ends Friday, October 1.

Here is the list of scents:
FAIR TIME, COCONUT, CREAMY CHOCOLATE, MIDNITE POMEGRANATE, BLACK VANILLA, DRAGONS BLOOD, PEARS N BERRIES, YOU SPELL LUV, STRAWBERRY BUBBLES, CHILI PEPPER N SWEET ORANGE, BLUE RASPBERRY, PINK LEMONADE, GREEN APPLE, SILK STOCKING, LIL BLU GIRL, STICKY TOFFEE, ROCK CANDY, ROLLER GIRL, UNSCENTED, NECTARINE N MINT, DAY DREAM, SHEA N RICE FLOWER, MONKEY FARTS, LICK ME HERE.
To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.

1. Mandatory: Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)
2. Visit Sweet Scent Soaps and tell me your favorite item . (Required)
3. Tell me your what scent you would pick if you won the gift basket. (Required)
4. Put my Knowlton Nest button on your blog and provide the link. 
5. Put Pamper Me Please button on your blog and provide link (button must be on blog until giveaway ends)
6. Subscribe to my blog by email (top right corner)
7."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 
8. Follow on Networked Blogs (link on my blog) 
9. Follow me on twitter (@shondaet)
10. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site) 
11. Add Sweet Scent Soaps as a favorite on Etsy.
12. Make a purchase at Sweet Scent Soaps.
13. Tell me one thing you learned about Michelle.


Click HERE for extra entries if you entered more than one giveaway this week.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Praying For Your Husband Day 23

Day 23
Pray that your husband will be a good father- disciplining his children wisely and loving them unconditionally.  If he is not a father, pray that he will find a young man to mentor in the things of the Lord. (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21; 2 Tim 2: 1-2)

Recipe of the Week: Mexican Chicken Bake


My friend, Wendy, posted this recipe on Facebook and I had to try it.  YUMMO!!

Mexican Chicken Bake:
Cook and shred 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Add to:
1 can drained and rinsed black beans (I used chili beans made with pintos)
1 1/2 to 2 jars of La Victoria salsa verde (I use medium. It's not spicy at all because of the sour cream)
1 cup or so sour cream

Stir together in large bowl.

Pour 1/2 of mixture into 9x13 caserole.

Cover with crushed tortilla chips.

Cover with shredded cheddar cheese.

Add the remaining 1/2 of mixture, followed by a layer of chips and topped with cheese.

Bake 350ish for about 30 minutes or until cheese is melty or brown. However you like it...

*we use mission tortilla chips (the ones from Costco) because they stay REALLY crisp. If you use another brand, they get soft and kind of "melt" into the mixture. It's just personal preference.

Pamper Me, Please: Brandi Button Bags Review and Giveaway!!

MMEM

Pamper Me, Please with Brandi Button Bags!
I was very pleased to work with Brandi who offered me a cute little black and white clutch to review for her Etsy store- Brandi Button Bags.


"This is a cute little clutch that can go any where with you. It has an outside zipper, with 3 different inside compartments. Including one that will fit your driver's license or credit card perfectly. It has a magnetic closure in the front. Dimensions are: 5.5" tall 7" wide 1.5" depth.  This is made out of premium 100% cotton fabrics with decor bond interfacing and 100% cotton thread."

I really liked the different black and white fabrics that were used and the contrasting sizes of the dots.  I was surprised at the thickness and sturdiness of  this little clutch.  It fits perfectly in my hand without being flimsy and can easily be tucked under my arm.  This is also small enough even to slip into a larger purse. You also have plenty of room for a checkbook, calendar, phone and keys.  I also liked the outside zippered pocket to store anything loose.  This would make a great gift!


Let's get to know Brandi a little bit:
 
*Where did you come up with the name of your shop?
I came up with the name BrandiButtonBags because the bags I originally started making had a large signature wooden button. Everyone loved the buttons I put on my bags, so I decided to name my store after them. I made bags for friends and family first, and they became more and more popular that I decided to open a store. I haven't done any advertising so my store isn't very successful, but I still get requests from referrals and such.

*How long have you been quilting?
 I started quilting about 6 years ago. I had never sewed before that, and I just fell in love with everything about it from picking out the fabric, to the finished result.


*What is your favorite thing about quilting? 
My favorite thing about quilting has got to be seeing the end result. I think only a quilter can appreciate all the time and effort it takes. Quilting requires such minute detail for the big picture in the end, and I like that too.



*What is unique about your shop?
I think my shop just has unique patterns. I like picking out different fabrics too. I love having bags that no one else has, and they are comfortable to wear as well.

Thank you, Brandi!!
*This product was provided to me free of charge for purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of this book and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion.*

Buy it: Brandi makes stylish hand bags, quilts and more. Check back often for new items. Since Brandi has a new shop, she currently offers FREE SHIPPING on all items!

Win it: Brandi has offered this adorable black and white clutch for the winner.  Wow!!  Open to US only.  Giveaway ends Friday, October 1.

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.

1. Mandatory: Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)
2. Visit BrandiButtonBags and tell me your favorite item. (Required)
3. Put my Knowlton Nest button on your blog and provide the link. 
4. Put Pamper Me Please button on your blog and provide link (button must be on blog until giveaway ends)
5. Subscribe to my blog by email (top right corner)
6."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 
7. Follow on Networked Blogs (link on my blog) 
8. Follow me on twitter (@shondaet)
9. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site) 
10. Add BrandiButtonBags as a favorite on Etsy.
11. Make a purchase at BrandiButtonBags.
12. Tell me one thing you learned about Brandi.




Click HERE for extra entries if you entered more than one giveaway this week.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Praying For Your Husband Day 22

Day 22
Pray that your husband will practice forgiveness in your relationship and with others.  Pray that he will recognize any roots of bitterness and yield any resentment and unforgiving attitudes to the Lord. (Eph. 4:32; Heb. 12:15)

Loving God with All Your Heart Book Review and Giveaway!!

Loving God with All Your Heart: Keeping the Greatest Commandment in Everyday Life by Susie Hobson is a short, but powerful book on how to take full advantage of your relationship with God and make Him number one in your life.  Susie is very passionate about leading and directing people to pursue an in depth love affair with God.  She says that daily Bible reading, prayer, recognition of sin and surrender are key in living out a beautiful Christian life with God at the center.

I was really drawn to the title of this book because I feel like I have not made God a priority in my life lately.  Susie was very real and honest and gave her heart to share why keeping the greatest commandment is what is best for your life.  This is a very great book for a new Christian or anyone who wants to know how to love God with all their heart.

*This book was provided to me free of charge by Pump Up Your Book for purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of this book and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion.*
 

Win it:  I am having a giveaway for this book.  Open to US only and giveaway ends Friday, October 1.

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.




1. Mandatory: Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)
2. Put my button on your blog and provide the link. 
3. Subscribe to my blog by email (top right corner)
4."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 
5. Follow on Networked Blogs (link on my blog) 
6. Follow me on twitter (@shondaet)
7. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site) 


Pamper Me, Please: Skin2Spirit Review and Giveaway!!

MMEM

Pamper Me, Please...Skin2Spirit!!

I was so excited to find Kathi's Skin2Spirit Etsy shop.  I was privileged to review her Counting Sheep Whipped Shea Body Mousse.  I was immediately drawn to the fact that her ingredients are all natural.  When I received the product I fell in love with not only the natural scent, but also the creaminess of the lotion.  This particular mousse has lavender, grapefruit, orange, vanilla and chamomile in it.  I sometimes have trouble sleeping and so I decided to smooth this mousse on my skin every night right before I slip into my bed.  My sleep has been heavenly.  I also give my son a little massage right before bed and he "sleeps like a baby."  I know that this lotion is great for my skin because it has so many powerful ingredients including more than 9 organic super fruit extracts from the Amazon.  Kathi's motto is, "What are you feeding YOUR skin?"


 

 Let's get to know Kathi a little bit:

*Where did you come up with the name of your shop?
This was a long, long process. I wanted to name it something that made people think "Natural body care", but that was also easy to remember and had a nice ring to it. There are so many names out there and I had to think of about 50 and then weed out the duds by asking friends and family members to vote. I held a contest on facebook and the winner ended up not being used because it was already used! So I came up with Skin2Spirit by thinking about future products (perfume that is now in development) and the body care line. It just seemed right after many sleepless nights.

*How long have you been making your products?
I have been making products for about a year, but have been dreaming of them for many years and formulating in my mind.


*What do you like best about what you do?
I like the freedom to do what I want! It's that simple. I like to bring new products in just because I have a fancy to. I also like the creative process of dreaming up new formulas and scents and designing the labels (I am an artist at heart).

*What is unique about your shop?
My shop really does make all natural body products. Many, many businesses out there say they are all natural and they are not. For example, fragrance oils are not all natural. They are chemically derived and formulated in a factory. Most people don't know this, and they also don't know that many of these oils can cause health problems. This upsets me the most about this business. I have integrity, and if I say it is all natural, it is all natural. Don't get me wrong, I don't think some of these shops dupe people on purpose, I just think some are not well informed. I researched my products for many, many years before actually making them, and checked each and every ingredient thoroughly.  

Kathi, thanks for sharing!

*This product was provided to me free of charge for purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of this book and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion.*



Buy it: Kathi has a wonderful Etsy shop and online store where you can purchase products made for bath, body and skin care.

Win it: Kathi at Skin2Spirit has offered for the winner to choose a BODY MOUSSE of your own choice!  Wow!  Open to US.  Giveaway ends Friday, October 1.

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.

1. Mandatory: Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)
2. Visit Skin2Spirit and tell me what BODY MOUSSE you would like to win. (Required)
3. Put my Knowlton Nest button on your blog and provide the link. 
4. Put Pamper Me Please button on your blog and provide link (button must be on blog until giveaway ends)
5. Subscribe to my blog by email (top right corner)
6."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 
7. Follow on Networked Blogs (link on my blog) 
8. Follow me on twitter (@shondaet)
9. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site) 
10. "Like" Skin2Spirit on Facebook.
11. Make a purchase at Skin2Spirit.
12. Add Skin2Spirit as a favorite on Etsy.
13. Tell me one thing you learned about Kathi.

Click HERE for extra entries if you entered more than one giveaway this week.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Praying For Your Husband Day 21

Day 21
Pray that your husband will learn how to relax in the Lord and in his greatest times of stress, find joy and peace in his relationship with God.  Pray that he will submit his schedule to the Lord.  (Neh. 8:10; Prov. 17:22; Ps. 16:11)

Pamper Me, Please: Knit on a Bike Review and Giveaway!!

MMEM

Pamper Me Please, Day #2!

Introducing Knit on a Bike!
 

Kristine is one of my really good friends and I actually met her through knitting!  She is one of those girls who carries knitting with her everywhere.  I really loved the things she made, especially scarves.  So one day I asked her if she would teach me how to knit and she did.  We started getting together monthly with a group of girls and knitting and sharing yarn and having tons of fun.  One thing though that is so unique about Kristine is that every thing she knits is different.  No two projects are the same.  She also creates high quality scarves, hats and bags.  She started felting and that has opened up a whole new world of wonderful projects for Kristine.  I love to go to her house and look at her stash of yarn.  It's all color coordinated and divided into different types of yarn.  It is very neat and organized and you KNOW Kristine has got it together.  She also writes down every project with what yarn she used and the different types of stitches.  She is also willing to create anything that you desire!  


I was so privileged to rifle through her large bins of hand knit hats until I found one that fit my style and need.  I have tried over and over to make a hat, but Kristine is able to whip one up in one night.  My hat is bulky weight yarn that is 45% wool, 42% nylon and 13% acrylic.  She even includes a little business card with washing instructions.  This hat has about 1.5 inches of ribbing which makes it fit snugly on my head and covers my ears!  I love the colors of blue, off white and light brown because they coordinate with my clothes well.  This is a great hat that I can stash in my purse to have on hand.  I love the softness and I know it's made with quality so it will last a long time.

Let's get to know Kristine a little bit:
*Where did you come up with the name of your shop?
My husband actually came up with the name. A couple years ago I was opening an eBay account and I wanted my ID to be something to do with knitting but also something that defined more about me. I love to bike! In fact I even commute to work by bike on most days. So, here I am...Knit on a Bike.

*How long have you been knitting and how did you start?
December 2002 I was on my way back to Montana to visit my family for Christmas. On the flight there I saw a gal knitting a scarf and it was so interesting - and everyone was so interested in what she was doing. I was attracted to the idea of making my own things. And doing something unique! At this point knitting for 20-somethings wasn't so popular and I liked that too. So, when I returned home from that trip I bought myself some yarn and a “Teach Yourself How to Knit” kit and March of 2003 I taught myself how to knit!


*What do you like best about knitting?
That's hard - I like a lot of things about knitting! I like yarn – all the colors and textures and combinations of fibers! I like seeing a project progress – especially with a new yarn. I like the feeling of accomplishment and pride I get when I've completed a project or when someone compliments an item and I get to tell them "I MADE IT"! I like teaching others how to knit and see them "get it"! I like the look on someone's face when I've given them something I've made and I just know they love it! I like having something to do while waiting in long lines...the list could go on but I'll stop there!

*What is unique about your shop?
There are a few things that I think make my shop special. First of all, everything is hand-knit by me – I pick out the yarn, I come up with how to use it, I make the entire item from start to finish. Also, I don't really use patterns for anything - I try to come up with ideas on my own. Of course I'll see other things - knitted or not - and get ideas but usually I just put it together in my head. I've never really been a pattern knitter - except for sweaters and socks - and I don't have any of those in my shop yet. But I did just add an enormous amount of sock yarn to my stash so watch out for those soon. And I also have acquired a lot of great patterns and books lately so my pattern-free knitting may change if I find something really great and I don't find the need to alter it or free hand it! Thirdly, each and every item that I make is unique. I never make two items the same. Ever. I always like having things that are special and different and I want that for other people too. And finally, I think you’ll notice as you browse through my shop that all of my knitting is…On a Bike! I love to bike so much that for our wedding my husband bought these 1970’s Schwinn bikes as our getaway “car” and I’ve used them as props in every photo of my knitting for sale on Etsy. I think that’s what makes my shop so unique!


Thanks for sharing, Kristine!

Buy it: Knit on a Bike offers bags, purses, hats, scarves and vintage pottery.  You will love Kristine's amazing collection.  She has something to offer every taste!  Her creations would make great Christmas gifts and this is the perfect time to shop. (By the way, Kristine has MUCH more in her shop than is listed.  Convo her and see if she has something you might like.)
 

Win it: Kristine has offered a $25 gift certificate for the winner.  Wow!!  Open to US only.  Giveaway ends Friday, October 1.

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.

1. Mandatory: Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)
2. Visit Knit on a Bike and tell me your favorite item. (Required)
3. Put my Knowlton Nest button on your blog and provide the link. 
4. Put Pamper Me Please button on your blog and provide link (button must be on blog until giveaway ends)
5. Subscribe to my blog by email (top right corner)
6."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 
7. Follow on Networked Blogs (link on my blog) 
8. Follow me on twitter (@shondaet)
9. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site) 
10. Add Knit on a Bike as a favorite on Etsy.
11. Make a purchase at Knit on a Bike.
12. Tell me one thing you learned about Kristine.



 Click HERE for extra entries if you entered more than one giveaway this week.