Book Review: God is My Refuge

We all go through difficult times. For many of us, scripture helps us get through those times. 

God is My Refuge is a 12 week devotional for those going through troubled times. 

Each week is dedicated to a specific topic such as Grief, Broken Relationships, Illness, and Fear and includes a scripture verse for the reader to memorize.  Each day's devotion ends with sections called Reflect and Apply, Prayer Prompt, and Memory Minute.  One thing I love is that in the introduction, author Kathy Howard gives a list of materials needed to complete the devotional in the way she intended it to be used.

I really like this devotional. It will definitely be one that I turn to again. Each daily devotion is short, but effective. 

I received a free copy of this book from Leafwood Publishers for the purpose of an honest review.

Book Review: Lord, I Give You This Day

For those wishing to grow closer to the Lord, it is important to spend time in His Word each day. One way to do that is by using a daily devotional.

Kay Arthur has written an excellent daily devotional entitled Lord, I Give You This Day.

This 366 appointment book with God (let's not forget leap year), is set up in consistent devotions. Each day has devotional reading that includes bolded scripture that is the focus scripture for that day.  It also includes other bible references so you can further your study.  At the the end of each day, a suggested prayer is given. 

Each day's devotion is just one page. This makes it convenient to those who have other devotional reading to complete or studying the Bible further. Not to mention the short devotions help those of us who may be in a hurry!The attached ribbon book mark makes it easy to keep your place as well. 

If you are looking for a new daily devotional, I think you would enjoy this one.  The devotions were heartfelt and moving.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Press for the purpose of an honest review.

Book Review: At the Feet of Jesus

I am always looking for a good daily devotional, one that presents scripture with real life and makes it easier for me to connect.

That is what I like about Joanna Weaver's At the Feet of Jesus: Daily Devotions to Nurture a Mary Heart. 

I have read Weaver's book Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World and have seen myself as a Martha, with my inner Mary trying to get out.  It seems that this devotional is a good way to get on the right track.

Each day's devotion begins with scripture followed by a real life application. The daily read ends with extended scripture reading and a personal reflection. This devotional also includes a one year bible reading plan.

This is a wonderful addition to a woman's devotional reading. 

I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of an honest review from WaterBrook Press.

Book Review: God's Love Letters to You

God’s Love Letters to You is a 40-day devotional written by Dr. Larry Crabb. Each day’s devotion begins with scripture and then a “love letter from God.” At the end of each letter is a reflection and then a prayer section.

I wasn’t sure about reading a devotional for a book review, but I absolutely loved it. I would like to have had space in the book to write my reflections, but I quickly acquired my own journal to do so.

Each day, I felt as if God was truly speaking to me in the letter. Sometimes the letters were very blunt and straight to the point, however, there was still the love of God contained in each letter. The reflection section really challenged me to think about the scripture and my biases. It also challenged me to truly search my heart. As for the prayer section, I was able to admit my weaknesses and acknowledge God for who He truly is.

Because of the strength of the letters and how they touched my heart, I truly believe that Dr. Crabb sought God’s guidance in writing this devotional. I am eager to read more of his works.

I highly recommend this book to anyone in search of a powerful devotional.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Snow Day #9

Yes, that's right we have now missed 9 days of school due to snow. But you know, that is ok.



I hate driving on slick roads. Even more, I don't want to risk getting out and falling. I'm not known for being graceful! Actually, no one in my household is. Some of us (Carson) can make falling look intentional. As a matter of fact, last night as he chased Big Dog through the house, he tripped, falling to the floor. Instead of making a scene, he did some sort of army crawl the rest of the way.



The boys are getting spoiled by these snow days and teacher work days. It is so hard to get them in bed at night. Last night was no exception. Colin got in bed and Carson was throwing a fit to watch a movie. Well, that just tore Colin up. It just wasn't fair, even though I reassured him that Carson would not be watching a movie. Well, Carson finally said, "If you don't let me watch a movie, then I'm not going to bed." I looked at him and replied, "Oh yes you are." His final answer??? "Well, ok." I don't think that worked out the way he had planned!

Today, I am either nesting a bit or feeling guilty for watching the NCIS marathon yesterday and doing nothing. Regardless, it looks like the laundry will be done today (maybe). I have a VERY tired 3 year old who is just pitiful. Or maybe the cat is more pitiful. By looking at these two pictures, what do you think?

Notice Happy had enough. His paws are wrapped around Carson's face. Luckily, Happy was declawed after we got him. Oh, do you notice my friend Lazarus in the background? He has made his way from the den to the living room door. You just never know where he is going to "pop up" next.

Colin was excited to have another snow day. We had a little argument last night about it. I figured we would have another day off, but at bedtime, school had not been cancelled. When he woke up this morning, he said, "See, I told you!" He enjoys playing all day, going from laptop, to reading, to watching TV, to playing toys, to computer, to having a snack and starting all over again. Fighting with Carson is usually thrown in there several times too.

I did get a new devotional that I am very proud of. It was stuffed in my new diaper bag I got for Valentine's Day (with the new Toby Mac cd).

I like that it has the scripture and author's devotional along with quotes and tips that go along with it. What a great gift from my wonderful husband!

His Word Wednesday

The words of the Lord are pure words,
like silver refined in an earthen furnace.
Psalm 12:6


Today, I'd like to share a recent devotion that touched my heart. It came from my The Word for You Today devotional.

Parents are the pride of their children.
Proverbs 17:6

The famous biographer Boswell tells of a day when his busy father took him fishing. Later when he read what his dad wrote in his journal, he was devastated: "Went fishing with my son; a day wasted!"If you want your children to be proud of you:

1. Protect them. Guard them physically when they are young and emotionally as they mature. Teach your son to respect girls, and interview the guys who date your daughter. Be sure to check out what they (and you) watch on TV, especially the increasingly dangerous influences of the Internet.

2. Listen to them. Don't be like the kid who told his mom, "I'm gonna be just like dad when I grow up. My eyebrows are already growing together, and when people talk to me, I don't listen." Listening builds a lifetime bridge to your child's heart.

3. Be affectionate with the them. Nothing builds security and self-worth in your kids like holding them. If you grew up without expressions of affection, make sure the don't.

4. Discipline them. But go one step further, model self-discipline in your own life. don't just preach, live it!

5. Be fun to be around. Show your children your lighter side. Don't be so preoccupied with work or church that you're a bore. "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance" (Proverbs 15:13).

6. Walk the walk. Former atheist Lee Strobel says, "When I became a Christian, my five year old daughter said, 'Mommy, I want God to do for me what He's done for daddy,'" and she gave her life to Jesus. Make Christ attractive to your children, and they will be drawn to Him.


Here is what I would like for you to day. Please share a recent devotional or scripture that has touched your heart. You can leave a comment or create a post on your blog and then add your site to the MckLinky so other visitors can read it. Thanks for sharing His Word on this Wednesday.

What Are You Reading?

I've always been a reader. I find myself always looking for something to dive into. Here are the books I'm into right now.

These are my devotionals I read each day.

I also work on these two studies throught the week when I have a little more free time.

So, I am curious as to what you are reading. You can leave a comment or try this MckLinky thing after you post what you are reading on your site.