Jeremy Camp - The Way (Official Video)

I can't get enough of this song!  Jeremy Camp really knows how to ROCK the MESSAGE!  The lyrics are amazing, and there's just something about this song that takes my breath away.  It's such a powerful song, that brings an overwhelming joy every time I listen to it.  Praise the Lord . . . Jesus, You are the way!

The Way Lyrics (from We Cry Out: The Worship Project)
All creation cried out with longing
With groans only You can comprehend
And with wisdom, You always answer
And give the words of life so unfailing

And Your glory shines all around us
Your faithfulness shown for all to see
When we think of all of Your wonders
The beauty of Your plan that's been revealed
We walk in Your light, we walk in it

Shine, bright
Let Your glory fill this land
Lift high, the King of Kings and great I am
Jesus, You are the way

We can see the works of Your loving hands
With a hope and peace not made by man
When You poured out Your grace and Your mercy
And You held out Your arms so we could see
You bled for all mankind and set the captives free

Shine, bright
Let Your glory fill this land
Lift high, the King of Kings and great I am
Jesus, You are the way

Na na na na na na, Jesus

Zondervan Blog Tour - Leaving by Karen Kingsbury

About the book:
From Karen Kingsbury's website . . .
The Bailey Flanigan series begins with Bailey leaving Bloomington for the adventure of a lifetime. She has won an audition for the ensemble of a Broadway musical in New York City.

Bailey is determined to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but is she really ready to leave family and friends for the loneliness of the city? And what of Cody? His disappearance has her worried about their future and praying that their love can survive.

In order to be closer to his mother in jail, Cody takes a coaching job in a small community outside Indianapolis. New friends, distance, and circumstances expose cracks in his relationship with Bailey Flanigan.

Love, loneliness, big opportunities, and even bigger decisions highlight the first book in the new Bailey Flanigan series that features members of the popular Baxter family and finally completes the Bailey Flanigan/Cody Coleman story.

My Rating: 3 Stars

My Review:
It's always hard for me to write a review that is more critical, and less than glowing. I am a fan of Karen Kingsbury's work, and I love everything I've read by her, but for some reason I don't have a lot of interest in the Above the Line series and the Bailey Flanigan series. I know that some people are really loving this series, but the acting/movie/paparazzi storyline is not interesting to me. Often times while reading this book, I'd think, "And why is this important to the story? There's no real substance here." Then there were some scenes between Bailey and Brandon, and I thought, "This seems very familiar to the Dayne and Katy storyline. This is like a repeat of something I've already read." Though Karen is a talented writer, and I love how she weaves in the messages of faith, I just can't get into this. I don't even feel the need to read the rest of the books in this series. I hate to say that, but it's true. As much as I wish I did, I just don't really feel a connection.

I did enjoy Ashley and Landon's story being included, but was frustrated that there was not more resolution on that part of the story. I guess that's how to get people to buy the next book in the series, but I'm thinking maybe I can just read a "spoiler review" to find out what happens.

I do like that the end of the book seemed to pick up a bit, and by the last chapter, Karen had caught a hold of my heart like she always does. I wasn't really surprised to find myself in tears. Karen has a great talent for getting the tears to fall from my eyes! As I closed the last chapter, I was left with the feeling that I need to embrace the teenage years more with my daughters. This time is going to go by so quickly, and I want to make the most of the time we have left, before they're "leaving."

**Thank you to Zondervan for providing this free book to me, in exchange for my honest review.**

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young - Don't be so hard on yourself.

Yesterday's devotional (May 9) from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, really hit close to home for me.  Lately I often have the feeling of, "I've messed up again.  I'm never going to get this right.  Another failure in living a life that is supposed to look like Christ."  Oh, how I beat myself up sometimes!  The following devotional gave me that gentle reminder that I needed, that I don't have to be so hard on myself.  God doesn't expect perfection from me.

Sarah Young writes this from the perspective of Jesus . . .

"Don't be so hard on yourself.  I can bring good even out of your mistakes.  Your finite mind tends to look backward, longing to undo decisions you have come to regret.  This is a waste of time and energy, leading only to frustration.  Instead of floundering in the past, release your mistakes to Me.  Look to Me in trust, anticipating that My infinite creativity can weave both good choices and bad into a lovely design.

Because you are human, you will continue to make mistakes.  Thinking that you should live an error-free life is symptomatic of pride.  Your failures can be a source of blessing, humbling you and giving you empathy for other people in their weaknesses.  Best of all, failure highlights your dependence on Me.  I am able to bring beauty out of the morass of your mistakes.  Trust Me, and watch to see what I will do."  See Romans 8:28 and Micah 7:7

I highly recommend using this devotional book by Sarah Young in your quiet time.  It's really been a blessing to me.

 
About the Book

Uniquely inspired treasures from heaven for every day of the year by missionary Sarah Young.
Jesus Calling is a devotional filled with uniquely inspired treasures from heaven for every day of the year.  After many years of writing in her prayer journal, missionary Sarah Young decided to listen to God with pen in hand, writing down whatever she believed He was saying to her.  It was awkward at first, but gradually her journaling changed from monologue to dialogue.  She knew her writings were not inspired as Scripture is, but journaling helped her grow closer to God.  Others were blessed as she shared her writings, until people all over the world were using her messages.  They are written from Jesus' point of view, thus the title Jesus Calling.  It is Sarah's fervent prayer that our Savior may bless readers with His presence and His peace in ever deeper measure.

About the Author

SARAH YOUNG is quietly leading thousands of women worldwide on a journey of intimacy with Christ. Sarah has a philosophy degree from Wellesley College, a counseling degree from Georgia State University, a Master’s degree from Tufts University, and studied with Francis Schaeffer’s L’Abri Fellowship. Sarah and her husband have traveled around the world planting churches and counseling, and they currently reside in Australia.

Casting Crowns Music Video - Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)

Each time I hear this song by Casting Crowns, it takes my breath away.  It's so powerful to listen to the lyrics and be reminded of the gift that God has given each of us.  I'm so grateful!

One day when Heaven was filled with His praises
One day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin
Dwelt among men, my example is He
Word became flesh and the light shined among us
His glory revealed

Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day

One day they led Him up Calvary’s mountain
One day they nailed Him to die on a tree
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He
Hands that healed nations, stretched out on a tree
And took the nails for me

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer
One day the stone rolled away from the door
Then He arose, over death He had conquered
Now He’s ascended, my Lord evermore
Death could not hold Him, the grave could not keep Him
From rising again

One day the trumpet will sound for His coming
One day the skies with His glories will shine
Wonderful day, my Beloved One, bringing
My Savior, Jesus, is mine

Oh, glorious day

Wild Olive Mother's Day Giveaway!

Wild Olive Tees is having a special giveaway just in time for Mother's Day!  Three winners will win a set of two Wild Olive gift certificates, each gift certificate enough for the tee of your choice. Or Mom’s choice. Or both.  Enter by May 4, 2011

About Wild Olive:
"We are a collaboration of women, all regular moms, who are united by a passion for God and His Word. We are all, indeed, remarkable in that we are His creation, but that being said, you’d be hard pressed to pick any of us out of a crowd. God brought together three ordinary women to fulfill His purpose: to bring Him glory. And how much more glorified is He when He uses unremarkable people to do remarkable things for Him and His kingdom."

Book Review: The Frontiersman's Daughter by Laura Frantz (5 stars + FAVORITE!)

About this book:
One woman searches for love--and herself--in a wild land.

Lovely and high-spirited, Lael Click is the daughter of a celebrated frontiersman. Haunted by her father's ties to the Shawnee Indians and her family's past, Lael comes of age in the fragile Kentucky settlement her father founded. As she faces the many trials of life on the frontier, Lael draws strength from the rugged land. But the arrival of a handsome doctor threatens her view of her world, her God, and herself. Can the power of grace and redemption break through in this tumultuous place?

This epic novel gives you a glimpse into the simple yet daring lives of the pioneers who first crossed the Appalachians, all through the courageous eyes of a determined young woman who would not be defeated.

My Review:
To say that Laura Frantz has created a novel that is well written doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of the excellent quality of writing that is found between the pages of this novel. God has given Laura an amazing gift, and I cannot emphasis enough how much I appreciate what she's done here in Lael's story. It's a substantial 412 pages of deep, meaty substance; each word a scrumptious morsel to be savored.

It isn't very often that I read a book where the words seem to come off of the page as a beautiful, lyrical song. As I read page after page, I was truly amazed at the beautiful craftsmanship of this story. The setting so rich, that I felt I was standing right there amidst the action. I felt completely immersed in the story from beginning to end, and cared for Lael as if I knew her in real life. The characters are so vividly drawn, and so unique, I can't help but think that they'll remain with me indefinitely.

I was also greatly impressed by the tremendous amount of detail that went into illustrating the setting, characters, and Lael's private thoughts. As I read, I couldn't help but think of a magnificent piece of artwork, drawn with such intricate precision, that you can't help but be captivated and drawn in by its beauty.

I don't hesitate to say that Mrs. Frantz is a master of her craft, and has composed a novel that I would certainly read again; highly recommending to anyone who enjoys reading outstanding literature.

From the very first chapter, I new that I had happened upon a treasure. Lael's coming-of-age journey, in late 1700's Kentucke, is one that will captivate you and touch your heart for a long time to come. Add this one to the top of your list . . . with adventure, romance, faith, and a sweet story of redemption, you can't go wrong!

 Sweet Treats Rating = 5 Cupcakes!

Soul Surfer Official Trailer

Movies that inspire seem to be few and far between, but with the upcoming movie Soul Surfer, we are sure to be inspired by the true story of Bethany Hamilton.  As we all struggle with trials on this earth, we can look to a person like Bethany, and we can be inspired by this wonderful story of faith, determination, and hope.  I'm looking forward to seeing this one soon!

In the movie trailer, I especially like when Carrie Underwood's character says, "I don't know why terrible things happen to us sometimes, but I have to believe that something good is gonna come out of this."  Isn't that the hope that we all cling to when we're faced with heartache and trials?

Soul Surfer is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton. Bethany lost her left arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith.

                                

Bethany (AnnaSophia Robb) was born to surf. A natural talent who took to the waves at a young age, she was leading an idyllic life on Kauai, participating in national surf competitions with her best friend Alana (Lorraine Nicholson), when everything changed. On Halloween morning, a 14-foot tiger shark came out of nowhere and seemed to shatter all her dreams.

Soul Surfer reveals Bethany's fight to recover from her ordeal and how she grappled with the question of her future. Strengthened by the love of her parents, Tom (Dennis Quaid) and Cheri (Helen Hunt), and supported by her youth group leader Sara (Carrie Underwood), Bethany refuses to give in or give up, and begins a bold return to the water.

Soul Surfer comes to theaters this Friday, April 8, 2011.

            

Winning Him Without Words: 10 Keys to Thriving in Your Spiritually Mismatched Marriage by Lynn Donovan and Dineen Miller

When I married my husband nearly 18 years ago, we were both non-believers.  After 13 years of marriage, I became a Christian.  It's been almost five years since then, and I continue to pray for my husband's salvation. 

For those of us living in a spiritually unequal marriage, we can find help and encouragement in this new book, Winning Him Without Words: 10 Keys to Thriving in Your Spiritually Mismatched Marriage, by Lynn Donovan and Dineen Miller.  The book released in February 2011, and is already receiving great reviews at Amazon.  For more information, you can visit Spiritually Unequal Marriage. 

I'm personally waiting for my copy, but I am very much looking forward to reading the book.  I listened to Dineen Miller yesterday on The Debbie Chavez Show via Faithplace.org.  In the interview, Debbie chats with Dineen about the book, and provides encouragement for wives of non-believers.

I look forward to providing you with a review after I finish the book.

Forgiveness - Chris August Official Music Video - 7 X 70

                                                                      
Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." Matthew 18:21-22 NKJV

It is from his own life experience and this verse that Chris August found inspiration to write this song, 7 x 70.


How are we able to forgive?
I  know that forgiving someone isn't so much about them, as it is about me.  When I choose not to carry the bitterness, resentment, and the unforgiveness, it releases me from the bondage.  The unforgiveness no longer has a stronghold over me, and I'm in obedience to God's word.  Jesus tells us in Mark 11:25, "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”  It's very difficult to forgive others on our own, but it's through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can.

Here are some tips on how we can forgive others that I found on Joyce Meyer's Website . . .

Would you like to become more successful at forgiving others? There are practical steps that must be taken. One time I asked the Lord why so many people want to forgive but aren’t successful doing it. And He said, "Because they aren’t obeying what I tell them to do in My Word." As I searched the Word, I found the following instructions:
1. Decide – You will never forgive if you wait until you feel like it. Choose to obey God and steadfastly resist the devil in his attempts to poison you with bitter thoughts. Make a quality decision to forgive, and God will heal your wounded emotions in due time (see Matthew 6:12,14).
2. Depend – You cannot forgive without the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s too hard to do on your own. If you are truly willing, God will enable you, but you must humble yourself and cry out to Him for help. In John 20:22,23 Jesus breathed on the disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit!” His next instruction was about forgiving people. Ask God to breathe the Holy Spirit on you so you can forgive those who’ve hurt you.
3. Obey – The Word tells us several things we’re to do concerning forgiving our enemies:
a. Pray for your enemies and those who abuse and misuse you. Pray for their happiness and welfare (see Luke 6:27,28). As you pray, God can give them revelation that will bring them out of deception. They may not even be aware they hurt you, or maybe they’re aware but are so self-centered that they don’t care. Either way, they need revelation.
b. …Bless and do not curse them (Romans 12:14). In the Greek to bless means "to speak well of" and to curse means "to speak evil of." You can’t walk in forgiveness and be a gossip. You must stop repeating the offense. You can’t get over it if you continue to talk about it. Proverbs 17:9 says that he who covers an offense seeks love.

Forgiving is not easy, but as with every trial we face in life, we can turn to God and His word, and we will guide us to what we need to do, and equip us to do it.
 

Book Review: Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer (4 Stars)

About the book:
Adelaide Proctor is a young woman with her head in the clouds, longing for a real-life storybook hero to claim as her own. But when a husband-hunting debacle leaves her humiliated, she interviews for a staid governess position on a central Texas sheep ranch and vows to leave her romantic yearnings behind. When Gideon Westcott left his privileged life in England to make a name for himself in America's wool industry, he never expected to become a father overnight. And five-year-old Isabella hasn't uttered a word since she lost her mother. The unconventionality of the new governess concerns Gideon--and intrigues him at the same time. But he can't afford distractions. He has a ranch to run, a shearing to oversee, and a suspicious fence-cutting to investigate. When Isabella's uncle comes to claim the child--and her inheritance--Gideon and Adelaide must work together to protect Isabella from the man's evil schemes. And soon neither can deny their growing attraction. But after so many heartbreaks, will Adelaide be willing to get her head out of the clouds and put her heart on the line?
My Review:
Karen Witemeyer is proving herself to be an excellent writer!  I thoroughly enjoyed her first book, A Tailor-Maid Bride, and her second book Head in the Clouds is certainly no exception.  I loved all of the characters, and even loved to hate one in particular (Reginald Petchey).  Karen beautifully crafted all of her characters; I couldn't help but fall in love with Adelaide, Gideon, Bella, and the supporting cast of characters.  But boy, that Reginald Petchey!  Wasn't he something?  Karen created him to be a perfect villain.

I enjoyed everything about the book!  Head in the Clouds is a wonderful combination of all of the elements I admire most in a novel; faith, romance, suspense, and a story that keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next.  The suspense scenes were so well written, that I actually felt myself tensing up, and my heart pounding a little faster.  And the tender love scenes were done perfectly, just enough to leave you swooning.

If you like well written Christian Historical fiction, this one is for you!  I highly recommend it!  And remember to be on the look out for Karen's new novel, To Win Her Heart, due out May 1, 2011.

Book Review: Beautiful Bandit by Loree Lough

About the book:
Joshua Neville is a quiet, even-keeled rancher who was just minding his own business when he witnessed a brazen bank robbery in San Antonio, Texas, that leaves three men dead. Even more shocking than the heist itself is that the ringleader looked like a woman!Weeks later, when Josh is on the trail, a lost and confused woman stumbles upon his campsite. He agrees to take "Dinah" to Mexico, but soon their journey is hampered by harsh weather and wild animals. When Dinah breaks her ankle, Josh takes her to his ranch to heal.As the two grow closer, Josh realizes he's fallen in love, even as he learns the truth about Dinah. But does he know the whole story? And, after the truth comes out, will he put his life at risk to keep her with him?

My Review:
I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to read Loree's novel, Beautiful Bandit! It was the first novel by her that I have read, and I was not disappointed! Loree Lough is an accomplished writer, with a wonderful talent for drawing you into the story. From the very beginning, I wanted to know what would happen to Kate and Josh, and I enjoyed the journey every step of the way.

This is a beautiful story of love and redemption, written by an author who knows how to hold your interest and keep you turning the pages! I give this book 2 thumbs up, and highly recommend it! If you love stories filled with love, faith, redemption, and adventure, I think you'll be happily satisfied with this book. (Review written October 20, 2010)

Audrey Assad - Known

This is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard.  Not only does the music sound incredible, but the lyrics deeply touch my heart.  How wonderful to be "known"  by our Savior and Lord in this way.  As David says in Psalm 139, "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me." 

Psalm 139:1-6 NIV

You have searched me, LORD,
   and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
   you perceive my thoughts from afar.
 You discern my going out and my lying down;
   you are familiar with all my ways.
 Before a word is on my tongue
   you, LORD, know it completely.
 You hem me in behind and before,
   and you lay your hand upon me.
 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
   too lofty for me to attain.

KNOWN by Audrey Assad and Philip Larue

As the dew falls on the blade
You have touched all this fragile frame
And as a mother knows her baby’s face
You know me, You know me

As the summer air within my chest
I have breathed You deep down into my breast
And as You know the hairs upon my head
Every thought and every word I’ve said
Every thought and every word I’ve said

Savior, You have known me as I am
Healer, You have known me as I was
As I will be in the morning, in the evening
You have known me, yeah, You know me

Oh, and as the exhilaration of autumn’s bite
Oh, You have brought these tired bones to brilliant life
And as the swallow knows, she knows the sky
This is how it is with You and I
Oh, this is how it is with You and I

From the fall of my heart to the resurrection of my soul
You know me, God, and You know my ways
In my rising and my sitting down
You see me as I am, oh, see me as I am

And as a lover knows his beloved’s heart
All the shapes and curves of her even in the dark
Oh, You have formed one in my inward parts
And You know me, You know me, yes

Savior, You, You have known me as I am
Oh, healer, You have known me as I was
As I will be in the morning, in the evening
You have known

You have known me, in the morning, in the evening
You’ve known me, God
In the morning, in the evening You have known me
Yeah, You’ve know me

You have always known me
You know me, God, You have known me
You have always known my heart

Wild Olive Hoodie Giveaway!! Ends March 1, 2011

To celebrate their new, limited-run hoodie, Wild Olive Tees is giving away 5 of these super soft, lightweight sweatshirts.  Be sure to hurry, because the giveaway ends March 1, 2011.  Go to Wild Olive Tees to sign up for the giveaway!

Hillsong - From the Inside Out

                                             
There is so much that could be said about this incredibly powerful song, but I think I'll just let it speak for itself, and pray that it blesses you and touches your heart as much as it does mine.

Sweet Blessings,
Michelle

Francesca Battistelli - Forever Love - Acoustic Version

This is one of the songs from Francesca's first CD, My Paper Heart.  I love it!  It's such a pretty love song to God. 

I've been listening to her new album, Hundred More Years, for about a week now, and I must say, I can't wait to get the actual CD into my hands.  I've preordered it, so I'm really looking forward to getting the mail on March 1st!  If you want to listen to the CD before it comes out, you can follow this link . . . Francesca Battistelli | Listen to the New Album when you Share!
After you enter your email address, you can listen to the first three songs.  If you share the link on twitter or facebook, you can listen to the entire CD!  Really great stuff!  Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Book Review: Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz (5 Stars)

Synopsis:
Caught between the wilderness and civilization, Morrow Little must find her way to true love. Morrow Little is haunted by the memory of the day her family was torn apart by raiding Shawnee warriors. Now that she is nearly a grown woman and her father is ailing, she must make difficult choices about the future. Several men--ranging from the undesired to the unthinkable--vie for her attentions, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a forbidden love that both terrifies and intrigues her. Can she betray the memory of her lost loved ones--and garner suspicion from her friends--by pursuing a life with him? Or should she seal her own misery by marrying a man she doesn't love?

This sweeping tale of romance and forgiveness will envelop you as it takes you from a Kentucky fort through the vast wilderness of the West.

My Review:
Love bears all things in this magnificent novel!

Upon the recommendation of a dear friend, I read this magnificent book! The characters and setting are written in such a way that captures your heart, and never lets it go! The story is unique, and I have never read another that is quite like it. I could see everything so clearly in my mind's eye, due to the fact that Laura Frantz is an exceptional writer, with an amazing talent for creating a scene and making you FEEL the emotion of the characters.

Though this is not a time period that I was very familiar with, Laura gives just the right amount of historical information, and she blends it perfectly with the story. I was so captivated by Morrow's story, and so drawn in to the romance. The passionate moments were so well done that they took my breath away! I could feel the love and longing that Morrow felt for her forbidden love, and it kept me turning pages long into the night.

Courting Morrow Little is so well written, and I highly recommend to all! This love story is one not to be missed!

Book Review: The Lightkeeper's Daughter by Colleen Coble (4 Stars)

Stunning Cover!

Synopsis:
Growing up as the lightkeeper's daughter on a remote island at the turn of the century, Addie Sullivan has lived a hardscrabble life. When a long-lost and wealthy relative finds her and enlists her to work as a governess at a lavish estate, she hopes to discover the truth of her heritage. But at Eaton Hall, nothing is as it seems. Not the idyllic family she hoped for, not the child she was hired to help, not even the aloof man she's immediately attracted to. Soon she must turn for help to Lieutenant John North, a man who views her with suspicion.
As Addie edges closer to the truth, danger threatens even as her romance with John blossoms and together they unravel a decades-old mystery. As Addie faces down her enemy, she discovers that faith in her one true Father is all she needs.

My Review: This is book 1 in the Mercy Falls series by Colleen Coble. This was my first novel by Colleen Coble, and I enjoyed it very much. The story drew me in right from the start. The one negative thing that I do have to say is that I did have a hard time keeping all of the characters straight in the beginning. Sometimes a character would be referred to by their first name, and other times by Mr. ____ or Mrs. ____. Just a little confusing, but not too major to detract from enjoying the story.

The setting was beautifully described in great detail, so much so that it vividly came to life in my mind as I read. The mystery and suspense were woven into the story in such a way that kept me guessing until the very end. Of course, I had some ideas as I read, but I wasn't able to completely figure it out. I like that the story wasn't predictable.

The spiritual part of the story was very well done, and naturally blended into the story line. It wasn't a huge part of the story, but Addie's faith and dependence on God throughout the novel certainly added a layer to the story that I enjoyed very much.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy Christian Historical fiction. It was an interesting and satisfying read, and I will certainly read more novels by this talented author. 

We Have a WINNER!

The results are in!  We have a winner in the Julie Lessman "True Romance" giveaway!  And the winner is . . .

Charlotte Kay!

Thank you to everyone for showing your support to Julie, and for checking out my new blog!  And a big THANK YOU to Julie for sharing her time with us, and offering this fabulous giveaway!  You're such a fantastic lady, Julie, and I know I speak for all of us when I say . . . we love you, girl!  Sweetest blessings to you, my dear friend.  

"True Romance" by Julie Lessman + Book GIVEAWAY

Welcome to my new Sweet Treats & Inspiration blog!  I'm so glad that you decided to join me today, because you're in for a "sweet treat" indeed!  On a day when many are thinking about love and romance, Julie Lessman has graciously offered to be my guest, and share her thoughts on "True Romance".  And for those of us who can't get enough of Julie's writing, it's a happy, happy day here in the blogging world!  In addition, one lucky winner will receive a signed copy of one of Julie Lessman's novels (see rules at the end of this post).  The winner can choose from A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, A Passion Denied, A Hope Undaunted, or A Hope Revealed) YES!!  You heard that right!!  A Heart Revealed which comes out September 2011.

AUTHOR BIO FOR JULIE LESSMAN

Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. Winner of the 2009 ACFW Debut Author of the Year and Holt Medallion Awards of Merit for Best First Book and Long Inspirational, Julie is also the recipient of 13 Romance Writers of America awards and was voted by readers as “Borders Best of 2009 So Far: Your Favorite Fiction” at http://www.borders.com/online/store/ListView_best2009favefiction. She resides in Missouri with her husband, daughter, son and daughter-in-law and is the author of “The Daughters of Boston” series, which includes A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, and A Passion Denied. Her “Winds of Change” series has recently released with A Hope Undaunted, which ranked #5 on Booklist’s Top 10 Inspirational Fiction for 2010. You can contact Julie through her website at www.julielessman.com.

 

True Romance by Julie Lessman

I have a confession to make: I am addicted to romance. I suppose that’s not as bad as being addicted to Twinkies or Ho Hos because at least it won’t slap extra pounds on my hips. But it does compel me to hunt down romance in every conceivable form like a heat-seeking missile. Books, movies, date night with my husband or just getting a “fix” by writing my own romantic novel—to me, it’s all good.

So when one of my Seeker buds, Myra Johnson, asked me to do a guest blog a few years back on something romantic in my marriage, I strained my brain trying to come up with some romantic event that was so sensational that sighs of envy would drift forth into cyberspace. But the honest-to-God truth is that my husband has never danced with me in the dining room (a la Janet Dean) or hidden a piece of jewelry in a fortune cookie like Gail Martin’s clever hubby. True, Keith brings me coffee almost every morning, holds my hand in the car, and sent me roses when I gave birth to his son and daughter. But as far as a heart-melting, knee-weakening moment that swept me off my feet, I was alarmed to realize that I—a card-carrying romantic—was drawing a blank.

That got me thinking—hard! I mean, I’ve been married over 32 years to this wonderful man and consider our relationship to be one of the most romantic I have ever seen. But I can’t validate that with stories that would qualify for the Romance Hall of Fame. So what makes our relationship so special, I wondered?

Well, to answer that, we have to talk about what romance is really all about. To me, it’s being cherished, loved, made to feel like I am the most precious thing to my mate, which is basically Ephesians 5:25 in a nutshell—Husbands, love your wives. It’s why romance is the top-selling genre in the fiction market with 13.2 percent market share and 1.36 BILLION in sales in 2009. Because pure and simple—women want to be cherished, a subject I explore in more depth in a recent blog I wrote for my group blog, The Seekers, entitled “Stupid in Love” (http://seekerville.blogspot.com/2011/02/stupid-in-love-bookcritique-giveaway.html).

All of a sudden, I realized that my husband does that for me every day of my life. A tender look, a lingering kiss or just spooning at night. Telling me he never gets tired of being with me (yeah, I know, his boredom threshold must be pretty high), or dancing with me at weddings when I know he’d rather have a root canal. And then there were all those times he supported me and took my side in front of the kids, even when I was wrong. Followed by gentle conviction and prayer when we were alone. It’s a big, hulking guy reading my debut novel instead of Sports Illustrated and then tearing up when tragedy befalls a favorite character. It’s swooning at the sink when he kisses me from behind, purposely mimicking a scene in my book. It’s a man who makes me feel pretty, sexy and like I am the moon and the stars to him, and who tells me life with me is never dull.

Yes, my name is Julie Lessman, and I am a romance addict. And my husband is my biggest supplier.

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Julie!  Thank you so much for being my special guest today, and helping get my blog off to a fantastic start!

Oh happy day!  Now is your chance to win a signed copy of any of Julie Lessman's novels (A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, A Passion Denied, A Hope Undaunted, or A Hope Revealed).  To get yourself entered into the drawing, all you need to do is leave a comment that includes your email address.  

NO EMAIL ADDRESS = NO WIN

You also have a chance to receive two extra entries by doing one, or both, of the following,(please leave a separate comment for each entry) . . .

+ 1 entry ~ Become a follower of Sweet Treats & Inspiration.
+ 1 entry ~ Post this contest on your facebook wall. 

Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited.  Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is drawn from a non-biased third party - Random.org.  After I email the winner, they will have 72 hours to contact me with their address.  I am not responsible for any lost or damaged item for this prize.

Thank you for entering!  Contest ends February 16, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST.

JJ Heller - What Love Really Means -Official Music Video

     As many times as I've heard this beautiful song by JJ Heller, I never tire of it. It speaks of a message of God's love for us, that leaves me in awestruck wonder everyday! Words cannot describe the amazing gift that He has given us in Jesus Christ. We can come to Him just as we are, and the love is unconditional. We don't have to "fix ourselves up" to receive the most beautiful gift ever given.  The gift is for everyone, and no one is excluded.  He "loves me for me", and I don't even have to earn it; Praise God for that!

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  Romans 5:8 NKJV