{A Quote to Inspire You} Sheila Walsh

A Book Preview: {To Whisper Her Name by Tamera Alexander + Video Vignette #4}

In anticipation of Tamera Alexander's October 23rd release of To Whisper Her Name, Zondervan has created a series of six video vignettes relating to this wonderful new Belle Meade Plantation series.  Each one is beautifully done, and gives you some of the fascinating history behind the Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville, Tennessee.  Below you'll find the 4th video, and a link to the book trailer, as well as the three previous videos, in case you've missed them.


Visit Tamera Alexander's website to view the book trailer, and well as the previous Belle Meade video vignettes! 

About the Book:
Olivia Aberdeen, destitute widow of a man shot as a traitor to the South, is shunned by proper society and gratefully accepts an invitation from "Aunt" Elizabeth Harding, mistress of Belle Meade Plantation. Expecting to be the Harding's head housekeeper, Olivia is disillusioned when she learns the real reason Elizabeth's husband, Confederate General William Giles Harding, agreed to her coming. Not finding the safe haven she expects, Olivia is caught off guard by her feelings for Ridley Adam Cooper, a Southern man who seems anything but a Southern gentleman.

Branded a traitor by some, Ridley Cooper, a Southern son who chose to fight for the Union, is a man desperate to end the war still raging inside him. Determined to learn "the gift" that Belle Meade's head horse trainer and former slave, Bob Green, possesses, Ridley harbors secrets that threaten both their lives.

As Ridley seeks to make peace within himself for "betraying" the South he loved, Olivia is determined to never be betrayed again.

Set at Nashville's historic Belle Meade Plantation, the most influential thoroughbred stud farm in America's history, To Whisper Her Name weaves the struggles of real people of the post-war South with the journeys of a man and a woman scarred by betrayal.

Music Monday: {The Struggle} by Tenth Avenue North

Here's a great new song by Tenth Avenue North, from their album, The Struggle.  It's a very easy song to relate to, because we can all identify with struggling.  In this life, we will have struggles.  We will have trials and tribulations.  But it's important to remember that God never promised that we wouldn't struggle.  And what a blessing to know that in those difficult times God is working, even when we don't understand, even when it doesn't seem like anything is changing for the better.  We can rest in His peace.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33


We may be weak, fallen, and broken, but we're free! "Free to struggle, we're not struggling to be free."

There's a wreckage,
There's a fire
There's a weakness in my love
There's a hunger I can't control
Lord, I falter and I fall down
Then I hold on to the chains You broke
When You came and saved my soul
Save my soul

(Chorus)
Hallelujah
We are free to struggle
We're not struggling to be free
Your blood bought and
Makes us children
Children, drop your chains and sing

So why, Lord, do I still fail
Do I wear thin
Why do I still give in to temptation
On my own, I am bankrupt
I don't trust You or take You at Your word
What You've promised

Chorus

Hallelujah, death is overcome
And we are breathing
Hallelujah, our stone hearts become
Flesh that's beating
Hallelujah, chains have been undone
And we are singing
Hallelujah, the fire has begun
Can you feel it
(X2)

Chorus

{A Quote to Inpsire You} Charles Spurgeon

Photo Credit:  Found on Pinterest

I thought this quote went along nicely with the book review I posted last week on What a Difference a Mom Makes by Dr. Kevin Leman.  As moms, we have such great influence over our children, and moms especially have great influence over their sons . . . a blessing and a privilege, indeed!

Hope you all are having a great week!  Sweet blessings, my friends!  ~Michelle  : )  

Music Monday: {Don't Give Up} by Calling Glory

Whether we're on the mountain top, or in the valley, we all need encouragement.  As human beings it's something that we crave.  As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us.  Jesus is always with us to provide encouragement, to be that strong place to fall when we're weak.  People may fail us, but He's always there to hold us up, to be our rock when we feel like we can't take another step, and we've lost hope.  He's the reason we don't have to give up, or lose hope.

If you're feeling hopeless, discouraged, broken, weak, or in despair, I pray that this song will encourage you.  I pray that you will find your peace, hope, rest, and strength in Jesus . . . the one true source of all of these things.

Praise the Lord that He is our refuge and our strength!

These walls around you are caving in

And your life seems like it is wearing thin

Your hope is drowning in despair

It looks like you're not going anywhere

Step inside this Heart and then you'll see

Such a love that is so amazing

A Book Review: {What a Difference a Mom Makes: The Indelible Imprint a Mom Leaves on Her Son's Life} by Dr. Kevin Leman -- Revell Blog Tour

About the Book:

Every mom wants the best for her son. She wants him to succeed in life, to be a man of character, to find a good woman, to be a great dad. But sometimes boys are hard for moms to understand. Sometimes they're strange, annoying, and downright disgusting! Yet always they need a mother who is engaged and interested in them, because a mom is the most important person in a boy's life.

In What a Difference a Mom Makes, New York Times bestselling author Dr. Kevin Leman uses his wit and wisdom to show Mom how to lay the groundwork that will allow her son to grow into a good man. Armed with Dr. Leman's expert advice and insight, Mom will gain an understanding of her boy at every stage, from that very first diaper change to the moment he leaves for college. Dr. Leman shows how to discipline a boy, how to command respect, how to let him fight his own battles, how to understand his sexuality, and how to weather the changes in the mother-son relationship as he grows up. Most of all, Leman shows Mom how to lighten up and have some fun along the way with that boy who will always have her heart.

From the Back Cover:

Boys will be boys--always.
And no one has a more powerful impact on them than you, Mom.
Surprise! Your boy wants to please you, and he cares deeply about what you think. Those driving needs will stay with him throughout his lifetime. That gives you, Mom, a lot of influence over your son. You can set him up for success in life.

In What a Difference a Mom Makes, the New York Times bestselling author Dr. Kevin Leman reveals how you can make a positive imprint on your son--from the moment you first hold him in your arms until the moment he leaves for college. And the best news? It's never too late to start, no matter what age your son is now.

Through Dr. Leman's expert advice, you'll understand who your son is on the inside, the truth behind sibling squabbles (and how to handle them), a secret for discipline that works every time, and how to navigate the critical teen years. You'll also discover how your parenting style impacts your relationship with your son and how you can respond in a healthy way to his growing interest in sex and relationships.

Want to capture your boy's heart? Want a man you'll be proud to call your son? You can make a difference, because you are the one who matters most in your boy's world.

Even if he won't admit it.

My Star Rating: 5 Stars

My Review:

I'm the mom of a 9-year-old boy, and he's the apple of my eye! There's no doubt that he holds a special place in my heart.  When I was given the opportunity to review this book, I didn't give it a second thought, and jumped at the chance.  My son and I have a great relationship, but I figured there's always room for improvement, and I could definitely benefit in gaining some insight on the "older boy" stages, since my older children are girls. 

I found this book to be very easy to read, filled with practical advice, and just the right amount of humor.  Dr. Kevin Leman provides moms with just what they need to navigate their son's life from birth to college.  Whether your son is just a baby, or heading off to college, you'll find practical advice that's presented in a clear, easy to understand way.

I appreciate the fact that there's practical advice for every stage of a boy's life, as well as general mom tips, and a chapter that's dedicated to dad and the importance of his role.

Dr. Leman stresses that our relationship with our son is very important.  The time and attention we give our sons makes a difference, and how to make the most of that time at any age.  After reading this book, I feel so encouraged to take the relationship with my son to an even higher level.  I highly recommend this book to every mom who has a son!

**Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.**

**Thank you to Revell for providing me with a review copy, in exchange for my honest opinion.**

A Book Review: {Love's Reckoning} by Laura Frantz -- Revell Blog Tour

About the Book:

On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in York, Pennsylvania. Just months from becoming a master blacksmith himself, Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship and move west. But Liege soon discovers that Silas is a prodigious worker and craftsman and endeavors to keep him in York. Silas becomes interested in both of Liege's daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever and high-spirited Elspeth. When he chooses one, will the other's jealousy destroy their love?

In this sweeping family saga set in western Pennsylvania, one man's choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. Love's Reckoning is the first entry in The Ballantyne Legacy, a rich, multi-layered historical quartet from talented writer Laura Frantz, beginning in the late 1700s and following the Ballantyne family through the end of the Civil War.

My Star Rating: 5 Stars

My Review:

Oh, how I love a Laura Frantz novel!  This is her fourth novel, and the first in The Ballantyne Legacy series, which will span over four books, and four generations; an epic family saga, indeed!  I only wish we didn't have to wait so long in between books.

Laura has a tremendous talent to craft beautiful novels, and create images in the reader's mind that truly leave a lasting impression.  From unique characters, detailed descriptions, high tension moments of uncertainty, to sweet, tender encounters  . . . I found myself savoring every word, not only for its depth, but its incredible richness.  

Love's Reckoning is not your "run-of-the-mill" novel, and if you're like me, you'll find yourself captivated from beginning to end!  And just when you think you know which direction the story is headed . . . you're in for a surprise that perhaps you weren't expecting!  That was one of the things I appreciated most about the story . . . it took me places that I never saw coming.

I love how the spiritual thread is beautifully incorporated into the story, as we see Eden "thirst" for God and His word, and see her grow in her knowledge of Him. It's endearing how she keeps His word figuratively, and literally, close to her heart.  In addition, I think it's important to note that the novel opens up with Psalm 23.  Even through the dark times and trials, Eden and Silas experience comfort, protection, and leading from the great Shepherd.  He's there with us, even in those dark valleys, and I love how Laura blends this into the story.

If you're an admirer of historical fiction, and you appreciate great literature, this is one you won't want to miss.  It will charm and enchant you, and leave you with great anticipation for the next installment!

**Thank you to Revell, A Division of Baker Publishing Group, for a review copy, in exchange for my honest opinion.**

**Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.**

{A Quote to Inpsire You} C.S. Lewis

{Upcoming Reviews for the Revell Blog Tours}

Here are some of the reviews to be on the lookout for here at Sweet Treats & Inspiration.  It's an AWESOME lineup from Revell!

Review Coming the Week of September 2nd

Review Coming the Week of September 2nd

Review Coming the Week of September 16th

Review Coming the Week of October 1st

Music Monday: {Banner of Love} by Luminate

This is one of those songs that makes me crank up the volume, and say, "Wow, I really love this song!"  Great sound, with an incredible message!  Banner of Love by Luminate is a single off of their new album, Welcome to Daylight, that releases on Tuesday, August 28th.  Enjoy, and be blessed!

I want to show Your love
I want to lift You higher
I want to reach out and touch this world
We gotta reach out and love this world
We're gonna bring Your love
We're gonna lift You higher
We're gonna reach out and love Your world

From KLOVE's website:
Luminate began as as an independent band touring the country and playing at camps, churches and music festivals. The band, comprised of Samuel Hancock (vocals), Cody Clark (guitar), Dusty Jakubik (bass), Dustin DeLong (keyboards, vocals) and Aaron Matthew (drums) toured non-stop and recorded three releases before officially signing a record deal. It was during those thousands of miles logged on the highways and byways of America where a committed heart for ministry, not to mention a true brotherhood was forged beyond the band’s shared love of music.
Hoping to emphasize the importance of backing up our love by reaching out to those in need, Luminate always plays music with a missionary focus. In a world starved for hope, they offer plenty of affirmation that when you look to God and take in His truth, your life can’t help but change.
The band is currently gearing up to release their upcoming album, Welcome To Daylight (August 28, 2012), a record about hope, joy, and leaving our past regrets behind.“Welcome to Daylight is about opening your eyes for the first time and seeing this world through God’s eyes,” says Luminate front man Sam Hancock. “We strive to love as Christ did, realizing that God moves in and through everything, and knowing it’s all a part of a master plan designed by the Creator of the universe. It’s realizing that not only is God stronger than our weakness, but He is a loving Father who delights in His children spending time pursuing Him and fulfilling His plan for our lives.”
Luminate will be joining the Newsboys and Building 429, on the God's Not Dead Tourthis fall.

{Pre-order With Every Letter and be entered to win $50}

Midnight Madness 8/15-8/31! Sarah Sundin's brand new book, With Every Letter, releases on September 1, 2012. To celebrate, Sarah is hosting the Midnight Madness Promotion!

Pre-order or purchase a copy of the book by midnight on August 31, 2012 and be one of the first to read Book One of her new Wings of the Nightingale series. AND as a Thank You for pre-ordering or purchasing With Every Letter you'll be entered to win a $50 gift card to Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble or ChristianBook.com (winner's choice!).

All you have to do is pre-order or purchase With Every Letter and send an e-mail with the following information to sarah{at}sarahsundin.com :

1. Your Name

2. Where you ordered or purchased it from

3. Your email address.

That's it. Easy. 

Here are the pre-order links:

Amazon   Barnes & Noble   ChristianBook.com

{A Quote to Inspire You} John Piper

Music Monday: {Revelation Song} Gateway Worship led by Kari Jobe

I don't think this song will be new to you, and perhaps many of you sing it at your church, but I just feel like it's *the song* that needs to be shared today.  It's such an amazing worship song!  It's all about Him, all about Jesus . . . lifting Him up in worship!  We sang it at church yesterday, and like always, something amazing happened!  The presence of God became so alive in the room -- I'm talking heart-pounding in your chest, hands trembling in the air, goosebumps, and tears!  

Seven years ago, I would have thought this was complete craziness, but today . . . WOW!  All of this coming from the girl who was saved at 34 years-old, watching other church members standing in worship with their hands raised in the air, and thinking, "These people are a little crazy."  LOL!  Fast forward to August 19, 2012,  and I couldn't have kept myself in my seat, or my arms at my side even if I wanted to!  I am awestruck by the awesome power and love of God!  What a privilege to worship  our Lord and King, our Savior, and redeemer!   

Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder, at the mention of Your name.  Jesus, Your name is power, breath and living water, such a marvelous mystery!

 

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” Revelation 5:12 (NKJV)

{Friday Funny} My Waffle Wedded Wife

Here's a little something to start your Friday off with a laugh! Enjoy!

{A Quote to Inspire You} Beth Moore

I've been dealing with a certain someone who is "difficult,"  . . . my oldest child.  The same child I've been having a forgiveness issue with.  As Beth describes here in part 6 of her series on Loving Difficult People, my oldest daughter is my "thorny."  Sometimes, after an interaction with her, I feel as if I've been stuck with quills.  It's painful, and it makes me want to avoid her.

I've often wondered, "Why, Lord?  Why must she be so difficult?  I love her, Lord, but she often makes it so difficult to like her."  Does she bring out the worst in me?  Absolutely.  There has never been anyone is my life who brings out the worst in me like she does.  Do I like who I become in that "ugly place?"  Absolutely not.

Yet even in this, there is a blessing.  God is using this 15-year-old child to refine me, and to mold me into His image.  The tests used to come more frequently, but now they're fewer and far between . . . yet they still come.  I'm still in the refining process.  I'm not where I need to be, but thank God I'm not where I used to be. 

The following quote is from the video posted below, and the last line is one that truly strikes a cord with me.  We will never be more like our father in heaven than when we love the unlovely.  Amen? 

"Sometimes, the reason why that person has been assigned to our life, is to bring out the very worst in us, so that God can bring out the worst in us.  Turns up the heat, and everything toxic inside comes to the surface.  Not so it'll show, so it can be skimmed off.  That is a refiner's fire.  Thorny.  Thorn in the flesh . . .perhaps there to humble us.  Cause that's the very person that brings out somebody in us that we don't like.  We will never be more like our father in heaven than when we love the unlovely." ~Beth Moore

If you have a "thorny" in your life, I pray that you're able to see the blessing, and embrace what God is doing in your life to refine you and mold you into His image.

Sweet Blessings,
Michelle

Music Monday: {Forgiveness} by Matthew West

It seems we're never at a lose for opportunities to forgive.  Life is moving along nicely, and then we're slammed with one offense after another.  For me, it's usually my kids (namely my oldest), and sometimes my husband.  Other times, it's my sister, my dad, or some random person.  So basically, just about anyone.  Do I take the bait of offense, or do I choose not to let it bother me?

Betrayal, lies, disrespect, the mean, cruel, and harsh words that come from those we love most.  Whatever form the offense takes, forgiveness is the only way to set ourselves free from the "poison" that is unforgiveness.  It's hard.  I often don't *want* to forgive.  I've been deeply hurt.  What that person said to me seems truly unforgivable.  So I stew about it for days, replaying the hurtful words, and thinking to myself, "I am so NOT forgiving you!"  And while I'm at it, I'm not going to do anything nice for you, or even look at you.  I'm hurt, I'm angry -- I can't believe you said those words to me!

But then, that still small voice.  The remembrance of the cross.  My sin nailed to the cross by the creator of the universe.  Author of my salvation.  My redeemer.  Jesus.  He loves me.  He forgives me.  He paid a high price.  Out of love and obedience, I can forgive.  Not out of my own will, but through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.  ~Ephesians 4:31-32

This songs truly speaks to my heart, and I pray that it blesses you today.  

It's the hardest thing to give away
And the last thing on your mind today
It always goes to those that don't deserve

It's the opposite of how you feel
When the pain they caused is just to real
It takes everything you have just to say the word...

The Lord is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.

He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.

For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;  

As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

Psalm 8-12

{Happy Friday!}

Hi there, friends!  Hope you have a fantastic Friday, and a wonderful weekend!  This weekend will be low key for us, which is nice.  It seems we've had something on the calendar every weekend for the past two months, so I'm looking forward to no plans (well, except for church, which will be awesome!).  How about you?  Anything special going on?

A Book Preview: {Missing Pieces: real hope when life doesn't make sense} by Jennifer Rothschild

Does God care? Is He fair? Is He even there? Although you may know all the right answers, they don't always feel right. Explore these and other questions in this realistic look at the messy, mysterious uncertainties of faith. God's ways don't always make sense, but He is trustworthy. Come close to Him. Trust Him more than your feelings. God will reveal Himself and fill in your missing pieces. 

Participants who take this Bible Study will:

• Experience unexpected peace in spite of unexpected heartache
• Hang on to God's answers when you feel you are at the end of your rope
• Move forward when you feel stuck in your circumstances
• Have a greater sense of peace through every storm you face
• Strengthen your faith when you feel beat down by life
• Experience stability when tidal waves of emotion hit
• Trust God more than your feelings 

Below you can watch Part 1 of the Introductory Session of the group video session.  :::warning: you may need Kleenex:::



Below you can watch Part 2 of 2 of the Introductory Session.


You can purchase your Bible Study Member Book at Jennifer Rothschild's store for $12.95 plus S/H.

If you're not familiar with Jennifer Rothschild and her testimony, you can get to know her at the Jennifer Rothschild website.

{A Quote to Inspire You} Julie Lessman

A Book Preview: {Unglued: Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions} by Lysa TerKeurst

Today is release day for Lysa TerKeurst's new book, Unglued: Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions.  Boy, oh boy, is this a book that I need!  I just started it last night, and it's very good!  I can tell that the book is going to be such an encouragement.  Be watching for a review in the coming month!

 

Lysa TerKeurst admits that she, like most women, has experiences where others bump into her happy and she comes emotionally unglued. We stuff, we explode, or react somewhere in between.
What do we do with these raw emotions? Is it really possible to make emotions work for us instead of against us? Yes, and in her usual inspiring and practical way, Lysa will show you how.
Filled with personal examples and Biblical teaching,
Unglued will equip you to:

• Know with confidence how to resolve conflict in your
  important relationships.
• Find peace in your most difficult relationships as you learn to be
  honest but kind when offended.
• Identify what type of reactor you are and how to significantly
  improve your communication.
• Respond with no regrets by managing your tendencies to stuff,
  explode, or react somewhere in between.
• Gain a deep sense of calm by responding to situations out of your control without acting out of control.

ABOUT LYSA:

Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times bestselling author, National Speaker, and President of Proverbs 31 Ministries. You can read her daily blog at www.LysaTerKeurst.com or hear her encouragement through the Proverbs 31 Ministries’ radio program played on over 1200 outlets. She loves that the first four letters of Messiah spell a “mess.” All of the messages Lysa speaks and writes about come from her awareness of what a mess she can be. Most days you can find her writing from her sticky farm table in North Carolina where she lives with her husband Art, her five priority blessings named Jackson, Mark, Hope, Ashley, and Brooke, 3 dogs and a mouse that refuses to leave her kitchen.