Saturday, May 18, 2013

Once Upon A Prince by Rachel Hauck

Once Upon a Prince, the first novel in the Royal Wedding series by bestselling author Rachel Hauck, treats you to a modern-day fairy tale.
Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess---just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn't going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life.
The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simon's Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family's tense political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna's aid under the fabled Lover's Oak, he is blindsided by love.
Their lives are worlds apart. He's a royal prince. She's a ordinary girl. But everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel's coronation. It's the ultimate choice. His kingdom or her heart? God's will or their own?

About the Author
Rachel Hauck is the bestselling author of ACFW Book of the Year winner Sweet Caroline, and RITA Finalist Love Starts With Elle, Bestselling The Wedding Dress, and of the critically acclaimed fiction collaboration with multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans, The Songbird Novels.

She lives in sunny, though sometimes hurricane plagued, central Florida with her husband and their ornery pet.

Rachel earned a degree in Journalism from Ohio State University and is a huge Buckeyes football fan.

She is the past President of American Christian Fiction Writers and now serves on the Executive Board.
Visit her web site at www.rachelhauck.com to sign up for her newsletter, read her blog, and to follow her on Facebook and Twitter.


Here is my review of this delightful fairy-tale romance:

First of all, I would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to Rachel Hauck and her publisher for sending me a copy of "Once Upon A Prince" to review for them. I am truly grateful for this generosity. I really appreciate the time, effort and expense it takes to make a reviewer copy available to me.

“Once Upon A Prince” by Rachel Hauck is the wonderful, heartwarming first installment in the new Royal Wedding series.  Susanna just ended a 12-year relationship.  While recovering from that disturbance to her life plan, she learns that she is going to have to move out of her home.  Being thrust into the unexpected seems to ignite a confidence in God.  She doesn’t realize Nate is a prince when she meets him.  These two develop an easy friendship that turns to true love for the prince.  But this love cannot be a reality for the future king.

Prince Nathaniel’s description of Susanna made me realize the kind of person I want to be.  Susanna’s prayers brought tears to my eyes.  This story is a beautifully crafted modern-day fairy tale that will appeal to the little princess in every woman who cracks the cover on this book.

On a side-note, Blake Shelton is a baritone.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Bible Study: Meet Jesus, Son of God/Son of Man - John - Chapter 6

Please forgive this rough draft format, as these are my raw study notes on the Gospel of John, although they are a bit better formatted than former efforts. I felt a great sense of urgency to publish them rather than waiting until I had the time to pretty them up. Thank you and I pray that God blesses and encourages you through this material. I’m not sure of the condition of the world at the time of this publication. But at the time of its writing, fall 2009 through late spring 2010, things are looking increasingly bleak with the economy, health care and unemployment, there is a renewal and increase of racism, and godly principles of living being disregarded, there are floods in India, earthquake and tsunami in Samoa. Are these the first stages of birth pains? The last? God only knows. And He is very busy these days. Seek His wisdom. Encourage each other. Pray. Jesus is coming to deliver His people and judge the wicked…

Stacey


Take a few minutes to pray and savor chapter 6 of the book of John. Then return here and ponder the thoughts, answer the questions, and be sure to leave comments about your own revelations…


6 – Portrait of peace.

6:1-15 – Fourth piece of evidence for Christ – Jesus feeds 5000. He is the Master of quantity.

6:1-14 – God often introduces spiritual needs through physical ones. (A Woman’s Heart: God’s Dwelling Place – Beth Moore)

6:1-13 – See Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:32-44; Luke 9:10-17. What similarities exist in these parallel accounts? What additional information do you glean from these passages? What does this tell you about the perspective of the writer, John? How does this knowledge enhance your understanding of the event?

6:2 – People followed Jesus because He healed the sick.

6:7 – Eight months’ wages wouldn’t feed the crowd one bite each – was Philip exaggerating?

6:8-9 – WOW! What did Andrew think Jesus could do with five loaves and two fish? What faith!

What a contrast between Philip’s and Andrew’s behavior! Which apostle reflects your own behavior? Does that please you? If not, what will you do to change that?

6:13 – There was one basket of leftovers for each apostle.

6:14-15 – The crowds wanted to make Jesus king by force. Soon, these same voices will cry out for His execution. Did this take place in Jerusalem?

6:14 – The Prophet? See Deuteronomy 18:15,18.

6:15 – The people saw Jesus go off by Himself.

6:16-24 – Fifth piece of evidence for Christ – Jesus walks on water. He is the Master of the laws of nature.

6:16-21 – See Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:47-51. What similarities exist in these parallel accounts? What additional information do you glean from these passages? What does this tell you about the perspective of the writer, John? How does this knowledge enhance your understanding of the event?

6:16-17 – The people also saw the disciples leave separately.

6:19 – the disciples were in the middle of the lake.

6:21 – The disciples had to be willing to bring Jesus into the midst of their difficulties for Him to rescue them. We must do the same. Have you invited Jesus into your boat?

Is Christ the first person you invite into your problems?

6:22 – The next day, the crowd realized that Jesus didn’t go with the disciples.

6:24 – The crowd jumped into boats that arrived on shore that morning to go looking for Jesus.

6:25 – Why did the people ask Jesus when He got there? See 15-17,22 for a hint.

6:26-27 – The people were hungry. They just didn’t recognize their hunger as spiritual in nature.

6:28 – The people seemed to think they could earn God’s favor through works.

6:29 – Jesus tells them they can’t earn God’s favor, they only need to believe.

Do you believe? Have you told God? If you’d like to commit your life to Christ and begin a relationship with Him, pray with me. There is a prayer at the top of this blog page. After you pray, contact me or a Christian friend or local Christian church and ask about how to develop your new relationship with God.

6:30 – They asked Jesus for signs. Do you?

6:31 – Is this crowd obsessed with food, or what? At least they’ve added a miraculous element to their questions, now.

Jesus was represented in the manna.

6:32-33 – Do you regularly dine on the true bread from heaven? How?

6:35 – see Leviticus 24:59 – Christ is the bread of the presence.

The first “I AM” Statement – Jesus is the bread of life – he is the living bread from heaven (6:51)

Have you feasted on His presence today?

6:36 – Jesus declares that the people still don’t understand. So they must still be trying to fill their stomachs.

6:37 – Gives assurance that, if you’ve come to Jesus, He will never drive you away. How does that make you feel?

You cannot lose your salvation.

6:38 – What Jesus gives is better than manna.

6:41-55 – This segment talks about Jesus’ identity – Son of Mary (and Joseph) vs. Bread of heaven (Son of God).

6:41-42 – The people grumbled about Jesus’ heavenly origin because they knew His parents. Some may have even known Him as a boy.

6:44-45 – No one comes to Jesus unless the Father draws him. But everyone who listened to the Father and learns from Him comes to Jesus.

6:44 – God draws men to Jesus. We won’t acknowledge Him otherwise.

6:45 – Everyone who listens to God and learns from Him will come to Jesus. All are taught by God.

6:48-51 – Christ is the bread of heaven who, when eaten, brings eternal life.

6:52 – This teaching was offensive to the Jews.

6:53-57 – Jesus’ flesh and blood are real food and bring eternal life. Can you explain this in reference to the Passover celebration? Communion?

6:62 – Jesus must ascend for the Spirit to be given to believers.

6:63 – When the Spirit comes, He will guide believers in all truth. See John 16:13.

6:66 – Have you found something offensive or challenging in the Bible and stopped following Jesus because of it? If so, stop right now and pray. Have a candid discussion with Jesus about this, asking Him to open your eyes to the truth, to speak to your heart, and draw you back to Him.

6:67 – Jesus asked the 12 if they wanted to leave, too. Why might He have done this?

6:68-69 – Peter asks where they would go since Jesus had the words of eternal life and is the Holy One of God. What an amazing spiritual insight!

What amazing spiritual insight has the Holy Spirit given you lately?

6:70-71 – Jesus chose the 12 including His betrayer, Judas Iscariot.


• The book of John is called the “Love Gospel”. How have you seen God’s love at work in this chapter of scripture and how will you apply it to your life this week?
• What attributes of God do you see in this book?
• What verse of scripture seemed to be God speaking directly to you? What is He teaching you in these verses? How does He want you to respond?

NIV Real Life Devotional Bible for Women, Insights for Everyday Life Notes by Lysa TerKeurst

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 Insight Notes author is:


and the book:

Zondervan; Special edition (March 19, 2013)

***Special thanks to Rick Roberson for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times bestselling author and national speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith. She is the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, author of 15 books, and encourages nearly 500,000 women worldwide through a daily online devotional. Her remarkable life story has captured audiences across America, including appearances on Oprah and Good Morning America. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and five children.

Visit the author's website.


SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

This Bible will help you live up to your God-given potential. Insightful daily devotions written by the women at Proverbs 31 Ministries help you maintain life's balance in spite of today's hectic pace. Dive into the beauty and clarity of the NIV Bible text paired with daily devotions crafted by women just like you---women who want to live authentically and fully grounded in the Word of God.





Product Details:
List Price: $34.99
Hardcover: 1536 pages
Publisher: Zondervan; Special edition (March 19, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310439361
ISBN-13: 978-0310439363


AND NOW...SOME SAMPLE PAGES (CLICK ON PAGES TO ENLARGE):








Here's my review of this devotional Bible:

First of all, I would like to extend a heartfelt "Thank you" to Lysa TerKeurst and her publisher for sending me a copy of "NIV Real Life Devotional Bible for Women, Insights for Everyday Life Notes" to review for them. I am truly grateful for this generosity. I really appreciate the time, effort and expense it takes to make a reviewer copy available to me.

Since I've spent over 30 years reading and studying the Bible and I have a bunch of devotional books, I was excited to receive the "NIV Real Life Devotional Bible for Women, Insights for Everyday Life Notes" by Lysa TerKeurst. This is a lovely hardcover book that sprinkles devotional writing throughout the New International Version text. I like how the devotions are numbered rather than labeled with a day of the week so I can skip a day and pick right back up instead of feeling like I have to wait until "next Tuesday".

The devotional articles are from several different writers with different styles. I was challenged and inspired and encouraged. This is a thought-provoking and prayer inspiring Bible that would be a good gift for someone else or treat for yourself.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Learn the Bible in 24 Hours – Hour 15 – Matthew, Mark, Luke, John


The Gospels are a fascinating topic of study that I would love to spend several hours on.  This hour fanned a flame in me to study what Christ may have said on the road to Emmaus, a study I have been working on and off for a couple of years.

This week we examined the Old Testament prophecies that were quoted in the Gospels.  We looked at the genealogy of Christ and the blood curse of Jeconiah.  We talked again about the daughters of Zelophehad and I understand the concept better now.  Every detail of the Old Testament is in place by deliberate design and those details always point to Christ!  We looked at the design of the Gospels and the rhetorical devices used in the Scriptures.  They we took a brief look at each of the four Gospel accounts.

While discussing Matthew, I learned quite a bit about the Magi.  I also learned when and why Jesus taught in parables.  Another fascinating aspect of this study was how the seven kingdom parables in Matthew 13 have a correlation to the letters of the seven churches in the book of Revelation.

While examining the book of Mark, I learned that this Gospel account is actually longer than Matthew’s Gospel except for the discourses.  Because Matthew was a tax collector, he was able to take shorthand.  Therefore, he was able to record Jesus’ words VERBATIM!  Doesn’t this make you want to curl up on the couch with Matthew’s account?

Luke’s account is historically authenticated.  His Gospel and the book of Acts were the background documentation used to substantiate Paul’s appeal to Caesar.  As a physician, Luke used technical and medical terms in his Gospel.  He also included an obstetrical genealogy of Jesus!  I will never again forget which Gospel records Mary’s lineage!

In the synopsis of John’s Gospel, Dr. Missler includes a rough outline of the book, a list of the eight miracles included in the text, a list of the people who received Jesus whose conversions are told in this Gospel and lists the seven “I Am” statements of Christ.

Out time ended this week with Dr. Missler narrating a slideshow of the combined Gospel accounts both chronologically and geographically.  I would love to get my hands on a copy of this so that I could study with it and test it out.  This was an incredibly stimulating way to end the hour.  I will need to watch this video several times.

Homework for next time: Review the final week of Christ’s life.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

When Love Calls by Lorna Seilstad


When Love Calls

By Lorna Seilstad

With historic details that bring to life the exciting first decade of the twentieth century, Lorna Seilstad weaves a charming tale of camaraderie and companionship that blossoms into love. Readers will get lost in this sweet romance and will eagerly look forward to championing the Gregory sisters’ dreams.

Hannah Gregory is good at many things, but that list doesn't include following rules. So when she is forced to apply for a job as a telephone switchboard operator to support her two sisters, she knows it won't be easy. "Hello Girls" must conduct themselves according to strict, and often bewildering, rules. No talking to the other girls. No chatting with callers. No blowing your nose without first raising your hand. And absolutely no consorting with gentlemen while in training.

Meanwhile, young lawyer Lincoln Cole finds himself in the unfortunate position of having to enforce the bank's eviction of the three Gregory girls from their parents' home. He tries to soften the blow by supporting them in small ways as they settle into another home. But fiery Hannah refuses his overtures and insists on paying back every cent of his charity.

When one of Hannah's friends finds himself on the wrong side of a jail cell, Hannah is forced to look to Lincoln for help. Will it be her chance to return to her dreams of studying law? And could she be falling in love?

About Lorna Seilstad:

A history buff, antique collector, and freelance graphic designer, Lorna Seilstad is the author of Making Waves, A Great Catch, and The Ride of Her Life. A former high school English and journalism teacher, she has won several online writing contests and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Lorna lives in Council Bluffs, Iowa, with her husband. Find out more at www.lornaseilstad.com.

Praise for When Love Calls:

"Hannah Gregory is my kind of gal: smart, feisty, loyal and resilient. When Love Calls is a delightful story filled with entertaining, endearing characters. Lorna Seilstad's trademark is to embroider her novels with historical detail while providing a wonderfully satisfying read."

-          Suzanne Woods Fisher, bestselling author of the Stoney Ridge Seasons series and host of weekly radio show Amish Wisdom

 

"Lorna Seilstad has a way of dropping her characters into interesting times, and she's done it again in When Love Calls.”

-          Ann H. Gabhart, author of Angel Sister and The Gifted

 

"Filled with witty prose and engaging characters, When Love Calls is a thoroughly charming love story."

-          Maggie Brendan, author of the Heart of the West series and the Blue Willow Brides series



Here is my review of this enjoyable novel:
 




First of all, I would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to Lorna Seilstad and her publisher for sending me a copy of "When Love Calls" to review for them. I am truly grateful for this generosity. I really appreciate the time, effort and expense it takes to make a reviewer copy available to me.


  Lorna Seilstad’s “When Love Calls” is a charming historical romance that transports the reader to Iowa in the early 1900s.  Hannah Gregory has given up on her dreams of law school and a career in justice.  With the death of her parents, the responsibility to care for her younger sisters has fallen upon her.  So she quit law school and applied to become a telephone operator.  While training to become a “Hello Girl”, she must refrain from entertaining gentlemen callers.  She didn’t think this would be a challenge until attorney Lincoln Cole begins to get under Hannah’s skin.

This engaging romance has lots of action, suspense and humor.  I really enjoyed the well-developed characters.  I used to work in a building where a plug-in switchboard was operated.  I used to sit in the switchboard and chat with the operators on breaks.  This novel allowed me to reminisce and educated me a bit on what those ladies from my past were doing.  This was a fun read.