What Makes Us Sisters

A review copy was provided

WHAT MAKES US SISTERS

by Bonnie L. Oscarson

There is a really strong influence among us today to criticize, judge, and compare...

Especially among women.

What Makes Us Sisters counsels us to turn that around~

"We need to care for each other, comfort each other, and [be] there for each other."

Throughout this book you will read messages that strengthen us as sisters.

You will notice counsel to help us embrace the differences between us.

"We have been blessed with charitable natures."

This book reminds us to "realize just how much we need each other."

Filled with beautiful pictures of women in all stages of life.

This is a book to be read and re-read and then shared.

GET IT HERE | ADD TO GOODREADS

About the Author

Bonnie L. Oscarson was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, but her family moved often and she lived in five different places in the United States before attending Brigham Young University to study commercial art. She met her husband, Paul Oscarson, at the temple site in Far West, Missouri. They later married in 1969 in the Salt Lake Temple and are the parents of seven children and grandparents of 24 grandchildren.

She served with her husband when she was still a young mother as he presided over the Sweden Göteborg Mission and then 30 years later returned to Sweden where she and her husband served as matron and temple president of the Stockholm Sweden Temple. She has served as a ward Young Women president three times, in a stake Young Women presidency twice, and taught early morning seminary for nine years. Sister Oscarson loves working with the youth of the Church. She doesn’t regret any of the sleep she missed while teaching seminary. She returned to school after 35 years and earned a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in British and American Literature. One of Sister Ocarson’s favorite scriptures is in Doctrine and Covenant 101:16 “Be still and know that I am God.”

A Mother's Greatest Gift

A review copy was provided

Book Details

Author: Heidi Poelman

Release Date: March 2015

Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.

Genre: Inspiration

One of the things I have learned over the years is that your kids love you.

They may not like what you do sometimes...

But you are the perfect mom for them; for they were entrusted to you.

And when it all comes down to it, they love you simply for the fact that you are their mom.

We all know kids don't come with an owner's manual.

However, we have a far greater resource...

We have the Lord's help.

Our children are His children too...

And if we will but listen we can be guided and given insight in how to raise and help them.

"Personal stories, research, and interviews" are given in this wonderful book to help us:

* Understand the role of the Holy Ghost as it pertains to motherhood.

* Know how to hear and heed warnings.

* Realize that we do have angels among us.

* Exert patience when the Heavens seem silent.

* and More

"Relying on the Spirit as you raise your children

is a Mother's Greatest Gift"

Beautifully written you will be comforted, encouraged, and uplifted.

Excerpt
"How much influence can a mother have? I dare say more than a chief executive officer at a big company or an architect with brilliant building designs, or even more than the man who first walked on the moon. Although noble and impressive in the eyes of the world, their impact is limited. A mother's influence is eternal."

GET IT HERE / ADD TO GOODREADS

About the Author

Heidi Poelman was born in Provo, Utah. She lived in North Carolina, San Diego, London, and Mexico before planting her roots firmly back in the Beehive State. Heidi received her degrees in communication from Brigham Young University (BA) and Wake Forest University (MA). Her experience includes working in public relations for high-tech companies, helping college students fight global poverty, teaching families about nutritious food storage options, writing stories for children, and her favorite post as full-time Mom. Heidi is the author of A is for Abinadi: An Alphabet Book of Scripture Heroes as well as several stories published in The Friend magazine. Her biggest fans are her husband and three children.

Amazed by Grace

A review copy was provided

Book Details

Author: Sheri Dew

Release Date: March 2015

Publisher: Deseret Book

Genre: Inspiration

How much do you know about Grace?

In this PHENOMENAL book, Sheri Dew answers these questions

* What is grace?

* What difference can grace make in our lives?

* How does the Savior make His power available to us?

* What must we do to gain access to that power?

Through some really touching stories and examples Sister Dew teaches us that "grace is an enabling power."

"The Savior empowers us with His grace, not because we've earned it, but because He loves us perfectly."

That sentence, right there, is enough to make this book worth reading!

But she goes on...

"Tender mercies are ALWAYS evidence that grace is present."

Have you had a tender mercy that made a difference in your life? Something that helped you endure a little longer?

Read and ponder this book to see how the Savior's grace makes it possible to face "fear, grief, insecurity, or an addiction."

Grasp on to that grace...


Grace, or the Savior's power, is available to us simply because "we live in the dispensation of the fulness of times, when no spiritual blessings are being withheld from the earth."

"The Lord is not saving up His grace or power for one dramatic display a the Final Judgment, nor is grace something that kids in at the end of an ordeal. It is there from the moment we exercise even a 'particle of faith' and ask for his help."

One final quote:

"The key to unlocking the power of covenant men and women is in covenant men's and women's learning to unlock the power of Jesus Christ."

There is SO MUCH in this book...I have barely touched the surface.

I add my witness that the Lord really does stand ready and willing and able to give us His grace.

Read this book to fully understand what grace is and how to access it.
It will change your life!

GET IT HERE / ADD TO GOODREADS

About the Author

Sheri Dew is a native of Ulysses, Kansas, and a graduate of Brigham Young University. She has authored several books, including the biographies of two presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Presidents Gordon B. Hinckley and Ezra Taft Benson. Her most recent books are God Wants a Powerful People and Saying It Like It Is. Sheri was named the president and CEO of Deseret Book Company in March 2002. She also serves as a member of both the BYU Marriott School of Management’s National Advisory Council and the President’s Leadership Council for BYU-Hawaii. In March 2003 the White House appointed her as a member of the U.S. Delegation to the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls at the United Nations.

Tell Me About It, Sister!

A review copy was provided

Book Details

Author: Andrea Faulkner Williams
Release Date: March 2015
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Genre: Self-Help / Inspiration

This book is AMAZING! WONDERFUL! And FANTASTIC!

After Andrea returned from her own mission she found it difficult to merge her 'before mission' and 'after mission' concepts of what she should be...

She noticed that other return sister missionaries were struggling too.

So she interviewed over 200 return sister missionaries and created this guide to help with the adjustment period.

You will read about topics such as:

* Overcoming Physical Culture Shock

* Overcoming Emotional Culture Shock

* Hottie with an RSM Body

* Back in the Dating Game

* Andrea's Guide to Love

* Did the Spirit Break Up with Me?

* Keeping the Flame Alive

* Called To Serve

* Taking the Focus off of You

* Bumps in the Road

* Three Steps to Finding Your Future

* Does it Have to End?

Filled with SO MANY stories and helps and self-assessment quizzes.

There are journal-prompt pages too!

Grab a copy for every return sister missionary you know!

In fact, grab a copy for every woman you know...there are ideas in there that ALL of us need to work on!

It is THAT GOOD!

GET IT HERE / ADD TO GOODREADS

About the Author

Andrea Faulkner Williams is a writer, marketer, wife, mother, and returned sister missionary. She served in the Illinois Nauvoo Mission as well as the Colorado, Colorado Springs Mission. A graduate of Brigham Young University with a BA in Latin American Studies, she currently works from home as a social media strategist, and serves as The Young Women’s President in her ward.

Real Moms

A review copy was provided

Book Details
Author: Lisa Valentine Clark
Release Date: March 2015
Publisher: Deseret Book
Genre: Inspiration

If you have seen Lisa in Pretty Darn Funny you know that she is DYNAMIC!
Below is one of my most favorite episodes!

Now Lisa shares with us her take on REAL MOMS.

I LOVE how she states in the Introduction:

"Every mom should write a book on motherhood, and every mom could. We all have those special moments when the ridiculous happens and we look around wondering, why aren't there cameras recording all of this? We all find ourselves in situations no one could prepare us for--or, if they tried, we wouldn't have believed such things could happen to us."

We as mother's tend to compare our worst weakness to another mother's strength.

Lisa suggests that we "lower the bar so all moms can be awesome."

We need to let go of perfectionism and understand that we do a lot of "improvising" as Lisa so wonderfully writes...

"I didn’t have gold shoes, and I didn’t have time to go shopping, but I thought I could just spray-paint some heels I owned that I never really wore. I spray-painted them and tried them out for three hours at church where they held up perfectly. I felt pretty good about myself...congratulating myself for my frugality and my foresight for testing them out"...and then the gold started to peel off, in big chunks, leaving big splotches of pink during her very important red-carpet premier--
 (see picture on cover of book :)

Lisa shares fun stories of her love of improvisation and shows that there are a lot of parallels between that and of being a mother.

Filled with humors "acting stories," and "mom stories" and "side rants" this book is PERFECT for mothers everywhere.

Stop trying to be a perfect mom and rejoice in being a REAL MOM

Let us celebrate the uniqueness!

Let us embrace the differences!

Let us encourage the sharing of triumphs...and tragedies!

The best things we can do... is to do the best that we can do...and laugh along the way!

Read the entire book or just a few chapters.

There are stories in here that you will smile at, relate to, and most of all will want to share.

I LOVE THIS BOOK! 

Grab a copy for a MOM that you love, including yourself!

GET IT HERE | ADD TO GOODREADS

About the Author

Lisa Valentine Clark graduated with a B.S. in English from Brigham Young University. 

She was part of the sketch/comedy troupe "The Garrens" in Provo from 1995 to 2000, and co-founded the theater-as-improv troupe "The Thrillionaires." 

She has done a variety of voiceover and acting work in independent features, including "Gracie" in the award-winning webseries Pretty Darn Funny," which she also writes and produces. 

Lisa spends most of her time in Provo with her husband, Christopher Clark. 

They are the parents of five children who seem to make up a unique comedy troupe all their own.

Lighten Up & Laugh

A review copy was provided

Book Details

Author: Kari J. Rich

Release Date: March 2015

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Genre: Inspiration

After reading her first book, Heaven Help Us!
I immediately knew that I wanted read this NEW book by Kari J. Rich

Kari is REAL!
Kari is FUNNY!
Kari is a JOY!

Filled with 50 humorous stories this book will make you laugh out loud and smile to the end.

I LOVE the book blurb:

"Is your house cleaner before your kids help you clean it? 

Do you clandestinely de-clutter and hide items in thrift-store-bound garbage bags? 

Do you find the title “Fun Run” to be an oxymoron? 

Does your overeager garden planning result in summers spent doorbell-ditching zucchini?"

You will read true-life stories from Kari's viewpoint and learn how she finds the humor in the everyday activities.

LOVED. LOVED. LOVED. the story of her trying to make an omelette for her newly-wed husband.

And the Valentine Day Conversation is priceless!

Wait until you read how she got lost while snowshoeing with a friend...

Or how she purchased a purple phone for her husband and why...

And the things that were lost (and found) during a family vacation to Las Vegas.

The chapter on Baby Backflash is a GEM! -- SO SAD, yet SO FUNNY!

And if you think YOU have Buyer's Remorse you will LOVE the 19 steps Kari takes in buying an article of clothing.

Each story is WONDERFUL!
Take a break from your life and delve into Kari's life.
You will feel as if you have gained a new BFF.

GET IT HERE / ADD TO GOODREADS

From the Author

My name is Kari J. Rich and I’m the wife of a cowboy artist, mother of three, weekly columnist for The Herald Journal, graphic designer, public speaker, former lead singer of a band (truth!), and a big fan of Carol Burnett and the Muppets (authentic Jim Henson version).

I live in the western mountain outback with more animals than I ever wanted to take care of.

I graduated from Utah State University in English and design and worked in an advertising agency as a graphic designer and copywriter until I started a family and started working freelance from home.

As I transitioned from corporate to domestic I started writing down the funny things of everyday life in a journal to keep my sanity. Years later, a blog, a column and two books were born. I enjoy exposing the hidden hilarity that lurks in everyday life because it’s pretty darn funny if you choose to look for it.

Website / Facebook / Pinterest 

Grab a copy of Heaven Help Us!

LDS women work hard for many people in many places, striving every day to do and be their best—but how often do they get to simply sit back and LOL? In this collection of wry and witty essays, one modern Mormon mom turns ordinary predicaments into awesome opportunities to lighten up and look at life with a laugh. Whether she’s busting through red tape to get medical assistance for her injured son, celebrating the birth of her child by losing her lunch on the bathroom floor, or having an off-beat adventure in the residue of Mormon culture found at D.I., Kari J. Rich uncovers the hilarity that lurks in everyday situations. See her thwart self-pity with self-deprecation as she rediscovers her testimony in a can of tuna, loses touch with her children by joining the PTA, gets chased down by a hawk on her bike, unknowingly turns into her father on Memorial Day, and battles the family hierarchy at the height of the holiday season. There’s more than frivolity on these pages—golden nuggets of wisdom.

GET IT HERE / ADD TO GOODREADS

10 Fun Facts about Kari

1. In 8th grade I was the first female class president elected in my junior high’s history.

2. The last thing I want to eat before I die is an Oreo shake.

3. I was the lead singer for a cover band for five years.

4. I’m a middle child (explains a lot, doesn’t it).

5. I had front row seats at the Donny & Marie Show in Vegas and Donny held my hand and serenaded "Puppy Love” to me.

6. When I was five years old I shoplifted a bunch of Andes mints by shoving them down my underwear.

7. I’m terrified of praying mantises.

8. I’ve logged enough miles on my bike to circle the earth once.

9. I hate watermelon, actually all melons. Sorry, it’s a texture thing.

10. I won first prize for my homemade chocolate chip cookies in a baking contest judged by a professional chef who used to cook at the Vatican for the Pope.

Words of the Savior w/ Book Giveaway

A review copy was provided

Book Details

Author: Complied by Deseret Book

Release Date: March 2015

Publisher: Deseret Book

Genre: Inspiration

This book is a MUST-HAVE!

We often study the words and teachings of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, etc.

This book is solely the words and teachings right from the Savior.

Gorgeous photos accompany these teachings to bring deeper meaning to our hearts and minds.

Read what the Savior said while he "walked, taught, and healed among the people."

Messages that we still so need to hear today!

Here are a few of the teachings with a sampling of the photos~~

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and is shall be opened unto you~

Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid~

I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst~

If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth~

He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her~

Arise, and be not afraid~

Judge not, that ye be not judged~

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest~

Rise up, and stand forth in the midst~

Where is your faith?~

What would ye that I should do for you?~

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you~

and so many more~

These words bring counsel, guidance, comfort, and hope.

From personal experience I know that the closer we draw to the Savior the truer happiness we will feel. This book can and will help you focus more on the Savior.

Perfect for personal or family study!

Perfect book for an gift!

~ Be reminded of what He said ~

AMAZON LINK | GOODREADS LINK

Deseret Book is graciously offering a
BOOK GIVEAWAY
for one of my followers :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To My Friends

A review copy was provided

Book Details

Author: Jeffrey R. Holland

Release Date: December 2014

Publisher: Deseret Book

Genre: Inspiration

This book is POWERFUL -- yet very PERSONAL.

It is as if Elder Holland is having a one-on-one private chat with each of us.

Each chapter has a unique message of guidance, hope, and comfort.

Each chapter also starts with a "beautifully designed quotation" to visually help bring that message into our hearts.

In one of the chapters Elder Holland talks about being a friend...one who will help lift us up, not beat us down.

Elder Holland wants to be that friend

And so each chapter starts with the phrase "to my friends ____."

* To My Friends Who Love the Lord

* To My Friends Who Want To Change

* To My Friends Who Have Not Understood God's Grace

* To My Friends Who Face Opposition

* To My Friends of Other Faiths

* To My Friends Who Face Temptation

* To My Friends Who Seek Happiness

* To My Friends Who Feel Alone

* And More

As you read you will feel of Elder Holland's love...

But more importantly you will feel of the Savior's love.

For as Elder Holland writes:

 "I am grateful for the greatest friend any of us could ever have, 

the Lord Jesus Christ."

This is a book that needs to be read and shared...
It has the potential to change hearts, minds, and lives.

AMAZON LINK | GOODREADS LINK

About the Author

Jeffrey R. Holland was called as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in June 1994. A native of St. George, Utah, he received bachelor's and master's degrees from Brigham Young University and a master's degree and PhD in American Studies from Yale University. In 1974 he became dean of Religious Education at BYU and two years later was named Church Commissioner of Education. In 1980 he was appointed president of BYU, where he served until he was sustained as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy in 1989. Elder Holland is the author of several books, including Broken Things to Mend and Christ and the New Covenant. He and his wife, Patricia, have three children and thirteen grandchildren.

I Can Do Hard Things With God

"We talk of emergency preparedness for the big earthquakes or world events. More often, it is the personal trials that hit close to home that are the most difficult. If we wait to prepare spiritually until the storm hits, we may find ourselves blown over . . .The question is not “Will I face challenges?” but rather, “How will I deal with challenges when they come?” I Can Do Hard Things with God is an inspiring collection of essays by a variety of LDS women who have confronted this very question."

Just look at these chapter titles and who the contributors are:

* Suicide: No More Hiding by Ganel-Lyn Condie

* Chronic Illness: An Essay about Being Sick. Very Sick. For a Very Long Time by Kylie Turley

* Blindness: Seeing with a Disability by Kris Belcher

* Financial Stressors: Will You Be Poor for Me? by Andrea Palmer

* Life after Depression, Divorce, and Bankruptcy by Barbara Mathews

* Choosing Charity When Children Choose a Different Path by Alice Ann Weber

* Death of a Baby: The Miracle and Memory of Little Madilyn by Heather Hodge

* Infertility: He Did for Me What I Could Not Do for Myself by Carrie Ann Oscarson Rhodes

* Hear Loss but Hearing His Voice by Kate Cowan

* Death of My Husband: Finding My Happily Ever After Again by Lorraine Mason

* Living with Bipolar Depression and Anxiety by Elizabeth Harris

* Spouse's Mental Illness: You're the One Who's Bipolar, So How Come I'm Going Crazy? by Laryssa Waldron

* Singlehood by Betsy Ferguson

"They offer glimpses into lives that have been uplifted and enriched through stalwart preparation and unwavering faith, and readers will come to understand that they too can rely on God’s grace to strengthen them in their adversity."

Do any of these resonate with you?

Do you know someone in a similar situation?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author Shelly Locke finalizes the book with her chapter on Adversity: The Mark of Gold upon Our Souls.

She eloquently shares with us why we have adversity, why it seems to be everywhere in this day and age, the purpose of it, and what we can do about it.

She reminds us that we have a loving Heavenly Father who not only loves us, but blesses us.

She teaches us that "if we manage our trials wisely, they become our friend, the means by which the answers to life's mysteries will come."

With powerful testimony she bears witness that there is hope.

This book is SO NEEDED!
The timing is NOW!
EVERY WOMAN NEEDS TO READ THIS!

WE CAN DO HARD THINGS WITH GOD 

 

About the Compiler

Ganel-Lyn is dedicated to her family, faith, and inspiring others to live healthy balanced life. She loves teaching others with writing, speaking and consulting. She has healed from a major chronic illness and is the mother to two miracle children. Ganel-Lyn lives with an open heart and feels passionate about sharing organizational tools, health principles and personal spiritual practices that will empower others to live balanced and joyful lives. Ganel-Lyn enjoys writing a column, Everyday Faith, for the Daily Herald (Utah County). She contributes to the Divorce Support Center website as an expert. She loves growing older, and after 23 years of marriage, she believes that a life of LEARNING is a life of LOVE. You are invited to come learn with Ganel-Lyn.

MRS. UTAH U.S. AMBASSADOR 2013-14

Ganel-Lyn was honored to represent Utah as Mrs. Utah U.S. Ambassador 2013-14. The Mrs. U.S. Ambassador Association is primarily designed for married women who understand the value of service to others, personal development and that we are more beautiful inside and out when we serve those around us. Ganel-Lyn’s platform focused on inspiring others to find their own FOUNDATION OF FAITH. She believes that, no matter your religious affiliation, building a FOUNDATION OF FAITH you will be able to withstand the storms of life and emerge changed for the better. As Helen Keller said, “Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.”

Little Boy Blue: Finding Hope After Miscarriage

Book Details
Compiled by: Tristi Pinkston
Release Date: February 2015
Genre: Inspiration

Contributing Authors: Stacie Alfaro, Trisha Sisson Brimhall, JoLyn Brown, Monique Bucheger, Deena Campanile, Cheri Chesley, Rachelle J. Christensen, C. Michelle Jeffries, Stephanie Nelson, Karen Pellett, Tristi Pinkston, Rebecca Rode, Andrea Tao, and Abigail Wheelwright.

"These true stories of heartbreak and healing 

will not only remind readers that they aren't alone, 
but that hope exists."

 - Richard Paul Evans, New York Times bestselling author 

of The Christmas Box and The Walk series

Each contributing author in this book shares her unique story of when and how she miscarried.

They each desperately wanted a child...and that dream was taken away from them.

They share their stories freely in hopes of showing that miscarriage is "a painful, devastating experience," but also one "not without hope."

One of the contributing authors is my daughter-in-law, Abigail Wheelwright.

I am so proud of her and wonder at her immense beauty and willingness to share her story.

As I watched her miscarry not once, not twice, but three times in a row I had no idea how to help.

My amazing son also mourned in his own way and, as is so profoundly his way, he did it quietly and without much help.

At the time Abigail didn't want to talk about it too much and I understand why.

But now that her story is on paper I realize what anguish she endured and even now is coping with.

But I also see a healing and a peace come as she openly shares what happened to her.

May you read this book with an open heart to share not only in their trials, but in their healing.

If you are a women who has miscarried I hope you will go to their WEBSITE or FACEBOOK page and share your story...for you are not alone and we all need to be more aware.

Proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the
  Christmas Box International.

AMAZON | GOODREADS

About the Compiling Author

Tristi Pinkston is the author of twenty-six books, the mother of four fantastic children, and the wife of one very, very patient man.

After she graduated from high school, she took two correspondence courses from Brigham Young University in creative writing, and also a course in floral design from International Correspondence Schools. After that, she took a job working at a floral shop, which she loved (you'll see this woven all through the Omni Orchids series).

At the tender age of 18, she met then 34-year-old Matt Pinkston of Eugene, Oregon. They were engaged on their tenth date. This consequently sent her parents into shock. After everyone had been revived, Matt and Tristi were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. She was 19 by that time, which, as we all know is so much older than 18.

Tristi is a stay-at-home mom, a homeschooler, a media reviewer, a freelance editor, a regular presenter at writers conferences up and down the Wasatch Front, serves in the Relief Society presidency in her ward (which her readers swear is karma paying her back for writing the Secret Sisters Mysteries), she sits on the board of directors for iWriteNetwork, and she is a headless chicken. In addition to all this, she recently founded her own publishing company, Trifecta Books.

She enjoys watching movies and may or may not be a fan of Dancing with the Stars, Cake Boss, and Project Runway. She likes to scrapbook (when she has the time) and taking Sunday afternoon naps (which are mandatory). She can't write without a glass of ice water, a dish of sunflower seeds, and a tube of Chapstick close by. She's tried. It doesn't work.

In the Midst of Thee

Book Details
Author: Glenn Rawson
Release Date: 2009
Publisher: Harmony River
Genre: Inspiration

I had the unique opportunity to work one-on-one with Glenn Rawson at a book signing he did...and as the time grew to a close Glenn graciously offered me this book.

Little did he know that I was a book reviewer/blogger...

AND...little did he know that I was in one of those "life-spots" that we often find ourselves in where we wonder "why" and "how" and "how come?"

And little did he know that I had been praying for answers...

This book brought those answers!

This book "is a collection of stories from the lives of real people and real events. They are ordinary people and their challenges. Handling life as it came to them."

Reading of their struggles and how they were "comforted, instructed, and inspired." I too found hope for my situation.

I SO WISH I could share every story with you...for they are ALL WONDERFUL!

But time and space and copyright laws of course only allow me to share just one story :)

A friend of Glenn's was driving down the Interstate from Idaho to Utah and as she drove she began to ponder the Savior's commandment to 'love one another.' Could she really get through this "infamous construction zone with its equally infamous traffic" with love? An idea struck! Instead of thinking "stupid driver," she would look at them and say "I love you." One by one as each driver passed she filled her heart with love for them. "The remarkable thing about his experience was the more she said 'I love you' the more she really felt it." She had the most fun, and the best drive, and the feelings of love only increased as she joined her family at the end of her trip.

This book is filled with almost 100 equally inspiring stories...

You will read of the time Glenn got kidney stones, or how he used a glass of orange juice to teach the effects of that 'one objectionable scene' in movies.

You will learn of "Enos" and the "Mama's Boys" and "The Widow's Mite."

You will understand that "Life Isn't Fair" but that you can have fun while being "Whitewashed."

But most of all you will come to know that though life may be hard and you may be asked to do things you just don't want to do...

There is a loving Heavenly Father who stands by your side ready and willing and able to help.

PURCHASE | ADD TO GOODREADS

About the Author

Glenn Rawson grew up on a ranch. His love of the outdoors carries to this day. It isn’t unusual to find him outside in his free time, running, bird watching, hiking, or just taking a deep breath. Professionally, he has been a teacher for nearly 30 years, and that brought him to telling stories. He borrowed this philosophy for telling stories from Abraham Lincoln who said, “They say I tell a great many stories. I reckon I do, but I have learned from long experience that plain people…are more easily influenced through the medium of a broad and humorous illustration than in any other way.”

He loves people and especially his family. Glenn and his wife Debbie have seven children and two grandchildren.

A God For All Seasons w/ eBook Giveaway

A review copy was provided

Book Details
Author: Patti Tingen
Release Date: August 2012
Publisher: Booklocker.com, Inc
Genre: Inspiration

This book is PHENOMENAL!

Just as there are season in nature... So too we have seasons in our lives and in our spiritual and emotional development.

Patti starts out by sharing her "winter season" where life was really dark and cold and dreary.

Learning from that season Patti understood that:

"Life is never static. 
Physical, emotional, financial and spiritual ups and downs are all a part of this journey called life."

Patti realized that she was experiencing something actually wonderful...

Now she shares her thoughts and stories and scripture gems with us to explain the seasons we all go through...

And she gives us a "year of exploration and reflection."

Broken down into the months of the year Patti gives us things to do to strengthen our hope no matter what season we might find ourselves in.

I so wish I could just copy/paste the entire book in here...it is THAT GOOD!

Here is a very brief highlight of December and January:

WINTER

* December: A time to hope~ December is a season to turn to our Savior. A season of joy; but it can also be a season of dark.  "Only when we have endured the blackest of nights and the darkest of days can we truly appreciate the light...Nothing can compare to the gut-wrenching process of drawing near, pressing in, and clutching onto God when little else is left." As you go through a "winter season" in your life do not turn away from your Heavenly Father; turn to Him.

When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. ~Isaiah 43:2*

* January: A time to renew~ A brand new year! A time most people get serious about losing weight and transforming their bodies. Spend some time this January working on an "extreme spiritual makeover." Patti teaches us how to have a spiritual nose job, a spiritual face lift and a spiritually new wardrobe and even more in this chapter. A physical makeover is expensive while a spiritual makeover is a gift.

Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next. ~1 Timothy 4:7b-8*

Are you in a "WINTER season" of hoping, renewing, and waiting?

Or are you in a "SPRING season" of changing, planting, and trusting?

Or are you in a "SUMMER season" of giving, celebrating, resting?

Or are you in an "AUTUMN season" of harvesting, believing, thanking?

No matter what season you are in this book will enlighten your mind, bring hope to your heart, and give you much to ponder~

Take time each month to study and understand that we worship "A GOD FOR ALL SEASONS." He will ALWAYS be with you :)

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About the Author

Patti Tingen is an award-winning author and speaker, bringing God's message that we all have value and purpose. She also serves as an elder at her church and is involved in various ministries including prayer and teaching. Patti's nonfiction inspirational books have offered hope and encouragement to many. Her book, A God for All Seasons: Inspiration and Reflection for All Times, won the 2014 Readers' Favorite Silver Medal for Christian Non-Fiction. Patti's prayer is that her words of personal experience, humor and testimony will continue to bless and inspire others. Patti lives in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania with her husband Doug and their cat Braveheart. Please visit http://pattitingen-author.blogspot.com/ to learn more.

10 FUN FACTS ABOUT PATTI

1. I live in Lititz, PA - named America's Coolest Small Town in 2013.

2. Popcorn is my favorite food.

3. People have said my teaching is both simple and profound at the same time.

4. I find it hilarious to be an author when I never much cared for reading.

5. Sleeping is one of my favorite activities.

6. My cat Braveheart is afraid of everything.

7. I love "based on a true story" movies.

8. A God for All Seasons won the 2014 Readers' Favorite Silver Medal for Christian Non-Fiction. I'm an award-winning author!

9. Since being an author, I've made connections with people in 38 states and 15 countries.

10. I'm continuing to learn the blessing of touching one life at a time - each one of us has value and purpose.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation; please feel free to compare them to your own version of the Bible.

What Good Men Do

Book Details
Author: David S. Baxter
Release Date: October 2014
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Genre: Inspiration

We are surrounded by GOOD MEN!
And we can use MORE of them!

This book shares the lives of 6 GREAT men.

* Eric Liddell
* William Wilberforce
* Derek Cuthbert
* Paulo Freire
* Raoul Wallenberg
* Dr. David Livingstone

As you will read of each man's life you will learn:

* WHY they are considered great
* WHAT they did that made them great
* HOW you can become more like them.

There is also a chapter on training young boys to become good men.

The final chapter is reserved for THE GREATEST MAN WHO EVER LIVED ~ even JESUS CHRIST. If a man can cultivate Christlike attributes into their own personal lives we truly will have GREAT MEN among us :)

Beautifully presented!
You will be inspired to rise to your greatest potential.
A PERFECT GIFT FOR THE MEN IN YOUR LIFE!

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About the Author

David Baxter was born in Stirling, Scotland, and became a General Authority of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 2006.

He previously worked in senior leadership roles in the telecommunications industry, and on the boards of various UK Government agencies, and holds a BSc degree in economics. 

In his Church service he has been a bishop, a stake president, a member of a mission presidency, and an Area Seventy. He has served in Church area presidencies in Europe and the Pacific. 

His early home life was traumatic and disrupted, and in 2009 he underwent surgery to remove two brain tumors. 

He and his wife, Dianne are the parents of four children and nine grandchildren.

(A review copy was provided, however, all reviews are of my own opinion :)

Amazing Grace: Messages of Hope in Scripture and Verse

Book Details
Author: Angela D. Baxter
Release Date: August 2014
Publisher: Plain Sight Publishing
Genre: Inspiration

On New Year's Day 1773 John Newton shared his new song, Amazing Grace, for his sermon.

From that point on this song has become a beloved one for many people.

This book has been BEAUTIFULLY put together!

Interspersed with the words from the song are scriptures of hope.

Stunning pictures adorn each page.

Here is a sampling of the scriptures included:

"And he said unto me, my grace is made perfect for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." ~2 Corinthians 12:9

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." ~Proverbs 3:5-6

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." ~John 14:27

"Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." ~Matthew 28:20

"The Lord is my strength and song and he is become my salvation." ~Exodus 15:2

"O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever." ~1 Corinthians 16:34

This book is breath-taking!

A MUST-READ!

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