Category Archives: blog tours
Live Event with Liz Curtis Higgs
Liz Curtis Higgs came to our church last year for our spring women’s conference. (Some of you may remember the urinals.) She is HYSTERICAL. I loved it! Huge contrast to her deeply emotional, dramatic novels — which I also love. Her historical novels typically spring from a book of the Bible, but plop the characters in 18th century Scotland. Her last book, Here Burns My Candle, gave fresh perspective to the book of Ruth.
In celebration of the release of her newest book, the sequel to Here Burns My Candle, Liz is doing a live web simulcast tomorrow. Here’s a preview and all the info for you to get in on the fun.
Join Us for Laughter and Encouragement!
| Date: | Tuesday, April 5 |
| Time: | 2:00 PM ET |
| Place: | WaterBrook Multnomah Livestream Channel |
| Add to Calendar: | Outlook / iCal | Google Calendar (Instructions: Outlook & iCal – Click and Select ‘Save’, then open file to add to calendar) |
The Life Ready Woman: Thriving in a Do-It-All World
When asked what was God’s purpose for your life and how you were pursuing it, many of you responded with roles of wife and mother, but just as many of you expressed frustration at having to or wanting to work and not knowing how to balance it all. The book I introduced earlier this week inspires women to identify their God-given dreams and take active steps toward pursuing those dreams. The book I introduce today is more about balancing those dreams.
Before I give you my thoughts, let me introduce the book with words straight from the publisher.
Are you a ‘Doing it all’ or ‘Do what matters’ woman?
Whether a stay at home; or working mom, an airplane-hopping executive, an empty-nester caring for multiple generations or a single juggling high demands of career and personal life, today’s fast-paced modern world leaves women gasping for balance. We as modern Christian women want to look to the Bible for guidance on how to manage our lives — but because the world of women looks so different today than it did when the Bible was written, it is hard to find chapter and verse that seems to apply to our situation today.
Thankfully, God has given us exactly that timeless, unchanging guidance for how to find peace, clarity, and God’s best for our lives once we know where to look! The Life Ready Woman: Thriving in a Do-It-All World, reveals a profound biblical roadmap for how each of us can find the abundant life we are longing for, rather than the stressful, torn, how-do-I-balance-it-all life we often feel like we are trying to keep up with today. Actually being a LifeReady Woman means that you are clear about your life, bold in your faith, and able to find God’s best for you, and the end result will be that you not only survive but thrive in our do-it-all world.
God has given every wonderfully unique woman different skills and abilities, different desires, and different temperaments — and every woman around the planet and through the ages is certainly living in different circumstances. But no matter what a woman’s life looks like, the Bible says that God has an individual mission and plan that He’s carefully designed for each of us. And He wants us to find it. Starting January 2011, The Life Ready Woman and the Life Ready Woman Video Series will help every wonderfully unique woman to thrive as she identifies and courageously pursues God’s unique design and callings for her.
There is the book (which I have — and which I am giving away one copy to one of you!), but there is also the video series with accompanying workbooks that could be used by community groups or churches. This is all being distributed by FamilyLife, a wonderful ministry that promotes families first. They have some of the best Christian marriage conferences in the nation. (Oh, and that’s part of the giveaway too! Details below.)
B&H Books
ISBN-10: 1433671123
Release Date: January 1, 2011
Paperback: 272 pages, Retail: $14.99
Buy it now at Christianbook.com for $11.99!
About the Author: Shaunti Feldhahn is a former Wall Street analyst, best-selling author of the book For Women Only, national speaker, and regular commentator in the media. She has been featured on The Today Show, PBS, TNT and Fox News- to name a few. You can learn more about her many activities by visiting her website Shaunti.com or get some great mom advice from her at MomLifeToday.com.
About MomLife Today: At MomLife Today you will enjoy community with real moms experiencing every age and every stage of MomLife—right alongside you.
Moms need friends we can walk through life with, but more importantly we need friends who will encourage us and equip us in our role as moms in an honest and transparent way … and that’s just what you’ll find by becoming part of our MomLife Today community! We believe that every MOMent counts! We admit it, being a mom 24/7 is not easy. Rather than lament the role of motherhood, however, we choose to embrace that role and learn from each other how to make it through each day with the right attitude. Come share the joys, sorrows, insanity, and special moments of motherhood with us as we live it and candidly write about it…we’ll have lots of fun along the way!
My Thoughts: I have to admit: when I started this book, I didn’t like it. The first few pages smelled of feminine empowerment and sexual superiority. While I believe in sexual equality, I do not believe in sexual sameness. Men and women were created differently on purpose and it is to our greatest advantage to invest and rejoice in those differing strengths. So, I was nervous. “Here comes another feminist who wants me to roar and run over my man.” But I am familiar with FamilyLife and I knew they were promoting this book, so I kept reading. As I got past the first few pages, I was delighted to discover this author seeks to uphold God’s truths while affirming the wonderful position women have in our culture and time in history. Even better: She seeks to view our position in this post-modern world through the lens of God’s unchanging Word. We have unrecognizable freedom when compared with our foremothers and oppressed sisters in other countries. It is our priviledge to seize that freedom and use it for God’s glory.
But how do we balance that freedom with the call to be wives, mothers, and more? How do we juggle housekeeping with jobs and soccer schedules and piano lessons and personal ambitions? Not to mention marriages and in-laws and neighbors and ministry and a healthy, growing relationship with God? That’s what this book is about.
Sure, we can do it all, but will we do it all well? What sacrifices are made when we spread ourselves so thin? And are those sacrifices worth it? The Life Ready Woman equips readers to be deliberate with our choices so that we can live the fulfilling lives God intended for us without guilt or regret. The further I got into this book, the more valuable I found it. In fact I plan to enthusiastically recommend it and the accompanying video series for an upcoming study through our church.
GIVEAWAY #1 (through me): A copy of this book! Leave a comment on this post and you’ll be entered in the drawing. A name will be selected randomly and announced on Monday.
GIVEAWAY #2 (through MomLife): In celebration of Shaunti Feldhahn’s Life Ready Woman
Not only, is MomLife Today helping promote Life Ready Woman, but they are thrilled to announce that Shaunti will be joining MomLife Today as a regular contributor!
Weekend To Remember Get-Aways offer marriage-changing principles that you can take home and apply to your daily lives to strengthen your marriage. Whether you are newly engaged or have been married for 50 years, you will find value in the tools provided at the getaway.
Don’t miss this opportunity to receive a conference registration for you and your spouse … and more! MomLife Today will be randomly selecting NINE lucky recipients to receive one of these great gifts:
- 2 Weekend To Remember Get Away conference registrations for two. $259 value each pair (Two couples will receive this.)
- 2 Life Ready Woman DVD packs. $149 value each (Two different people will receive this gift.)
- 5 The Life Ready Woman books. (Book will go to 5 people.)
To enter click one of the icons below then tell your friends. Winner will be announced on March 2nd on the MomLife Today website.
My disclosure in the right sidebar explains that I often receive free books for review. This is one of them. Please note that I am under no obligation to write a positive review and I receive no compensation from the author or publisher for my participation in this blog tour.
The ME Project (and a giveaway!)
Deluxe Starbucks Coffee Gift Basket
- Three 2.5-oz. bags of Starbucks coffee
(Sumatra, House Blend, and French Roast) - Tazo black tea
- Starbucks marshmallow cocoa
- Almond roca
- Almond roca buttercrunch toffee cookies
- White chocolate and raspberry cookies
- 2 Starbucks mugs
- Keepsake black bamboo basket
Have I got your attention? This coveted basket is grand prize for the book launch of Kathi Lipp’s The Me Project. You may know Kathi from The Husband Project or The Marriage Project. While both of those titles focused on relationships, this one focuses on personal accomplishment. Here’s the question: are you living the life you’ve always wanted? If not, why not? And don’t say you just need more coffee.
Earlier this week I lamented how daily demands and mundane responsibilities hijack my greater ambitions. Maybe you feel the same way. We all struggle with how to balance who we are as wife, mother, sister, and individual. We feel pulled in many directions and, unfortunately, the things that are most often neglected are the pieces that offer us the greatest fulfillment. But if God gave us those desires, those talents, those dreams, shouldn’t we prioritize them, too? How might our lives look different if we took a few minutes a day to put our dreams on “project status?”
This book offers a 21-day challenge toward that end. Through fun, creative, daily steps, the author encourages readers to:
- discover (or rediscover) the unique plan God has for you
- bring purpose back into your life
- change your attitudes toward your roles in life and how you approach your goals
- gain confidence to accomplish your dreams in the midst of an already busy schedule
- connect with like-minded women to make goals a priority
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
ISBN-10: 0736929665, ISBN-13: 978-0736929660
Release Date: February 1, 2011
Paperback: 224 pages, Retail: $12.99
Sound too easy? It really kind of is! The author has graciously given us a sneak peak to show you just how “doable” these action steps are.
Three Super-Simple Kick Starts to Living Your Dreams
– in the next 15 minutes
by Kathi Lipp
Is there a dream that God has given you, but you are waiting until the kids are grown and you have money in the bank before you get started?
You may not be able to enroll in a month long pastry making class or take a week off of work to get started on your novel, but today you can take three little baby steps to making your dream a day-to-day reality.
1. Go Public with It
It’s a little scary to tell the world what you want to do when you grow up—but this is one little step could get you closer to living your dream than almost any other. Plus—it takes very little time and you don’t have to raid your kid’s college fund to make it happen.
When you gather up all your courage and tell your best friend, “I want to learn how to paint,” suddenly she remembers an old art book she has laying around she would love to give you, or her friend from church who teaches art classes. The people you know and love want to be a resource. Give them the privilege of being a part of making your dream happen.
2. Join an Online Group
This is one of the simplest—and cheapest—ways to start exploring your passion. Find out who else is talking about restoring antiques and listen to their conversation. Start by Googling your interest along with the term “online groups.” You will be amazed with the number of people who want to talk about the proper way to care for 1950’s lunchboxes as much as you do.
3. Don’t be Afraid to Pray
I remember the first time I put an offer in on a house—I wanted it more than I had wanted almost anything else in my life. While I knew that I had dozens of other people praying on my behalf, I was too scared to pray.
I didn’t want God to tell me no. I was afraid to pray until my co-worker Kim asked me (in a loving, kind way), why I didn’t believe that God wanted His best for me. Don’t be afraid to pray—as with anything amazing in my life, the path is never what I expected, but it has always been obvious that God’s hand has been on it the whole way.
Kathi Lipp is a busy conference and retreat speaker, currently speaking each year to thousands of women throughout the United States. She is the author of The Husband Project and The Marriage Project, serves as food writer for Nickelodeon, and has had articles published in several magazines, including Today’s Christian Woman and Discipleship Journal. Kathi and her husband, Roger, live in California and are the parents of four teenagers and young adults. For more information visit her website: www.kathilipp.com
Did I forget about the giveaway? Never! To enter, simply leave a comment on this blog. I want to know about your dreams. What is it the purpose you feel God has for your life and how are you pursuing it? One name will be randomly chosen for the giveaway; the winner will be announced on Kathi’s website on March 7th.
The Return of Books and Giveaways!
Last year I stopped doing book tours, posting reviews and offering giveaways. I had hoped it would help me focus more on my Bible reading. It didn’t. It just made blog posts more sparse and me a little edgy. So, in an effort to quiet the crickets who have taken up residence around here, and to instill a little more serenity for me personally, I joyfully announce the return of books. I’m reading again (YAY!) and I can’t wait to share some of it with you!
Stay tuned as this week I’m hosting two different blog tours, both with giveaways! 
Over the next couple weeks I’ll be re-vamping my very dusty Bookshelf as well. I’ll let you know when that has been properly updated.
In the meantime, I’d love to hear what you’ve been reading. Any favorite titles or authors you simply must share?
Recovering Joy (and a giveaway!)
Have you been attacked by Hafftoos?
Some days I really don’t want to be an adult. Responsibility is great and all, but enough is enough. I don’t like having too many people depend on me because — What if I fail? What if I can’t make everyone happy? What if I don’t fail and then they expect even more? Can I give more? Maybe I’m not giving enough. All this can make life seem like a lot of work. I mean a LOT of work. And then what I always wanted can feel like a burden. Not because I’ve changed my wants, but because I’ve changed my perspective.
I love having a clean house. Not because I enjoy cleaning; I actually hate cleaning. But I love having a home where my family feels comfortable and safe and happy. Cleaning is less a chore when I remember that I want the results.
No little girl enthusiastically proclaims that she wants to change poopy diapers when she grows up. That’s absurd! But almost every little girl dreams of being a mama. We put up with the dirty diapers, the piles of laundry, the stressful job, all because we want what comes with it — a healthy child, a welcoming home, a successful career. Hafftoos want us to focus on how much we hate the task rather than how much we want what comes with it.
In my little fairy tale, the Father tells the princess to “Seek and remember.” That may mean different things to different people. Maybe you need to seek the Father. Maybe you need to seek a new job or a tangible solution to a problem you face. Maybe you need to remember why you’re doing what you’re doing. Maybe you need to remember how much you love your family or your responsibilities or even just the results of the chores you dislike. I don’t know what it means to you, but I know that God wants His children to experience joy. If we seek Him, He will be found. If we remember all He’s done for us, we cannot help but be overwhelmed by His love for us. And therein we find joy.
Sally Clarkson is a wonderful writer. You may know her as the author of The Mission of Motherhood. She has a new book titled Dancing with My Father that addresses this exact issue. How, when we’ve been worn down by life and burdened by both hurts and blessings, can we rekindle our first awe of God, that inextinguishable joy we possessed as new believers? Through biblical insights and real-life stories Read the rest of this entry
A Book Review: Angels by David Jeremiah
Do you believe in angels? Everybody kind of believes in angels. The real question is whether our beliefs in angels or spirit messengers or guardians matches truth. Are our perceptions accurate? Do they align with Scripture?
We’ve all heard stories of angel encounters. Jungle natives come to Christ because soldiers in shiny uniforms protected the missionaries the tribe had planned to murder. Someone is pulled from a burning car by fearless men who instantly disappear once the victim is safe. A whole family sleeps peacefully while a fatal gang fight rages literally on their front porch. I’ve shared a story of my own here on this blog.
Do we believe the stories? Are they really angels or is it our simple way of explaining what we don’t understand?
I’ve been reading David Jeremiah’s book on this subject and must say it is an excellent resource. Angels does exactly what the subtitle suggests; it lays out “what the Bible reveals.”
Now, the Bible doesn’t tell us a lot, but it reveals much. Let me explain what I mean. The Bible contains over three hundred direct reference to angels, but it doesn’t have a specific book or passage that explains exactly how angels work or why God uses them. It doesn’t even expound upon the relationship or responsibilities between us and them. There are clues. There are stories. There are glimpses. David Jeremiah pieces all these together to offer an accurate picture in a condense and approachable package.
The content includes discussion about:
- What angels are
- God’s relationship with angels
- How they work
- How they worship
- Jesus’ relationship with angels
- When they appear
- Our relationship with angels
- Famous angels (and lesser known ones)
- Fallen angels and Satan
- Eternity with angels
There are several things I like about this book. The conversational, easy-to-read nature is one, but two attributes stand above the rest.
It is flooded with Scripture. Bookstores contain hundreds of books about angels, miraculous sightings and spiritual encounters. Experience is valuable, but its interpretation is subjective. I want to know the truth and the only way to know that is to study God’s Word. This book does contain relevant stories, but its focus is more on what Scripture teaches us about these heavenly beings.
Its purpose is to glorify God. From the very beginning through the middle and into the end of this book the author repeatedly shines the focus on God. Let me prove this with a few quotes from the book.
“The writer of Psalm 73 shows the right heart when he tells God ‘Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.’ Besides God there is no one on earth and no one in heaven — not even angels — who can give your soul true fulfillment.” (p. 23)
“That, in fact, is the only sufficient aim in a study of angels: that you might draw closer to God. If you study angels and the result is anything less — if you build up only a file of information about angels or a fascination with them or even a supposed relationship with one, but haven’t encountered at least a tug toward humble submission to the Almighty God … you’ve totally missed what angels are all about.” (p. 25)
“Angels can help lift our eyes from this troubled and temporal earth. But they are meant to draw our gaze to the Lord, not to themselves. All glory is due to God, and he has no intention of sharing it with angels … as we go honestly and carefully into a deeper study of angels, our spirits cannot help but experience the desire to worship. If you remember any words at all that you’ve heard angels speak in Scripture, remember especially these two: Worship God!” (p. 56)
“God’s angels always point us to God … [Ezekiel] isn’t being shown this vision just to learn about cherubim, but rather to hear a word from the Lord.” (p. 145)
“Again and again in Scripture we see this pattern: Those who are given the privilege of a direct visible or audible ministry from angels are those with mature hearts who want to encounter God — not angels. … No one got excited about seeing angels. They were excited about what the angels said.” (p. 192)
You can currently purchase the book from Amazon.com for $10.19. It’s a great read, one I highly recommend.
Please note this is a 2009 repackaging of Dr. Jeremiah’s book What the Bible Says About Angels, published in 1996. This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.
My Thoughts on Three Books (and a giveaway)
God Gave Us Love clearly reiterates one theme: all love comes from God. There are different kinds of love — one between mamas and daddies, another between friends and siblings. When we share love with family, friends and neighbors, we share God’s love.
God Gave Us Christmas (pictured below) is a perfect story for the season. In it Little Cub wonders if Santa invented Christmas. Her mama assures her that God gave us Christmas, and He’s way more important than Santa or presents or anything else. The two then travel in search of God and find Him and the story of Christmas all around in creation.
Treasured: Knowing God by the Things He Keeps (pictured below) was written by Leigh McLeroy. A small, nonfiction volume, this book encourages readers to consider tangible reminders of God’s active presence and guides us toward discovering evidence of Him in our own lives. One endorsement accurately explains it mixes “sweet memories, profound observations, sharp insights and exquisite words into a delicious narrative.” It includes a guide for individual study and group discussion.
My personal thoughts:
Honestly, God Gave Us Love didn’t live up to my expectations. I’ve read a number of books by Ms. Bergren and have always been delighted. This one fell short for me. The explanations seemed vague and incomplete. The illustrations were wonderful, as always, but the text seemed rushed. Click here to see a full review at my other site: Christian Children’s Book Review.
In contrast, God Gave Us Christmas far exceeded my expectations!
We don’t “do” Santa in our house. We talk about Saint Nicholas, but only as a historical figure that some families like to pretend is still alive and part of the holidays. We emphasize that Santa is pretend.
This book talks about Santa neither as real nor pretend — which satisfies our family without offending others who do teach a belief in Santa. The best part, though is this: the book consistently redirects focus to what is truly important: God. In it Mama doesn’t skirt Little Bear’s questions, but she does point her toward the true meaning of Christmas, the true existence of God, and the glory of God in nature. She shares the Nativity story as well as solid theological truths about Jesus. She affirms that “Santa Claus reminds us about many good things like generosity and care. But it is God and Jesus that we celebrate most … We always want to thank God for giving us Christmas.” (a direct quote from the book) I love this book!
Follow this link to read a review posted by another mom at CCBR.
And Treasured … Well, I had originally planned to give this away to one of you, but I’ve chosen to be selfish and keep it for myself. It’s a FANTASTIC book!
If you’ve followed my blog for any length of time, you know I delight in finding God in the dailies, in the little details of seemingly mundane lives. That’s what this book is about, but it takes it one step further. It finds God in the mundane details of biblical lives first, then applies those lessons to our lives today. Noah, Hagar, Rahab, Ezekiel, Abraham and Isaac — These lives have grand details and seemingly irrelevant ones. Leigh McLeroy focuses on the mundane details (we too often overlook) to reveal vast truths about our God. It’s — well, it’s so good I HAVE to give one away!
In the comments section of this post tell me about your favorite “little” detail of Scripture. I’ll draw a name randomly and announce a winner on Sunday.
ALSO: CCBR is hosting a giveaway for the other two books! Visit that post to enter. The deadline is noon today PST/ 3PM EST.
Disclosure Note: These books were provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.And the winner is …
… Beverly!!
Congratulations! Please email me at tanyasue (at) gmail (dot) com with your snail mail address, and I’ll get your free copy of O2: Breathing New Life into Faith right to you.
Special thanks to Amy Lathrop of Litfuse Publicity Group for donating this book!
If you didn’t win, you can still get more …
Read the first chapter: http://www.conversantlife.com/files/resource_downloads/O2.pdf
O2: Breathing New Life Into Faith
Your physical body needs oxygen in order to survive. Inhale, exhale … one leads naturally to the other. Inhale too long and you feel as if your lungs will burst. Exhale too long and you get light-headed.
The premise of Richard Dahlstrom’s new book is that the same rhythm is essential in the life of faith. You inhale life-giving strength from God through things like prayer, study, solitude, and silence. You exhale generosity, hospitality, and service to the poor. If you try to do one without the other, you won’t last very long.
The author is Senior Pastor of Bethany Community Church in Seattle, WA, in the heart of the city, among university students, young professionals, families, the homeless, and the elderly. He wrote this book after recognizing an unfortunate pattern within the Christian community. People would accept Christ with enthusiasm, then quickly get burnt out for one reason or another. Others would continue saying all the right things, but little of God’s Truth actually sank into their hearts. The author wants to revive these people by showing them the tools to balance the receiving with the giving, the quiet with the active, the inhaling with the exhaling.
This fresh perspective on the classic disciplines of the faith empowers readers to reflect the life of Jesus and keep their faith growing stronger.
Leave a comment on this post and you’ll be entered in a drawing to receive O2 for free! I’ll draw a name this Saturday.
Visit the author’s website: http://raincitypastor.blogspot.com/
Read the first chapter: http://www.conversantlife.com/files/resource_downloads/O2.pdf
Blue Like Play Dough
Have you ever read a book that makes you want to be best friends with the author?
I have found the most valuable parenting resources are parents themselves. I can read all the books I want, take all the classes I can, and watch every last episode of TLC, but I learn the most from simply sitting with another mom and hashing about life. It’s over coffee and laughs that I find I’m not alone, I’m not insane and God’s not done with me yet.
Tricia Goyer’s newest book, Blue Like Play Dough, is like that. Reading it feels like a mom-date, a much needed dose of perspective wrapped in love and friendship. I loved it.
The author shares her unlikely journey from rebellious, pregnant teen to busy wife and mom with big dreams of her own. As her story unfolds, Tricia realizes that God has more in store for her than she has ever imagined possible.
Sure, life is messy and beset by doubts. But God keeps showing up in the most unlikely places–in a bowl of carrot soup, the umpteenth reading of Goodnight Moon, a woe-is me teen drama, or play dough in the hands of a child.
In this transparent account, you’ll find understanding, laughter, and strength for your own story. And in the daily push and pull, you’ll learn to recognize the loving hands of God at work in your life … and know He has something beautiful in mind.
Click here to read an excerpt from the book.
Click here to learn more about the author via her website. (She writes much more than parenting books. her historical fiction is fantastic!)
There’s more!
With the release of this book Tricia is also launching the Get One, Give One Campaign!
For every copy of Blue Like Play Dough purchased, she’ll donate a copy of My Life Unscripted or Generation NeXt Parenting to a pregnancy, teen or family support ministry (while supplies last).
All you have to do is buy a copy of Blue Like Play Dough on Christianbook, on Amazon, or at your local bookstore, and then go to Tricia’s Go-Go page and fill out the form. EASY! (FYI: This book is also available in Kindle format! )
Still more … An invitation from Tricia for YOU!
Are you a mommy who feels squeezed by Motherhood? Could God be shaping something beautiful in you?
I’m inviting YOU to come bring your stretched self and attend a fun Facebook Launch Party for Blue Like Play Dough! I know you’re busy (and tired) so I’m bringing the festivities to you! So grab your comfiest chair and slip away from that long To-Do list and join me for a two hour Play Dough Party. I’ll be sharing some of my mothering experiences (the good and the bad), hosting a fun trivia contest, giving away Mommy Play Dough Packs, answering questions, and getting to know YOU!
I’d be honored to have you as my guest – and to prove it I’ll be giving away 2 ginormous Mommy Play Dough Packs to two party attendees at random! The winners will be announced at the end of the party. Grab your friends and let’s party! oh, and don’t forget your camera! Snap pictures during the party and upload them during the festivities. I’ll be giving a prize away for the best photo!
So come join me on July 27th from 5-7 pm (PST)! Friend me on facebook and join the fun!
