How Sweet It Isn't!

Blogmania is a twice a year event that we are proud to be a part of. However, last season it was owned by someone that may be involved with a recent blog hop scam....although we don't have both sides the appearance is sure there. 

You can check out this blog for more information:

If you poke around this cute blog, yesterday's postings (3 of them) have info about the situation- 

http://apocketfullofbuttons.blogspot.com/2011/01/scam-how-sweet-it-is-so-sorry.html

and here: http://apocketfullofbuttons.blogspot.com/2011/01/update-on-how-sweet-it-is.html 

And here: http://apocketfullofbuttons.blogspot.com/2011/01/we-have-list.html

You can also check out Bree's (Blogmania's owner) response here: http://breebee.com/2011/01/clearing-blogmanias-name.html

We (the Blogmania Team) felt it important to let you know that as of mid-November Gina Parker, Parker PR Online, ceased from any operations of Blogmania and the dream team. She has no access to passwords, forums and information. 

We have labored hard to continue to make Blogmania, now in it's 3rd season, a growing success. Yes, due to some harsh interactions we are rebuilding from last year. But, we are build towards growth and gaining great strength. We will have this great event continue year after year. We pride ourselves on quality sponsors and large giveaways. While there were some bloggers and sponsors that did not make good on their prizes (those people are not involved this year) we are working eliminating those issues with some steps we have in place. 

We do not know what is going on with Gina but do want you to know that she is not a part of Blogmania. For more information, questions, concerns, etc please see this posting with more details- http://breebee.com/2011/01/clearing-blogmanias-name.html and you can email Bree, bree at breebee dot com as well.

 

Thank you bloggers for your amazing support! We all love blogging and do feel sadden that there are dishonest people out there!

.

My Weight Loss Journey with Nutrisystem - An Intro

I am no different than any other woman in that I have struggled with weight gain, and I am so tired of being unhealthy and tired all the time that I am making 2011 the year that I get healthy and STAY healthy.

For the last 15 years I have been in the cycle of yo-yo dieting, not sticking to an exercise routine, and dealing with weight gain as a result of medication side effects. During the last four years I have been pregnant twice, which of course let to weight gain, and I did great to lose the pregnancy weight, but it crept back and then some. Then last year I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and lost almost 30lbs. However, I fell off the exercise bandwagon through the summer and fall of 2010 and I have ended up gaining back about 15lb of that. Although my blood sugar levels are in the normal ranges, I know I have to do more to keep them there.
I started working out with the Leslie Sansone Walk At Home program and I am loving it. While exercise is important in the battle against the bulge, so is watching what I eat and portion control.

I am very excited to announce my partnership with Nutrisystem Canada as part of their Blogger Program. Over the next four months I will be partaking in their program on my way to losing 54lb!

Every Saturday I will update my progress with a weigh in, and let you know how the week has been for me. I will let you know how the program works, what kinds of foods Nutrisystem offers, the various programs they offer, my favorite foods in the program, and more! Stay tuned!

Now for the moment you have been waiting for - my initial numbers:

Starting Weight: 174.5lb
Starting Date: January 29, 2011
Goal Weight: 120lb (normal for my height of 5'2" is between 105lb and 130lb, according to my doctor)

Here are a couple of BEFORE pictures. I will update these monthly to show progress (more often if lots of progress has occurred).

So, definitely not the most flattering pictures in the world, but great incentive for sure!

Here is what my pantry cupboard now looks like with all the wonderful products from Nutrisystem Canada:

Stay tuned next Saturday to find out how my first week has gone! 

****In return for participating in the Nutrisystem Canada's Blogger Program, I am being provided with free food. In return, I will be blogging about my experience in an honest manner. I have not been compensated in any other manner****

Twitter Hashtag - #NSCANADA

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

Well, its Saturday again, and once again time for Then Sings My Soul Saturday! Head over to Signs, Miracles and Wonders to be encouraged, challenged and lifted up by some awesome music and blogs!

This week has been a busy one, yet it has been a great one! The Ladies Bible Study at church started up again for it's winter session and I am so excited about it. We are using Beth Moore's updated DVD series: David: A Heart Like His and I am really excited to see what God will teach me through it. Here is the promo:



I have struggling for a little with what it is God wants to do through me, as of late. I think that being at home with my girls sometimes makes me feel like I am not accomplishing something for the Lord. Yet I know this is not true. I know that God has me here at home with my girls so I can influence them for Him, and raise them to wonderful women after His heart one day. I know that each day I train my children in the ways of the Lord, all of us are learning to trust Him, and listen to Him, so that we are all living in His will for our lives. It's not about all the "stuff" and "things to do" on a daily basis, its about teaching them. I have discovered this week that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. Giving everything to my girls, so that they will find their wings!



Now, here is a great song for all of us moms who need just a few more hours in the day!



Be Blessed This Week And Always!

Treasuring God In Our Traditions: A Book Review

About The Book:

God is the treasure of our lives. He is part of everything we do, think, act, and say-literally, he is a part of us. This precious heirloom of Christ himself must be passed on to future generations. But how?

Treasuring God in Our Traditions presents the importance of passing along Christ-centered traditions and a Bible-saturated legacy in Christ to future generations. Noël Piper helps her readers recognize how the "everyday" routines of life and the "especially" celebrations of holidays and dates can be practically passed down to future generations. When parents and grandparents seek to pass along the treasure of God to their children and grandchildren, they will develop and deepen their love for him.

When family traditions are rooted in the Bible, the next generations will see that the greatest treasure that anyone can have is the treasure of God.

About The Authors:

Noël Piper and her husband, John, have ministered since 1980 at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They have five sons and a daughter. Noël grew up in Georgia and is a graduate of Wheaton College.

JOHN PIPER is pastor for preaching and vision at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis. His books include Desiring God,Don't Waste Your Life,This Momentary Marriage, and Spectacular Sins.

My Review:

When I was married 13 years ago, I knew going into the marriage that both my husband and I would be bringing into it a number of traditions from our families. Some we would continue, but for the most part we have realized the importance of starting our own traditions. This has become even more apparent since having children just over four years ago. We want our children to know traditions and rituals from our heritages' (includes German, Italian, Mennonite, Brazilian and Scottish) but also from our faith in Christ.

I was introduced to John Piper's writings and preaching a little more than a year ago, so when I had an opportunity read his wife's book on traditions, I could not turn it down. I am so glad I did not.

I have spent the last year or so really debating with myself about how to celebrate holidays like Christmas and Easter without emphasizing the "worldly traditions" and instead, recognizing God in them. Noel Piper's book, Treasuring God In Our Traditions is definitely one that I would have loved to have read during these debating times. 

I love that Piper goes beyond the traditional (no pun intendeded) talk about holidays (tree decorating, going to church, etc) and really encourages the reader to bring God into all the traditions you develop with your family, whether young or old. 

What I love about this book is that, Piper discusses what tradition is and why it's important, some of her own family traditions, and ideas for the reader to incorporate into their own families. However, even more important, Piper implores to the reader the importance of having God at the center of ALL our traditions - everyday and holiday. Here are a few quotes from Noel Piper and Treasuring God In Our Traditions that really impacted me:

"We don't know exactly what our children's strongest, lasting memories will be. But we do want to make sure that our daily, weekly, "regularly random" activities occur in a God-filled context - that we recognize Him in all of our life and show Him everywhere to our children" (p. 37)

"God is the most precious heirloom our children can ever receive, and receiving him means knowing and loving him. Our personal habits and family traditions of the Word and prayer are the ones that are not optional if we want God as our eternal inheritance." (p. 49)

If you know a new married couple or a couple just starting their family, I highly recommend this book as a gift to them. I know my sister is just starting her family and I plan on gifting her a copy of this book, as her and her husband begin traditions that will build in their family for years, and I pray, will impact their children for the Lord!

A wonderful read that I highly recommend! 

BUY IT: You can purchase Treasuring God In Our Traditions by Noel Piper online, directly through it's publisher, Crossway. It is also available through your local Christian bookseller

***I received a complimentary copy of this book, courtesy of Crossway, for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***

Becoming A Woman Of Simplicity: A Review

About The Book:

Can life in this multitasking world be tamed? In a culture that pulls women in multiple directions at once, is it possible to de-clutter the calendar, reduce energy-draining distractions, and exchange some of those urgencies for what is truly important?


This timely Bible Study from best-selling author Cynthia Heald show you that, yes, a simpler life is not only possible, it's vital.


Becoming A Woman Of Simplicity delves into the Scriptures and offers practical, real-life counsel so you can experience the freedom necessary to live with the quiet confidence God intended.

About The Author:


Cynthia Heald is a popular speaker and author of the BECOMING A WOMAN OF...Bible Studies, which have sold millions of copies. Her passion is helping women walk more closely with God and live life to their full, God-given potential. She and her husband, Jack, are full-time staff with The Navigators in Tuscon, Arizona.


My Review:

As I went into the year 2011, I decided that I needed a theme to follow for my life for the year. After a lot of prayer and thought, I decided on the word, Discipline. This word embraces many parts of my life but one area I wanted more discipline was in my spiritual life. Specifically, I wanted 2011 to be the year that my relationship with God is the deepest it has ever been. I have decided to not only study, embrace and implement the Spiritual Disciplines (prayer, fasting, etc) in my life, but I want to live a more simple life.

When I had the opportunity to review Heald's Bible Study, Becoming A Woman Of Simplicity, I jumped at the chance. I have only worked through the first chapter, entitled Profound Simplicity, but already I have been encouraged and challenged. This Bible Study is set up in a way that you have some reading then questions to answer, Thoughts from an Older Woman (the author) and a reflection section, which contains truly inspirational quotes from well known modern and classic figures.

One of my favorite points in the first chapter is this:

"The purpose of this sutdy is not to show you how to downsize, declutter, or say no to everything. The purpose is to encourage you to live life the way God has planned for you. I think His way is one of inner peace and rest in the midst of a complex and busy world. My definition of a woman of simplicity is one who lives a God-paced life. She waits for God's leading, and she has time to be still and know her Lord. She has a deep abiding rest in her spirit. She is a woman of profound simplicity because she has only one focus: being simply and purely devoted to Christ." (p.15)

That quote is my goal for this study....and for the year.  If you feel like life is overwhelming you and you need to get back to the basics of simple living as God wants you to, I highly recommend this book! A perfect book for group study, Sunday School or individual study. I will be finishing through the book over the next while and will continue to let you know how it impacts me in the future.

BUY IT: You can purchase Becoming A Woman of Simplicity online directly from its publisher, NavPress. It is also available through your favorite, local Christian bookseller

***I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."***

How Can I Run A Tight Ship When I'm Surrounded By Loose Cannons: Book Review

About The Book:

The perfect woman - excellent wife, cherished mother, impeccable housekeeper, thriving entrepreneur - all rolled into one. The Proverbs 31 woman looms large for Christian women today. Getting it all together. Keeping everything under control. Running a tight ship. But despite our best efforts, it seems there are always loose cannons rolling around the deck.


With humor and relevance, Kathi Macias shares her journey and struggle with Proverbs 31, ultimately discovering the natural progression of growing in grace. As Christians, we begin as infants - on our knees, crawling. We then become toddlers - taking a few tentative steps and falling quite a bit. Soon, though, we learn to run - and what a joy that is! From there we begin to soar. Finally, we learn that the best place to be is back on our knees, completely dependent upon and surrendered to God, trusting the Captain of our ship to steer us safely home.

About The Author:

Award-winning author Kathi Macias has written more than 30 books, including the award-winning devotional A Moment a Day and the popular “Matthews” mystery novels.

Kathi has won many awards, including the Angel Award from Excellence in Media, fiction awards from the San Diego Christian Writers Guild, 2008 Member of the Year from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and the grand prize in an international writing contest.

With women’s ministry as her primary interest, Kathi is a popular speaker for women’s retreats, conferences, and churches.

A mother and grandmother, Kathi and her husband, Al, call California home.

My Review:

The first book of Kathi Macias' that I read was My Son, John and from that point, I was hooked! I have since read the first three Extreme Devotion Series books (No Greater Love, More Than Conquerers, and Red Ink) and looking forward to Book 4, People Of The Book, coming in April 2011.

I have admired the Proverbs 31 woman for many years, and for most of that time I thought I could not be her. She seemed way to hard to live up to. But I have realized the reason for this was I was trying to be her, and not myself. Also, I was trying to do it all on my own strength and not allowing God to guide me and mold me into what HE wants me to be. It has only been in the last couple of years that I have taken hold of the roles of Christian woman, mother and wife and I have come to realize that God gives me everything I need to do His work. He will do it through me with the gifts He has given me and in His time, not mine.

This book was so encouraging to me as I embrace these roles and realize that God does not want, or need, me to be perfect. He will bring me through the journey and guide me in His way. With humor, real-life stories, and written in a very easy to read, theologically sound manner, you will be encouraged to embrace your life and live it as God wants you to! What a freeing lesson that every Christian woman needs to be reminded of, and thanks to Kathi Macias' book you will get that!

A great book for Christian book groups, Bible Studies and Women's Sunday School's of which I highly recommend!

BUY IT: You can purchase "How Can I Run A Tight Ship When I'm Surrounded By Loose Cannons?" by Kathi Macias online at Amazon.com and Christian Book.com 

WIN IT: 

One (1) reader

 will win

 a copy of 

How Can I Run A Tight Ship 

When I'm Surrounded By Loose Cannons?"

by Kathi Macias

MANDATORY ENTRY: Head over to Kathi Macias' official website and tell me one other of her books you would love to read!

EXTRA ENTRIES: (the mandatory entry must be completed first for extra ones to be counted)

1. Follow A Mom After God's Own Heart via GFC

2. Grab my button

3. Subscribe to A Mom After God's Own Heart via email

4. Like A Mom After God's Own Heart on Facebook

5. Follow me on Twitter

6.Like Kathi Macias on Facebook

GIVEAWAY OPEN INTERNATIONALLY!!


GIVEAWAY ENDS FEBRUARY 13, 2011


GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

***I received a complimentary copy of this book, courtesy of the author, for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***

Cheerios First Foods Blog Tour and Giveaway

My oldest daughter turned four in October and it has blown me away just how quickly the last four years have gone. I think back to when I first became a parent and how many questions I had. Although I have worked with children for many years as an Early Childhood Educator and being the oldest of four girls, I knew that once I became a parent there would be so much to learn! And I was right!


Of course, our journey into parenthood started rather abruptly with the premature birth of my daughter when I was 29 weeks 6 days along in my pregnancy. Needless to say, I was scared, overwhelmed and nervous about how this little peanut (she was 4lb 3.5oz born and at her smallest, 3lb 7oz) would thrive and grow. We were blessed with tons of support from friends and family, including my mom, who is a Registered Nurse, with experience in NICU care (thank you Lord!). One resource that I relied on heavily during both my pregnancies was Baby Center Canada

BabyCenter Canada is a wealth of information for expectant moms and their families. Whether you are in the process of trying to conceive, are pregnant (in any stage) or a parent already you will find information to make your life a little easier.


One of the things I used BabyCenter Canada for was to become aware of when to start feeding my daughter solid foods. Although a 10 week preemie, she was able to start foods at the normal 6 month mark, although we took things very slowly to ensure there were no issues. The only problems we encountered were with milk products. Babycenter was a huge help when dealing with this. Here is one article that I recently found that deals with milk intolerance versus milk allergy. Although this was not written when I was needing it, I am sure it will benefit many parents today.


A new feature to the BabyCenter Canada website is called Cheerios First Foods and it will be an invaluable resource for all you parents at this stage in your child's development. Along with great articles, there is also a few downloadable tools to track baby's first foods, as well as a couple other tools. You can check out Cheerios First Foods here.

WIN IT:

 One (1) reader 

will win a fantastic prize pack 

including the following:

 Cheerios On-the-go Tot Container,

 Cheerios playbook, 

Box of Cheerios,

 Bowl and utensil set 

and 

a $30 Cash Card

MANDATORY ENTRY: Head over to BabyCenter Canada and check out the Cheerios First Foods Section. Come back here and tell me what you think of it.


EXTRA ENTRIES:


1. Follow A Mom After God's Own Heart via GFC


2. Subscribe to A Mom After God's Own Heart via email (on the sidebar)


3. Like A Mom After God's Own Heart on Facebook


4. Follow me on Twitter


GIVEAWAY OPEN TO U.S. AND CANADA ONLY


GIVEAWAY ENDS FEBRUARY 14, 2011


GOOD LUCK TO ALL!


**** I am participating in the Cheerios First Foods program by Mom Central on behalf of General Mills. I received a gift card as a thank you for my participation.  The opinions on this blog are my own****

Lioness Arising: A Book Review

About The Book:

The lioness rises from her slumber, a magnificent image of strength, passion, and beauty. Her mere presence commands the landscape, protects her young and empowers the lion. In groups, lionesses become a creative and strategic force to be reckoned with, acting as one to change the world around them.

You too are a lioness.

In Lioness Arising, author and speaker Lisa Bevere offers the life and image of the lioness as a fierce and tender model for women. Revealing the surprising characteristics of this amazing creature, Lisa challenges women to discover fresh passion, prowess and purpose.

Learn what it means to:
- be a stunning representation of strength
- fiercely protect the young
- lend your voice to the silenced
- live in the light and hunt in the dark
- raise a collective roar that changes everything

Packed with remarkable insights from nature and a rich depth of biblical references to lionesses,Lioness Arising is a call for women to rise up in strength and numbers to change their world. 

About The Author:

In her transparent style, Lisa shares God’s Word woven with personal experiences to empower lives with freedom and transformation. Her heart breaks over social injustice, and as an advocate for change, she rallies others to be an answer to desperate problems near and far. 

Since 1996, Lisa has written many other books, including Fight Like a Girl: The Power of Being a Woman  (FaithWords, May 2006), Nurture: Give and Get What You Need to Flourish (FaithWords, March 2008),  The True Measure of a Woman (Charisma House, October 1997),  Kissed the Girls and Made Them Cry: Why Women Lose When We Give In (Thomas Nelson, April 2002), You Are Not What You Weigh (Siloam, August 1999) and Out of Control and Loving it (Charisma House, July 1996). Her books have been printed in over 20 languages worldwide. 

She is a frequent guest on Christian shows such as Joyce Meyer’s “Enjoying Everyday Life,” “LIFE Today with James & Betty Robison,” and Daystar’s “Celebration” and “Joni” programs.  

Nearly 20 years ago, Lisa and her husband John, also a bestselling author and speaker, founded Messenger International (www.MessengerInternational.org) in Orlando, Fla. Messenger International is an organization founded to inspire godliness and release people into fulfilled lives in Christ. The ministry relocated to Colorado Springs, Colo., in 2001 and since has grown internationally with offices in the United Kingdom and Australia.   

When she’s not out changing the world, Lisa resides in Colorado Springs, where she begins her days with mochas and ends them laughing around the dinner table with family. She enjoys riding her Ninja motorcycle with the love of her life, John, and spending time with their four sons, stunning daughter-inlaw and adorable grandbaby.

My Review:

Do you want to be encouraged to live up to the potential that God sees in you, in order to make a difference in the world around you? 

If you answered "Yes" to this question, then I urge you to read Lioness Arising today! With a conversational, easy-to-read style Bevere takes you on a journey that will encourage and challenge you to be strong in the Lord and use the gifts He has blessed you with to be strong and content in our role as Christian women!

I highly recommend this book and give it a huge thumbs up!

BUY IT: You can purchase Lioness Arising online at Amazon.com - it is also available through your favorite local Christian bookseller

***I received a complimentary copy of this book, courtesy of Phenix and Phenix Literary Publicists, for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***

The Girl In The Gatehouse: A Book Review

About The Book:

Mariah Aubrey lives in seclusion with her secrets.
Will an ambitious captain uncover her identity... and her hidden past?

Banished from the only home she's ever known, Mariah Aubrey hides herself away in an abandoned gatehouse on a distant relative's estate. There she supports herself and her loyal servant the only way she knows how—by writing novels in secret.

When Captain Matthew Bryant leases the estate, he is intrigued by the beautiful girl in the gatehouse. But there are many things he doesn't know about this beguiling outcast. Will he risk his plans—and his heart—for a woman shadowed by scandal?

Intriguing, mysterious, and romantic, The Girl in the Gatehousetakes readers inside the life of a secret authoress at a time when novel-writing was considered improper for ladies and the smallest hint of impropriety could change a woman's life forever.


You can read an excerpt of The Girl In The Gatehouse here.


About The Author:


Julie Klassen is a fiction editor with a background in advertising. She has worked in Christian publishing for more than twelve years, in both marketing and editorial capacities. Julie is a graduate of the University of Illinois. She enjoys travel, research, books, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends.

Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, visit www.julieklassen.com

My Review:

An engaging story full of mystery, wonderful characters and descriptions that will bring you to a world not unlike my favorite classic author, Jane Austen. I have been a fan of Julie Klassen's for some time now and her newest release, The Girl In The Gatehouse did not disappoint. The storyline and characters had my attention from the beginning and kept my attention right to the last page. I love the underlying theme of overcoming even the most difficult of situations. What an encouragement for readers of all ages.

If you are looking for a great book to read, I highly recommend this one for sure!

BUY IT: The Girl In The Gatehouse by Julie Klassen is available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

***I received a complimentary copy of this book, courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***

The Damascus Way: A Book Review

About The Book:

The fledgling church is being scattered by persecution.•
It is spearheaded by a fanatical young Pharisee who does not realize he is unwittingly aiding a divine mandate to spread the truth "unto the ends of the earth..."

Young Julia has everything money can buy—except for acceptance by either Gentiles or Judeans in Tiberias. When she discovers the secret her beloved Greek father has kept all these years, she is devastated. Julia and her Hebrew mother are indeed less than second-class citizens. Her future is dark with clouds of uncertainty.

Jacob, Abigail's brother, is now a young man attempting to find his own place among the community of believers. Does it mean trading away the exhilaration and adventure of his current profession as a caravan guard? Hired by Julia's father to protect a wealthy merchant's caravans on the secretive "Frankincense Trail," Jacob also reluctantly takes on the perilous responsibility of passing letters and messages between communities of believers now dispersed across the land. He is alarmed to discover that Julia, hardly more than a girl, is also a courier. Can their initial mistrust be put aside to accomplish their mission?

An earthshaking encounter on the way to Damascus has repercussions far beyond the lives of Julia and Jacob

About The Authors:

Davis Bunn is an award-winning novelist whose audience spans reading genres from high drama and action thrillers to heartwarming relationship stories, in both contemporary and historical settings. He and his wife, Isabella, make their home in Florida for some of each year, and spend the rest near Oxford, England, where they each teach and write. Visit Davis' Web site atwww.davisbunn.com

Janette Oke (pronounced "oak") pioneered inspirational fiction and is the leading author in the category today. Love Comes Softly, her first novel, has sold over one million copies. Janette is now the bestselling author of over 70 books, 32 of which have been translated into fourteen languages. Her books have sold over 22 million copies.

Janette receives fan mail from all over the world and answers each letter personally. She received the 1992 President's Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association for her significant contribution to Christian fiction, the 1999 CBA Life Impact Award and has been awarded the Gold Medallion Award for fiction. Janette and her husband, Edward, have four grown children and enjoy their many grandchildren. They make their home in Canada.

My Review:

The world of the Early Church brought to life is how I would describe the Acts Of Faith series from Bunn and Oke. The Damascus Way is the final installment in this series and I have to say it was incredible. The descriptive nature of the writing style of Bunn and Oke makes you feel like you were right there living the novel. I absolutely loved the way that the authors included Biblical Characters like Phillip, The Samaritan Woman at the Well, and Saul's conversion. The intertwining of fictional characters and Biblical stories was done flawlessly and really brought the Bible to life. The book is very easy to read and it is very evident that a ton of research went into the preparation of writing this book, and series, in order to make it as authentic as possible.


By far, The Damascus Way was my favorite of the series, and I would love to see the series made into a movie (or several movies) one day!


If you are both a Davis Bunn and Janette Oke fan, or a fan of Historical Christian Fiction, you will love The Damascus Way, and the rest of the Acts Of Faith Series.


I highly recommend this book and give it a huge thumbs up!

BUY IT: The Damascus Way is available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

***I received a complimentary copy of this book, courtesy of  Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc., for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***

Wordless Wednesday

My 4 yr old's rendition of a flower! First time I have

seen her draw one

My 2.5 yr old reading during quiet time

30 Day Photo Project: Day 30

30 Day Photo Project Day 30: A Picture Of Someone You Miss

My mom is very much still living but

we live two provinces away and only see

one another once or twice a year. This picture 

is from 2008 when my youngest is 5 months old.

I love you mom, thank you for all you are and 

all you have done, and will do for me and 

my family!

30 Day Photo Project: Day 29

30 Day Photo Project Day 29: A Picture That Always Makes Me Smile

This picture of my husband and daughter playing 

Guitar Hero always makes me smile. She is a Daddy's

Girl through and through!