Word for 2014

Connie Prince’s “Star of Wonder” digital scrapbooking kit, available at Scrapbook-bytes.

My Word for 2014 is grace. And my verse is Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. May I focus this year on God’s grace, manifested in so many ways in my life and the lives of those around me. It is sufficient.

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Book Review: Becoming Myself by Stasi Eldredge

The past few months, I’ve been on a bit of a quest – a quest for myself. When Becoming Myself by Stasi Eldredge became available for review, I thought the timing was perfect! Of course, isn’t it always with God?

Becoming Myself is trademark Stasi Eldredge – Biblical, conversational, emotional. Stasi speaks directly to women out of her own experience as a female and as a child of God. While explaining mother wounds and encouraging her readers to take heart and follow through on the journey of a lifetime, Stasi writes of God’s grace and love for us.

My favorite section is chapters 11-13: Becoming a woman of Faith, Becoming a Woman of Worship, and Becoming our True Name. I loved seeing the trio of  Marys with new eyes – Mary, Mother of Jesus; Mary of Bethany, and Mary Magdalene. The thought that struck me hardest – Jesus wants my love. My love. My love. Not that He doesn’t desire my obedience, but it is as a form of love to Him, not just because He commands it. He wants me to love Him with all my heart (what is the greatest commandment – love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your soul, with all your strength). And He loves me , so much so that He knew me before I was formed in the womb. He named me. He sees me as I truly am, as I am becoming , and as I am now. And He loves me.

I give Becoming Myself by Stasi Eldredge, published by David C Cook, 5 stars. Readers may want to read Captivating by Stasi Eldredge first, but that isn’t strictly necessary.

Disclosure: I received Becoming Myself by Stasi Eldredge free from David C Cook Publishing free (via Net Galley) in return for an honest review.  My opinions are my own.

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A Fabulous Contest from Julie Lessman

Julie’s book, A Light in the Window, is the beautiful story of Patrick and Marcy O’Connor.  Watch this trailer and then click over to Julie’s blog to enter her fun contest.  You could win:

1st Prize (person with the most points) — gets a character named after them or a loved one in my next book, a signed copy of that book, and a $50 gift card.

 

2nd Prize (random drawing where every point  earned is an extra chance to win, but even one point can win) — gets a character named after them or a loved one in my next book and a signed copy.

 

3rd Prize (random drawing based on 1 point per name entered) — gets a signed copy of any of my books.

 

Right now, A Light in the Window is $.99 at Amazon, and the paperback is discounted.  If you watch the video, buy the book, or just want to chat . . . let me know.  I’ll get more points in the contest!  🙂

Oh, and there will be a book review coming of this beauty.  I can’t wait to dive into this story!

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