Sisterchicks In Wooden Shoes

Sisterchicks In Wooden Shoes is probably one of my all time favorite books!  Of course, I absolutely (and I do mean absolutely!)  love all of the Sisterchick books.  The escapades and adventures of the friends or sisters makes one want to grab a suitcase and your sisterchick and have an adventure of your own.  These books are easy, light reading but there are many truths throughout the stories.  I guess this book would be a favorite because the "girls" go on a trip to Holland.  Not only are there tulips and wooden shoes but the story ties into Corrie ten Boom and her family.  I'm not a crier my nature but there is a chapter in this story that really touched my heart and tears came to my eyes...I had one of those "eye opening" moments where the Lord helped me to "see" beyond the story.  If you want to go on a trip but don't have the time or finances right now then go to Amazon.com and get this book...it's actually better than a trip---no packing or passport.  

Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes (Sisterchicks Series #8) 

(check this book out at Amazon.com)

How To Build a LIFE-CHANGING Men's Ministry by Steve Sonderman

 Somehow, in today's culture, the man of the house (single or married) seems to be the most forgotten and displaced person.  So, when Steve Sonderman's book "How To Build A LIFE-CHANGING Men's Ministry" was given to me to review by Bethany House I gladly read his suggestions (and passed the book on to my pastor husband).  Steve Sonderman is  a seasoned pastor so his suggestions and views are not just because he "feels this or that" but he can honestly tell us how to encourage and better our churches to include men because he has been through the trenches. This book has a lot of practical ideas and Steve even gives schedules that one can use when starting a men's group.  Incorporating men into our churches is much needed.  Our young boys and teenagers need the guidance and support of godly men in the church.   I would say this isn't necessarily a book for women but it's a "man's man" book.  My pastor husband was encouraged by this book and will incorporate some of Steve's ideas.  This is a great resource for both pastors and men in leadership.

Buy at Amazon :)  How To Build A Life Changing Men's Ministry  

LOVE FINDS YOU .....in the North Pole

This was an enjoyable read.  There really is a town in Alaska named the North Pole.  This book was a mystery as well as a sweet read about the town of candy cane light poles, candy canes everywhere plus a Santa on about every corner.  Basically, Christmas every day of the year!  I read this book the week before Christmas but I think one could enjoy this book all year round.  The characters in this book are well rounded and fun.  I especially like the idea of visiting a place where there are candy canes everywhere (did I mention I like candy canes?).  This is an easy read and interesting.   Loved the book! 

 I would give this book a definite 5 stars!

If you want to read this book, go to Amazon:  Love Finds You in North Pole, Alaska

Tea With Tammy Every Tuesday--Today Mary Brings our Bible Study

Today Mary brings our lesson.  It's a great lesson so hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.  Thanks, Mary!  

Grab your tea and join us for Lesson 3!

In Genesis 20 you have the first four revelations from God through dreams in the Book of Beginnings.  What was the basic message of the dream? Abimelech was to return Sarah to Abraham or Abimelech and his house hold would die.

What does Genesis 18:11 explicitly tell you?  It ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of woman. (She was too old to bare children).

According to Genesis 21:18-11, what was the cause of Sarah's drastic change in temperament? She saw Ishmael mocking during the celebration of Isaac’s being weaned.

What did Abraham give Abimelech in Genesis 21:28,30 and why?  He gave him 7 ewe lambs as a testimony that Abraham dug the wells.

What does Abraham tell the Hittites he needs? A place to bury Sarah

 Day One

Not That Again

 I was impressed with the first part of Beth Moore’s Day One lesson when she talks about senior adult women who continue to seek and serve God well into their 70’s and 80’s. Beth Moore says, “I have no greater respect for anyone than someone who continues to study and serve God until the end of life.” I Titus 2:3-5 certainly doesn’t sound like God intends for older women to sit back and relax.

 As we also see in Day one. Just because we may be mature in years, we still have the sin nature. Beth Moore says, “Those who continue to apply God’s Word until their last breath are wise indeed. If God was finished changing and conforming us to the image of His dear Son, we’d be face-to-face with Him right now.”

 Abraham and Sarah are drawn back in to the same sin of fear, lying and not trusting God. They once again lie to a Monarch saying Sarah is Abraham’s sister not his wife for fear Abimelch will kill Abraham for her. Once again the Monarch takes Sarah to wife, so much for the same plan. God speaks to Abimelch in a dream. God reveals Abraham is a prophet, warns that if Sarah is not returned death will come to Abimelch and his, and that if she is returned Abraham will pray for Abimelch. According to Beth Moore this is the first interceding prayer. Abraham is to pray for his enemies. Sounds like Matthew 5:44

 Day Two

Laughing Out Loud

 Beth Moore dwells here on Sarah’s wait for a child being over. She says, “Her wait like ours, was about what God wanted to birth and maybe even what God wanted to kill (all other options). Gen.21:1-7 states, “for Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken unto him.” God always comes through. His promises are true.  Beth Moore later says on Day Four, “After staking His Name on it, He’d have to disown Himself to be unfaithful.” 2 Tim 2:13.

 Isaac’s name means laughter. Laughter surrounded Isaac’s birth. Abraham laughed Gen.17:17, Sarah laughed Gen. 18:12-15, and laughed again at Isaac’s birth Gen.21:6-7. I imagine her laugh being like I remember my 75 year old grandmother’s. (That laughter of hers is a dear memory.) Sarah sounded like she and God shared a good joke. “Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck?”Gen.21:7

 Day Three

God Heard

 Now Isaac is weaned and Abraham gives a great feast in celebration. At this feast though, Sarah is not laughing. She sees instead Ishmael mocking and she doesn’t think it’s funny.

She insists that Abraham send Hagar and Ishmael away. Abraham is heavy hearted, but God tells him to “hearken unto her voice”. God is sovereign and has a plan for Ishmael.

 Here I am touched by the fact that “God heard the voice of the lad”. It shows me personally that God hears my voice in time of sorrow. Beth Moore writes, “Human ears could not have heard the whimpers of a weakened boy over the wails of his broken mother. God’s ears, though, hear “groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26)

God speaks to Hagar, promises to make Ishmael a great nation, open’s Hagar’s eyes, and provides water. “Would God make us a promise without giving us the provision to see it fulfilled?” asks Beth Moore.

 Day Four

The Eternal God

 Abimelech is back on the seen. It has been three or four years since their last know encounter. He recognizes in Gen.21:22 that God is with Abraham in all that he does. He asks Abraham to show himself and his decedents kindness.

 It is at this point Beth Moore discusses hesed or covenant kindness. She says, “Through the covenant relationship we’ve entered by the blood of Jesus Christ, the God of all creation is loyal to us. ……The sovereign Most High has pledged His loyal love to us. …..God bound Himself by covenant to be loyal to us…..it drives me with urgency to be faithful in return.” What a humbling thought.

 Day Five

To Mourn For Sarah

 Sarah’s time has come to go to the true promise land. She lived 127 years and 37 of them were with Isaac. I’ll use the most touching parts of Beth Moore’s study to finish this week. “…up until now any dirt would do. (In reference to others buried before Sarah) Not for Abraham’s Sarah, however. Not for the Princess.” “Abraham wanted a burial site. Not a hole in the ground.” This burial site would be his final gift to his princess. Should it cost him nothing?” True sacrifice always requires payment II Samuel 24:24, John 12:3, Mark 12:43-44, Galatians 3:13. Love equals sacrifice. John 15:13, I John 3:17-18, I John 4:10 Abraham loved Sarah.  

The Silent Governess {GIVEAWAY}

The Silent Governess is an intriguing and engaging story.  It is a tale of romance and mystery. The mystery is about something the main character Miss Keene has overheard by mistake.  It is vital that this information not get out; therefore, Miss Keene is hired as a governess but must not let on that she overheard a private, important conversation.  At times I felt bogged down with too much information and details but this is a good read.  I kept reading because it is a "hard" mystery to solve. I enjoy a book that I can keep reading to solve the mystery and this story does keep the reader on edge.  If you need a good read that takes place in the nineteenth-century then this is the book for you.  

I'm giving this book away so leave a comment by March 5 BUT you must be a follower to win and you must leave me your email address in your comment!  Happy Reading!