"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." Matthew 5:14-15

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." Matthew 13:45-46

Monday, December 29, 2014

A Vision and Word for 2015

"Where there is no vision, the people perish." - Proverbs 29:18a


I don't know about you, but I find it hard to believe that 2015 is just around the corner. Whenever I find myself looking ahead to a new year, I begin praying about what God has for me to do.
 
Several years ago, I attended a conference for women and the speaker challenged the attendees to ask God for a word for the year for us to concentrate on and study throughout that time. In the past, I've studied God's Word and learned more about joy, peace, gratefulness, and hope. As I began to lean toward 2015, I sensed God directing me toward the word, 'believe'.

Along with choosing a word for the New Year, I also pray and ask God to show me various goals to set as well. It can be something like - writing a book, leaning toward healthy relationships, losing weight... any number of things. God desires for us to seek Him as we set these goals.

As you think about 2015 what 'word' and goals do you believe God wants you to set? Be assured of this... "Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" Lamentations 3:22-23

Monday, December 22, 2014

A Matter of the Heart by Tracie Peterson

Jessica Atherton is restless and trying to figure out her goal in life. God begins to stir her heart as well as two different gentleman. She isn't sure which way God is leading her to go.

Austin Todd has long since decided never to marry but he can't deny the bubbling of interest he feels when in Jessica's presence. Will she ever see beyond the sins of his past and take a chance with him? Is it worth the risk?


This book was provided free for review by Bethany House Publishers.

Monday, December 15, 2014

A Bride in Store by Melissa Jagears

Eliza Cantrell has ideas of how to improve her intended groom's store. She's so excited to get started she travels a week early hoping he will be excited to see his mail-order-bride. She hadn't anticipated being caught up in a train robbery and losing all the money she had planned to use as an investment for the store. Nor did she anticipate her fiance being away.

William Stanton longs to become a doctor but doesn't have enough money saved to cover the cost of his education. Instead he's stuck co-owning a store with his friend who is often missing as of late. When a penniless woman arrives claiming to be the future bride of his fellow owner, he begrudgingly allows her to help out in the store until his friend returns.

Neither are willing to budge when it comes to what ideas are best for the store, and Will hadn't planned on the beginning of feelings he's experiencing for Axel's intended.


This book was provided free for review by Bethany House Publishers.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Navy Seal Noel by Liz Johnson

It's been years since Navy Seal Will Grumble walked away from the girl he cared deeply for, but a day hasn't gone by without her consuming his thoughts. When his commanding officer, father of Jessalynn, asks him to do a mission 'off the books' to rescue his daughter from a drug cartel in South America, Will doesn't hesitate.

Jessalynn McCoy figured her Navy father would send someone to rescue her from her kidnappers, however she never imagined it would be the man who hurt her to the deepest core by walking out of her life and no longer assuming the role as her best friend. She's determined to make sure her abductors don't release the deadly toxin and kill others in the process even if she has to manage her escape by herself.

Will the two be able to escape the hurts from their past and their abductors?

You can find Liz Johnson on:
http://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com
Facebook.com/LizJohnsonBooks

This book was provided free for review by Liz Johnson and Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Called By Your Name

When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down because today I must stay at your house.” Luke 19:5

The Our Daily Bread reading this morning got me to thinking. The Scripture reading came from Luke 19:1-10, the familiar tale you often hear as a child in Sunday School about Zacchaeus climbing the tree in order to see Jesus.

I've heard it many times, but what struck me this time as I read through was that Jesus called Zacchaeus by name. Jesus knew exactly who Zacchaeus was. He knew him by name. They may have never met before, but still Jesus knew him.

For me, it was a great reminder how Jesus calls us each by name. He desires for us to have fellowship with him. He's calling your name. Have you responded to Him?

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Petticoat Detective by Margaret Brownley

Petticoat Detective (Undercover Ladies)Jennifer Layne isn't comfortable with her current undercover assignment as a Pinkerton detective. She's played many roles through the years but this one is the most challenging situation she has ever faced. Posing as Amy, Jennifer is determined to find the Gunnysack Bandit.

Tom Colton, a former Texas Ranger, is driven to clear his brother's name and also learn who killed his brother's betrothed. He believes Amy knows more than she is saying. What he hadn't counted on was developing an interest in the green-eyed beauty.

Margaret Brownley weaves a captivating tale in her new Undercover Ladies series. This book kept me guessing to the very end of who the Gunnysack Bandit was. Great job, Margaret. I look forward to more books in this series.

This book was provided free for review by the author and Shiloh Run Press.