Seasons of Opportunities

Lazarus - the man Jesus raised from the dead in one of the most extraordinary encounters with The Living Saviour in all Scripture. But the life of Lazarus holds interest well beyond this miraculous event. Living in Bethany, near Jerusalem, Lazarus witnessed many of the most important events of Jesus's life and ministry. Lazarus owned a vineyard and devoted his life to caring for its vines and fruit. But when he encountered another man - Jesus- whose vineyard was the world, its fruit the eternal souls of men; Lazarus was changed. When Lazarus's story and the story of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection touch in When Jesus Wept , we are offered a unique vision into the power and comfort of Christ's love.

Women today are fading. In a female culture built on Photoshopped perfection and Pinterest fantasies, we’ve lost the ability to dream our own big dreams. So busy trying to do it all and have it all, we’ve missed the life we were really designed for. And we are paying the price. The rise of loneliness, depression, and anxiety among the female population in Western cultures is at an all-time high. Overall, women are two and a half times more likely to take antidepressants than men. What is it about our culture, the expectations, and our way of life that is breaking women down in unprecedented ways?

After her parents are killed in a rare grizzly attack, the author is forced into a wilderness of grief. Turning to loves she learned from her father, Polson explores the perilous terrain of grief through music, the natural world, and her faith. Her travels take her from the suburbs of Seattle to the concert hall where she sings Mozart's Requiem, and ultimately into the wilderness of Alaska's remote Arctic and of her heart.

Not too long ago I was given the opportunity to read the Unglued Devotional that corresponds with this book by Lysa TerKeurst.  After finishing it, I decided to try out the book. In her book, Lysa shares how God is leading her on a path of imperfect progress. She talks about her own experiences with coming emotionally unglued, as well as how to reign in those experiences and let our emotions work for us rather than against us. Lisa gives a plan for resolving conflict with confidence, finding peace in difficult relationships, and identifying what type of reactor you are to improve your communication skills.

Are you a mom of boys? Do you ever feel like your son is from a different planet? Boys really do think, communicate,  and process the world differently than girls. This book will help you understand your role as your son's mom, and what he needs during different stages of development. It is  about providing encouragement, safety, support, comfort, and trust. Moms can build strong character in their boys. As moms we need to find a balance between staying connected and hoovering or controlling our sons. Cheri uses stories form personal experience as well as input from other moms and feedback from guys young and old. Each chapter ends with questions to ponder or discuss.

Only a Sister's Trust Can Save Him Now When Piper McKenna's prodigal brother returns home, he is accused of murder and arrested.  He claims he didn't do it, but the mounting evidence against him claims otherwise. With all odds against him, not many are sure what to think, except  Piper. She knows her brother has had problems, but there is not way, his tender heart would kill anyone. Long time friend of the family, Deputy Landon Grainger is between a rock and a hard place. With political agendas on the line, and the sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, how can he take the time to investigate the case thoroughly? Piper launches her own investigation, leaving Landon no option but to do his best to protect her from what is turning into a dangerous and deadly case. Read an excerpt of the book Meet the Characters

Love’s recovery starts with a single step . . . After 27 years of marriage, Marilyn Anderson is tired of playing the role of perfect wife. Her husband Jim is a successful businessman who gives her everything she needs-a beautiful home in an upscale neighborhood, the financial freedom to be a stay-at-home mom, an enviable collection of stuff. Everything, that is, except what really matters: love. After years of trying to connect with Jim, Marilyn has had enough. She longs to experience some measure of happiness before she’s too old to enjoy it. Needing some time to herself to sort things out, Marilyn leaves to start a new job and take dancing lessons-something she has wanted to do for as long as she can remember. Shocked to find his wife gone, Jim Anderson must sort through the past to save his marriage. With a little help from an unexpected ally, he begins a campaign to win Marilyn back. What he doesn’t anticipate is how his actions will affect everyone around him-starting...

This really caught my eye this morning when I read it. Am I so close to God I can see my reflection in his eyes? Wow... Ther are sooo many ways this can be looked at. I don't have time to go there right now.  Walk close to him today! I'm sorry, but your browser does not support iframes.

This is launching week for Invisible by Ginny L. Yttrup. I read her inteview, and was so impressed I wanted to share it with my readers. It may seem a little long, but please take the time to read it. Ginny has made an impression on me and she has an amazing story to tell about how God is working in her life about her self-image. There are countless people who struggle with self-image. You may or may not be one of them, but if you aren't, you can use this to help those who do. If you are, these words from Ginny will be great encouragement to your heart as you read about how you are created in the image of God.  1. As you pour yourself out in your writing, how do you keep your well filled? My “well” is filled by staying focused on God—through intentional time alone with Him, through His love manifested through dear friends, and through taking the time to spend outdoors, observing Him in creation. Also, when life is busy and I’m on the run, I’m...

Recently, I was given the opportunity to try out an online retailer .  Thred Up is an online consignment shop, where you can buy or sell your name brand children's clothes.  With growing children, I am always looking for ways to save money buying clothes. I, for one, am not a name brand only kind of gal. My children wear what I can find that looks nice and is affordable, but when I do have an opportunity to get name brand items at a discounted price, I certainly get excited!

This week I am focusing quite a bit on Ginny Yttrup's new book Invisible. This book, although fiction, has a powerful message to bring healing to many who suffer self-image issues. God has blessed Ginny with a wonderful talent using words.  I enjoyed this book immensely - you can read my review HERE. “Do you hear voices?” The psychiatrist looked at me over his reading glasses. As I hesitated, he scrawled a note on the form he’d attached to his clipboard.

Invisible is an incredibly written story about three ladies each in a different walk of life, but with so much in common to each other. All are struggling, or have struggled to accept who they are. Each one has endured some form of emotional trauma that has deeply wounded them and made them desire invisibility. Elly - chef and cafe owner is hiding behind her weight.  Sabina - tall, slender psychologist claims she has come to heal, but could she also be hiding? Twila recently came out of hiding, but is still attempting to deal with the emotional issues that trigger her eating disorder, and make her desire to be invisible. As these women's lives intertwine, they begin to help each other see how God created them in His image and made them beautiful.