Disclosure: I received a book for review. Opinions shared are mine.

Do you remember Dippin’ Dots? My kids always ask for those things when we see the little cart somewhere, and even though I don’t like those cold little beads, I usually give in. Over the weekend, my son went to an arcade with a friend. He brought home a little gift for me — a Dippin’ Dots squishy toy. Knowing how much he likes Dippin’ Dots made this even more of a treasure. That’s kind of how I felt when reading You Can Count on God by Max Lucado. These devotions are super short — just a double spread page — but they are so meaningful. Each one filled up my heart with joy!

Disclosure: I received this book from Family Christian. The post contains affiliate links; opinions shared here are 100% mine.

Back in my college days, we played a game at the cafeteria.  It was meant to be innocent and kind of funny, but looking back on it I feel rather ashamed.  When it was time to say prayer together, we’d all prop up our thumbs which meant “Not IT.”  The last person to catch on had to thank God for our food.  Why did we skip out on that opportunity to speak with the Lord?  Asking the Lord’s blessing on our meal was a chance to share that moment in God’s presence.  Matthew 18:20 says that when 2 or 3 are gathered in the Lord’s name, He is there among them.  What an awesome reminder of the power of prayer!  So God, I’m sorry for all those times I skipped out on talking with you. I’m doing my best to catch up these days.

[Read more…]

Disclosure: I received this book to review. The opinions shared are 100% mine.

When God Whispers Your Name was the first Max Lucado book I had the chance to read.  It was my freshman year of college and I was struggling with decisions about my future.  That book changed the way I looked at my faith, at my interactions with God.  Lucado has a powerful way of making a message go straight to the readers’ heart.  He doesn’t miss the mark with Before Amen.  [Read more…]

EDITED 4/1/14 – GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED

Disclosure: I received product samples. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.

Welcome to the Lucky Little Ones giveaway hop! This event is hosted by  Irresistibly Green, Just Add Cloth, Our Piece of Earth plus some awesome parenting bloggers. This hop is all about your little infants and toddlers who are sure to be a lucky charm this spring. Each blog is offering a baby or toddler related prize valued at $20 or more for you to win for your lucky little one.  After you enter my giveaway, check out the grand prize. One lucky winner will receive over $240 worth of eco-friendly baby gear!

The reader who wins the Savings in Seconds giveaway will receive a copy of I Will Trust God (DVD) and A Bed for Fred
(hardcover book). [Read more…]

Max Lucado did it again. I remember the first devotional I read by Max Lucado, and he’s still working the same magic in this book years later. Lucado has this amazing way of being completely real. Does he have some window into my life? No. He just gets it. He understands the frustrations of parenthood, the exasperation of being a spouse, and the difficulty of walking the Christian walk. He also has excellent advice to overcome those obstacles.  Gleaning from Scriptural references, personal anecdotes, words from authors like C.S. Lewis, and even medical journals, Lucado constructs this guide to having a heart like Jesus.   Is honesty always the best policy?  Do I have to forgive, even when it’s an act of infidelity?  Is it okay to hold on to a just little bit of worry?  Lucado addresses such issues by using the best guide of all — Jesus.   This book is so easy to read, it’s like having a conversation.  I’m going to pass along my copy to my mom, for whom English is a second language.   I know she’ll love the personal nature of the stories and it’s written in such a way that she’ll be able to read it with no trouble.

If you’re having difficulty in any area of your life and need to know what Jesus would do, you should of course read the Bible.  It’s the first reference that I would recommend.  But this is a good start.  Just Like Jesus is like taking a road trip with Jesus in the car.   You’ll find yourself answering Lucado’s questions out loud, nodding your head, and wanting to stop and pray right then. Do it!  [Read more…]

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions shared are mine.

The book Mysteries of the Messiah by Rabbi Jason Sobel made me think about the Bible in entirely new ways.