Feeling Unworthy of Love

Article 6:Feeling Unworthy of Love

Article 6
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			Feeling Unworthy of Love May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. (Ephesians 3:19)
			By Sheri Rose Shepherd Bestselling Author and Bible Life Coach
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			There is a battle within most women's hearts to believe they are worthy of love. If we believe the lie that we do not deserve love and are hiding behind feelings of unworthiness, even the most loving man in the world will not be able to break down the wall around our hearts. Can you imagine if every night when you went to tuck your children into bed they refused to let you hug them or express your love because they did not feel they deserved it? As a parent, you would embrace them every time you could to prove to them they were indeed worthy of your love. If they refused to receive it because of how they felt, it would break your heart. I believe that is how our heavenly Father feels when we refuse to let Him love us. But there's so much more at stake when we feel unworthy of love. When we are locked up inside, we cannot become the women we want to be in our men's and children's lives. If we do not love ourselves and do not let God lavish His love on us, it will hinder us and hurt others. There are many reasons we may fight feelings of unworthiness. Some of us had fathers who never expressed how much they loved us, and others had mothers who did not feel they deserved love and did not know how to show love, so we began to see our worth through their eyes and not through God's. We may have been abused verbally, emotionally, or physically. Maybe our first love made us feel we were worthless. Some of us had all the love in the world from our families, but we felt rejected by our peers. The list of things we women believe when it comes to love is endless. But the truth is, how we feel will never change how loved we are by the Lord. And nothing that we have done or that has been done to us can keep God from loving us. The question is, will we open our hearts and let His love in? I believe if God wrote us a love letter, it might read like this . . . My Beloved Daughter, I love you with an unconditional, everlasting love so you can be free to love. My precious daughter, don't allow those who have hurt you to keep you from experiencing the joy of loving others. I know giving a piece of your heart away involves risk, but I am here to heal your heart when someone hurts you. I want you to choose wisely whom you allow in your heart, and I also want you to give those you love the freedom to fail. Remember that no one else can love you as perfectly and completely as I do. Don't look for a perfect love in people, or you will always find disappointment and heartache. If you allow your soul to settle into Mine and become one with Me, you will never doubt that I am forever and always devoted to you. Your Prince Jesus, who can't stop loving you May you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. (Ephesians 3:18) For more teaching from the Your Heart's Desire book and Bible study, visit www.biblelifecoaching.com. Watch the trailer:

Raising a Man of Faith by Sheri Rose Shepherd

Article 14
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			Raising a Man of Faith
			By Sheri Rose Shepherd Bestselling Author and Bible Life Coach
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			She made this vow: "O LORD of Heaven's Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime." 1 Samuel 1:11 I was invited to write a book for mothers of sons titled Preparing Him for the Other Woman: A Mother's Guide to Raising Her Son to Love a Wife and Lead a Family. To be honest, this topic intimidated me on many levels. I had my own insecurities and fears of failing as a mom, and I grew up in such a messed-up family that I couldn’t see how I would ever be qualified to write a book on this subject. As I always do before I write any book, I put this message to the test. I gathered a group of young men ages twelve to twenty and asked them if they felt they would be good husbands when they grew up. Sadly, their comments reflected their fear of women; in fact, they felt marriage was something to be avoided. Many talked as if marriage were a death sentence that caused a lifetime of pain. Others asked why they should get married since marriage usually ends in heartbreak, adultery, or divorce. My mother's heart broke for these boys and all our sons, and their answers were enough for me to fight my fears and write that book for the sake of the next generation of marriages. As I began writing, I reflected on one of my favorite “mommy memories.” It took place on a gorgeous summer evening on a California beach with my husband, Steve, and our son, Jake, when he was three. As my husband tended the campfire, Jake and I snuggled together under a blanket and watched the sun set over the sea. A young couple walked past us hand in hand, with eyes only for each other. My little boy watched them for a couple of minutes before turning his sweet face toward mine and asking, "Mommy, will you marry me when I grow up?" I gently explained that mommies can't marry their sons. I'll never forget the ache I felt as I saw tears well up in his big blue eyes and roll slowly down his cheeks. In that moment it hit me: not only was I raising a son, but I was raising someone's future husband. I decided that day to dedicate my time with Jake to helping him become a good husband when he grew up. I knew I needed to stop focusing on my fears that I would fail him and begin to focus on the fact that God appointed me as the first lady in his life, his mother. Later that night I got down on my knees and prayerfully committed my son's life to God once again. I felt a new sense of peace about being a mom as I realized that Jake ultimately belonged to the Lord and that my faithful God would cover my son where I could not. Years later, just a few weeks before my son would marry his beautiful Southern bride, Amanda, I found myself in a reflective mood. On the one hand, I felt as if I'd done everything I could to encourage him to keep following Christ and to prepare him to be a good husband. I knew I needed to officially release Jake to his new life with his bride-to-be. On the other hand, I wondered, Have I done enough? I feared the years my husband and I struggled in our own marriage might affect Jake's marriage. In my inward battle to believe I had done a good job raising him, God gave me the desire to write Jacob a very personal letter the week before his wedding. With his permission and in my hope to bring some relief to your momma's heart, I want to share it with you now: To my son, Jake, This morning as tears fill my eyes, I reflect on the past twenty years of life with you, from Winnie the Pooh, goody plates, and snuggles to late-night talks when you were a teen. I remember when I first heard your heartbeat in the doctor's office and the doctor saying, "You are going to have a son." Joy and fear flooded my heart at that moment. What kind of mom would I be, coming from a broken home with no foundation? And could I take on the task of raising a son in this perverse world? I was so afraid of failing you, and I became desperate for God, which kept me in a constant state of prayer for you, knowing that our God would cover you where I could not and cover me where I failed. What I did not know is that I was not just raising a son; I was raising a warrior and a world changer! Today I look at your fearful heart for your future, and I see a man who seeks God's face with humility, knowing your God is faithful. I see a man who is passionate to do something great for God's Kingdom. I see a hope in your heart that screams, "I will not settle for less than God has for me!" Jacob, in all my imperfections and insecurities, I am honored God chose me to raise a mighty warrior like you. I know you don't know how your story will be written, and it seems unclear how you will fulfill your calling. Remember, you are not the author of your own life; therefore rest in Him. . . . He is writing your life right now. Any and everything you are about to walk through, good or hard, will prepare you for His ultimate plan. So as I wipe the tears from my eyes and say good-bye as "Mommy," once responsible for your care, I now give you away to care for your bride. And say hello as a friend. I will always hold the memories of my little son as a hidden treasure in my heart. I pray that all you have seen and heard these past twenty years, "good and bad," will become building blocks, as you will now lay the foundation of faith and life for your new family. Jacob, you will fight the good fight, you will finish your race, and your faith will be passed down to many generations long after you’re gone. I love you, Son. Mom For more teaching videos from Sheri Rose, go to www.biblelifecoaching.com. Watch the trailer:

A Letter to Our Men

Article 11: A Letter to Our Men

	A Letter to Our Men
	By Sheri Rose Shepherd Bestselling Author and Bible Life Coach
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	A few years ago I was invited to address over five thousand men at a conference. I was asked to express the heart of a woman and to show the men how to better love and understand their wives. The topic they requested was "What Women Want." To be honest, this particular invitation seemed very strange to me since I am in women's ministry and had been writing His Princess books. I remember sitting at my desk and just staring at the e-mail invitation, battling to believe God would open this door for me to address five thousand men. Even harder for me to believe was that I could ever convince these men to listen to me about what women want. I fell to my knees and cried out to God, "Who am I to speak into these men's lives about loving their wives? What right do I have?" As I prayed, I felt my inward battle to believe being conquered by an overwhelming desire to make a difference. I dared to believe God would do something bigger than I could ever do on my own—birth a new beginning between men and women. My heart began to break as I reflected on the countless women who had shared with me the painful places they had walked through with the men they loved. These good women of faith had wonderful hearts and believed in their marriages. Yet they had been left alone to defend themselves and their children after their marriages were destroyed by infidelity, neglect, or abuse. Even the women who were determined to remain married struggled to believe their marriages could ever be truly meaningful and reflect real love. As I continued to pray about accepting this invitation, God brought back to my memory the painful night in my childhood when my dad stumbled into my room with tears in his eyes and fear on his face. He knelt at the foot of my bed and broke the news that he and my mom were divorcing. I realize now that he had lost his will to fight and had no idea how to save his marriage or our family. Next I thought about my own marital struggles and the years of tears and trials it took for my husband, Steve, and me to rebuild a solid foundation for our marriage. In spite of my insecurities, passion and compassion compelled me to take a step of faith. I surrendered to this invitation in an effort to bring transformation to these men and their marriages. Once I committed to the speaking date, I became desperate for God to give me the words, kindness, courage, and wisdom I would need to stand before these men. To my surprise, God gave me much more than that. He gave me a letter of repentance I was to deliver before my message. With that said, I invite you to read the opening letter on forgiveness I delivered with fear and trembling before these men, which I believe opened their hearts and ears to my message: Dear Men of All Ages, Now more than ever, we need you to rise up and fight for us, fight to remain faithful, and fight to finish strong! We need you to fight to leave a legacy of faith for the sake of our children and the foundation of marriage. I know this seems almost impossible in a society that screams, "You have failed us in every way!" so I stand here today on behalf of all women and girls and ask that you forgive us for the following: Forgive us . . . for blaming you for all that has gone wrong in our lives and for making you pay the price for all the men who hurt us—even if it was not your fault. Forgive us . . . for holding on to the past and making you feel like you don't deserve to be forgiven or have a fresh start. Forgive us . . . for trying to conquer and compete with you—when we were created to complete you. Forgive us . . . for the way our words and our actions have publicly dishonored, discouraged, and disrespected you. Forgive us . . . for using our beauty and our bodies to weaken your flesh and control you. Forgive us . . . for all the mind games we have played with you and the manipulation we have used to get your love and attention. Forgive us . . . for forgetting to make you feel like the heroic men we desire you to be in our lives! The reaction of the men astonished me. As I shared these words, the room was completely silent; it was surreal and a little scary. I had one eye on the paper and one eye on the men. It was as if each sentence lowered their defenses, and by the time I said the last word, many of the men even had tears in their eyes. Their faces seemed to say, "Please unlock the hero inside me" and "Show me how to become the man I long to be for my wife and family." I took a deep breath and then respectfully asked their permission to speak into their lives about their relationships with their wives. I asked if I could help them understand the heart of a woman; to attempt to explain how we are wired and what we need from them to feel safe, secure, and loved. I assured them my goal was to give them Christ-centered, creative ways they could rescue, romance, replenish, and repair the women they had possibly hurt. I was taken aback by their response: the men stood to their feet and gave me a standing ovation before I even began sharing my message. For more teaching videos from Sheri Rose, go to www.biblelifecoaching.com. Watch the trailer:

Building Up the Men in Our Lives

	Article 8: Building Up the Men in Our Lives
	Article 8 Article 5 ▶ Article 6 ▶ Article 7 ▶ Article 8 ▶ Building Up the Men in Our Lives He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. (Proverbs 17:9, NIV) By Sheri Rose Shepherd Bestselling Author and Bible Life Coach learn more ▶ When our husbands let us down, it's hard not to voice our anger and disappointment. We don't do it to hurt or embarrass our husbands. We are women, and we're wired to share our hearts with another person. We definitely need one another to become the women we want to be, but we need to be careful not to cripple our men by uncovering their weaknesses to everyone. Obviously we all need someone to help us sort through our feelings. I think it is best to find one or two trustworthy people who are in favor of our marriages and won't repeat our conversation to others. I have two best friends to whom I tell everything because they help me see things from my husband's perspective and help me fight for my marriage by praying and sharing wisdom from the Word. I am careful, even with them, not to overshare in a way that would humiliate my husband, Steve. Think about how we would feel if our husbands talked about our weaknesses at their workplaces. Let's commit to covering our men and not exposing them, and let's pray for them to grow as leaders. Don't Enable . . . For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her. (Ephesians 5:25) Because we women are so good at leading, many times we leave our men in the dust or allow them to become weak leaders. How are they ever supposed to learn to lead if we do everything for them? We are not their mothers; we are their wives. Christ asked them to love, lead, and take care of us the way He loves the church. It's important that we not try to do things that are our husbands' responsibility unless they are absolutely necessary. Even if we can do their job better than they can, we're not helping them become the men they long to be; we are enabling them. They will see us as their mothers and not their wives, which will make us bitter toward them and produce the fruit of self-hate in their lives. Do What You Can to Empower Him . . . Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do. (1 Peter 3:6) I used to think it was strange that Sarah called her husband "master." I thought maybe she was even putting her husband before God. But today I realize she was a wise woman. She was empowering her husband to find his place as her leader. We can also help our husbands become godly leaders for us. Even if they do not rise up right away, we shouldn't give up on them. We can keep praying and empowering them. Whatever they do, big or small, let's encourage them. Let's be like Sarah and do whatever it takes to empower our men to be great. For more teaching from the Your Heart's Desire book and Bible study, visit www.biblelifecoaching.com. Watch the trailer:

Review for Change the World Before Bedtime by Mark Kimball Moulton, Josh Chalmers, and Karen Good

Book Description

Written in simple, engaging rhyme, this story takes an inspirational look into how the little things in life a smile, a kind word, a simple deed can help change the world in a big way. Through 18 stunning illustrations, children will read about eating right, cleaning up the Earth by recycling and conserving, helping the sick and those less fortunate, and working in a group to make bigger miracles. Even an ordinary kid can be a superhero before bedtime! Grades Pre-K to 2.

My thoughts:

Change the World Before Bedtime is a great book for children. It is filled with colorful pictures and rhyming words. The great graphics will interest a child. A positive book that teaches children how to make the world a better place; from eating healthy and learning to take care of the Earth. And most importantly, to speak kind words to others.

This is a great book to add to your childrens collection, because it will enforce a caring attitude towards the Earth, world, animals, and towards others.  This book helps a child see that he/she can be a positive change on this Earth. Don't forget to let your children know that this book is made out of recyclable materials; which goes perfect with the message of this book.

Fighting to Find the Benefits and Blessings of Purity

	Article 5:Fighting to Find the Benefits and Blessings of Purity
	Article 5 Article 5 ▶ Article 6 ▶ Article 7 ▶ Article 8 ▶ Fighting to Find the Benefits and Blessings of Purity Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. (1 Corinthians 6:18) By Sheri Rose Shepherd Bestselling Author and Bible Life Coach learn more ▶ When I was a new Christian, it never occurred to me to change the way I dressed or flirted; after all, I was single, so why shouldn't I dress the way I wanted and get whatever attention I could? I had worked hard to lose over fifty pounds and get in shape. I was finally thin for the first time. Then one day, about a year into my walk with God, my young singles pastor came up to me after our church service and politely asked me if I could come to church dressed more modestly. He told me I was distracting him and some of the young men in our group from focusing on God. I know it took every ounce of courage he had to confront me and help me understand how men struggle, and even though I was a bit embarrassed and slightly offended, I'm glad he took a chance and told me the truth. We have no idea the major internal battle that goes on inside our men when it comes to women. The truth is, sex and women hold the key to unlock a beast inside of them. Deep down inside, our men are screaming for some relief from all the overstimulation and sensual battles that war against their souls every day. Even those men who desire purity are forced to fight for it because of all the women who flirt and flash their flesh to get attention. Even our beloved King David, a warrior who was strong enough to stand before a giant, could not withstand temptation when he saw Bathsheba naked in the bathtub. The interesting thing about this story is that Bathsheba was unaware she was even tempting David. Bathsheba was in her own home, taking a bath in her own yard, but when David's eyes saw her flesh, he lost his strength and forgot who he was: a God-appointed king. Once he lost his moral compass, he lost his senses. He caved to his craving for her and then set up her husband to be killed on the battlefield so his own sin wouldn't be exposed. David's moment of weakness had tragic consequences as the baby conceived by Bathsheba died. But even more tragic was that a piece of David's soul died that day, and the passion he once had to be a heroic man never did fully return. Our hearts' desire is for men to know how to connect to our hearts, but we make it difficult for them when we blind them with our bodies. We know how to grab their attention, but in the process are we trading what we want most, which is a real love relationship with them? Feeling sexy is fun, but what is the cost when we force men to fight temptation? Somehow it seems the price that we pay to get attention is not worth it. And it's really out of control when a man cannot even attend church because the women are distracting him from worshiping. Look at the influence the first lady in the human race had. Her craving led Adam to follow her into disobeying God. Eve saw something that was pleasing to the eye, and she wanted it more than she wanted to obey God. She ended up taking her husband down with her, and the Fall occurred. Today the "fall of families" is an epidemic. We are losing our moral men of faith by the masses while pornography and human trafficking are out of control. Our men are forced to look at our flesh, whether they want to or not. They don't even have to seek it on the Internet; all they have to do is walk out their doors. Is it any wonder they are struggling to remain pure? Something has to change, and it has to start with us. How will our sons and daughters find the strength to remain pure and experience a pure love if no one leads the way? For more teaching from the Your Heart's Desire book and Bible study, visit www.biblelifecoaching.com. Watch the trailer:

5 Conversations You Must Have With Your Son

I truly enjoyed reading 5 Conversations You Must Have With Your Son, it's a must have book for every mom of boys. Dads, you should read this too. Vicky Courtney does an outstanding job in addressing the social and spiritual issues that boys face.  She uses real life examples, biblical quotes, and quotes from other books.  She brings an excellent Christian approach to it.

The main focus of this book is Courtney address the importance of raising  boys to be Godly men.  She helps mothers understand the world of boys; boys are adventurous by nature.  They are naturally more energetic;  hence TESTOSTERONE!!!

She offers a quote from Wild Things, a book by Stephen James and David Thomas - "The male brain has more spinal fluid in the brain stem, which makes boys more physical than girls. Add to that high level of testosterone in a boy's brain, and it's easy to see that he is programmed to be more aggressive than girls and more of a risk taker."

As mothers, we have an important role in communication with our boys.  It is a necessity to start taking to them as soon as possible ( pre-teen years ).  As parents we must be aware of all the issues that boys face. We must put an effort to talk with them, and be their primary teachers on the topics of sex, spirituality, and so forth, before they choose an alternative that will lead them to the wrong path.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (KJV)

 ^"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes."

Synopsis:

From the cradle to college, tell your sons the truth about life before they believe the culture's lies. For parents with boys newborn to eighteen, the book 5 Conversations You Must Have with Your Son is as essential as those Legos you're still finding under the sofa cushions and the garage full of sports equipment. Award-winning youth culture commentator Vicki Courtney helps moms and dads pinpoint and prepare the discussions that should be ongoing in their sons' formative years. The book also offers invaluable tips on having these conversations across the various stages of development: five and under, six to eleven, twelve and up.

To fully address the dynamic social and spiritual issues and other influencers at hand, several chapters are written for each of the conversations, which are:

1. Don’t define manhood by the culture’s wimpy standards; it’s okay to be a man!
2. What you don’t learn to conquer may become your master. (PORN)
3. Not everyone’s doing it! (And other naked truths about sex you won’t hear in the locker room.)
4. Boyhood is only for a season. P.S. It’s time to grow up!
5. Godly men are in short supply—dare to become one!

* * I was provided a digital copy by B&H Publishing Group. 

Receiving God's Love by Sheri Rose Shepherd

	Article 7: Receiving God's Love
	Article 7 Article 5 ▶ Article 6 ▶ Article 7 ▶ Article 8 ▶ Receiving God's Love By Sheri Rose Shepherd Bestselling Author and Bible Life Coach learn more ▶ Think how powerful it would be if we spoke the truth about how God feels about us at least as often as we silently said negative things about ourselves or replayed in our minds all the hurtful things that have been said about us. The truth is, we are not what others say about us, and if the men we love speak hurtful words to us that make us feel unworthy, we don’t need to repeat them any longer. Instead we can learn to rest in God's unchanging love for us. Even if no one has ever said anything kind to you, your Prince Jesus longs for you to breathe in the tender love, compassion, and kindness He feels for you. If you're ready to have Jesus, the lover of your soul, become reality to you, I invite you to do the following . . . Breathe In His Love . . . For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. (Job 33:4) You know that feeling of exhilaration that sticks with you after you've spent time with a guy you know you're falling in love with? As you part, you take a deep breath and feel waves of delight washing over you. Or you know the joy that wells up inside when your man unexpectedly says something so sweet that you feel treasured? You replay those words over and over in your mind because doing so gives you a lift. Breathe His truth in; allow the words of your true prince Jesus to echo in your heart and soul. After you consider God's words to you—"I have loved you with an everlasting love" (Jeremiah 31:3)—whisper toward heaven, "I love You, Lord." Sing about His Love . . . Each day the LORD pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life. (Psalm 42:8) When I was learning to let myself receive God's love, I would actually sing love songs to Him. Though they had been written for a woman to sing to a man here on earth, I began to understand that if I would crave God's love first, He would meet my needs. Only then would I be able to give and receive love. Today I love worship songs that sing of God's love for us. I blare them throughout my house in the mornings so Satan will not be able to whisper lies to me any longer. Consider doing the same. Write Love Letters to Him in a Journal . . . Connect your heart to heaven by writing love letters to your Lord. It is amazing what happens to your heart as you begin to express your love in writing to the only One who will never walk away from or reject you. Hang on to this treasure of truth: how you feel about yourself will never change God's love for you. Let Us Pray . . . Dear God, I confess I do not feel worthy of your love. It is hard for me to believe that You even love me. Help me, Lord, to look to You for my worth. Forgive me for not allowing myself to receive Your love. Forgive me for looking to others to make me feel like I have value when You are the only one who can validate me and love me the way I long to be loved. From this day forward, I choose to let You love me so I can love others. In Jesus' name. Amen. I will sing to the LORD as long as I live. I will praise my God to my last breath! May all my thoughts be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD. (Psalm 104:33-34) For more teaching from the Your Heart's Desire book and Bible study, visit www.biblelifecoaching.com. Watch the trailer:

We Are on the Same Team and Fighting the Same Enemy

	We Are on the Same Team and Fighting the Same Enemy
	Article 4 Article 1 ▶ Article 2 ▶ Article 3 ▶ Article 4 ▶ We Are on the Same Team and Fighting the Same Enemy As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17) By Sheri Rose Shepherd Bestselling Author and Bible Life Coach learn more ▶ Think about what makes your heart melt when you watch a great love story. It's not the hero's physical strength or his beloved's beauty, is it? No, you and I are drawn to the power of true love and its inexplicable ability to prevail over tragedy and adversity. The greater the conflict, the stronger the love must be in order to resolve the issue. When the hero does whatever it takes to save the relationship, our hearts soar with renewed hope. Likewise, as we seek to truly listen and understand our men when differences between us create friction, we set ourselves up for more satisfying and loving relationships. The Author of love and life and the Designer of our differences knew there would be conflict between men and women. The real problem comes, though, when we get accustomed to seeing relational problems solved in the time it takes to eat a bag of popcorn. Our hero and his beauty have less than two hours to defeat the dragons and overcome unspeakable challenges. You and I are not going to magically resolve deep relationship conflicts in our own wisdom and definitely not in less than two hours. When I met my husband, Steve, I was sure we were a match made in heaven. In fact, we have had the privilege of being in ministry together for most of our marriage. I wish I could tell you it's been an effortless, wonderful life for the two of us, but I would be lying to you. I learned to fight loud and strong by watching my parents. My brother and I would hide together in my bedroom as our parents tore into each other during arguments, often screaming and throwing things. Because of my broken family, when I first got married I was sure that every conflict between me and Steve would end our marriage. Steve was raised by parents who had stayed married, so it was impossible for him to relate to my fears and worries. He was raised in quieter surroundings. His parents dealt with conflict quite differently from mine. There was no rage. No yelling. No broken furniture. His parents rarely fought—and never in front of their children. But his family also had no system to resolve conflict. That meant issues went unresolved—though not unnoticed. Steve's and my fighting techniques were drastically different. However, neither of us had been equipped to deal appropriately with marital conflict. That led to major challenges early in our marriage whenever we attempted to resolve a disagreement. To make things even more difficult, when I married Steve I was a new Christian and had not yet learned how to channel my anger properly. I tried everything to get him to react or resolve conflict with me, and as I waited, I became more bitter and he became more distant. One day I couldn't take Steve's calm, cool responses anymore. From my perspective, he obviously needed some lessons on how to fight for our marriage. I'd had enough of his "let's work it out peacefully by ignoring our problems" act. In my mind, he was being polite only to annoy me. "Why don't you ever show some emotion and prove to me you care about our marriage?" I yelled. Steve stood there quietly, shaking his head and looking down at the ground. Then suddenly, he turned toward the mirror on our bedroom closet door and kicked it as hard as he could, smashing it to bits. Wow, I thought, what a performance. He sure learns fast. Suddenly I began to laugh hysterically through my tears. I was so shocked I wasn't sure if I was relieved or ready to run from what I saw. His toenail was jutting out at a bizarre angle as he asked me, "Is that enough emotion for you? If it would help, I could probably throw myself on the floor and work up a good cry." We both began to laugh together as we attempted to pick up the glass fragments scattered all over our bedroom floor. In that moment I realized how much we had shattered each other just because we were different and had not been trained on how to resolve conflict. Our marriage was not the problem; it was our hearts. Neither of us had a teachable spirit. It took several years, a lot of tears, and one expensive closet door mirror to repair the damage inflicted during those early years. We still have conflict, as all couples do, but we now understand that we are on the same team and that it's okay not to agree on everything. After twenty-five years of marriage, we've decided it's worth letting go of the little things and fighting to understand one another. Conflict comes no matter who we marry. We may be fighting about different things with different men, but there will always be major differences between men and women. I once heard a pastor say that if spouses agreed on everything, only one of them would be needed. Let's not allow our differences to divide us any longer! For a sneak peek of Sheri Rose's Your Heart's Desire Group Experience, or to learn more about her ministry, visit www.biblelifecoaching.com. Watch the trailer:

Book Review: A  Perfect Word For Every Occation by Liz Duckworth

We are in a new millennium in which our technology has improved immensely. Writing letters or giving cards has rapidly been replaced by electronic mail and texting.  I have always been a firm believer in sending out snail mail, and giving hand written cards- there is a more personal feeling to it.  I love the simplicity of giving a card and expressing my feelings, and just letting the ink in my pen flow smoothly on paper.  Just think of how beautiful it feels when someone hands you a card on your Birthday.  In this day in age, computers seem to be replacing it - It's just so much easier, right?


I know that sometimes it's hard to say the right words or we just do not know what to say. That is why Liz Duckworth wrote this book. In her book, she offers ways and examples on how or what to say.  Every chapter has quotes and verses to help find new ways to say the right words. She also has a section for what not to say. 



This book has 10 chapters that offer different examples.  The fallowing chapters are:

1. Words for the Grieiving2. Words of Gratitude
3. Words for the Sick and Suffering
4. Words for Birthdays
5. Words for Weddings and Engagements
6. Words of  Encouragement
7. Words for Celebrations
8. Words for Events and Activities
9. Words of Truth and Love
10. Words for a Changing World

My favorite section was the quotes and scriptures.
Some examples:

Gratitude is the memory of the heart. -Jean Baptistery Massieu

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. - William Arthur Ward

I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks. -William Shakespeare

How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world. William Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice

God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9: 7

Hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier. - Anonymous

I will say of The Lord, "He is my refuge and fortress, my God, in whom I trust." - Psalm 91:1-2

Do not let your hearts be troubled. - John 14:1

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers. - Galatians 6:9-10

Carry each other's burned, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:2

Words of comfort, skillfully administered, are the oldest therapy known to man. - Louis Nizer

Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it. - Helen Keller

Storms make trees take deeper roots. - Claude McDonald, The Christian Word

It is the wounded oyster that mends its shell with pearl. - Ralph Waldom Emerson

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. - 2 Corinthians 13:11

These are some of the very positive and encouraging words that you will find in this book - for every occation. This is one of those books that you will want to keep for future reference.   

We live in a world in which we all have such busy schedules; that it self, makes it difficult to focus on others, right?  But we must remember it's important to encourage one another when difficult times arise.  We need to be a little more aware of  other's feelings; after all there will be a time when WE will need a word of encouragement and motivation.


** I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I am honored to have author Sherri Rose Shepherd as guest blogger here on my site.  She has writen 14 articles about her book Your Heart's Desire, which 8 of them will be fetured here within the next few weeks. The first article that will be featured is We Are on the Same Team and Fighting the Same Enemy.

Sherri Rose Shepherd has been has been speaking and writing for more than 20 years, and is a best selling author.  She is former Mrs. United States who has writen numerous books, which include His Princess: Love Letters from Your King, Prepararing Him for the Other Woman: A Mother's Guide to Raising Her Son to Love a Wife and Lead a Family, Prayers to My King: His Princess, His Little Princess: Treasured Letters from Your King, Fit for My King: His Princess 30-Day Diet Plan and Devotional, among others.

Go to http://hisprincess.com/about/ to learn more about her and her ministry.


http://www.yourheartsdesirebook.com/



Her latest release is Your Heart's Desire; 14 Truths that will forever change the way you love and are loved. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Hope and healing for every woman who has ever loved a manBestselling author and Bible life coach SheriRose Shepherd shares 14 truths that will forever change the way you love and are loved. This book is written for the married woman who loves her man but struggles in her marriage. It's for the single woman who wants to find a godly man to love and for the divorced woman who believed in her marriage until her man walked out.Each chapter has life-challenging love stories, love coaching, powerful prayers, inspiring scriptural love letters, and a Transforming Truth.If you're ready for a refreshing perspective on love, men, and marriage, this book is for you.







Review for Borders of the Heart by Chris Fabry

Borders of the Heart is filled with intense action, adventure, suspense, and romance. It is set in the Southern part of Arizona near the Mexican border. Chris Fabry does an outstanding job in writing a book that reflects the reality of Illegal immigration and drug cartels.

I was quickly drawn into this story, because Arizona is close to my heart.  I am familiar with the desert heat, the stories of Illegal Immigration, and the important part that law enforcement has in protecting it's borders from illegal activity.

At the beginning of the story we are introduce to J.D. Jessup, a musician running from his past. When he started working at an organic farm, the owner warns him about illegal crossings, and emphasizes the importance of calling Border Patrol if he sees an Illegal.

One morning during J.D's usual horse ride, he stumbles upon a beautiful young woman near death. Right at the moment when he is about to call Border Patrol, he sees a faint movement and changes his mind. He decides to act upon his heart and help her. Little did he know that his act of kindness would put his life in great danger.

J.D. is in for a ride of his life. While risking his own life, he finds out that Maria is running from a dangerous man who is involved with a drug cartel - out to exterminate anyone who crosses his path. J.D. also learns the importance of trusting God, and to confront the fear that was preventing him to love again.

Synopsis:

"Desperate to escape haunting memories, J. D. Jessup travels from Nashville to Tucson and volunteers on an organic farm. The hardened landowner has one prevailing rule: If J. D. sees an "illegal," call the border patrol. But when an early morning ride along the fence line leads him to a beautiful young woman named Maria, near death in the desert, his heart pulls him in another direction. Longing to atone for the choices that drove him to Tucson, J. D. hides her and unleashes a chain of deadly events he could never have imagined. Soon they are running from a killer and fighting for their lives. As secrets of their pasts emerge, J. D. realizes that saving Maria may be the only way to save himself."

About the Author:



"My latest, Borders of the Heart, is a book I never thought I would write because I never thought I would live in the desert. The main character is

J. D., a man with great loss who's trying to piece together his life and where to go next. He faces a choice in the opening pages that changes his life, and the lives of many characters.

My stories come from life and sometimes art imitates stories.Four years ago my family and I moved to the desert. I'm not a desert person. But I knew the experience would at some point provide a rich, fertile place to tell a dusty tale. Borders of the Heart is my nod toward some of the great western wirters -- Cormac McCarthy and Larry McMurtry. It's a love story, a painful story of loss, a mystery, and an edge-of-your-seat thriller. I hope you enjoy the ride thorugh Tucson and the surrounding area as much as I did."

  ***********************************************************************************

Chris Fabry will definitely be added to the list of my favorite authors. To learn more about this author and to watch the trailer for Borders of the Heart, go to http://www.chrisfabry.com/

AUTHOR Q & A

 http://mediacenter.tyndale.com/downloads/press_kits/BordersoftheHeartQ&A.pdf

WATCH TRIALER FOR BORDERS OF THE HEART

watch on tyndale.com

** I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to provide a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review for  Rules of Engagement: Preparing for Your Role in the Spiritual Battle

The very first time that I read the title: Rules of Engagement: Preparing for Your Role in the Spiritual Battle, I thought I was getting a book on how to better understand the spiritual warfare battle. But let me tell you, I got that and more!  It's a book on how to build character and veracity to fight the war. Spiritual warfare is something that we are constantly facing in our Christian walk, therefore; it is extremely important to wear the armor of God at all times. Prince shows us how important it is to FIRST be obedient to God.

When we face difficulties in our lives,  it is so much easier for us to to want to fix things by ourselves. Sometimes we experience hardships so that we learn to acknowledge the importance of seeking God's help; as a matter of fact, Derek Prince shows us that being obedient is one of the most important things when we face spiritual battles.

This book is filled with excellent advice and several examples of how Biblical men went through struggles - so that they could learn a life lesson. For example; there is Jacob who had a physical struggle with the Angel of the Lord - this taught him to give up his independence.  Like Jacob, we must learn to surrender.

CHARACTER is another important requirement;  BE VIGILANT!  Prince states that we must always be aware that the enemy seeks to destroy.  And like a soldier, we must learn personal discipline.  Here is an example:

"Be sober, be VIGILANT; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour"  (1 Peter 5:8). 

Prince also states: "Prepare for service by remaining submissive to God and training our souls to stay in submission to our spirits."

"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.  Let all that you do be done with love."  
(1 Corinthians 16: 13-14).

You will learn in  Rules of Engagement: Preparing for Your Role in the Spiritual Battle, that OBEDIENCE, VIGILANCE, and PREPARATION is important to be in the army of the Lord, and like a soldier prepares for battle - we too must learn to prepare to face all spiritual battles that come our way.  So how do we do this? We must seek God daily through prayer and supplication.   I definitely recommend this OUTSTANDING book.

*This book was provided by Bethany House in exchange for a review.

BOOK REVIEW FOR INESCAPABLE: ROAD TO KINGDOM - BOOK ONE

                      ABOUT THE BOOK

Lizzie Engel is used to running away. At eighteen, she left her Mennonite hometown, Kingdom, Kansas, with plans never to return. But five years later, the new life she built is falling apart. Lizzie knows she's being followed, and she's certain the same mysterious stranger is behind the threatening letters she's received. Realizing she'll have to run again, the only escape Lizzie can manage is a return to the last place she wants to go. Once she arrives in Kingdom, Lizzie is confident she'll be safe until she comes up with a new plan. In reacquainting herself with the town and its people--especially her old friend, Noah Housler--she wonders if she judged her hometown and her Mennonite faith too harshly. However, just as she begins to come to terms with her roots, Lizzie is horrified to discover the danger she ran from is closer than ever. No longer sure who to trust and fearful for her life and the lives of those around her, Lizzie finds she has only one place left to run--to the Father whose love is inescapable.


                                              ABOUT THE AUTHOR


                                                                  

 Nancy Mehl, the author of 12 books, received an ACFW Carol Award in 2009 for her novel For Whom the Wedding Bell Tolls. She has a background in social work and is a member of ACFW and RWA. She writes from her home in Wichita, Kansas, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their puggle, Watson. Visit her website at www.nancymehl.com.












                                              MY BOOK REVIEW


I was completely captivated and fascinated with the Romantic Suspense story about 18 year old Mennonite Lizzie Engel; who becomes pregnant out of wedlock. As a result, she is turned away by her overly strict father.  She then feels that because of her father's shunning and the reaction of her Old Order Mennonite Community, she must run away from it all, and start anew with her young daughter.

Lizzie settles down in a brand new place with her daughter Charity.  After 5 years, things seem to go down hill; yet again.  Things just don't seem to be going in the right direction.  Her boss becomes sick, and has to stop working until she recovers.  In the process, another woman is hired as the manager.  This woman does not seem to like her, and blames her of stilling money. To top it off, the man in the "RED" cap seems to be spying her every move.  Lizzie feels this man is the culprit of the anonymous threatening letters she has been receiving. She fears for her daughter's safety; as a result, decides to embark on another run away journey to the place she left in the first place - Kingdom.

As the days and weeks follow after her arrival,  Lizzie learns that in her struggles, she must learn to turn to the only one who has always been there for her; God. She learns that most of the people in Kingdom really do care for her. She begins contact with her childhood friends, and other members of her community.  She begins to build a good friendship with Cora; an older lady, who encourages her with uplifting words of advice. Then comes along Noah, her best friend when she was a child. We are introduced to many more interesting characters.

The story of Lizzie has a great plot and interesting characters. With Lizzie,we learn that there are times that we fall away from God - in the midst of the circumstance we tend to follow the path that we think is best for us.  Along the way, we learn that we must trust those who love us and have faith in God. For He is the one who will take our hand and shows the way. There are so many words of encouragement in this book that truly touched me, and reminded me that as a Christian woman and mother, I must learn to trust the One who will never forsake me. God is always there to show us the road back to HIS Kingdom!

One of my favorite lines from Inescapable is when Noah is talking with Lizzie's father after he scolds Lizzie:  "I thought the foundation of our religion was Christ, His sacrifice, our redemtion, and His grace to live the life He's called us to."

*This book was provided by Bethany House Publishing in exchange for a review.