Heaven in Her Arms

Why God Chose Mary to Raise His Son and What it Means for You
BY:  Catherine Hickem

This book is written in such a way that it can't help but  bring all Mothers and Ladies closer to God.  I must admit one of the very first things I learned is how much Mary is focused on at Christmas time but what about the rest of the Year.  Before One can die they must first be born.  "God wanted His Son, the King of kings, to come from a humble woman so that the entire world could relate."

Ladies, we have a Heavenly Father who loves us so much that He actually restrains Himself on Our Behalfs.  A good example is the Birth Of Jesus .  The timing had to be Perfect and God knew who He wanted to Carry Jesus.  God is very detailed after all He is a God of Perfection.
He has chosen everyone's hair, eyes, color of skin, knit us together in our Mothers womb [ Psalm 139] and chose our birth year.

Ladies it is God who Qualifies each and every one of us.  This book is written in such a way that brings the reader to a closer intimate relationship with Her Heavenly Father.  But the Author takes it one Step further in the reader's Spiritual Journey by adding a Study Guide at the very end.

"Show me a woman who keeps her focus on Christ the Mary did on her God, and I will show you someone who has 20/20 spiritual vision.  This type of sight enabled Mary to maintain passion for her faith, purpose for her life, and a heart for her God.  We see Mary giving God her life to do with as He desires."  "It is an amazing moment when women realize they do not have to live under the limitations of their past or their heritage." 

Needless to say  the book came just in time For Mother's day.  Don't wait for someone to buy You the book. Go ahead Ladies pamper yourself  by purchaisng this book after all you'r worth it.  There really is only one you.   Aww the Wealth of Knowledge, Wisdom that is found with in the pages of this book.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsXOP7aQeqQ&feature


To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, please mention as part of every Web or retail site review that BookSneeze® has provided me with a complimentary copy of Heaven in Her Arms By: Catherine Hickem.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Great Day/ Every Day

Navigating Life's Challenges with Promise and Purpose

Max Lucado is by far one of the gifted authors of all times.  He has a uncanny knack of telling a story and painting it in such a way to where the reader feels like he is having a one on one conversation with the Author over a Cup of Coffee. 

One of my favorite quotes by Max Lucado is: "Saturate your day in JESUS' grace.  Entrust your day to His oversight.  Accept His direction. It's the only prescription to fill your day with God-given purpose."   This book gives the reader a foundational blueprint on how a person can Navigate through Life's Challenges and actually be Overcomer.

  The book is strategically laid out to build a stronger foundation.  It is actually divided into 3 sections.  The first Section is the book itself.  The Second part of the book makes it a Great Small group.  The Third Part of the book is a 30 day devotional.  This book is written with the intent to help every Christ Follower grow in their daily walk.  This book helps the reader to stay focused on God and the advancement of His Kingdom.  Along with strengthens our Attitude. 


This makes a great gift for Birthdays, and  Graduation. 

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The Year is 2012

The Year is 2012 where Majority of the People live in Microwave Mentality The More technology the better>can't go fast enough, Yet God still speaks to His Sons/Daughters but there is a Key to Hear God God's Child must first position Him/Herself



It requires slowing down spending time with God learning His Precious Voice. Waiting and Listening to His Voice plays Such a Key Role. In fact it is so crucial that it impacts everything and overflows in all areas not to mention A Person's Destiny God wants to Write the Story but His Child must first Let Him and be willing to follow . Jesus Said "Come Follow Me and I will Make You Fishers of Men."


I know in my Car I have a Ceramic fish that only has 1 fin the other is broken to remind me no matter what it is once taken to God He can Use it and turn it into a beautiful Masterpiece. Remember before there was anything There was God. God was, God is, and God Will Always be God
 

Happy Day (lyrics) -Jesus Culture
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBtSUHk34ug&feature=fvsr



Who or What is Writing Your Story?

Only You Can Answer this

God's Word is Life-changing

When was the last time that you did a  list  wher you  took time to Write down everything that God has done for You?

God's word is Alive & Active and is still speaking to people today.

When was the last time that you spent time in praying just thanking  Your Father for His richness, for His goodnes, for never leaving you, for making You His Son And daughter

In the New testament Jesus  teaches us how to pray.  Our Father  well that tells me I have a Personal Relationship with Him and that He cares about every aspect of my life.

Which Art In Heaven "Hallowed be thy name -- The Word Hallowed means Purify  When was the last time that You asked God to help You see Him the way He wants You to see Him and that Others would see Him In you

You see Friends there is so Much Unconditional Love within this passage

God wants to take you to the next Spiritual Level so why not ask Him  In the Book of James It says "You have not because You Ask not"

May this week me one that You grow closer to God than ever before and Know that nothing can snatch you out of His Hand

Life-Changing Invitation

I AM A FOLLOWER THE WAY, TRUTH, AND LIFE of FOLLOWING JESUS
The Gospel has always been simple.

1.] Jesus is the Leader

2.] We are His followers



One of my favorite quotes from this book is: "On many levels God does not operate without our consent. Even Mary, the mother of Jesus, had to give her consent for Jesus to be born in her. Love came down at Christmas, but for Love to accomplish his purpose in Mary, she had to say yes." "A follower is one who has said yes to being chosen.


This is a book where the Author makes the reader feel like a fellow journeyman where the reader goes from a Leadership to what it means not just to follow Jesus but to follow The Greatest Leader of All.


This book is tailored to bringing the follower closer to His/Her Leader. Great for Small Groups or for reading on your own.

 When a person says Yes to following Jesus they are a part of something bigger than him/herself.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own

What One Person with Tender Hands and a Gentle Heart did for Mankind

Tender hands -- So loving
Gentle heart-    Says I accept you
Tender hands-  healed so many
Gentle heart -- All Knowing yet Not Judging
Tender hands- Serving us
Gentle heart-  So much to share

Tender Hands- Showed us how to Love
Gentle Heart - always pouring into people yet He knew the Time was Near
Tender Hands - His hands/feet nailed to the Cross for You & For Me
Gentle Heart -  so CRUSHED /He was Seperated from His  Father for the first time -- So Heartbroken  - His heart broken into so many pieces for You and for me

Tender hands -- bore our Pain
Gentle heart --  Said "Father forgive them for the know now what they do."
Tender hands-- Jesus healed again after the Resurrection
Gentle Heart--  Jesus Says "I LOVE YOU so much that I gave every ounce of blood I have for you and now I wait knocking at the door of Your Heart waiting for You . . . . 

May this Christmas Season be one that You grow more closer to Jesus than ever before

Jesus Loves You So

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1wlZoN6h9M 

My/Your Inheritance

MY /YOUR INHERITANCE FROM GOD



The concept of inheritance isn’t just a subject in


Scripture. It stretches all the way from Genesis to Revelation


The word “inheritance” can be found in the Word of God no less


Than 300 times and appears with frequency in both Testaments




God has made me/you an heir but do you declare it ?  Do you stand on that promise?




I am a real live heir of GOD and a Co-Heirs of Jesus Christ



Because I am a woman, technically I’m an heirness




“ GIVING THANKS TO THE FATHER, WHO HAS QUALIFIED YOU TO SHARE IN

THE INHERITANCE OF THE SAINTS IN LIGHT.”

--COLOSSIANS 1:12




“THE LINES HAVE FALLEN FOR ME IN PLEASANT PLACES; INDEED, I HAVE A BEAUTIFUL INHERITANCE.”

-----PSALM 16: 5-6



WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS I CAN DO   I CAN DO BECAUSE THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE
HAS ALREADY EQUIPPED ME  WITH THE GIFTS N TALENTS  AND PAVED THE ROAD 

FOR ME/YOU



THE KEY TO HAVING  AN IMPACT IS  FOR ME TO KEEP  MY EYE ON GOD 



I DECLARE IT
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD-ZdMOx_HY&feature=fvwrel

The Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house. 
 Dad  was watching one of His favorite movies on a Flat Screen TV.  
 While Mom was at her laptop looking at ads that was scheduled to begin the day after Christams and taking a last look at the online ads.

While each kid was hoping that he would be the one  the most money was spent on. 
After all the more money spent  represented  Love or so they thought.
 While both of the kids had an iPad they wanted the updated version.
In essence the more Apples they had the more Apples they wanted.

When out of the blue there arose such a clatter Dad sprang to his feet to see what was the matter.
Mom beat Dad to the Door and was looking through the peep hole when she saw Jesus.

Jesus was walking to the door.
 Mom couldn't wait to tell the other ladies in her Bible Study Group.  When she looked around  and thought look at me . look at my house should I answer it?  Should I not answer it.

Mom went back to the door to llok through the peep hole but Jesus was gone.
Oh if only Mom had answered the door !
Why did Mom not answer the door?
If only?
When Jesus comes walking to Your Home Will You answer the Door ?


Will  you say I have room for Jesus at Christmas time this year?
Listen to the song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diFnWhzY4rI

Lessons from a Dog

                                                          Moses [when we first got him]

It doesn't seem like it has been this long since we have Had Moses.  One thing is for sure Moses has lived up to his name in many ways.  Moses stays outisde in a lot since we first got Him he has gotten out the bakc of the lot, the front of the lot, the side of the lot.  If anyone was to tell him about a Wall He  would just look at you  and think Wall what Wall?

You see even though Moses has a lot he does not let that stop him from getting out of the lot.  Moses does not even see the lot as a Wall if you will.  Moses just has this attitude I will conquer the Wall by getting out.

We live in a Society where I will believe it when I see it.
But that is not how Faith in God Works.
A person must first believe it before they will see it.

Let's face it everyone has Faith
A person goes to a Doctor they have not met before
He writes a prescription that you can not read
You take it to a pharmacy
Someone fills that prescription that you have not met
Then you begin to take the medicine

Moses [puppy] has Faith
He thinks you put me up but I will get out for I don't see any barriers and trust me He gets out no matter how cute he looks.

As a Christian where is Your Faith  level at?
What are you belieiving/trusting God  
Remember if its in the Bible God can still do it today
The only limitations that God has are the ones that you and I place on God as individual.
If we don't place any limitations on God then He is at liberty.

Again I ask where is your Faith Level at?
What are you beliving/trusting God for?

"You have not because you ask not" -- James 4:2

Pioneer

BILLY GRAHAM
Nearing Home 
Life, Faith, and Finishing Well

This is a book where he reflects on his life. He also shares some of the valuable lessons that he has learned here on Earth.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book is:

"Likewise, the elderly would be wise to consider the contribution the young make even to our lives. They will see our mistakes, and they will see our triumphs. We will hopefully recognize their struggles and accomplishments and encourage them as they face the unknown future." 

"God has taught every generation, through blight or blessing, to look to Him as the source of all things. The greatest remedy to any challenge, including the generation gap comes from the Word of God because when the Word of God is proclaimed, God Himself blesses it."

God has used Billy Graham to impact so many people from homeless people to Presidents of the United States asking for advice.

He paved the road for a lot of people in the Ministry. He believes Male or Female God can use you all you have to be is AVAILABLE.

Young or Old. Old or Young this book is full of Wisdom for those that are seeking it.

This would make a great Christmas Gift

Developing Your Influence

The 360 Deagree Leader
By John C Maxwell

Influence is something that can be developed with the proper teaching.  Its not the position that makes the person but its the person that makes the position.

Dr. Maxwell is always saying "Leadership is Influence noting more nothing less"

Regardless of the Chapter this book will guide you on how a person can increase their influence regardless of their position within an organization


The average intervert will influence over 10,000 people in his or her lifetime.

This book literally takes a person regardless of where he or she is in the organization and helps them raise their lid by showing them how to increase his/her influence with the people they come in contact with on a daily basis.

The higher a leader's position is the more a servant they should be.  That is certainly true of  EQUIP Leadership.  A Non profic organization founded by Dr John C Maxwell in 1996

EQUIP Leadership is committed to training and developing Leaders all across the Globe.  I should know I'm just one of many that is being trained.

One of the Key ingredients about the EQUIP Board is Servanthood.  Connecting is really ALL ABOUT Others.

One of my favorite stories was about the Fullfillmest Challenge where it says
"Leadership is more dispoisition-- influence others from wherever you are"
Later on in the  Chapter Dr Maxwell talks about Doug Carter [Senior Vice President]of EQUIP and the impact  He brings to the  EQUIP Leadership Organization.

Regardless of the Chapter this book will guide you on how a person can increase their influence regardless of their position within an organization

Remember "Leadership is all about influence nothing more nothing less.

Has God Spoken?

Has God Spoken?
Proof of the Bible's divine Inspiration
By:  Hank Hanegraaff

This book was written so that if anyone ever had doubts about God Speaking.  His or Her doubts would end here. The Author uses the following to reveal the fact that yes God has indeed spoken:
M = Manuscript
A = Archarologist's
P = Prophetic
S = Scriptural

One thing is for sure  the author spent a lot of time  in writing this book which is a reflection of how serious He takes God's Written Word "THE BIBLE" .  To say that it took years to write this would be an understatment.

However, If you are looking for an easy read this is not.  There were many times that I had to use "Chronological Guide  To the Bible"  along with this book so that I could understand.

It would make a great  gift for Pastor Appreciation's Day

In compliance with the Federal Trade Commission  I recevied the Book from Book Sneeze a Division of Thomas Nelson Publishing Company.

In Today's Economy It is Possible to Save Money and Live Below Your Means at the Same time

 I recently went shopping at Harris Teeter

Hormel Complete 2.47
Vic Savings 50-
Price You pay 1.97

Hormel Complete 2.47

Vic Savings 50-
Price You pay 1.97

Hormel Complete 2.47
Vic Savings 50-

Price You pay 1.97

2 @ 2.59 Dole Juice 5.18

2 @1.25 Yoplait Greek 2.50
Vic savings 50-
Price You pay for 2  is 2.00

International delight  2.49
Vic Savings 50-
Price you pay 1.99


Scanned coupon for Hormel Dinner 55-
Scanned coupon for Hormel Dinner 55-
Scanned coupon for Hormel Dinner 55-
Scanned coupon for Greek Yogurt 50-
Scanned coupon for Creamer 55-

Scanned coupon for Dole Pineapple Juice 50-

Multiplied Coupon for Hormal Dinner 1.10-
Multiplied Coupon for Hormal Dinner 1.10-
Multiplied Coupon for Hormal Dinner 1.10-

Multiplied Coupon for Dole Pineapple Juice 1.00-
Multiplied Coupon for Dole Pineapple Juice 1.00-


Multiplied Coupon for Greek Yogurt 1.00-

Multiplied Coupon for Creamer 1.10-

Discountable Total 3.48
Senior Citizens 17-
2% NC Sales Tax 3.46
pd 3.46

Not bad for 8 items Saved 13.60

Granted on the receipt when it says Multiplied  it usually says Multiplied coupon

Here are some Key rules to follow
 PLAN AHEAD

The more I spend in planning the smoother  the execution goes.

Here are some key websites

http://www.southernsavers.com/   Have coupon policies for a lot of Major Chains
- they even have a coupon data base

Personally, I order  at least 85% of my coupons

Coupons repeat every 4 weeks
sales every 6--8 weeks

Here are some safe websites
http://www.thecouponclippers.com/ New coupons come out on Saturday 
However, if you order New coupons on Saturday they will not be shipped until the following Tuesday
I like the fact that I can select and pick the quanity of the coupons I order

http://www.buycoupons.org/  

Both coupon websites have been on The Today Show Multiple times

I only order coupons for products that I already use

There is no sense in buying something that you already do not use.  Chances are if you don't already use  it unless its a new product you may not use it.

I like the fact that I can select and pick the quanity of the coupons I order.
Remember just because you have a coupon  if the funds are not there than don't get it.

I have a small coupon organizer  which I divided  into
Pantry
Meat
Staples
Diary

Hope this helps and  remember  its your dollar























This week was Tripple coupon week at Harris Teeter
Where they triple Coupons up to 99 cents
Normally they just double coupons up to 99 cents but not more than 20 coupons can be used per day

"Rumors of God" Experience the Kind of Faith You've Only Heard about

 Rumors of God -- Experience the Kind of Faith You've only Heard about
By: Darren Whitehead & Jon Tyson

"We believe God is writing an epic, global, redemptive story that evey single one of us is invited to."
How true    there is no doubt that the Holy Spirit spoke through the authors.
Regardless of where a person is on their journey this book is written with such simplicity that it stretches the reader's faith.  I must admit when I was reading the book it reminded me of Walk Across the Room
There is a lot of truth in the title along "Rumors of God"  There is a Bible Verse "You have not because you ask not"  which raises a question what prevents a person from asking when God has our very best interest at heart.   Since God has given man kind free will it really is up to each individual to claim God's promises and blessings or to only read about them.  The breakdown the authors give and how it is told with such simplicity makes this book a must have for any beleiver.  Personnaly this book could not have come at a better time.   Personally so thankful that the Authors were willing to be vessels for God as a result I grew and learned so much.  

HERITAGE

America  recently celebrated another Bithday.  Another Birthday was The Celebration of KING JAMES BIBLE which celebrated its 400th Birthday.

So what was the values that went in to forming America 
http://gochristfellowship.com/about-us/sermon-archives/#action=watch&series=53&sermon=179

 I can promise you that you will learn at least one thing

IT's NOT ABOUT ME

IT"S NOT ABOUT ME

"What would change if we finaly found our place and lived in it?"

Best selling author Max Lucado turns the greatest lie we've believed on its head. You know the one that says "It's all about me" and sets our sights on a different goal. "We were not made to live this way." -- Max inisits

I must admit I always look forward to reading books by Max Lucado. Oh how he just paints a picture with words.
This book is no different. Here are just a few of the quotes:
"God does not exist to make a big deal out of us. We exist to make a big deal out of Him. It's not about you. It's not about me. It's all about Him."
"God - centered thinking acknowledges, "It's God's; I have to respect it."
"My pain expands God's purpose.' " Life makes sense when we accept our place."
"We move from me-focus to God focus by pondering Him, witnessing Him"
"Beholding HIM changes us" -- Max Lucado

It really is all about God and we are only vessels should we answer the call that God has on our life. As so many of us know only the things from God has a voice. In addition to having a voice, there is no end why because its from The Creator God Himself.

This is a must have for every believer regardless of where they are on the journey. Oh by the way be prepared to hear God's voice in this. You can't help but read this book and come closer to God. I know I did

Know Who you Pray to

 I work at a Call Center where the calls are dealing with Health Insurance.  

In between calls I was reflecting on some of the Notes that I had taken from the Internat Campus at Saddleback. 

Reflection of this notebook could not have come at a better time.

On one of the Sermons it was talking about "Know Who You Pray To"

Man did this really get me to thinking.

So I wanted to share some things I came with.

I pray to the Creater of the Universe.
I claim every promise in the Bible as Mine
I receive every Blessing in the Bible as Mine
God is raising me up.
I have God's divine favor.
What God did in the Bible He can still do today.
God has gone before me and paved the road He wants me to take.
I will seek God first.
I will give God the glory for He alone is Worthy.
God created me to be a vessel.
Father, I thank you in advance that you will never give me anything that can't flow through me.
Thank you for that even in 2011 God can still do the same Miracles that I read about in the Bible.
What is a lunch to one person, when you factor God into this He can still feed a multitude.
Thank you Father for you still give Manna
Thank you Father that you are my Strength, MY Hope, My Healer, My Provider 
Thank you God that everything I will ever need is found within your Written Word
With God's help I can do what God has called me to do.
I have God's Divine Favor
I'm annointed
I'm predestined
God silences all of Heaven just to hear my Voice
I'm an overcomer
My God shall supply all my needs
There will never be anyone Greater in me than God
God's word is eternal ; it stands firm in the Heavens above.
I'm Blessed
If God is for me than who be against me?
When God made me He broke the Mold
God has given me gifts and talents that are to be used for His Kingdom.

The good news is the same is true for you. 

   

One Birth Changed History

 I was sitting at my desk when I looked and saw one of my sayings: 

"ONE BIRTH CHANGED HISTORY " 

Here are some of the things that came to mind about the Birth of Jesus

He came to fulfill all of the prophecies in the Old Testament
He came to set the capitives free and bind up the broken hearted
Once Sin entered the world there was a price that had to be paid for us.
We were bought by a price that we could not repay.  We are not our own.  We are to be bondservants to the Kingdom of God.

The  judgement between the Old Testament and the New Testament would definately change.
In the Old Testament there were 12 tribes.  Therefore there had to be twelve disciples.  In fact this was so important that in the book of Acts after Judas had ended His life.  Another disciple had to be chosen and that was Mathais.

John talks about if the all the miracles that Jesus did when He was here on Earth that they would not be enough room  to record it.  So just how many miracles are recorded in the book of John?

39 miracles are recorded which I thought was interesting since in the Old Testament has 39 books.

What is really interesting is  the Bible has 66 books.     
39 in Old Testament and 27 in New Testament - 40 authors.  It was written over a time period that was over 1,000 years yet it never lost its harmony.

Even in John Chapter 17 which is known as the High Priest Prayer Jesus asks God to protect those that would accept Him as His LORD and Saviour.  

When we pray and say In Jesus Name we are simply saying Father thank you for the gift of Jesus for if it was not for your precious Son I would not have a relationship with you today.

Needless to say the list goes on and on.  But these were just a few thoughts that came to my mind when I read  "ONE BIRTH CHANGED HISTORY'  and it did so much more.

In fact Jesus continues to intercede on our behalf.

Things that are rare yet they seem to go a long way

A word of encouragement

A smile

Adding value to those you come in contact with

Having a friend that is a good listener

Asking someone how they really are thing is the answers fine and okay are not acceptable.  Because you really do care

Taking a deep breath

Looking for a need

Sharing your lunch with someone

Allowing others to go before you

Realizing its not the circumstances that matter so much as it is your attitude.  For attitude goes a long way especially in the final outcome

Listening to God's voice

To keep it short and simple.  It just means being a vessel for God.  Being depedent on God.  You came to serve not to be served.

Prayer

Put Your DREAM to the Test

When I think about the countless hours that Dr John Maxwell spent in research to help people  reach their dream.   There is so much knowledge within the pages of the book  which makes me thankful He was willing to spend that amount of time doing research.

Having learned so much from John Maxwell and being a part of EQUIP[a non-profit organization].   I was excited to get this book to say the least.  For the readers who already know their dream.  This book will help you acheive it and not give up. This book is designed to help you achieve your dream when you follow the steps that are in the book.

But what about those whose dream  are in the process of dying?  This book is even more for them and those who are not quite sure what their dream may be.  When you read this book be willing to approach it with an honest attitude.  After all if you are not honest with yourself than who will be.  At the beginning of each chapter has a list of questions as well as at the end.  Its designed that way to help you acheive the dream that is within you. 

I know for myself it made me realize that my ultimate dream was to see people come to Jesus.  Just to see people accept Jesus as their LORD and Saviour for Eternity really does hang in the balance.

I believe if the reader is willing to answer the questions honestly they will be able to come up with a game plan to reach the dream and not give up without ever reaching it.  Plus there is an additional bonus in this book there is also "A DREAM MAP"  

 For those who may not know what their dream is well its even more for you.  The only thing that I would add to this book is another book which is "My Life Plan By: Michael Hyatt" Whcich will help you stay focused on your dream.  An excellent gift for the upcoming graduates