In Every Heartbeat

In Every Heartbeat

by:  Kim Vogel Sawyer

Three best friends, three cherished dreams, three searching hearts...

As three friends who grew up in the same orphanage head off to college together, they each harbor a special plan for the future. Libby Conley hopes to become a famous journalist. Pete Leidig believes God has called him to study to become a minister. And Bennett Martin plans to pledge a fraternity, find a place to belong, and have as much fun as possible. But as tensions rise around the world on the brink of World War I, the friends' differing aspirations and opinions begin to divide them, as well.

When Libby makes a shocking discovery about Pete's family, will it drive a final wedge between the friends or bond them in ways they never anticipated? 

Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of fifteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and six grandchildren. She invites you to visit her Web site atwww.kimvogelsawyer.com for more information.

My Review:  I really enjoyed reading this book, and could not put it down for long before I would anxiously pick it up again.  The characters were well developed and I enjoyed the relationships between each one. Kim Vogel Sawyer does not disappoint as she captures the strained tensions as well as the joys of each friendship, and easily puts it onto paper.

***Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.  Available now at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group***

Bragging

I just wanted everyone to know that John received an award last night!!

The "Award of Distinction" was to recognize his leadership and motivation in a specific area of his work.  I won't name specifics on here, but it was related to something that made national headlines in the media in 2009.

He is too humble and doesn't think that he is deserving of this award.  Especially since two of his previous co-workers received the same award.  He claims that they were just doing their jobs.

What other people don't know is how John encouraged his co-workers to set a high goal (for a specific type of police file) for their office for the entire year.  Originally they laughed.  It was too high.  It was impossible.

But they tried and very nearly met their goal.  And now they are being rewarded for their efforts.

John received a lovely framed award, as well as a watch with the word "Distinction" on the face of it.

I am very proud!

Blessing

Life is getting back into a "normal" routine once again.

Brie has been back at school for a full week now.  Every day her confidence grows and she looks forward to what each day will hold.  She is enjoying the friendships that she has made so far.

Especially the one with our next-door neighbour girl.  She is in grade two and has been a real blessing to us in the way that she excitedly looks for Brie on the playground and runs to greet her each morning!

The family that this girl comes from is a unique situation for a small town, as she has 2 moms.  Already we have begun discussions with our kids about lifestyles.

I'm SOOOO not ready for those discussions yet.  I want to shelter my girls from the world just a little bit longer yet.

It will be a fine balance of age-appropriate explanations and non-judgmental Christian love (which I realize some may find to be an oxymoron).  I don't ever want to provide an explanation that could someday be repeated to their family and end up offending them.

It's a tricky situation.  One that I realize could be handled in many different ways.

I certainly don't claim to know all the answers, but I am praying that God will use this situation to help us, above all, to teach our kids about love and acceptance.  I am sure that this family has already met their share of condemnations and ostracism.  So we need to be careful in making sure that we don't contribute to that as well.

Maybe instead we can be a small blessing in their lives, as they have been in ours already.

That's Where God Is

The life of a pre-school child is one filled with wonder and a thousand questions! Sometimes those questions turn toward spiritual ideas, and it can be a real challenge to supply satisfying answers to their many and often profound questions. Dan and Ali Morrow have teamed up to answer the question “Where is God?” in a delightful and beautiful book entitled That’s Where God Is. Using the foundational relationship between a child and their grandparent, the Morrows explore the many ways God can be discovered within the events of each day of the week.

Teaching the days of the week is a clever and underlying message woven within the spiritual truths of That’s Where God Is. When a little boy’s grandfather encourages him to look for evidence of God throughout his week, suddenly every day holds unexpected promise. Each two-page spread features a new day of the week and a new situation in which the boy finds evidence of God. Scripture verses underscore each particular “sighting” and reveal further truths about God’s character and redeeming power in our daily lives. Ranging from creation (animals in particular) and the power of a thunderstorm to the way people share, forgive, and show mercy, the young boy discovers that God is present within every aspect of his life. The grandfather confirms the boy’s experience and also tells him of another place that he can find God—within himself.

The final discovery shared between the grandfather and the young boy opens the door for the gospel to reach both children and the adults with whom they share their lives. The delightful combination of illustrations and an intimate conversation with a beloved relative creates an inviting way to share the truth of God’s Word and the eternal presence Christ desires within each of our lives. This story will provide meaningful avenues of discussion as well as fascinating teaching opportunities within children’s ministries, preschools, and kindergarten and first grade classrooms. That’s Where God Is begins a two-part series on spiritual formation for young children and lays a firm foundation on which to build by teaching children that “wherever I am, that’s where God is!” 

That’s Where God Is by Dan and Ali Morrow

David C Cook/August 2010

ISBN: 978-1-4347-6434-8/36 pages/color picture book/$12.99

http://www.davidccook.com/

My Review:  This was a fun story to read to my girls.  It was a good reminder that God is with us in every detail of our days, and that we should never stop looking for Him.  The kids especially enjoyed reading about the close relationship of the child and his grandpa.  I'm sure we will be reading this many more times yet to come.

***I received a copy of this book in exchange for an impartial review on behalf of TBB Media and David C Cook***

First Day of Grade One

Well I officially have a grade one child.

We all dropped her off at school this morning, but she requested that John bring her inside to her classroom.

Last week Brie and I met her teacher, which was a suggestion from her Kindergarten teacher from last year.  It made a huge difference in her stress level from the move and everything.

We have also met some girls that will be in her class through the swimming lessons that she was in.

That was one of the main reasons for taking lessons this summmer...to meet kids.

So I thought that today might go a little smoother on her since she already knew some names and faces.

But the tears began when we parked in front of the school this morning.  The poor girl is terrified.

I didn't think that I would cry at the concept of her going into school full days, every day.  But I do cry at the thought of my little girl, scared and alone.

So I am doing lots of praying for her today.  Praying for friendships and a successful first day.  Praying that she looks forward to tomorrow and the days to follow.

Ugh, this is hard.

The Constantine Conspiracy

The Constantine Conspiracy

by:  Gary E. Parker

The innocent don't run--unless their lives depend on it.

When international playboy Rick Carson stumbles onto a murder in his Montana home, he knows his life will never be the same. But he certainly doesn't expect to be the prime suspect. And he doesn't expect to find himself in the middle of a 1700-year-old conspiracy with tentacles reaching into the very highest levels of the government.

Park ranger Shannon Bridge is the first responding law enforcement agent on the scene. She seems legitimate, but is there more to her than meets the eye? Why is she willing to help Rick elude the law?

With unanswered questions and the law closing in, Shannon and Rick must find some way to exonerate him--and expose the truth before it's too late. In a place where no one is who they say they are and danger lurks around every corner, can they even trust each other?

Get swept up in this thrilling tale of international intrigue, conspiracy, and the power of truth.

My Review:  I always enjoy a good fast-paced suspense story.  This one had elements that reminded me of "The Da Vinci Code", because of its intrigue and historical aspects.  I was captivated throughout the storyline, and did not find it to be too predictable at all.  Definitely a good book for those who love a good action story.

***Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.  Available now at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group***

Masquerade

Masquerade

by:  Nancy Moser

They risk it all for adventure and romance,
but find that love only flourishes in truth...

1886. Charlotte Gleason embarks from England with conflicting emotions. She is headed for New York to marry one of America's wealthiest heirs--a man she has never even met. When her doubts gain the upper hand, she swaps identities with her maid Dora. She wants a chance at "real life," even if it means giving up financial security. For Charlotte, it's a risk she's willing to take. But what begins as the whim of a spoiled rich girl becomes a test of survival beyond her blackest nightmare.

For Dora, it's the chance of a lifetime. She is thrust into a fairy tale amid ball gowns and lavish mansions, yet is tormented by the possibility of discovery--and humiliation. And what of the man who believes she is indeed his intended? Is this what her heart truly longs for?

Nancy Moser is the author of three inspirational humor books and a eighteen novels, including Mozart's Sister, Just Jane, and Time Lottery, a Christy Award winner. She is an inspirational speaker, giving seminars around the country. She has earned a degree in architecture; run a business with her husband; traveled extensively in Europe; and has performed in various theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She and her husband have three grown children and make their home in the Midwest. Read more about her books at www.nancymoser.com.

My Review:  This was a fresh take on the "Princess and the Pauper".  A spoiled rich girl is tired of the pointless existence of her life when she is being forced to marry a man simply for his money.  She convinces her maid to swap places with her on the long journey across the ocean, but is then surprised that life isn't as easy on the other side either.  It was interesting to see her slowly discover her new identity, and pride in her own accomplishments as a person without financial means.  I also enjoyed the struggles of the maid, from a rags to riches lifestyle she fears her discovery as an outsider. This was a book that I couldn't put down, even though I was fairly certain of the ending!

***Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.  Available now at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group***