Happy New Year

Wishing all my readers and their families a very Joyous and Happy New Year. All the very best for 2011.

(December) Middle Grade Book Challenge

**Please note that this is a sticky post. All newer posts are after this one.**


Are you reading middle grade books this month? If so, which titles and from which authors?

The rules again are really simply all you have to do is commit to reading 12+ Middle Grade books and posting your review and then coming back and sharing your link in this post. You have from now until August 2011 to complete this challenge.

Just add your blog link/name to the MckLinky below. Your blog name and book titles will be fine.

Just to let everyone know I have given it some thought and I think I am going to go ahead and do a monthly giveaway. Please note it won't be a big prize just because I will be mailing it so some ideas will be a gift card for coffee, a bookmark etc.

So the only rules are in order to qualify all you have to do is come back and link your reviews and for everyone you add for the month of December will count for one entry into the bowl.

Have fun and happy reading.

2011 Reading Challenges & Goals

Its that time of the year again when all kinds of new/old reading challenges will be starting up tomorrow, January 1st. As I look back I have to admit that in all honesty I suck at them. Actually, no that's a lie, I am pretty good at the challenges its just the linking back to the original post/host that I suck at. LOL

So I have decided that for 2011 I won't be taking part in as many reading challenges as I have in the past. As hard as it will be, I plan to resist the urge to sign up for them all. With that being said here is the reading challenges that I plan to take part in this upcoming year:

If you are reading this and want to take part in The Middle Grade Book Challenge all you have to do is commit to reading at least 12 middle grade books, post your review on your blog and then come back to the monthly Mr Linky and leave your link. For all links you leave you will be entered to win a monthly prize.


I have been a long time follower of So Many Precious Books, So Little Time and when I saw this one I decided that I wanted to do the ARC READING CHALLENGE 2011. You can click on the link to find out how you can join and the rules. Since this is a year long challenge I think I am going to aim for Level Platinum (30+). I know I have a few 2011 ARCs sitting in my TBR pile as well as my ereader.


The other challenge that I decided I wanted to take part in for this upcoming year is 2011 Reading from My Shelves hosted by Diane, another blogger I have been following for a long time. This one sounds super easy all you have to do is commit to reading at least 12 (min) books from your own shelves in the next year. I admit I am an obsessive book buyer and all those great books have been sitting on my shelves waiting to be read so what better way to start reading them then this challenge?

I just saw this one 2011 Ebook Reading Challenge being hosted by The Ladybug Reads. This is a new to be blogger but I have to agree with what she said since getting my Kobo too I have been reading quite a few ebooks and this is a great challenge for me to take part in.

What challenges are you taking part in for 2011?

With the New Year approaching in a mere few hours, we start to reflect on the previous year and set some new goals that we hope will stick the whole year and not just a few months. Another thing I have to admit that I suck at but then again don't we all suck at New Year's resolutions?

Anyways, I thought I would share with you what I have as my goals for 2011.

• Book Buying Ban! As I was cleaning up my living room earlier this month to get ready for Christmas, I realized that I have a book buying habit that is kind of out of control. I have to say that I think I ended up having to box up several boxes to put in our basement for now and that is just of books I have bought. So in 2011 I have decided that I am putting myself on a book buying ban until the summer time (7-8 months at least) when I know I will be heading to Chicago ie Anderson's.
• As for other books coming into the house, I have decided that I will be limiting myself to what I will accept for review, because honestly that too is out there. So many great books not enough time to read them.
• Reviewing right after I read! I always start off really good and review the books I have just read but since the summer I have to admit that I am a little behind in that so I have to commit myself to reading it-reviewing it right away.
• Commenting! I need to get out there and comment more. I know so many people have left comments and for awhile I was doing good and commenting back and that too slipped.
• Email! I need to keep on top of them and not let them sit on the wayside.
• Organizination! I have to find a way to keep things organized online (in regards to books, tours, reviews) and in real life. Any ideas?

So these are some of my goals for 2011, what are yours?

2010 in Review

Its hard to believe 2010 is almost wrapping up. Where did the year go? I found that it just seemed to have zipped by. Did anyone else notice that?

As I sit here and look back over 2010, I have to say that is was a fantastic year and one that I will always remember and wouldn't change a thing about it.

Earlier this year Cindy's Love of Books got a whole new look and I have to say that I really loved how it turned out. I am thinking of doing some tweaking in 2011 to the blog. Not sure yet but I am sure something will happen.

A major event happened to me and that was, I went to NYC and BEA in May. It was my first time for doing both. I wasn't alone in my adventures, I was with the Montreal book blogger group. Going to BEA was alot of fun and over whelming to say the least. I loved NYC and I can't wait to go back one day soon.

If you have never heard of BEA its called Book Expo America and its held in NYC over a two-three day period. You get to me some great authors, get some great books signed and if you are lucky you get to nab some great books that are coming out in the year.

The Montreal book bloggers met almost monthly at our little tea shop for some great talks (planning our NYC trip) and to share some great books with each other. Its hard to believe we will be going into our third year. I have to say its amazing sharing a passion with other people who are like you. I wouldn't trade this for anything in the world.

With an event like BEA it gives you the chance to meet the reps that you might work with and many of your favorite authors that you might normally not get to see. That was all an added bonus but what you can expect to see is tons of bloggers and I got to meet so many great bloggers in person. Its really nice to put a real face behind the blogs I have read.

Some of the great authors I met this year were: Rick Springfield, Clinton Kelly, Holly Black (again), Justin Larbalestier, Mick Foley, Melissa Anderson, Catherine McKenzie, Laura Fabiani, Sheila Kindellan-Sheehan, Lesley Fletcher, Adele Griffin, Cecil Castelucci, Lisa Brown, Kristian Alfonso, and my favorite Helen Ellis.

Another great thing I got to do this year was vacation in Illinois. (The only other US city I have ever been to was Detroit and various places in Vermont) While in Illinois I was able to meet up with my reps from Sourcebooks and I got a tour of the office. That is another great thing about blogging being able to meet the people you work with. Hopefully I will get to see them again in 2011 when I am in town visiting.

Another big thing for me was getting an eReader after I said I would never get one because nothing beats the feel or smell of a book in your hands. I haven't given up on actual books but felt I needed to open another avenue for getting books since alot of publishers don't want to send to Canada and ARCs can be very limited. Plus when I travel I tend to bring way to many books with me (who doesn't?) and at least this way I can have a ton of books in one small space. With that being said I have already downloaded way to much and need to read them very soon.

As I look back I have to say I read alot of great books and my total read is actually down this year compared to last year. Not sure how that happened as I thought I had read more then what I did. Oh well its something to work on for 2011.

I want to send out a huge thank you to all the reps that I work with and they know who they are and know they mean alot to me. Thank you for sending me all those great books this past year.

Secondly I really have to thank my mailman, UPS, FedEx, Purolator and DHL for delivering my many, many packages this past year.

Thirdly, you my readers who encourage me with all your comments and emails. I promise to comment more on your blogs.

To the all the authors who have contacted me about reviewing their books, I thank you for reaching out and sending me your books.

Its hard to believe that in a few months I will be celebrating my third year of blogging.

I am looking forward to another great year of blogging, reading and discovering a ton of great books. I am sure 2011 will be a great year for books.


Happy New Year Everyone!

(Review) Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball

TITLE: Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball
AUTHOR: Donita K. Paul
PUB DATE: October 2010
PUBLISHER: Water Brook Multnomah
PAGES: 226

SOURCE: Received from publisher

About This Book (from publisher's site)
Can mysterious matchmaking booksellers bring two lonely hearts together in time for Christmas?

In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.

Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they’ve decided to bring together.

This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers’ best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?

MY THOUGHTS:
When I got asked to review this book I have to say I jumped at it. I loved the premise of the story and of course really anything involving a bookstore/books you can almost count me in.

I found this to be a quick, fun and interesting read. I thought this was the perfect book to read over the holiday season. The holiday season is a magical time and it makes you believe that anything is possible and this book is exactly like that. I love fairy tales and this reminded me that this book is just like a fairy tale.

I should let you know that this is Christian fiction with a little bit of fantasy thrown in. But honestly it didn't really feel as though I was reading a Christian fiction book.

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball is about a hard working young lady named Cora Crowder. Cora likes to spend the holidays alone (thats her tradition) but always plans ahead and makes sure she has all her holiday shopping done and shipped to her estranged family. For Cora its not about the frenzy of the holiday but what christmas is really about.

Cora is searching for a present for her uncle and she knows she will look for a book that has knights, castles, sword fighting etc. She happened to find this bookstore online and was her to go and check it out. It seemed as thougth this book was calling out to her online because Warner, Werner and Wizbotterdad's would always be there in her search.

As she is in the bookstore her boss Simon walks in looking for a book as well. When they both leave for some reason they seem off key. Something has happened and they aren't sure what.

I thought Simon's character was fantastic. He appears to be shy and a very private person but really doesn't appear to be friendly. He is the kind of man I think you hope to meet one day and perhaps he might be the knight in shining armour a girl is looking for. We realize that he is the man and stepping up to take care of his family (mother and sister, Sandy who has down syndrome). He works hard to take care of his family and he does want a family of his own but it just never seems to work for him. This was another thing I loved about Simon, he wasn't embarassed by his sister.

I loved how both Simon and Cora got tickets to this magical ball that no one really knows about. When they both talk about it Simon would love to take his sister because he things she would love it and Cora has no plans on going and is willing to give her ticket to Simon. Of course circumstances bring these two together. Will the both realize it?



I loved this quote:

Be brave and try new things.

This is something that I try to do and I noticed that as I am getting older I feel as though I am constantly thinking that. I think we all need to be brave and try new things. Stepping outside our comfort zones.

Donita K. Paul is the author of several books and I have to say that this is my first time hearing of this author but after reading this one I plan on checking out some of her other books.

Book Goodies received this holiday season

Its hard to believe Christmas is already over. It seemed to have pasted with a blink of an eye. Didn't it? But then again I have to say that I found 2010 to have flown by rather quickly.

Anyways with the holiday season wrapping up, Santa (friends and family) brought me some great books to read and I thought I would share what I got. Do you have any of these? Did you read any of these?

Cinderella Cleaners #4 Mask Appeal by Maya Gold

Cinderella Cleaners #5 Scheme Spirit by Maya Gold

Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves

Lament by Maggie Stiefvater

Emily the Strange: Stranger and Stranger

Witch & Wizard: The Gift (Book 2) by James Patterson
Once A Witch (book 1) by Carolyn MacCullough
Indigo Blues by Danielle Joseph
Past midnight (book 1) by Mara Purnhagen
3 magnetic bookmarks with my inital C on them
Captivate (book 2) by Carrie Jones
Entice (book 3) by Carrie Jones
(I don't have a picture of the last two because I just got them today.)

What book/bookish goodies did you get this Christmas?

The Mailbox Post

As you know Mailbox Monday is originally hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page. Marcia has decided to put Mailbox Monday on a blog tour and for the month of December the Mailbox Monday host is Jenny from Let Them Read Books.

Jenny is a new blogger to me and I am looking forward to reading more of her blog. So don't forget if you take part in Mailbox Monday hop over to Jenny's blog and leave your link.

Can you believe that its almost New Years Eve and 2011?

I should also at this time mention the host for the month of January is Gilion and she blogs over at Rose City Reader. I first discovered Gilion recently when she was featured over at Cathy's Scene of Blog Feature. If you haven't seen it yet you should head on over to check it out. Its nice to peak at someone's blogging space. Gilon's room is to dye for.

So last week (the week of Christmas) I received:


CONTEST WIN:
Suck On This Year by Denis Leary. I won this from Donna at Books Bound

FOR REVIEW:
-Wither by Lauren DeStefano THANK YOU Simon & Schuster for sending me this one. I was doing a dance of joy when I opened this package. It was totally unexpected. This has been on my radar for while now. I love the cover of the ARC and wondering if it will be the same when its released in March?

ARC BOOK TOUR:
-The Locket by Stacey Jay

OTHER:
-How to Shop For Free: Shopping Secrets for Smart Women who Love to Get Something for Nothing by Kathy Spencer with Samantha Rose
-Evercrossed: A Kissed by An Angel Novel by Elizabeth Chandler (love the cover to this one)

This is what came to my mailbox, what about yours?

12 Pearls of Christmas (bonus)

Title: Love


Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL ... there's also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS!  Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.

~~~

Love

by Lauraine Snelling


When asked to write a Christmas message, one of my first thoughts was Do I climb up on my soapbox regarding changing the words in Christmas songs, using only holiday, etc. I thought about it and decided no. After all, they’re only words and what difference does a word make---really make after all?


Then I kept on thinking. If they’re only words… But we as writers know the power of words, as do readers. When the wrong word is used, it jars, while the right word can be most powerful. Take one highly overused and under practiced word---Love. Four letters is all. We toss it around so glibly, saying love ya and luv and love. But think about the power in I love you. Three of the most precious words in our language when put together. Those of us who write romances or books with romance in them, understand the power when one of our characters tells another, I love you. As humans we can never hear that enough or too much.


Christmas is about love. The greatest love story ever told, that of God for us humans, and it never changes. Customs change, politics change, the years change but God’s love never, ever does. At Christmas we are invited to share that love, to give it away, to pass it around. To find wonder again and joy in simple acts of love. We make contact with people we might never see or talk with through the year. That says I love you. We buy and make gifts to give, we reach out to strangers in need, we try to make sure everyone has a special dinner and every child a present. By giving, we receive.


So, let’s use the power words, but more so, put feet on those words and pass the love around. Let’s look for and find the wonder, the joy and the peace, maybe in small bits and pieces and perhaps in an avalanche of blessings. Make your days brighter with the simple gift of a smile, a kind word, a touch, for every single one that you give away, will come back to you multiplied. As you give, so shall you receive. Merry Christmas my friends. May we all recognize our blessings----and let an attitude of gratitude permeate this holiday and every day. With love and joy on this day, Lauraine!

 ~~~

About Lauraine: Lauraine Snelling is the award-winning author of more than sixty books, with sales of over 2 million copies. She also writes for a wide range of magazines, and helps others reach their writing dreams by teaching at writer’s conferences across the country. Lauraine and her husband, Wayne, have two grown sons, and live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a cockatiel named Bidley, and a watchdog Basset named Chewy.


For more information please visit Lauraine's website: www.laurainesnelling.com.

~~~

A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. One entry per person, per day. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!


12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

12 Pearls of Christmas (day 12)

Title: An Unforgettable Gift

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL ... there's also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS!  Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.

~~~

An Unforgettable Gift

by Karen O'Connor


On Christmas morning, 1912, in Paducah, Kentucky, fourteen-year-old Charlie Flowers and his three brothers and two sisters huddled in their beds, fully dressed, trying to keep warm as the wind howled outside their small frame house.

       

It was a desperate time for the family. Earlier that year the children's father had died. And their mother had not found work. The coal had run out and there was little money––none for gifts. Their scrawny tree with decorations made from scraps of colored paper had been given to them the night before by a local merchant.


"Can't sell this one," the man said with a nod of his head before handing it over to the eager children.

   

To pass the time, the siblings joked and shouted stories from their bedrooms across the hallway from one another. Then suddenly a racket from the alley at the rear of the house broke into their games.

       

"Charlie," his mother called, "would you see what's going on out there?"

      

Charlie pulled on his shoes, grabbed a thick overcoat from the hook by the door, and ran out back.


There stood a man in a wagon bent over a load of coal, shoveling it into the shed as fast as he could.

       

"Hey Mister, we didn't order any coal," Charlie shouted. "You're delivering it to the wrong house."

       

"Your name's Flowers, isn't it?" the man asked, still shoveling. 

       

Charlie nodded yes.

      

"Well then, there's no mistake.  I've been asked to deliver this to your family on Christmas morning." He looked the awe-struck boy square in the eye. "And I'm under strict orders not to tell who sent it," he teased.

       

Charlie ran into the house, his coattail flapping in the cold morning wind.  He could hardly wait to tell his mother and brothers and sisters. God had provided––just as he had on that first Christmas morning so long ago when He sent his only son to a needy world.

       

Charlie Flowers died in 1994 at age 96. And right up to the last year of his life, not a Christmas went by that he didn't tell the story of that sub-zero Christmas morning of his boyhood when two men gave his family an unforgettable gift.

       

It wasn't the coal that was remembered or cherished, Charlie often said––welcome as it was––but rather what two men brought to his desperate family. One, for his gift of recognizing their great need and taking the time to do something about it. And the other, for being willing to give up part of his own Christmas morning to deliver it.

       

That gift of so long ago has continued to warm the Flowers family from one generation to another, as Charlie's son––my husband, Charles––calls to mind these two unknown men each Christmas morning and whispers a prayer of thanks.

 ~~~

About Karen: Karen O'Connor is an award-winning author and writing mentor living in Watsonville, California with her husband, Charles Flowers. Karen’s latest book is 365 Reasons Why Gettin’ Old Ain’t So Bad (Harvest House 2010).


For more information, please visit Karen on the web at www.karenoconnor.com.

~~~

A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. One entry per person, per day. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!


12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

Merry Christmas

Wishing all my readers and their families a very Merry Christmas and a Joyous Holiday Season.

(Review) The Snow Globe

TITLE: The Snow Globe
AUTHOR: Sheila Roberts
PUB DATE: October 2010
PUBLISHER: St Martin's Press
PAGES: 176

SOURCE: Received from publisher

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Discover an unforgettable holiday treasure in Sheila Roberts’ heartwarming tale of love and laughter, magic and miracles, friendship and coming home…
On a blustery afternoon, Kylie Gray wanders into an antique shop and buys an enchanting snow globe. “There’s a story behind that snow globe,” the antique dealer tells her. The original owner, he explains, was a German toymaker who lost his wife and son right before Christmas. When the grieving widower received the handcrafted snow globe as a Christmas gift, he saw the image of a beautiful woman beneath the glass—a woman who would come into his life, mend his broken heart and bring him back to the world of the living. For years, the snow globe has passed from generation to generation, somehow always landing in the hands of a person in special need of a Christmas miracle.

Kiley could use a miracle herself. This year, all she wants for Christmas is someone to love. A hopeful shake leads her on an adventure that makes a believer out of her. When Kylie shares the story of the snow globe with her best friends—two women with problems of their own—they don’t believe it. But they’re about to discover that at Christmastime, sometimes the impossible becomes possible and miracles really do come true.

MY THOUGHTS:
This is the first time I have read Sheila Roberts and I have to say that after reading this book I am planning on checking out her other books. She is the author of five other books.

When I first was contacted to review The Snow Globe I had to accept it. The description of the book sounded really good and it would be a perfect Christmas read.

This was a quick read. Managed to read it within two hours.

The book opens up with three best friends (Kiley, Suzanne and Allison)on a weekend getaway in Fawn Island in the Pacific Northwest. Kiley is getting over her recent job lose and losing her boyfriend to her younger sister. She wonders into an Antique store and is looking around when a snow globe catches her eye. The shops owner procedes to tell her the history of the snow globe. She knows she really shouldn't buy this snow globe but she does. Hoping that it will bring some kind of miracle her way.

Kiley is going to have to spend thanksgiving with her family and that means her sister and her ex. Which she isn't looking forward too. I mean could you possibly enjoy thanksgiving dinner sitting across from your very own sister and your ex? I know I couldn't and I applaud Kiley for going and doing that.

When she shakes the globe again she sees a different image inside. Curious she decides to go to the internet to find it and thankfully she finds it and its a real toy shop. Convincing her friend Allison to go with her in search of this toy shop. Its there that she meets Craig. They go for coffee and so begins a new romance for Kiley.

Kiley decides to bestow the snow globe onto her friend Suzanne who lives the perfect life. She is married with a daughter, Bryn and doing all that she can to live the life she always wanted and will stop and nothing to make sure it happens even if it means working long hours. Suzanne is a neat freak and when her husband suggests they get a dog for Bryn she freaks out and says there will be no dog coming into the house.

Suzanne sees the snow globe as a snow globe and nothing else even though her daughter has shaken it and sees her dog. Suzanne thinks its all in her imaganation and puts the snow globe on the mantel out of the way. But curious about it Bryn climbs on a chair to get to the globe. Suzanne coming into the room sees her daughter reaching for it calls out to her and startles her so she practically jumps across the room to save her daughter, breaking her ankle in the process. Will Suzanne ever believe in the magic of the snow globe?

Suanne passes the globe on to Allison. Allison live isn't as messy as the others but she knows Allison could use the globe. Allison is going to be spending Christmas with her dysfunctional family (when I say dysfunctional family I mean it) Allison misses her grandmother and how important she was during the Christmas season. Allison shakes the snow globe (like her friends before her did) and the image that comes in the globe is her grandmother of who she thinks is her grandmother. She continues to shake the globe hoping for some kind of message but it never comes and it stays the same.

Thinking that the snow globe's magic is done the three friends decide to search for the lady who gave the snow globe up in the first place. Its when they go and meet the lady that Allison realizes that the lady in the snow globe is really this lady.

Realizing the snow globe needs to be passed on to another person who is in need of a miracle they decide to leave it on the ferry with a note.

This is a great story to read just before Christmas making you believe miracles really do happen.

12 Pearls of Christmas (day 11)

Title: Just give me Christmas this year!

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL ... there's also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS!  Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.

~~~

All I Want for Christmas…

Is to be able to have Christmas this Year

by Melissa Mashburn


This is a simple request, isn’t it? In the previous years, we had great big bountiful Christmases with our family. Gifts, goodies and general Christmas cheer but this year it was different. The year before has been chock full of disappointments, failing businesses and severe cutbacks for our family. 


Sitting with my husband one night we hammered out the bare minimum that we could spend that year for Christmas and even still the total was four hundred dollars. It does not sound like a whole lot compared to what we’ve spent on Christmas before, but this year it could have been four thousand dollars because we just did not have it.


We prayed, I cried, we prayed some more and decided that we would cut back anything else that we could that year so we could have Christmas for our kids. We did not know how we would make this happen, but we knew that we needed to step forward in faith that it would happen.


Answer this question: Does the God who lavishly provides you with his own presence, his Holy Spirit, working things in your lives you could never do for yourselves, does he do these things because of your strenuous moral striving or because you trust him to do them in you? Don't these things happen among you just as they happened with Abraham? He believed God, and that act of belief was turned into a life that was right with God. Galatians 3:5 the Message


Not even two days later, we hear a knock on our front door. We open the door to see some friends of ours from church. With tears in their eyes, they handed us an envelope and said that the felt they needed to give us this. We opened the envelope and inside there was four hundred dollars cash.


Shocked, stunned and with tears flowing down our face we just sat there in a state of crying and laughing at what God had done. We never shared with anyone that year what we needed, how bad it was, what was going on or what that number was for us to have Christmas for the kids, but God knew.


“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”  2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT


He took a willing servant, led them to our front door and changed Christmas for us that year. After many years of being in full time ministry we knew that God would provide, but when He shows up just at the right moment, you know that it was all a part of His plan to show how much He loves, provides and cares for His people.


Father God, thank you that after all the years of serving and loving you in ministry that you continue to teach, guide, love, shepherd and care for us.  You, Father, are abundantly gracious and kind, thank you for showing up for us at just the right moment every time, forgive us when we forget that.  In Jesus name, Amen.

 ~~~

About Melissa: Melissa is the founder of the blog Mel’s World Ministry, co-founder of the Praise and Coffee Nights Ministry with Sue Cramer, Kids Ministry Director at her church.  Just last year she launched a new weekly series called Godly Gals ~ Real Women, Real Life, Real Faith where we meet new women each week who are “Taking their everyday, ordinary lives and placing it as their offering to God.” Romans 12:1 the Message. You can find her on twitter and at her blog. She loves encouraging women to live with an authentic faith by being transparent, renewed and transformed. ~ Romans 12:2.

~~~

A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. One entry per person, per day. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!


12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

Books For Christmas

I still laugh when I see this video and I am sure many of you have already seen it somewhere online either by facebook or twitter. I am trying to remember where I first saw this but can't seem to recall.

In case you haven't seen this video, I thought I would share it. I just love it.



Apparently your not suppose to get books for Christmas. Hmm I beg to differ I love getting books for Christmas and I hope Michael does too because there will be a few books under the tree again this year for him. Now that I think back on it, Michael has always gotten books at Christmas time.

Happy HOlidays Everyone.

12 Pearls of Christmas (day 10)

Title: What’s the best thing about Christmas?

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL ... there's also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS!  Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.

~~~

What’s the best thing about Christmas?

by Maureen Lang


The answer to that question will undoubtedly be different depending on the age and the faith of the person being asked. Most children will say it’s all about the gifts. Adults, even if they secretly still enjoy the gifts, will probably strive to sound more mature and say the holiday is all about friends and family. Still others might say it’s about tradition, or memories or the music or even the special food we connect to this time of year. The scrooges among us might say this season is just another marketing gimmick, or materialism gone awry. The faithful will say it’s all about Jesus, a reminder of why He shed the glory of Heaven to step into human skin and frailty.


I’m not here to defend or attack any answer to this question, but rather to ponder those possible answers.


Gifts: They touch us in personal ways, as tangible evidence of someone else’s thought and affection. Even if we don’t get exactly what we hoped, there’s something to be said about the thought behind a gift being the important part. Why wouldn’t gifts be an important and valid part of this holiday in which we celebrate God’s gift of salvation?


Holiday Gatherings: Parties might be a lot of work, forcing some out of their comfort zone, but at the core they’re all about human connection. Isn’t that what most people want?


Traditions and memories: They remind us of the past, of who we are, with the hope that even as we look forward to an unknown future we still hold some things worthy enough to repeat every year. We might find ourselves letting go of some traditions, or we might want to start some new ones.


The music: This is the only time of the year when even secular radio stations welcome songs about a baby born in Bethlehem. As a nation we may be getting stringent about separation of church as state, but the lines blur just a bit with old favorites that reflect this season.


Scrooges: The holiday season is probably a time to endure rather than enjoy, but even the scroogiest-scrooge might admit the lights of the season are pretty to behold. They’re free to look at, after all.


As for the food, the busyness, the expense and all the other things that make up this season: keep in mind that it’s all temporary. This, too, shall pass. Until next year, of course.


I’ll leave you with this thought: we are all made in God’s image, whether we believe that or not. Part of that image is the ability to give—and to receive. So here’s my thought for the day: stop a moment and dwell on all the gifts of the season. From the little mementos that say we haven’t forgotten someone or been forgotten by others, to the costliest gift of all: what God did for us in the form of Christ. As you enjoy the sounds, the sights, the scents and the tastes of this season, may your only trouble be in choosing just one thing among so many best things about Christmas.

 ~~~

About Maureen: Maureen Lang is the author of ten books, her most recent from Tyndale House is The Great War Series which are full of romance, adventure and spiritual journeys. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, two sons and their lovable Labrador Retriever.


For more information please visit Maureen at her website, www.maureenlang.com.

~~~

A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. One entry per person, per day. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!


12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

12 Pearls of Christmas (day 9)

Title: Good News

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL ... there's also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS! Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.

~~~

Good News!

by Deb Kalmbach


The first Christmas card of the season arrived in my mailbox way back in August. How could anyone be that organized? Then I noticed my friend, Nita, had sent me a card I had written to her more than 20 years ago!



Memories rushed back as I read the words penned in my familiar handwriting. It was Christmas, 1991, and my world had unraveled. I could almost pretend everything was all right at this most wonderful time of the year—but not that year.



My husband Randy’s drinking problem had escalated to the point where his job and career were on the line. He had already been through two alcohol treatment programs and managed to stay sober for short periods of time. Then he slipped back into old, familiar patterns. His ongoing relapses were a crushing disappointment for our family.



I had looked forward to Christmas Eve and our family traditions; making homemade lasagna, singing carols around the piano, attending the candlelight service at church, and then coming home to open one token Christmas Eve present.



“Randy, are you ready to crank out the pasta?” I called to him over the Christmas music I was playing to lift my spirits.



I peered into the living room to see what was keeping him. My heart froze. Randy sat on the couch, trance-like, watching a basketball game while sipping a drink.



No, not on Christmas Eve, I screamed inwardly. I felt like I was suffocating. Usually Randy pulled himself together but it didn’t happen that night. He drank vodka all evening while I finished holiday preparations on autopilot. None of us felt like eating lasagna or celebrating.



Only a few days earlier, I had written these words on the Christmas card to my friend, Nita. I don’t know God’s plans, his timing or his ways in accomplishing his purposes, but I am learning to trust him. He is faithful!



I suspect Nita kept my card all those years because she saw a small seed of faith and it encouraged her heart. I didn’t know it at the time, but it would be eight more Christmas seasons before Randy experienced the miraculous breakthrough of finding freedom from alcoholism.



As I read the card I had written so long ago, I felt awed by God’s faithfulness to us—even when our situation looked completely hopeless.



You may be facing great difficulty as the holidays approach. The last thing you feel like is celebrating. And that’s O.K. The Good News of Christmas isn’t about picture perfect holidays where our homes are decorated a la Martha Stewart and tables are laden with holiday delicacies. Your days may not be merry and bright. You may be grieving the loss of a loved one or the loss of a relationship through divorce or estrangement. Your world has unraveled.


That’s exactly why the message of Christmas is Good News. The Savior is born! The One who came to set you free, to give you peace and hope and help beyond anything you could ever imagine is as near as your next breath. Today you might not be able to see how God’s purposes are unfolding for your future, but you can be assured that He is working all things for good in your life. A twenty year-old Christmas card came on a summer day as an unexpected gift and gentle reminder of God’s presence—especially in the worst of times.

~~~

About Deb: Deb Kalmbach is the coauthor of Because I Said Forever: Embracing Hope in a Not-So- Perfect Marriage and the author of a book for children, Corey’s Dad Drinks Too Much. She has contributed to The New Women’s Devotional Bible, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace, and other anthologies. She is a vibrant and engaging speaker who gives hope and practical solutions to those who struggle with difficult relationships. Deb and her husband, Randy, live in a tiny town in Eastern Washington. Visit Deb at: http://www.debkalmbach.com/, or on Facebook and Twitter.

~~~

A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. One entry per person, per day. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com/) on New Years Day!


12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit http://www.pearlgirls.info/

On My Wish List Secret Santa Edition #16(Top Ten Tuesday)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because they are particularly fond of lists. They love to share their lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week they will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of their bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on their post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with them and all those who are participating. If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment on their post. If you can't come up with ten, don't worry about it---post as many as you can!

This weeks topic is Top Ten Books I Hope Santa Brings!

Well its officially its that time of the year, Christmas. Which means sharing your Christmas book wishlist. Here is my top ten books on my wishlist and I am hoping that Santa will bring me a few of those.



I have had Sea Glass and Storm Glass on my wish list since picking up the third book at BEA in May.



This is book 4 & 5 in the Cinderella Cleaners series. I have the previous books in the series.


Lament has been on my wishlist since getting the second book in the series.

6. The Julien Game by Adele Griffin

7. The Knavehearts Curse by Adele Griffin

8. Dark Light by Lesley Livingston

9. anything in the Pretty Little Liars Series (I already have books 1 to 3)

10. Past Midnight by Mara Pumhagen

Whats on your wishlist this holiday season?

Happy Holidays.

Michael's new favorite Christmas song

I heard this song a few years ago (loved it) and the other night in the car it was playing on the radio and Michael became obsessed with it so I went onto YouTube and found the video for him. He wanted to share it with you goes. Hope you enjoy it.



Also if you click here you will be on the Straight No Chaser page and you can see all their videos. These are some talented men.

12 Pearls of Christmas (day 8)

Title: Gift List

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL ... there's also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS!  Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.

~~~

Gift List

by Tricia Goyer


I've been thinking lately how hard it must be for Oprah to Christmas shop. I mean if you were on her "gift list" wouldn't you expect something really, really good? The woman gives away cars and trips to Australia on her television show for goodness sake! It seems by the end of Christmas Day her friends and family would look at the pile of presents and think, "Is that it?" I mean if you knew there was billions of dollars she could spend on you, would you ever feel satisfied?


Sometimes I think we approach God the same way. We look around at our home, our family, our job, our free time and we still aren't satisfied. We wish our body looked better, our clothes were more in style, our husband was more considerate and our kids were more ... well, like the perfect little people we picture in our mind. Our careers don't excel as quickly as we think they should and people don't give us the attention we feel we deserve. We're tired and anxious and the to-do list seems to be tacked to our hearts for all the pain it causes.


Often, we look around and don't speak the words out loud, but think them just the same. "Is that it?" I mean, You're the God of the universe and You have all things in Your hands and under Your control. Couldn't you provide a little more money to help those bills disappear or make me a bit more content with the man I've chosen to spend my life with? And I thought Oprah had it tough.


Is there ever a time when God doesn't hear the murmurs? Again, not with our mouths but in our heart.


I've been guilty of this--of not being satisfied with the gifts I've been given. Yes, there will always be more to want, but today--at this moment--I'm satisfied. And I look to Him with a grateful heart and whisper, "Thank you, it is enough. More than enough."

 ~~~

About Tricia: Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-six books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife. For more information, please visit www.triciagoyer.com

~~~

A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. One entry per person, per day. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!


12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

Author Interview: Terry Spears + Giveaway

I can actually remember the day that I was offered my very first Terry Spear book and it was through Danielle at Sourcebooks. I got it just before I went to Lake George (New York State) on vacation. I devoured that book within a short period of time and I have to say I was completely hooked.

That book was:

To Tempt The Wolf is book three in the wolf series.

Then came:

Legend of the White Wolf book four.

Then Finally:

Seduced by The Wolf book five.

I was fortunate to have the fabulous Terry Spear do a guest post which you can read here back in 2009. Which I was thrilled about and honestly one of my wishes was to one day interview her and I finally got the chance to do so.

Now today I am very honored to be able to share a interview I did with Terry. I was super excited to get the chance to interview her. She is one of my favorite authors and she already knows she rocks in my books.

Terry has a brand new book out called Wolf Fever (book 6 in the wolf series) and it just came out this month.

I got my copy for my birthday and I can't wait to start reading it. Hopefully during the Christmas season. I think this is a perfect book to curl up and read especially this time of the year when its cold and miserable outside. The cover alone could warm you up.

I hope that you will enjoy my interview with Terry. I had so much fun doing it. Following the interview there will be a give away announcement.

Why did you decide to write about wolves? What is your favorite kind of wolf?

TS: I go for the underdog, pardon my reference to dogs here. Wolves do not like being referred to as dogs in any way, shape, or form. But here you have a guy who shapeshifts into a wolf and what happens? Women go screaming off into the night. Men accuse the wolf of killing their livestock. Some say that the wolf bit them and now they’re werewolves too. And the wolf is nothing more than a mindless beast.

So someone had to stand up for them and take the side of the downtrodden wolf (werewolf) and show the whole werewolf shapeshifting business in a more positive light. They are not cursed, unhappy beings. They are well-adjusted (except for Carol who has issues about shifting, but she has her reasons), and they were born into this life, for the most part. Although a few were turned. But even they are happy with who they are. And when they’re wolves, they still have their human thought processes too, not beastly in the least.

Now, my favorite kind of wolf is a red. I love the grays and Arctic wolves too, but I love the red because they’re rarer, smaller, and I love their coloring.

In your wolf series, the information that you provide about each wolf pack is very interesting. Do you do a lot of research on them?

TS: Yes, I do a lot of research, and do it over and over again. I’m always picking up something new to share either about wolves, or an area where they’re living, or some other aspect, like in Wolf Fever, how to get rid of werewolfism. I know, I know, I said my wolves are well-adjusted and love being werewolves… There’s a reason for this! Truly. A good reason. Trust me. If you were a well-adjusted werewolf, you’d be feeling the same way also!

I absolutely love the wolf series and I saw on your blog that there is going to be 10 books in this series (as of now). Do you think there will there be more?

TS: Yes!! My editor asked if I could have at least three Highland wolf tales, and fans have asked for another story about the pack from Heart of the Wolf, and Tom needs a mate, and somebody said they wanted to see more of zoo man Thompson, and I’m sure fans will fall in love with a couple of secondary characters in The Wolf and the SEAL—who were based on a fan’s suggestion of what she wanted to see... and, well you see there’s just got to be more! Thanks so much for loving the series, Cindy!

You introduced so many great characters in the previous books and I agree I want to see more Thompson too.

I also read on your blog that your grandmother was raised in Canada. Have you ever been to Canada? If so, what did you think about it? If not, do you plan on visiting?

TS: I was in Toronto and taught Happy Hookers, the workshop. LOL! I’ve written a lot about my roots in Canada in genealogy magazines and wished that my mother and I could have visited Prince Edward Island before she died. That’s where her Highland Scots settled. Although her mother and father were from Manitoba, and my mother was born in Alberta. Most of her mother’s family was in Ontario for a time. She was raised in B.C. Her father’s family was from Scotland and Ireland and Wales and settled first in Quebec. And a few of the relatives moved to Saskatchewan. So they settled nearly everywhere!

You would love Prince Edward Island if you were to go. I love it. So much to see and do and it feels like a whole other world there.

Are you working on anything now? If so are you able to share with the readers what you are working on?

TS: Going into stores in 2011 will be Heart of the Highland Wolf (June 2011) and Dreaming of the Wolf (December 2011). I’m finishing up The Wolf and the SEAL (to be released in Spring 2012)—what is a SEAL to do but protect a wolf from danger? After that, I will start working on The Highland Wolf in Paradise (Fall 2012), set in the Cayman Islands, which will include one of the brothers from Heart of the Highland Wolf.

You mean I have to wait until June and December 2011 to read your next book? The suspense is going to kill me.

I am curious about your writing—how long does it take you to write a book? On your finished books do you have input on the covers? (I love the covers!)

TS: It takes me about 3-4 months. Although sometimes it takes longer, particularly when I’m editing other books in the interim while trying to write the new book. Thanks on the covers. They are great, and I’m so excited about Heart of the Highland Wolf, I want a poster, and then a marquee of it as soon as they make a movie of it. :)

Yes, about having input on the covers. We send specs on who might be included, symbolism, and I always send pictures of settings I think might work. I was excited because the art department is working on Dreaming of the Wolf’s cover right now (book 8) and asked me about some of the pictures I sent showing wildflowers in Colorado in the summer. It’s always exciting to see what they come up with next. They’re always beautiful!

I love your covers. I mean whats not to like about a half naked guy standing there?
When you’re not writing, what do you do for fun?

TS: Garden, create teddy bears, hike. I enjoyed seeing 7 castles in Scotland to use in the Highland stories, and also visiting a wolf reserve to observe the wolves’ behavior. I hope to go to another one next year.

With Christmas approaching do you have any traditions that you do every year?

TS: We always open one gift Christmas night, have a nice dinner, play games—chicken foot dominoes or some other game like Scrabble, then the next morning get up early and get started on the Christmas presents, then begin cooking the turkey. I can smell the turkey browning as we speak!

Terry are households are very similar as we open one gift on Christmas Eve and either watch some tv or play cards or games before my son goes to bed. Then of course Christmas morning he is up early and we open a few presents, have breakfast and then open the rest of the presents. Thankfully we have dinner at my in laws so I don't have to make a turkey dinner. That happens on Christmas Eve Day. Hmm I can smell it too. Only a few more days.

Thank you Terry for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer my questions. As you know I am a huge fan. I love the books. Keep them coming. Happy Holidays!

Thanks so much for hosting me, Cindy. I so appreciate that you love the series. If you need book marks, just send me an SASE (information on my website)! Have a lovely Christmas and thanks again!


WOLF FEVER by TERRY SPEAR—IN STORES DECEMBER 2010

ABOUT THE BOOK:
She may be his destiny, but she's not his first choice…

Hospital nurse and newly turned red werewolf Carol Woods is being pressured by her pack leader to find a mate, but he's the only guy in the pack who remotely attracts her… Why is he playing so hard to get?


The fate of the pack rests on his shoulders…

Gray pack leader Ryan McKinley doesn't want anything to do with Carol unless she's willing to embrace her wolf nature—no matter how beautiful she is.


But when a virus infects the local lupus garou pack, Ryan realizes just how wrong he's been not to seize the moment with the woman he's come to love. And now, it may be too late…


Praise for Terry Spear's To Tempt the Wolf:


“Ms. Spear's has spun a web of drama that pulled me in... Get it; read it; you'll love it!”

—Romance Reader at Heart


“A paranormal romp that sizzles! Action-packed romance and suspense-filled plot add up to pure magic. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Terry Spear is a great addition to the paranormal genre!”

—Armchair Interviews



ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With 70,000 copies sold, Terry Spear is a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves. She received her MBA from Monmouth University. An eclectic writer, she dabbles in the paranormal as well as writing historical and true life stories for both teen and adult audiences. Spear lives in Crawford, Texas. For more information, please visit http://www.terryspear.com/.

GIVE AWAY TIME:

Thanks to Danielle I am able to offer two lucky readers of my blog a copy of Wolf Fever. One to a Canadian resident and one to a American resident.

To enter please leave me a comment with a way to contact you should you be a winner.

Please note that a valid mailing address (no PO Boxes) must be provided should you be the winner and you will have 48 hours to reply back to my email with your mailing address. Failure to do so within that time period I will be forced to draw another name.

You must be a follower of my blog to enter.

12 Pearls of Christmas (day 7)

Title: Hurting Near Christmas? 10 Tips to Hope Again

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL ... there's also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS!  Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.

~~~

Hurting Near Christmas? 10 Tips to Hope Again

by Stacie Ruth Stoelting


Feel sad this Christmas? Hey, I know the feeling. In fact, many programs have interviewed me to share about it! Last year, I tried particularly hard to share stories and tips on how to cope with grief during the holidays: I wrote a feature for CBN.com, Coping with Grief at Christmas, visited and counseled grieving people, etc.


Then irony hit: Near Christmas, two people I loved died within two days (December 15-16, 2009).


Are you or a loved one hurting during the holidays? I relate. But let me encourage you: Jesus remains faithful! As real as my pain, He met my needs and comforted me with peace unexplainable. I’m serious. He’s real.


Before I continue with tips, let me share this: If you feel suicidal, contact an emergency counseling service like the New Life Call Center at 1-800-NEW-LIFE(639-5433).


10 Tips for Hurting Hearts to Hope and Cope at Christmastime


1.    Realize and internalize it: God still loves you and wants to hear from you. He wants you to know that there is a Way out of your pit of despair. The Way is Jesus.


2.    Sometimes, our suffering causes us to forget His. Understand He understands you. He suffered more than any of us when we bore the weight of every sin and pain on the cross! In fact, Is. 53:3 describes Jesus: “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.” Think of it: He took your punishment and pain on the cross. He was your capital punishment Substitute! And your Deliverer -your Rescuer- wants to hear from you. His heart hurts with yours. Will you pour your heart out to Him now? He’ll pour His love in where the fear previously resided. Let Jesus inside. Do you know Jesus on a personal, one-to-One basis?  Visit here to learn why Jesus was born to die and how to be born again. (Hey, Jesus said it: "You must be born again.")


3.    Rather than mere gifts, make a Christmas prayer list of other hurting people. Then pray for them and request prayer for yourself, too. Contact your church. Tap into ministries (including CBN.com) that offer extra prayer support. And feel free to join my prayer e-group at www.PrayingPals.org or on Facebook by clicking here.


4.    End the Christmas comparison game. Don't compare your Christmas to your neighbor's. Don't compare your Christmas to past celebrations.


5.    Center on the Savior! This year, trade a superficial Christmas for a real one. Deepen your appreciation for the true Christmas: the arrival of Jesus Christ to banish the effects of sin and death!


6.    Whatever your loss or pain, open up and let God be your Gain. Maybe your pain comes from another cause: a divorce, a devastating diagnosis, a job loss...the list extends. God offers to be your Counselor, your Father, your Healer, your Provider. Let Him answer your heart’s cry.


7.    Love on people. Even if you don’t “feel” like it, prayerfully do something for someone else who is hurting.


8.    Remember: Feelings change. God doesn't. Loved ones' deaths never kill His love for you. God's immeasurable, unconditional love still flows to you! When you know Jesus, you know eternal love and security. Nothing separates you from His love! “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39, ESV).


9.    Realize the reality of the sudden reunion. Holidays exacerbate the feeling of long separation from our loved ones in Heaven. Does it feel like it will take forever for you to see your loved one in Heaven? Be encouraged: Jesus IS coming again and it will be a time you don't expect! So the fact that you feel like it won't happen soon is a good thing!  Once reunited, it will feel like no time transpired. All sadness will be entirely removed!


10.    When Jesus comes back to earth, it will be a celebration greater than any previous Christmas you've ever experienced!


For believers, losses hurt but never win. We will celebrate Jesus together -and it will be glorious "for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith" (I John 5:4, NIV). In that Day, all believers will be able to jubilantly say, “Merry Christmas to all and to all the true Light!”


Additional Help: Ready for some practical tips for coping with grief at Christmastime? Here’s one: Rearrange furniture to reduce absence reminders. To read this tip and others found in another of my CBN.com’s articles: “Coping with Grief at Christmas", visit www.CBN.com.


Going thru a rough time? Join Stacie Ruth’s prayer group at www.PrayingPals.org.

 ~~~

About Stacie: Stacie Ruth knows pain, but she also knows Jesus! After Stacie Ruth met Jesus, her life blossomed with true joy and purpose. Life’s blows hurt her, but Jesus heals and strengthens her. Now an author, actress, and recording artist, she laughs at the irony and praises God, who uses unlikely people...like herself.  Discover why she's written a book at age 15, sung/spoken for the 43rd President, been pictured in major media (i.e. The New York Times, USA Today), and keynoted conferences since she was a teenager. To watch video clips, worship Jesus with music from her album, or get in touch with her ministry for women, visit www.brightlightministries.com.

~~~

A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. One entry per person, per day. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!


12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

The Mailbox Post & Books Bought

As you know Mailbox Monday is originally hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page. Marcia has decided to put Mailbox Monday on a blog tour and for the month of December the Mailbox Monday host is Jenny from Let Them Read Books.

Jenny is a new blogger to me and I am looking forward to reading more of her blog. So don't forget if you take part in Mailbox Monday hop over to Jenny's blog and leave your link.

Can you believe that Christmas is almost here? The countdown is beginning.

I am posting my IMM post today because I have a special interview happening tomorrow. One that I am really excited about. When I found out I was going to be doing it I practically did the dance of joy.

Last week was really quiet in my mailbox and that is okay especially after the last few weeks. This is what came to my door last week via the mailman.

FOR REVIEW:

The Snow Globe by Sheila Roberts (October 10/10)
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Discover an unforgettable holiday treasure in Sheila Roberts’ heartwarming tale of love and laughter, magic and miracles, friendship and coming home…

On a blustery afternoon, Kylie Gray wanders into an antique shop and buys an enchanting snow globe. “There’s a story behind that snow globe,” the antique dealer tells her. The original owner, he explains, was a German toymaker who lost his wife and son right before Christmas. When the grieving widower received the handcrafted snow globe as a Christmas gift, he saw the image of a beautiful woman beneath the glass—a woman who would come into his life, mend his broken heart and bring him back to the world of the living. For years, the snow globe has passed from generation to generation, somehow always landing in the hands of a person in special need of a Christmas miracle.

Kiley could use a miracle herself. This year, all she wants for Christmas is someone to love. A hopeful shake leads her on an adventure that makes a believer out of her. When Kylie shares the story of the snow globe with her best friends—two women with problems of their own—they don’t believe it. But they’re about to discover that at Christmastime, sometimes the impossible becomes possible and miracles really do come true.

BOOKS BOUGHT:

Freefall by Mindi Scott (October 2010)
ABOUT THE BOOK:
How do you come back from the point of no return?

Seth McCoy was the last person to see his best friend, Isaac, alive, and the first to find him dead. It was just another night, just another party, just another time when Isaac drank too much and passed out on the lawn. Only this time, Isaac didn't wake up.

Convinced that his own actions led to his friend's death, Seth is torn between turning his life around . . . or losing himself completely.

Then he meets Rosetta: so beautiful and so different from everything and everyone he's ever known. But Rosetta has secrets of her own, and Seth soon realizes he isn't the only one who needs saving . . .

This is what came to my door last week, what about you?