Second book from my reading list - fiction Beth Moore book

The Undoing of Saint Sivanus by Beth Moore

This is Beth Moore's premiere drama fiction book. At first, although I was enjoying the story I wanted to slap the character Jillian.  As you read (or listen to the audio as I am) her character evolves and you share so many of her ordeals and trials and you start identifying with her.

Jillian is also dealing with a lot of drama in her young life as so many of us do in today,s modern world. Jillian needs to come to terms with the death of a father she didn't know, her grandmother - the ice queen, and people who meant well but kept poking their nose into her business.

There is a great mystery involved revolving around her fathers death and the church converted to a house, that her grandmother lives in.  There are great characters to keep your attention. The only thing I really didn't like was after the climax the story does go on a little longer than I was expecting, but the things that happened were nice to read.

This book does have spiritual aspects and references and  some lessons to teach us.  Overall a decent read while sitting cozy under a blanket at the end of the day.

Thanks for reading my post and I would like to know what you thought of this book.

Blessings,
Val


This is my opinion and is not sponsored in any way
Check out The Undoing of Saint Silvanus on hoopla digital.
https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/11652695 #hoopladigital

First Book From My Reading List - READ!

Women Living Well by Courtney Joseph

We all wish for a better life and in this modern chaotic world, even more so.  This book helps you find ways to change and adjust the landscape of your life, giving little tips, hints and tricks that can help with the day to day crap that bombards us.

Some things I had a hard time listening to (I downloading the audio version from Hoopla), and somethings were like a slap in the face, such as better ways to relate to my children and making God first (not all the little things that pop up).

My favourite parts were how she explained different ways to improve my walk with God.  This is a place I really struggle with right now and I could give so many excuses on why it's not happening such as we're making a big personal move out to the country, we're restructuring our business, my mother-in-law moved in with us (which I actually like); but there really is no excuse.

I listen to a chapter of the bible daily while making breakfast for my family in the morning, but I don't get to sit and ponder over what His Word is trying to say to me or what the Spirit wants me to do.  But I digress....

Courtney dives into so many topics in the well written book: marriage, parenting, managing a household, some of them may be interesting and of use to you and some may not. Overall I did enjoy this book as the first in my reading series.

I really think this one is great for newly weds right to seasoned widows. Get in on audio or get the book and read it!

Talk to you soon,
Val

This is my own opinion, this is not a sponsored post
Check out Women Living Well on hoopla digital.
https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/11571740 #hoopladigital

Armour of God - You Are Now Outfitted in the Full Armour of God

In order to succeed in our battle with Satan we must be prepared and put on the Full Armour of God. The scriptures in each of our previous lessons about The Armour of God are to prepare ourselves daily to win the war against Satan and his demons.

Belt of Truth

• know Jesus
• know His Word
• Live His Word

Breastplate of Righteousness

• protects the heart
• God's righteousness He gives us
• to live like Jesus- Gods righteousness He produces in us
• to make the right choices - to think and then act properly
• resist temptation - even the little ones
• its easier to make the right choices than correct them

Shoes (sandals) of Peace

• stand ready in faith - take your position and hold/stand firm
• be at peace with God
• be at peace with others
• share your faith with others

Shield of Faith

• know and live God's Word
• act on your faith
• resist worry, fear and doubt
• trust the promises of God

All pieces of the Armour of God are to prepare and protect us. They should never be taken off or set down on the battlefield.

We have gone through each piece of armour over the last through weeks. The challenge was not just to learn about each piece but to begin a study of God's Word and to be prepared to stand firm against the false teachings of this world; to be prepared to answer the questions of non-believers we encounter on  a daily basis.

This is just my opinion 

My 2018 reading list and challenge- Mostly Christian Reading

My 2018 reading list and challenge
Inspired by by Jami Balmet of Young Wife's Guides

I love reading!  Now that my kids are older I'm back in the perfect season for enjoying books again. Not only to read the paper version (I love the smell and feel of a real book) but now that I'm commuting to work the audio version makes more sense.  All of these I can download on the Hoopla app from my local library either audio or e-book or go borrow it - FREE!!

My 13 books:

1.  Refresh by Shona and David Murray  Finished March 2018 click here
2.  The Blessings of Humility by Jerry Bridges
3. The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
4. Managing Gods Money  by Randy Alcorn
5.  The Life Giving Table by Sally Clarkson  Finished Apr. 20/18
6.  Family Worship by Donald Whitney Finished: Feb. 7/18 click here
7. Living Well, Spending Less by Ruth Soukup
8. Fruitful Life by Jerry Bridges
9.  Women Living Well by Courtney Joseph Finished: Jan. 19/18 
10. Twelve Extraordinary Women by John McArthur
11.  Missional Motherhood by Gloria Furman
12. Treasures In The Psalms by Dr, Henry M. Morris 
13. The Disciple of Grace by Jerry Bridges

Extra reading:

• The Silver Spear by Claire C. Marshall Finished: Feb. 10/18 click here
• Surprise The Word: 5 Habits of Highly Missional People by Michael Frost
• She Means Business by Carrie Green
• Come And Eat by Bri McKoy Finished: Jan. 29/18 
• I Am Loved by Wendy Blight
• Capture His Heart by Lysa TerKeurst 
• The Lost Gate by by Orson Scott Card Finished: Mar. 10/18 click here
• Fervent by by Priscilla Shirer Finished Apr. 2/18 Click here

2018 Christian Reading Challenge for Women

CLICK HERE to discover all the books and a few different plans

This is NOT a sponsored post, just my opinion.  Most of these books are available both on audio and paperback. I prefer the Hoopla app for free audiobooks.

Women of The Apocalypse - Book Review

I love action/adventure style books and yes, it's great reading about the guy that wins the battle, but this book is different, it's time read about the girls that kick some ass!

At the (2015) Edmonton Expo I had the pleasure of meeting some great Women Canadian authors. As I talked with them I glanced over and saw a few books, but one in particular caught my eye....

Women Of The Apocalypse

by Eileen Bell (Goodreads Author), Roxanne Felix, Billie Milholland(Goodreads Author), Ryan T. McFadden (Goodreads Author)

I got the chance to meet one of the authors, Eileen Bell

I usually pass books on after I read them, but this ones staying on my shelf! And not just because it's signed.

Four women vs. the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse - Each woman has a different story by a different author and all are a fun read!  I give it 4 of 5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is NOT a sponsored post, just my opinion.  Check out the book online, Click Here

SCCC - When God Doesn't Fix It - Week 1

When God Doesn't Fix It - Some Notes For Us

This is an online and Facebook study.
Each week, on Monday evening, the video will be posted for that week only. (that's what I have permission for).  I do have the DVD so if you need to borrow it to review a video, let me know. Most of the video clips are between 10-14 minutes long.

Also on Monday, there will be a link to this blog for the questions for the video and discussion questions.

During the week there will be questions or thoughts to ponder/answer/comment on to keep us connected to the study and spark conversation. These will be on Facebook and I encourage each of us to comment on them and discuss in our Facebook group as we can.

REMEMBER this group is private, so only we can see these discussions. Please do not SHARE any info on your Facebook page or with anyone outside our group or that thread will be seen by anyone in your feed.

I will try to answer any tech/workbook questions as they come up.  If you want to print out that weeks  study questions (from this blog), feel free to do so. The easiest way is to highlight any text you wish to print, then right click on it and select print.

By putting this online, any of us can view the material and video at anytime of day or night! Let's have some fun ladies!


Women's Bible Study - When God Doesn't Fix It - Week 1

• What was the first thoughts that came to you after viewing this video?  

• Many people are taught that God promises to give us a good, safe, pain-free life if we do our best to follow and honour Him. What were you taught or led to believe about how God will treat you if you seek to live a good life for Him?  Where do you think this teaching came from?

• In the story of Daniel, we read how God closed the mouths of the lions and allowed him to walk out of den unscratched. In the story of David, we see how the giant Goliath fell defeated at his feet.  What is the danger of simplifying Bible stories like these into lessons that give the impression that people of faith always end up on top and win the earthly battles they face?  What are other bible stories that are often used in a way that sends this message to children and adults?

• Few characters in the Bible were so good that they warranted God's unquestioning blessing. Who are some characters in the Bible who had both good and bad qualities?  How does the presence of these characters with good and bad qualities affirm that God's blessings in our life are not based on our "good behavior". 

• Read Romans 6:19-23.  What do you learn in this passage about the battle between sin and righteousness?  According to Paul, what are the consequences of sin?  How do you see this reality in our world today?

         What are the results of becoming a "slave" to God? What benefits do we gain from living a life             of holiness?

• Read Romans 5:12.  Why is it absolutely essential that we understand the bad news of sin if we are going to fully understand the good news of the gospel and the hope we have in Jesus?  If someone looked at you and said, "I don't think sin is really a big deal," what would you say to help him or her understand the extent and cost of sin?

• Read Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, and Romans 8:1-4.  How is salvation a gift to be received and not a payment to be earned?  What is the danger of believing that our actions and "goodness" are the reason for our salvation?

• How does a relationship with Jesus and the hope of eternal life help you stand strong during the storms you face in this life?  What is the tough time you recently walked through?  How has your relationship with Jesus enabled you to stand strong and endure?

• Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.  What does the apostle Paul mean when he says, "Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."?  How can we keep our eyes and focus on what is unseen and eternal as we walk through the hard times of this life?

• Read 2 Corinthians 11:16-33.  What are some of the struggles, pain and losses the apostle Paul faced as he lived for Jesus?  How could he be so optimistic and joy-filled in light of all he suffered?

• (share this thought on Facebook)  How can your group pray for you and support you as you walk through a painful time or as you support someone you love who is going through a difficult time.

Prayer:  Take a few moments at different parts of your day and ask God to teach you to walk in joy even during the storms of life.

Falling In Love With God..... Again!

Those that know me, know I became a Christian when I was 5. My paternal grandmother showed me God, Jesus and how much He loves me.

     Those who know me also know I Don't Hug!  Well, I do hug my kids and hubby, but I just don't like hugging anyone else.  That's right, not my parents, not my good friends - I tense up every time.
     I'm fairly certain I know the reason why I don't hug guys (that I'm not ready to share); and as for the girls.... I know of two things that lead to No Hugging.

1. when I was 10 I was a hugging girl. Then I met some girls that were popular. Inviting me into their fold. First one of them spread rumors about me starting a serious spiral into me getting badly bullied. Then we went to the lake and played on inner tubes. This group of girls were hugging me, telling me what a great friend I was and then pushed me under the water and held me there until I started to black out.... 
2. The other reason has two consequences from the experience.  My mom was a big part of our church, giving of her time freely and often. I thought the church was a safe place. My mom would receive boxes of cloths for her to repair and wash and then send to donations.  As a perk for helping my mom, my siblings and I got to pick one or two items from the box.  One day I wore one of these exciting new outfits to church. One of the ladies I looked up to (and hugged often) said to me in front of many people, "How do you like that outfit?  It was my daughters and she didn't want it any more. I'm glad someone in your standing can appreciate our generosity. It's nice to have free things from others, isn't it?"       what did I learn from this?  Don't trust adults outside of family and church isn't fun or safe anymore.

I do try to get past these things, but when you get burned enough, its just easier to stand back. 

     Then after a few teenage years of ups and downs, I moved to Calgary, AB. When I came to Calgary, I was definitely in a spiritual wilderness - until stirrings in my heart in 1992 after I met Rob (who is now my husband). At the time we met, he believed in God, but didn't know if he was a Christian.  We read some bible stories together, went to church with my mom at Easter. 
      I told Rob I was concerned that he didn't know if he was a Christen and he and I prayed together as Rob accepted Jesus into his heart.
     Due to earlier experiences and some reading I had done over the years, I didn't believe we needed to go to church; as God doesn't take attendance, he's everywhere. Especially in your heart.
     Then my parents moved to Vulcan from Calgary and because she was so active in this church I agreed to do a favor for my mom and attend her church at least once a month. The purpose was to share her news with her friends from church and vice versa. 
     I got sucked in pretty fast. This church was different. I attended, by myself for a few months, at once a month intervals, then every other week. My daughter asked to come, then my son and finally in 2009 we were coming to church as a family.
     All the while I could feel God working in my heart. I became excited to come to church! I found myself falling in love with God all over again!  Better yet, my family was too and in 2012 we were baptized as a family, all our family serves in the church.
   I'm not going to fib. There have been some set backs. I tried to start a women's bible study group, it only had sparatic attendance and went OK, but God said to stop for now, its not time.
     Now I frequently find myself overflowing with love and the spirit - I need to get it out!
So I am going to do a weekly Christian blog post and a second weekly post to do with my 'mom stuff'. I hope you will join me and share your feelings and comments below.

Thanks and God Bless you and yours!
Oh, and to the ladies at my current church - I'm working on this hugging thing - please be patient with me!
Love Valerie