The story is real – a little slow, but real. Life is like that – not always filled with fairytale-like romances (but it is sweet when it happens!) or murder mysteries (Thank You, Jesus!) or even mega drama (this one probably happens a little too often!). The characters were written genuine enough to where you and I could could probably recognize them in our church families or in us! It was interesting to see how the characters were seen by their follow members of the search committee and then to see their life through their own eyes. Our masks can really make it hard to get to know people or even know when to help.

Overall, it wasn’t one of my favorites, but I did end up OK with The Search Committee. So, if you get a chance, I would recommend that you check it out. It may appeal to some more than others. I am interested to see what Tim Owens writes next.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.

This book is written as a 40 day challenge, but I think that is way too rushed. I would recommend slowing it down and focusing on one challenge for a week or two. The ideas range from serving someone to fasting from media to memorizing scripture to even planning a party. Some may challenge you more than me or vice versa, but by the end of the 40 ways, I promise, that everyone will be stretched and inspired. Actually I think this would be an excellent resource to use with the whole family – to put some feet on your kids’ faith too!

The best way to end this review is in Jerry MacGregor’s own words…“If you too are a wreck, my prayer for you is that you’ll discover you have much greater spiritual depth than you thought when you began this book. I wish you all the best as you start walking the path.”

Disclosure: I received the book free from Bethany House Book Reviewers’ program. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Here’s a great quote from the book that seem to sum it up beautifully….

Being married costs everything. Tears… Incredible vulnerability and sacrifice. It causes you to take a deeper look inside your heart and soul, your desires and your personality… It is not easy. But that does not come as a surprise to you. You already know that!… Of course loving costs everything–look at the Cross. But loving is always worth it…We all know that loving in hard. Marriage is hard. It is hard because it is opposed. The devil hates marriage… But God loves marriage!… He is for you… Marriage is going to ask everything of you, and that is why you must have a vision for it… We live in a great love story, set in the midst of war. We need each other–desperately. We have been entrusted with the heart of another human being. Our loving will prove to the world that love is real. We will play out before watching eyes the Great Love Story of the ages.

WOW!

Love & War is written by the best-selling authors of Wild at Heart and Captivating. It has the subtitle  “Find Your Way to Something Beautiful in Your Marriage.” I was expecting to fly through this book. I’m always interested in learning and improving. Also, John and Stasi Eldredge are authors that I’ve found very engaging to read. However, I took about three months on this book, which is super slow for me. Honestly, the book was a little slow, especially at the beginning. However, I found that I was challenged and inspired. I appreciated their honesty and willingness to encourage while correcting the readers. Also, I would love to do the Love & War DVD series with some other couples.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Blogging for Books, Waterbrook Multnomah Publisher’s book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

“In 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life, you’ll learn:

::How and why to develop good habits.

::How to choose which goals you should work on first and how to break those goals into bite-sized pieces.

::How to pace yourself and be realistic with your goals.

::How to resist negative thought patterns.

::How to find an accountability partner.

::How to stay focused while working on your goals.

::How to set yourself up for long-term success.

::How to be on-time and even early instead of always late and behind (something I’m working hard at improving in my own life right now!)

::And much more!”

Sounds good to me!!

“The Challenge is a tri-annual online community event that gathers together thousands of women from all over the world. We encourage one another and keep one another accountable as we work to develop the life giving morning habit of waking up early, spending time with God and being intentional about planning our days and exercising regularly.

The Hello Mornings Challenge is based on the (free) ebook, Maximize Your Mornings, which specifcally challenges moms to stop waking up TO their children and start waking up FOR them. (Although, all women are welcome to join, not just moms.)”

This is my second second session to join (this session dates are: January 16-April 15), because the above description is exactly what I need – encouragement and accountability. I long to be the mom that God wants me to be for my kids!  I want to wake up FOR them and not TO them. I want to already started my day right by spending time with God, which will be my main goal. I also want to include working out and organization/planning in my goals.

Well, i guess, if you think about it… my first goal would be to just GET OUT OF BED!

What about you? You need some encouragement and accountability from other ladies who want to maximize their morning? I hope you join the Hello Morning Challenge!

Modesty Checklist from Carolyn Mahaney (a very powerful speaker) and her three daughters. They are the wife and daughters of C.J. Mahaney of Sovereign Grace Ministries, Gaithersburg, MD. www.sovereigngraceministries.org.

A video I wanted to make sure I didn’t lose. I’m sharing this on my blog mainly so I wouldn’t lose it. However, I think you’ll enjoy and grow from this also. So, take the time to really watch this; you won’t regret it!

Happy New Year and God bless!

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 9,800 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 4 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.