Betsy St. Amant's Blog, page 14
October 16, 2012
Do you try to rush God?
Our teacher in Sunday School this past week told us a hilarious, yet convicting story, about a child's prayer. It struck home with me, especially since God had been dealing with this in my heart already.
Here it is:
A little boy knelt by his bed to pray. "God, if You just give me this new red tricycle that I want, I promise, I'll be good for a year. I won't ask for anything else for a whole year!"
He started thinking, and realized that wasn't true. He tried again. "Okay, God, if you give me this new tricycle, I promise - I'll be set for 6 months! Half a year!"
Still not really accurate. He tried praying about a month, then a week. Still didn't feel he could keep his end of the promise.
He ran to the living room, grabbed the statue of Mary from the mantle, and shoved it under his bed. Then he knelt, and prayed. "God, if You ever want to see Your mother again, You'll give me that tricycle!"
HAHAHA! And.... "oops".
Are you guilty of the same today? Are you making empty promises in your prayer life? Are you bargaining with God? Are you making ransom requests?
Or are you coming to Him, with full confidence and faith, not only that He is able, but that He knows the best way and the best timing? Are you giving God suggestions on how to answer your prayer? Or stepping back and giving it up to Him?
This isn't easy, guys. It's downright HARD. But all things are possible with Christ who gives us strength. And the resulting freedom is WORTH IT.
What's your tricycle today?
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Here it is:
A little boy knelt by his bed to pray. "God, if You just give me this new red tricycle that I want, I promise, I'll be good for a year. I won't ask for anything else for a whole year!"
He started thinking, and realized that wasn't true. He tried again. "Okay, God, if you give me this new tricycle, I promise - I'll be set for 6 months! Half a year!"
Still not really accurate. He tried praying about a month, then a week. Still didn't feel he could keep his end of the promise.
He ran to the living room, grabbed the statue of Mary from the mantle, and shoved it under his bed. Then he knelt, and prayed. "God, if You ever want to see Your mother again, You'll give me that tricycle!"
HAHAHA! And.... "oops".
Are you guilty of the same today? Are you making empty promises in your prayer life? Are you bargaining with God? Are you making ransom requests?
Or are you coming to Him, with full confidence and faith, not only that He is able, but that He knows the best way and the best timing? Are you giving God suggestions on how to answer your prayer? Or stepping back and giving it up to Him?
This isn't easy, guys. It's downright HARD. But all things are possible with Christ who gives us strength. And the resulting freedom is WORTH IT.
What's your tricycle today?
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October 15, 2012
Hang in there
I'm still preparing the details of my blog launch, so hang in there guys! :) It's gonna be fun!
I'm debating the merits of shutting down this blog and starting a new one, or trying to revamp this one completely into what I want. Hmm.... I'm not as tech savvy as I'd like to be!
Does anyone know if you can do an "under construction" type thing with blogger?
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I'm debating the merits of shutting down this blog and starting a new one, or trying to revamp this one completely into what I want. Hmm.... I'm not as tech savvy as I'd like to be!
Does anyone know if you can do an "under construction" type thing with blogger?
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October 14, 2012
What IS this?
What IS this weather? It's not Autumn, sadly. We were teased! The temps dropped the other week into the 40's...it was awesome. Then they began to climb. Now, suddenly now we're back in the 80's. Aggghh!!
I'm wearing boots anyway.
How's your side of the world?
(hey, at least candy corn is good in any weather...)
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I'm wearing boots anyway.
How's your side of the world?
(hey, at least candy corn is good in any weather...)
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October 11, 2012
Another great one for your pile...
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingAll Things NewBethany House Publishers (October 1, 2012)byLynn Austin
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
For many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband's work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she'd earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba. Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published twelve novels. Five of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.
ABOUT THE BOOK
In the aftermath of the Civil War, Josephine Weatherly and her mother, Eugenia, struggle to pick up the pieces of their lives when they return to their Virginia plantation. But the bitter realities of life after the war cannot be denied: their home and land are but shells of their previous grandeur; death has claimed her father and brother; and her remaining brother, Daniel, has returned home bitter and broken. The privileged childhood Josephine enjoyed now seems like a long-ago dream. And the God who failed to answer any of her prayers during the war is lost to her as well. Josephine soon realizes that life is now a matter of daily survival--and recognizes that Lizzie, as one of the few remaining servants, is the one she must rely on to teach her all she needs to know. Josephine's mother, too, vows to rebuild White Oak...but a bitter hatred fuels her.
With skill and emotion, Lynn Austin brings to life the difficult years of the Reconstruction era by interweaving the stories of three women--daughter, mother, and freed slave--in a riveting tale.
If you would like to read the first chapter of All Things New, go HERE.
Lynn has always been one of my favorite historical authors. Her writing is powerful, and I hope you get a copy of this book! Link is here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASI...
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October 10, 2012
Scribblin' day....
Scribble Chicks day!
Visit us today at http://www.scribblechicks.blogspot.com
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Visit us today at http://www.scribblechicks.blogspot.com
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October 9, 2012
Whatcha reading?
Whatcha reading?
I just blogged about The Trouble With Cowboys, which was seriously a fantastic read. Before that I had finished Susie Warren's You Don't Know Me - also fabulous. And I have a huge, teetering stack ready of both books to review professionally AND books I picked up in the ACFW conference bookstore at great prices (and for a good cause, as the sales go toward conference scholarships).
I don't know what's next. Maybe Lynn Austin's ALL THINGS NEW or Olivia Newport's ACCIDENTALLY AMISH.
So many books so very little time...
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I just blogged about The Trouble With Cowboys, which was seriously a fantastic read. Before that I had finished Susie Warren's You Don't Know Me - also fabulous. And I have a huge, teetering stack ready of both books to review professionally AND books I picked up in the ACFW conference bookstore at great prices (and for a good cause, as the sales go toward conference scholarships).
I don't know what's next. Maybe Lynn Austin's ALL THINGS NEW or Olivia Newport's ACCIDENTALLY AMISH.
So many books so very little time...
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October 8, 2012
She's BAAAAACCKKK!!!!!
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingFull DisclosureBethany House Publishers (October 2, 2012)byDee Henderson
Uhhhh, one word - YAY!!!! :)
I haven't had a chance to read this one yet, it's next in my pile but I needed to post this on a certain date due to CFBA rules. However, I can honestly report I've been longing for this book for a WHILE and can't wait to dive in and savor. Because I'm more than confident it is going to be fabulous.
Dee is BACK!!! :)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dee Henderson is the bestselling, award-winning author of 15 previous novels, including the acclaimed O'MALLEY series and UNCOMMON HEROES series. She is a lifelong resident of Illinois.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Ann Silver is a cop's cop. As the Midwest Homicide Investigator, she is called in to help local law enforcement on the worst of cases, looking for answers to murder. Hers is one of the region's most trusted investigative positions. Paul Falcon is the FBI's top murder cop in the Midwest. If the victim carried a federal badge or had a security clearance, odds are good Paul and his team see the case file or work the murder.
Their lives intersect when Ann arrives to pass a case off her desk and onto his. A car wreck and a suspicious death offer a lead on a hired shooter he is tracking. Paul isn't expecting to meet someone, the kind that goes on the personal side of the ledger, but Ann Silver has his attention.
The better he gets to know her, the more Paul realizes her job barely scratches the surface of who she is. She knows spies and soldiers and U.S. Marshals, and has written books about them. She is friends with the former Vice President. People with good reason to be cautious about who they let into their lives deeply trust her. Paul wonders just what secrets Ann is keeping, until she shows him the John Doe Killer case file, and he starts to realize just who this lady he is falling in love with really is…
Watch the book trailer:
If you would like to read the first chapter of Full Disclosure, go HERE.
GET YOUR COPY HERE! :) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASI...
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Just another Manic Monday...
...but not really, because Hubby is finally home from a 6 day fishing trip in Grand Aisle! He caught a ton of red fish (one of which was 25 plus lbs!) and several sharks. Yeah. Crazy stuff (this was SHORE FISHING not deep sea!) Shudder. Remind me not to swim at Grand Aisle....
So yay for that. We're used to Hubby being gone overnight here and there for the fire station but 6 days is a lot longer than our normal. Little Miss always sleeps better when he's home, which is really sweet. I surprised him last night when he got in with homemade vegetable beef soup in the crockpot and a strawberry cheesecake :)
My manic Monday looks like another day of writing and blogging and reading and the gym and playing taxi-driver to Little Miss - AND continuing looking for a part time job. Prayers appreciated there! :)
What are you doing today? What do you need prayer for? Let me know!
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So yay for that. We're used to Hubby being gone overnight here and there for the fire station but 6 days is a lot longer than our normal. Little Miss always sleeps better when he's home, which is really sweet. I surprised him last night when he got in with homemade vegetable beef soup in the crockpot and a strawberry cheesecake :)
My manic Monday looks like another day of writing and blogging and reading and the gym and playing taxi-driver to Little Miss - AND continuing looking for a part time job. Prayers appreciated there! :)
What are you doing today? What do you need prayer for? Let me know!
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October 5, 2012
Hunky cowboys? OKAY!
First of all - I received this book free for an honest review from the publisher.
And secondly - I'd have paid extra for it! What a fabulous read! Denise Hunter does it again (wow, the woman can write cowboys!) LOVE her stories and this one doesn't disappoint. A fabulous tale of romance, pain, healing, redemption, love...and cowboys. :) I mean really, how does it get better?
Here's the info! Don't miss this story, guys. It will speak to your heart.
Link to buy the book:
http://ow.ly/dSvBa
About the Book:
Only one pair of boots—and the cowboy wearing them—can get Annie out of the mess she’s in.
Annie Wilkerson is Moose Creek’s premiere horse trainer and equine columnist for Montana Living. Money is tight as she tries to put her kid-sister through college and provide for her young nephew. When Annie’s column is cancelled, she’s given first shot at a new lovelorn column—and she can’t afford to turn it down. Only problem is . . . Annie’s never been in love.
Always resourceful, she reluctantly strikes a deal with the town’s smooth-talking ladies’ man Dylan Taylor: She’ll work with his ailing horse, Braveheart, if he’ll help her answer the reader letters.
Working closely with Dylan is harder than Annie imagined, and she quickly realizes she may have misjudged him. But her unwavering conviction that cowboys are nothing but trouble has kept her heart safe for years. And she can’t risk getting hurt now.
The more Annie tries to control things, the more they fall apart. Her feelings are spinning out of control, and her sister’s antics are making life increasingly more difficult. Annie knows she needs to turn the reins over to God, but surrender has never come easily.
When Dylan reveals his feelings for her, Annie doesn’t know what to trust—her head or her heart. The trouble with this cowboy is that he might just be exactly what she needs.
Meet Denise:
Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Find out more about Denise at http://www.denisehunterbooks.com/.
Denise Hunter’s “The Trouble with Cowboys” Facebook Party & Kindle Fire Giveaway
To celebrate the release of The Trouble with Cowboys Denise is hosting a fun Author Chat Party on Facebook. She'll connect with readers and give away some amazing prizes - including a Kindle Fire! Save the Date for October 11th!
Grab your copy of Denise Hunter’s latest book and join her for an Author Chat Party on October 11th at 8:00 PM EST (that’s 7:00 Central, 6:00 MST, & 5:00 PST)! Haven’t read The Trouble with Cowboys yet? That’s okay, don’t let that stop you from coming to the party! (You may win a copy!)
During the evening she’ll be sharing the story behind the book, posting discussion questions, testing your trivia skills, and of course, there will be plenty of chatting and fun giveaways – books, gift certificates and – a Kindle Fire! She’ll also be giving you a sneak peek of her next book too!
RSVP today and then come back on the 11th … and bring your friends!
Christian Women Online
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And secondly - I'd have paid extra for it! What a fabulous read! Denise Hunter does it again (wow, the woman can write cowboys!) LOVE her stories and this one doesn't disappoint. A fabulous tale of romance, pain, healing, redemption, love...and cowboys. :) I mean really, how does it get better?
Here's the info! Don't miss this story, guys. It will speak to your heart.
Link to buy the book:
http://ow.ly/dSvBa
About the Book:
Only one pair of boots—and the cowboy wearing them—can get Annie out of the mess she’s in.
Annie Wilkerson is Moose Creek’s premiere horse trainer and equine columnist for Montana Living. Money is tight as she tries to put her kid-sister through college and provide for her young nephew. When Annie’s column is cancelled, she’s given first shot at a new lovelorn column—and she can’t afford to turn it down. Only problem is . . . Annie’s never been in love.
Always resourceful, she reluctantly strikes a deal with the town’s smooth-talking ladies’ man Dylan Taylor: She’ll work with his ailing horse, Braveheart, if he’ll help her answer the reader letters.
Working closely with Dylan is harder than Annie imagined, and she quickly realizes she may have misjudged him. But her unwavering conviction that cowboys are nothing but trouble has kept her heart safe for years. And she can’t risk getting hurt now.
The more Annie tries to control things, the more they fall apart. Her feelings are spinning out of control, and her sister’s antics are making life increasingly more difficult. Annie knows she needs to turn the reins over to God, but surrender has never come easily.
When Dylan reveals his feelings for her, Annie doesn’t know what to trust—her head or her heart. The trouble with this cowboy is that he might just be exactly what she needs.
Meet Denise:
Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Find out more about Denise at http://www.denisehunterbooks.com/.
Denise Hunter’s “The Trouble with Cowboys” Facebook Party & Kindle Fire Giveaway
To celebrate the release of The Trouble with Cowboys Denise is hosting a fun Author Chat Party on Facebook. She'll connect with readers and give away some amazing prizes - including a Kindle Fire! Save the Date for October 11th!
Grab your copy of Denise Hunter’s latest book and join her for an Author Chat Party on October 11th at 8:00 PM EST (that’s 7:00 Central, 6:00 MST, & 5:00 PST)! Haven’t read The Trouble with Cowboys yet? That’s okay, don’t let that stop you from coming to the party! (You may win a copy!)
During the evening she’ll be sharing the story behind the book, posting discussion questions, testing your trivia skills, and of course, there will be plenty of chatting and fun giveaways – books, gift certificates and – a Kindle Fire! She’ll also be giving you a sneak peek of her next book too!
RSVP today and then come back on the 11th … and bring your friends!
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October 4, 2012
Elephants and donkeys oh my!
Did you watch the Presidential debate last night?
I caught snippets and that was enough for me.
I already know who I'm voting for, but for this once, feel
Free to leave your opinion here if you wish! Just be courteous :)
How do you think it will play out?
What do you hope happens?
What do you feel about the "pick the lesser evil"
campaign going around?
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I caught snippets and that was enough for me.
I already know who I'm voting for, but for this once, feel
Free to leave your opinion here if you wish! Just be courteous :)
How do you think it will play out?
What do you hope happens?
What do you feel about the "pick the lesser evil"
campaign going around?
Christian Women Online
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