Naty Matos's Blog, page 37

Imperfect Justice: A Review

Imperfect Justice: Prosecuting Casey Anthony by Jeff Ashton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I know this is not a Christian or an Inspirational Book, but I wanted to read it. Probably just like the author I want to finally get my thoughts off my chest about this case so that I can finally close the door and move on.

I was very interested in this book because, like most of the nation, I was following the case. Yes, it’s true, the book doesn’t have any new bombshell information, but I understood the outcome a little bit better after reading it.

The same errors in the prosecution that Jeff Ashton noticed, I saw them during the trial. But just like him, I hoped that the jury could see beyond those and look at the big picture.

Although I had followed some of the case before the trial, on the actual day the trial began I gave myself an opportunity to be unbiased and listen to the evidence. I was dumbfounded by the results. I was also surprised about the fast turnaround that the jury took into making this decision. I remember thinking, I know there’s one of the jurors who is scheduled to go on a cruise in the next few days, which means they are not going to want to be there for a penalty phase. At the same time I hoped that things would work themselves out in a different manner.

team caylee (Photo credit: lil_toad)

When reading this book I once again put aside my feelings and gave myself the chance to read it. There’s so much unknown and that we will never know about this case, but this book gave me some sense of closure.

Coincidentally the movie based on this book aired on lifetime on the day I was reading the last chapter of this book. I didn’t like the movie at all. It doesn’t do any justice to the real events or even this book. I love watching movies about real life events and if I hadn’t had the background of the trial and the book I would have not understood the movie, which tells me that someone watching the movie 10 years from now it’s not going to understand the process. There was lack of passion in the acting and we saw a lot of passion in the real life. It was disappointing.

Back to the book, it is informative and it did fill some of the story’s gaps for me. Just like Jeff Ashton said at the end of this book, it’s time to move on. It’s time to use our energy for more positive things and to take care of those children who are still with us.

We all will have to answer to a higher power on our judgement day. Let’s make sure that resentment, hatred, and unforgiveness in our hearts are not part of those things we will have to answer for.

Until next time, be blessed.

“This book certainly held my interest straight through to the very emotional ending. ”Mary Anne Benedetto

“With the ever-constant presence of her closest friend, Aimee, Desiree slowly makes her way to God and learns the greatness of His power and love. ”Cynthia

“A very engaging story about faith, love, and friendship, and the trials and tribulations that life can bring you. ”Jersey Gina

From Professional Hockey Player to Published Novelist

As some of you know I like crime shows and novels, so this week I’m going to indulge a little and share with you some crime books. I had the opportunity to meet Novelist Luke Murphy and here he is with us to share his work.

~~~

It can almost be said with certainty that I didn’t follow the path of the average writer. As a child, I never dreamed of writing a best-seller, never aspired to write the next classic novel, I wanted to be an NHL superstar…period.

I was born in a small rural community in Western Quebec. Like every boy growing up in Canada, I aspired to be an NHL superstar.

With the death of my mother in 1992, losing a battle to cancer she had fought so hard against for years, I sensed it was time to get serious about reaching my dreams, and moved away to pursue hockey.

From 1992-1995, while playing for the Pembroke Lumber Kings in the Central Junior Hockey League, I noticed a shift in the game of hockey and realized that the odds of making it to the NHL were unfavorable for a kid who stood 5’9’’ and weighed 160 pounds. So, my goals shifted. I accepted a hockey scholarship to Rochester Institute of Technology. If I couldn’t make a living playing hockey, at least I could achieve an education and open doors for my future.

After four rewarding years at College, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, I wasn’t ready to give up on the game I love. I’d been told my whole life that I was too small, not a good enough skater, and I didn’t have what it took to make it.

The summer after graduation, I received an invitation to the Florida Panthers Rookie Camp – I wasn’t about to let this opportunity slip away. I trained hard during the summer, on and off the ice, and showed up for camp in the best shape of my life. I had a successful camp, scoring the game winning goal against the Ottawa Senators (I still talk about that goal with my buddies and after a couple of drinks, it becomes an end-to-end rush with a top-shelf finish)

Unfortunately, I broke my hand in an awkward hit in my fourth exhibition game that ended my camp, but my hard work paid off. The Panthers offered me a Minor League contract, $500 a week to play the game I love. I spent six years in the minors (ECHL, UHL, CHL, etc.), and retired in 2006 with no regrets.

From a family of avid readers, even as a child, I always had a passion for books. Whether it was reading novels on road trips or writing assignments in school, literature was always part of my life.

In the winter of 2000, after sustaining a season ending eye injury while playing in Oklahoma City, I found myself with a lot of time on my hands, and a new hobby emerged.

Some of my favorite authors are Greg Iles, Michael Connelly and Harlan Coben. I love suspense-thriller books, movies and everything about the genres.

One day, with an idea in mind, I sat down in front of a computer and began writing. I wrote a little every day, around my intense rehabilitation schedule and before I knew it, I had completed my first manuscript.

I didn’t write with the intention of being published. I wrote for the love of writing, as a hobby. Ever the perfectionist, I didn’t see my novel at the level to compete with best-selling authors across the country. I continued to hobby write through the years, honing my craft, making time between work (hockey) and family obligations.

Then I made a decision – I enjoyed writing so much, I decided I wanted to take my interest one step further – write a story with the intention of being published and making it available for friends, family, and readers around the world to enjoy. I realized that I wanted to be like my favorite authors – entertain readers and allow them, like when I read, to escape reality and for a moment be in another place and time.

I’ve never been one to take things lightly or jump in half way. I took a full year off from writing to study the craft. I constantly read, from novels in my favorite genres to books written by experts in the writing field. I continually researched on the internet, reading up on the industry and process. I attended writing conferences, made friends (published and unpublished authors), bombarding them with questions, learning what it took to become successful.

This was when my experience in hockey really paid off. My competitive edge kept me going. Breaking into the publishing industry was a lot like competing in the world of hockey – many candidates vying for very few spots. It takes hard work, patience, and persistence.

Feeling that I was finally prepared, in the winter of 2007, with an idea in mind and an outline on paper, I started to write DEAD MAN`S HAND. It took me two years (working around full time jobs) to complete the first draft of my novel.

I then worked with editors and joined a critique group, doing anything I could to learn, to improve my writing and my novel to point where I could create the best possible novel.

I sent out hundreds of query letters to agents. After six months of rejections, I pulled my manuscript back and worked on it again. Then in my next round of proposals, I was offered representation by Ms. Jennifer Lyons of the Jennifer Lyons Literary Agency.

After months of work with Jennifer, and more rejections from publishers, my dream was finally realized in April, 2012, when I signed a publishing contract with Imajin Books (Edmonton, Alberta).

My one piece of advice for all aspiring hockey players and writers…you need to be persistent, patient and thick-skinned. You’ll get a lot of “no’s” along the way and people trying to bring you down. But remember, it only takes one “yes”. Stick with it. Anything is possible.

What happens when the deck is stacked against you…

From NFL rising-star prospect to wanted fugitive, Calvin Watters is a sadistic African-American Las Vegas debt-collector framed by a murderer who, like the Vegas Police, finds him to be the perfect fall-guy.

…and the cards don’t fall your way?

When the brutal slaying of a prominent casino owner is followed by the murder of a well-known bookie, Detective Dale Dayton is thrown into the middle of a highly political case and leads the largest homicide investigation in Vegas in the last twelve years.

What if you’re dealt a Dead Man’s Hand?

Against his superiors and better judgment, Dayton is willing to give Calvin one last chance. To redeem himself, Calvin must prove his innocence by finding the real killer, while avoiding the LVMPD, as well as protect the woman he loves from a professional assassin hired to silence them.

“Dead Man’s Hand is a pleasure, a debut novel that doesn’t read like one, but still presents original characters and a fresh new voice.” Thomas Perry, New York Times bestselling author of Poison Flower

“You may want to give it the whole night, just to see how it turns out.”—William Martin, New York Times bestselling author of The Lincoln Letter

http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-ebook/dp/B009OUT2ME

Luke Murphy lives in Shawville, Quebec with his wife, two daughters and pug.

He played six years of professional hockey before retiring in 2006. Since then, he’s held a number of jobs, from sports columnist to radio journalist, before earning his Bachelor of Education degree (Magna Cum Laude).

Murphy`s debut novel, Dead Man`s Hand, was released by Imajin Books on October 20, 2012.

For more information on Luke and his books, visit: www.authorlukemurphy.com, ‘like’ his Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Luke-Murphy/268343729930467 and follow him on Twitter www.twitter.com/#!/AuthorLMurphy

Letter to the Unknown Author

By Karen Baney

Dear Unknown Author,

I know the blood, sweat, and tears you’ve poured into your book. The late nights. The early mornings. The crazy moments when the idea for your next chapter hits you and you can hardly wait to get time to sit down and pour it all out.

It’s your masterpiece, your joy. You wrote it with purpose and determination.

The happiest day of your life, next to your wedding day and the birth of your kids, was the birth of your book. Oh how you shouted for joy when you first saw your name on the cover of your book! Then when it became available in bookstores online or brick and mortar, you could hardly contain your excitement. Your baby, your masterpiece was finally out there in the world.

Then the excitement faded. Week after week you wondered if anyone would buy your book. Weeks turned to months. Months to years. The next book you wrote was with a little less enthusiasm—containing an underlying fear that maybe you aren’t really cut out for this whole writing thing.

I know what you’re saying. Reader, how can you know me so well? Where have you been? Did you read my book?

I would love to read it. I’m sure it is really good. I would love to go on the journey you so cleverly crafted with painstaking details.

Just one problem, dear unknown author: You are unknown to me.

You see, I only have a few minutes of time between picking up the kids from soccer and getting dinner on the stove—maybe we’ll just stop for fast food tonight—that it’s hard for me to take the time to find you. I have a blog that I read once every few weeks, and you’re not there. When I browse through my favorite genre, you’re not there. When I talk to friends, they haven’t heard of you either. You don’t show up in my Twitter stream.

I do like trying new authors, I really do. But with 18,000 other religious fiction authors vying for my attention, what have you done to get mine?

Maybe someday I’ll hear about you from a friend. Maybe my book club will bring you to my attention. Until then, you will remain an unknown author to me.

Blessings,

Busy Reader

What are you doing to stand out among the 18,000? Is your publish-it-and-they-will come strategy getting you nowhere? If so, unknown author, it’s time to stand out. It’s time to learn about marketing. Get out there. Be bold. Be seen. Be a name and not a number.

Best-selling self-published author, Karen Baney, enjoys sharing information to help authors learn about the Business of Writing.  She holds a Masters of Business Administration from Arizona State University and has worked in various business related career fields for the past 20 years.  She writes Christian Historical Fiction and Contemporary Romance novels.  To learn more about her novels visit her website: karenbaney.com . Authors can find tips and information on self-publishing and marketing at: www.myauthorservices.com .

Karen and her husband, Jim, also run several online businesses.  They make their home in Gilbert, AZ, with their two dogs.

Connect with Karen on Twitter , Facebook , and Google+ .

Not sure how to start marketing your book? Check out Karen’s new book just for authors: 10 Keys to Ebook Marketing Success. Now available on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Keys-Ebook-Marketing-Success-ebook/dp/B00B2YUQ16

For great marketing and self-publishing advice, visit MyAuthorServices.com.

Psalm 19 Part 4

For the past few days we are conducting a study of Psalm 19. Is this your first day finding us? No worries. Here are Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3. Well wait for you.

All caught up? Let’s move on… Today we are looking at the following verses:

Psalm 19:9-11

God’s reputation is twenty-four-carat gold,

   with a lifetime guarantee.

The decisions of God are accurate

   down to the nth degree.

God’s Word is better than a diamond,

   better than a diamond set between emeralds.

You’ll like it better than strawberries in spring,

   better than red, ripe strawberries.

There’s more: God’s Word warns us of danger

   and directs us to hidden treasure.

Otherwise how will we find our way?

   Or know when we play the fool?

Once I turned my life to Christ the Word of God became vital to me. Just as vital as oxygen and food. I had come to the realization that I didn’t know how to do life. If I knew how to do life I would have done it right all along. The bible is more than a book of stories and tales, it’s the instruction manual of how to live and also the live Word of God and one of the ways he communicates with us.

[image error]As a woman who loves jewelry and food, it gives me a deeper understanding of what this means.  I once went to an Indian jewelry store and saw something I had never seen. It was 18 and 24 carat gold. As much as I love jewelry it was way too much for me. The color was so intense that it was almost blinding. I spoke with an Indian friend who told me that 24 carat gold is the purest form of gold. Then there are the diamonds, my best friends. I love sparkly things. And it is true, the Word of God is the purest of words and also worth more than any precious jewel. None of my pieces of jewelry have had an impact in my life any closer than the smallest experience closer to God.

Remember to return for the last part of this study. Until then, be blessed

Note: Remember, I encourage you to follow the You Version challenge. If you follow our Bible studies as well and enter a comment in any of our blogs until February 2nd your name will be place in a hat to win a copy of my devotional “Growth Lessons”. I will announce the winner on February 4th 2013. Let’s enjoy this journey of learning the Word of God together.

In Growth Lessons, I was reminded of this beautiful truth: Our walk with the Lord is a process of growing up into the image of Christ. P. Yates

I would recommend this book for anyone who would like some common sense and light added to their life. C. Cunningham

Great for meditations and daily devotions. N. Thames

Psalm 19 Part 3

We continue the study of Psalm 19. If you missed our 2 previous post Click here for the first one. And Here for the second one. Go catch up, no worries, we’ll wait for you.

Today I’m very excited about the verses we are going to look at. Let’ see which ones they are

Psalm 19:7-8

The revelation of God is whole

   and pulls our lives together.

The signposts of God are clear

   and point out the right road.

The life-maps of God are right,

   showing the way to joy.

The directions of God are plain

   and easy on the eyes.

I have been blessed to have a notion of God all my life, but following him was a different process. At some point in my younger years I thought I knew how life should be lived, how things worked. If you have lived a little longer than me you probably know what the outcome was. I got lost, running into many dead ends and in lots of trouble.

When I finally became a born again Christian I discovered that there was a way to become whole and it was the revelation of God. That I was able to get myself together. That his Word always points us in the right direction and that every time something doesn’t feel right I have to evaluate what I think are the two possibilities: Is this a lesson? or Did I make a wrong turn?

Most of you have read my GPS stories and how stubborn I am to follow it’s directions when I think I know better. I can’t deny that sometimes that is true in my journey with God. But just like my GPS has to prove to me over and over than I’m wrong, God just sits back and I have to realize that he DOES know better than I do, which has helped me trust more in him, his Word and his direction. Hey grandma was right, “ A hard head makes a soft behind.”

We have more to learn, until then be blessed.

Note: Remember, I encourage you to follow the You Version challenge. If you follow our Bible studies as well and enter a comment in any of our blogs until February 2nd your name will be place in a hat to win a copy of my devotional “Growth Lessons”. I will announce the winner on February 4th 2013. Let’s enjoy this journey of learning the Word of God together.

In Growth Lessons, I was reminded of this beautiful truth: Our walk with the Lord is a process of growing up into the image of Christ. P. Yates

I would recommend this book for anyone who would like some common sense and light added to their life. C. Cunningham

Great for meditations and daily devotions. N. Thames

Psalm 119: Thy Word is a Lamp unto My Feet

So as we are reviewing Psalm 119, I found out that my good friend Debra Hutto Bateman has a book written on the subject. We will continue with our verse study next week, but I know you will be interested in this deep study of this wonderful verse. Enjoy!

Excerpt from Psalm 119: Thy Word is a Lamp unto My Feet

By: Deborah H. Bateman

Teach Me, O LORD

Lesson 5

Psalm 119:33-40

This portion of Scripture in Psalm 119 starts with the Hebrew letter HE. HE is the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet and represents the letter 5 or can be 5000 when speaking of years. The Psalmist cries out to God to teach him the statutes of the LORD. He asks God to give him understanding and he promises to keep God’s law and observe it with his whole heart. The Psalmist asks God to help his heart to be inclined toward God’s testimonies and not toward covetousness. He asks God to help him to walk in the path of God’s commandments, because he delights in the laws of God. He prays to God to turn his eyes from vanity and help him to walk in

the ways of God. The Psalmist fears the judgment of God. His desire is to be rooted and grounded in the word of God, so he can live righteously before God.

Daily Bible Scripture: Psalm 119:33-40

33 HE. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.

34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.

36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.

37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.

38 Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.

39 Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.

40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.

Things to Think About :

Have you ever prayed and asked God to teach you His word?
How can we protect our eyes from seeing evil?
How can we protect our ears from hearing things not pleasing to God?
Do you long to be righteous before God?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in Psalm 119 where the Psalmist asks You to teach him Your ways. LORD, help us to understand Your word. Open our hearts, minds, eyes, and ears to see, hear, and understand Your will for our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/He_%28le...

Bio for Deborah H. Bateman

Deborah H. Bateman is a Christian author, publisher, blogger, and website designer. She is the founder of Christian Daily Resources a Christian online ministry, dedicated to “Sharing God’s Word.” She enjoys studying the Bible and sharing it with others. She wrote this book to share with you the importance of hiding God’s Word in your heart. You can connect with Deborah on her author blog at http://DeborahHBateman.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeborahHBateman

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DebBat

If you want to get your copy of this book click on the link below or the book cover at the top.

Psalm 119: Thy Word is a Lamp unto My Feet (Daily-Bible-Reading Series)

Psalm 19 Part 2

We are going over Psalm 19. I’m not a preacher, a theologian and aside from going to church, my only official bible classes were two semesters in college. I don’ t claim to have a deep understanding of the scriptures, but this one had a great impact on me when I read it the other day and I wanted to share with you what I saw in it. If you missed the first 4 verses check them out here.

Psalm 19: 4b-6

God makes a huge dome

for the sun—a superdome!

The morning sun’s a new husband

leaping from his honeymoon bed,

The day breaking sun an athlete

racing to the tape.

That’s how God’s Word vaults across the skies

from sunrise to sunset,

Melting ice, scorching deserts,

warming hearts to faith.

The imagery of a dome gives me a sense of covering. In the crazy world that we live in, I need to feel the safety and the protection of my Lord. It is what gives me the strength every morning to do what I’m called to do, the knowledge that I’m under his covering.

I love how this verse talks about the athlete and the newlywed husband. To me it shows God’s love and eagerness to be with us, to wake us each morning to see his creation in action. When I read this I thought, How sad would it be if the Lord wakes up with all this expectations of the things he has planned for me to do today and then I work on my selfishness instead of his plan. I think that’s the other reason why my morning prayers have become so important, because I can surrender my agenda to grab his agenda.

The other day I was listening to the radio and the announcer said, “ If you want to make God laugh, just tell him your plans” It left me thinking, yes I would make him laugh because my plans are usually nonsense compared to his.

Food for thought

Until our next time, be blessed

Note: Remember, I encourage you to follow the You Version challenge. If you follow our Bible studies as well and enter a comment in any of our blogs until February 2nd your name will be place in a hat to win a copy of my devotional “Growth Lessons”. I will announce the winner on February 4th 2013. Let’s enjoy this journey of learning the Word of God together.

 

In Growth Lessons, I was reminded of this beautiful truth: Our walk with the Lord is a process of growing up into the image of Christ. P. Yates

I would recommend this book for anyone who would like some common sense and light added to their life. C. Cunningham

Great for meditations and daily devotions. N. Thames

Studying the Bible: Psalm 19

I’ve lived in Atlanta for a little over 10 years, so I’ve adopted the Braves, the Hawks and the Falcons as my home teams. The Falcons lost yesterday *sad face*. Now it’s time to dust off and move to more important things.

You Version has came up with a challenge to help motivate people read the bible on a more consistent basis. Since God’s plan is one and only one, He had [image error]been prompting me to do a series of bible studies in the next few weeks. Coincidence, I don’t think so. So the first scripture we will be reviewing is Psalm 19. It’s a long psalm so for the next few postings we will be talking about this Scripture and how it has impacted me. Hopefully the Lord will speak to your heart as well.

Psalm 19:1-4

God’s glory is on tour in the skies,

God-craft on exhibit across the horizon.

Madame Day holds classes every morning,

Professor Night lectures each evening.

Their words aren’t heard,

their voices aren’t recorded,

But their silence fills the earth:

unspoken truth is spoken everywhere.

I am a night person. That has been my excuse to not get up in the morning and spend time with the Lord as soon as I wake up. After I learned the principle of first (meaning that in all we have to place God first), and after my pastor made the comment in church, “ Stop saying that you are not a morning person. If you have a job and get up in the morning to go to work, guess what you are a morning person”; I ran out of excuses. I had to give God my first hours of the day.

It was hard at the beginning getting up earlier than usual to make sure that I could have that time with the Lord. Now that I’ve learned the benefits of it, I wouldn’t have it any other way. During my times with God I get prepared for the day I’m about to face. During my evening times I can relinquish all the events of the day and learn how to manage things better the next day. Just like the scripture says, “classes every morning and lectures each evening” But for that I have to allow my time of silence because God speaks in a still voice and does not compete with the loud noises of the world.

Until our next time, be blessed.

Note: I encourage you to follow the You Version challenge. The challenge is to read the bible for 21 days in a row and enter into a giveaway. I provided the link for you to check it out.

Now, you can never read enough of the Word of God, but if you follow our study as well and enter a comment in any of our blogs starting today until February 2nd your name will be place in a hat to win a copy of my devotional “Growth Lessons”. I will announce the winner on February 4th 2013. Let’s enjoy this journey of learning the Word of God together.

In Growth Lessons, I was reminded of this beautiful truth: Our walk with the Lord is a process of growing up into the image of Christ. P. Yates

I would recommend this book for anyone who would like some common sense and light added to their life. C. Cunningham

Great for meditations and daily devotions. N. Thames

WF: This Is The Stuff

One of the things I enjoy the most about my “Christian Lifestyle” is the fact that I am able to worship. The ability to connect my spirit to God is quite an experience.

I’m not superstitious, but I do think that the Lord alerts me of things to come. When I’m having some quiet time with the Lord I stumble into scriptures that prepare me for things that happened.

This week I read a scripture that gave me the heads up that it was going to be a challenging week. It proved to be every bit true. “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36)

Have you ever had one of those weeks where as things happened you kept hearing a song inside your head that kept you collected. One of those weeks where you had to repeat the Serenity Prayer even in your sleep; especially that part that says “taking as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it”.

If you have had this kind of a week, join me in praising the Lord with this song. It’s Friday, we survived, we made it. Let’s Praise the Lord for that.

WF: Worship Friday

“This book certainly held my interest straight through to the very emotional ending. ”Mary Anne Benedetto

“With the ever-constant presence of her closest friend, Aimee, Desiree slowly makes her way to God and learns the greatness of His power and love. ”Cynthia

“A very engaging story about faith, love, and friendship, and the trials and tribulations that life can bring you. ”Jersey Gina

Becoming the church

The beginning of a year is a good time for reflection and planning for the future. 2012 was a hard year and we saw in many ways how the church was either an important part or absent in those events that we experienced.

So in a society that is visibly degrading progressively, we as believers have to ask ourselves where is the church. On my last post I talked a little about who the church is and the importance that the church has for Jesus Christ. He is the one we say we follow and worship. But the bottom line is that WE are the church. The church is not a building or even an institution. Every time one of us makes the decision to follow Christ we become the church.

The word “church” as rendered in the New Testament comes from the Greek term ekklesia which is formed from two Greek words meaning “an assembly” and “to call out” or “called out ones.” In summary, the New Testament church is a body of believers who have been called out from the world by God to live as his people under the authority of Jesus Christ.

So when we ask where the church in the tragedies, the sadness and the scandals was the question really is, where was I? How did I contribute to this situation? Was I an element of healing or part of the problem?

You may wonder, what is it required from us. To love others as we love ourselves.

Don’t know where to start. I’ll give you a good starting point.

Follow Matthew 25:34-40

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Until then, be blessed

“This book certainly held my interest straight through to the very emotional ending. ”Mary Anne Benedetto

“With the ever-constant presence of her closest friend, Aimee, Desiree slowly makes her way to God and learns the greatness of His power and love. ”Cynthia

“A very engaging story about faith, love, and friendship, and the trials and tribulations that life can bring you. ”Jersey Gina