Delight yourself in the Lord

How often do you use the word "delight"?  It's kind of a fun word to me.  The word itself sounds free, light, and enjoyable when you say it!  It actually means to have or take great pleasure in something.  What delights you?  What do you delight in?

A couple of years ago I found myself going through an unexpected and difficult time. "Delight" was far from what I was experiencing, and yet the theme of "delight" kept popping up in the Scriptures I read, sermons I heard, and even in a Christmas gift I received from my sister-in-law.  She gave me a wooden plaque with the simple word "Delight" on it along with a verse from Zephaniah.  Tears welled up in my eyes when I opened it, and I had to explain to her that I really DID love her gift!  She had no idea what I had been dealing with God about that year, but God did.  Her gift to me was just one more confirmation from God that HE delights in me and wants me to delight in Him, even in the hard times.

When I had the opportunity to receive a beautiful tote from DaySpring, the "Delight Yourself in the Lord" tote jumped out to me.  Once again, it was a reminder of God's desire for me to delight in Him -- to take great pleasure in Him.  The Scripture on the tote, Psam 37:4 says:  "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."  At first that may seem like a "blank" check!  But what I have come to understand is that when we truly take great pleasure in the Lord, the desires of our heart change.  It is then that the Lord is free to give us the desires of our heart, because our desires line up with His.

The tote is a beautiful white oil-cloth (leather-like) bag with a floral print and the verse, Psalm 37:4, printed on both sides.  The sides and bottom are an elegant black and white checkered design that just adds another dimension to the bag.  I like the long black handles too.  It makes carrying the tote on your shoulder very comfortable. 

Inside is a bright and "happy" pink lining.  There is a zippered pocket on one side, and a couple other organization pockets on the other side for your cell phone and other smaller things you may need quicker access to.  The tote is held closed by a magnetic closure which seems to hold securely. I think would be a wonderful travel bag for any trip or outing. It would also be great if you have children and need to have a handy tote for their books, extra set of clothes, and toys. The uses are limitless!  It's not only attractive and useful, but can serve as a way to share God's Word!

I also received a second tote to share with someone.  It is made out of jute (similar to burlap), and it has Phillippians 4:8 as it's theme. It lists those things that we should think about -- things that are true, noble, right pure lovely admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.  I'm thinking about giving this one to my daughter who is a school teacher.  It would be a wonderful way for her to carry her lesson plans, and supplies, and school things, back and forth from the classroom.  It could also serve as a reminder to her, that in times when she feels stressed or overwhelmed, the Lord desires for her "think and dwell" on these things instead.

 

  If you are in need of a tote for yourself or for a gift, now would be a great time to get one.  DaySpring is having a great Buy 2 Get 1 Free sale.  This includes both regular price and clearance totes.  You can find them by clicking here.  While at DaySpring.com, why not check out the other wonderful things they have to offer!


Disclosure:  I received these totes from DaySpring in exchange for my honest review.

The Christian Writer's Market Guide 2012 -- by Jerry B. Jenkins

Have you every dreamed about having your Chrisitan writings published, but didn't know how to go about doing that?  The Christian Writer's Market Guide is a resource that will help you do just that. The book is divided into four parts which list book publishers, periodical publishers, specialty markets (poetry, greeting cards, photography, music, short stories and more), and helps for writers.  As you search the lists of publishers you can find exactly which types of work they usually publish, thus narrowing down potential companies to send your book, article, etc. to give you better chances in having your work published.

Information about the publishers vary, but generally, most publishers list their physical address, email address, website if they have one, how many submissions they usually accept annually, the percentage of first time authors they publish, the subjects/types of books or articles they publish, the amount of royalites or advances they provide, how to submit your work, and much more.

The last part, "Helps for Writers," includes Christian Writers' Conferences and Workshops and Editorial Services both listed by state.  It also includes information about Christian Literary Agents that you can get in touch with if a publisher you desire to use requires an agent.  There are also a list of writing contests that you may want to enter!

Overall this book seems like a wonderful and comprehensive resource to get you well on your way to being published.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for my personal review.

Nearing Home by Billy Graham

When you hear the name, Billy Graham, it’s hard not to envision the evangelist, in a huge stadium, calling others to give their lives to Jesus, but in his newest book, Nearing Home, I caught a glimpse of the personal side of him. At the writing of this book, he was about to turn 93 years old and in each page, I could sense the wisdom of the aged and a gentle spirit of a godly man.

Nearing Home is an honest look at aging. Dr. Graham shares the difficulties that are a part of growing older like the loss of strength and the inability to do what you used to be able to do, illness, death of loved ones, ect., but he also encourages his readers to live these remaining years to their fullest. He points out what is truly important in life, and how, even as we get older, we can still influence those around us. He gives practical advice on preparing for this stage in life, including how we should prepare financially, personally, and spiritually, so it won’t take us by surprise.

In the introduction he begins by saying, “Whoever first said it was right: old age is not for sissies”. And as I read his book, I can honestly say, Billy Graham is no sissie! He has lived his life well, and as he nears the time that he will go “home,” God continues to use him to be an encouragement to others through the words of this inspirational book.

I would highly recommend this book to men and women of any age. The older person can identify with much of what he shares, and the younger person can prepare himself for this stage of life by gleening wisdom from this man of faith. Though conversations about aging and death are often avoided, Nearing Home is a book that addresses these issues with courage, grace, and hope.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo

Heaven is for Real is the story of  Colton Burpo's "visit to heaven" during an emergency appendectomy when he was about 4 years old. Todd Burpo, his father, who was pastoring a church in Imperial, Nebraska slowly discovered Colton's story through casual conversations that revealed information that a boy his age wouldn't naturally have known. The process took place over a couple of years and as they shared parts of Colton's story with friends, family, and churches, they were encouraged to write a book about it.

I found Colton's story fascinating. We often talk about heaven and believe we will go there after we die if we have trusted in Jesus as our Savior, but if we are honest, not many of us can say with certainty what it will be like. Scripture speaks about heaven, but sometimes even Scripture can seem veiled.  There is no way to know for sure if Colton actually visited heaven, but his account made me hope that his experience was fairly accurate. His description of Jesus and His love for children made me smile.

The Deluxe Edition, which I received to review, also contains a center section with color picutures of Colton and his family. It was nice to be able to put a face to the names mentioned in the book.  Also included in this edition was a series of questions at the end of the book in a section titled, "Reflecting on Heaven," which could stimulate further thoughts about heaven.

Overall, I found this book to be an interesting and fairly quick read.  It definitely makes you think about heaven in a more personal way.  I personally believe heaven is real and only time will tell if Colton's description of heaven is accurate!

I received a complementary copy of this book through the BookSneeze blogger program in exchange for my unbiased review.

We Shall See God – Charles Spurgeon’s classic devotional thoughts on Heaven

Charles Haddon Spurgeon, born in England in 1834, is considered to be one of the greatest preachers of his time and his name continues to be recognized today. We Shall See God is a 50 day devotional book that incorporates Charles Spurgeon’s sermons on heaven with Randy Alcorn’s personal thoughts and commentary. Because Spurgeon’s sermons were typically very long and at times difficult to read because of paragraph structure and language used from that period of time which no longer is  understood with the same meaning today, Alcorn edited the sermons to be more “readable” to a contemporary audience.  These excerpts were not altered in “content,” just made easier to read and understand. Following the portion of Spurgeon’s sermon for the day, referenced by the sermon title and number, date, and where or for what occasion it was originally delivered, Randy Alcorn then gives his commentary and thoughts on the issues addressed by Spurgeon.

This is not a casual devotional with a simple verse and thought for the day.  To me, they were more theologically deep and thoughtful. It is not what I consider an “easy read.”  I found Spurgeon’s portion a little more difficult to read than Alcorn’s commentary, but perhaps that is to be expected since Spurgeon’s were delivered as a sermon while Alcorn’s thoughts written in more of a devotional way.  One thing is certain though, the truths that Spurgeon speaks about continue to be as relevant to today’s world, as they were in his time.

If you love Charles Spurgeon, or desire to read about what the Scripture says about heaven, then you will find this book helpful and beneficial.  We have the hope of heaven after we die, and this book reminds us of that fact as we make our journey through this sometimes difficult life.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers blogger review program in exchange for an honest review.

Thank You, God, For Blessing Me

Thank you, God, For Blessing Me, is a wonderful little book that is part of Max Lucado’s “Hermie the Catepillar” series that will encourage your child to recognize and be thankful for both the big and little things God gives us each day.  In a simple prayer, Hermie expresses his appreciation for all the blessings he has received, for daily provisions, relationships, and His creation. It's also great that Lucado includes the idea that being kind and obeying are special ways to say thank you to God. In a world that teaches entitlement and greed is good, this little book can reinforce the biblical concept that every good and perfect gift comes from our Heavenly Father and for these blessings we should give thanks!

The book, written in rhyme, is easy to follow and the illustrations capture the essence of the story perfectly.  You see Hermie praying and the things he prays for are things that the child can relate to.  It is colorful and the perfect size to take along with you when traveling.  Since it is a board book, it is sturdy enough for a young child to “read” on his own.  I would definitely recommend this book for the preschool child.  Perhaps it can even lead into a conversation between parent and child about specific things he or she is thankful for.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own..

Night Night Blessings by Amy Parker

In today's world, one thing that is lacking is gratitude. We take for granted all that God has provided for us. Night Night Blessings, by Amy Parker, helps a child to recognize God's blessings in the big and little things that are a part of  his every day experiences.  From the time the child in the book opens her eyes in the morning, until she closes them again at night, she expresses thanks to God for everything from syrupy pancakes to twinkly stars at night along with everything in between like friends, pets, toys, family, bubble baths, and bedtime routines. All these blessings let the child know, as the last page states, that God is watching from above. I think it is a sweet book that can encourage a child to recognize God's blessings throughout his or her day. This book, at the end of the day, could provide an opportunity for parents to ask their child what things they are thankful for.

The book itself is a slightly padded board book that is colorful yet subdued. The illustrations, by Marijan Ramljak, have a "soft" almost water colored appearance. The book seems sturdy which would allow a child to "read" this book on his own without fear of tearing pages. The story is written in rhyme which children seem to enjoy.

I look forward to reading it to my own grandchildren the next time they are over. Because it is a board book, I would recommend it for preschoolers. As a bedtime book, it certainly could lead into a bedtime prayer to thank God for the many blessings in that day and maybe begin a new habit of recognizing God's blessings and thanking Him for them all through the day.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.