Excellent Children's Book on Creation

I don't often have the opportunity to post a children's book on my blog, but author Janice Green has graciously sent me a copy of her recent release, The Creation. It's beautiful! If you have a little one (or two or three) in your life, you need this book.



In The Creation, children's author and illustrator Janice Green presents the day-by-day Genesis account with delightful word pictures and colorful hand-appliqued quilt illustrations. Questions included on each page encourage dialog between children and their caregivers. Through one-on-one snuggle time, children gain interest in the Bible, as caregivers embrace the opportunity to share their faith. You can order it at most online venues, including the following: http://honeycombadventures.com/.

Another Caring Book from Cec Murphey

Beloved curmudgeon, accomplished author/speaker, and dear friend Cec Murphey has released ANOTHER book to bless and encourage us. This time our mutual friend Twila Belk is co-author, so I'm twice as excited! If you or anyone you know is now, has ever been, or may ever be a caregiver, you need this book! Here's what the publisher has to say:

Beloved authors Cecil Murphey and Twila Belk know that caring for an ill or elderly loved one can be very difficult—and yet inspires a deep sense of love and peace of mind. Beautifully written and laced with stunning photos by nature photographer Betty Fletcher, this book is full of gentle wisdom and personal stories that help the caregiver with such matters as
feeling guilty for doing too much, too little, or nothing at all
answering other people’s well-meaning but insensitive questions
watching a dearly loved one suffer through difficult days
Because You Care is a breath of fresh air for those who are in a long-term care arrangement. Here they find practical help, sweet encouragement, and holy inspiration.

Get your copy here: http://www.christianbook.com/because-care-spiritual-encouragement-for-caregivers/cecil-murphy/9780736943284/pd/943284?product_redirect=1&Ntt=943284&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP#curr

Let God Part the Waters

The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent (Exodus 14:14, NASB).

Is there any better example anywhere of God fighting for His people than in Exodus, where He used Moses to lead the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt? The story of God’s deliverance involves plagues, death of firstborns, and the parting of a great body of water. God’s people escaped on dry land, while others drowned when the waters of the Red Sea returned to their original place. Quite a dramatic and epic event!

I suppose the one thing that stands out to me most in this story is the statement above, that the Lord will fight for his people when they keep silent. Anyone else find that the toughest thing to do at times? Seriously, once we’ve sought (and received) God’s clear direction on something, why do we find it so difficult to keep silent as we watch His plan unfold? Is it because He most often chooses to do things differently than we think He should? Do we feel compelled to question Him, and even try to correct Him, when we grow uncomfortable with the way things are going?

I can only imagine how the Israelites felt when they realized they were trapped between the fire-breathing Egyptians and a huge body of water. Now what? Where do we go now? Did You really mean to bring us here, Lord? Couldn’t You at least provide a few boats so we can get across to the other side before our former captives annihilate us?

God calls us to prayer and obedience, not whining and second-guessing. I know that, but I confess on many occasions to giving in to the latter rather than sticking with the former. And then I wonder why God doesn’t step in and work things out as I think He should.

Is it possible He’s simply waiting for me to “keep silent” before Him, to trust that He will fulfill His purposes—in His way and in His time, for His glory? If you, like me, struggle with trusting God, particularly in the face of fears and uncertainties, perhaps it’s time we all practiced keeping silent a bit more—and watching to see how God will part the waters in front of us.

What Does the Bible Say about Walking in His Steps?

Everyone thought someone else was doing what needed to be done to help the poor and needy, but people were slipping through the cracks. A mother and her children are overlooked, and the children pay the price.

Ten years in the making and reflective of much of the author's 17 years as a Southern Baptist Pastor, In His Very Steps is the story of Reverend Jim Harter and his congregation who totally blow it! Humbled and repentant, the pastor leads his church to confess their sins and return to the Bible for forgiveness and guidance. A few follow and promise to take no action or make any decision without first answering the question, “What does the Bible say?” Others, however, oppose the pastor and the promise-keepers -- viciously.

"What Does the Bible Say?" is the first in a new, seven-part Christian fiction series emphasizing the disciples cross and its seven spiritual disciplines. Book one focus is on obedience. Other books in the series will focus on witnessing, prayer, worship, fellowship, ministry service, and discipleship.

Dr. Williams applies his knowledge of conservative theology and his years of ministry service to address topics including evolution, professional ethics, pre-marital sex, contemporary theology, Christian division, and more.

The stunning ending of the book will leave readers considering how the world could change for the better if people lived by Christian faith and obedience. Living in the very steps of Jesus is not only possible but it is a promised, future reality (Rev 21).

To contact the author email pastorcjwilliams@gmail.com

To order this book go to www.ihvsbooks.com,

Powerful Endorsement from Human-Trafficking Survivor

I am so pleased to post this amazing endorsement of my current Freedom series (on the topic of human trafficking) from a courageous survivor of human trafficking, a woman who now works to help rescue others from this horrific life and to see them redeemed and restored in Jesus Christ. What an honor to partner with such people in this much-needed ministry! Following is her endorsement of book one in the series, Deliver Me From Evil.

Deliver Me From Evil

by Kathi Macias

A Survivor’s Review

of Book #1 the Freedom Series

I’ll admit, at first I was skeptical;

I mean how could she possibly know . . .

Imagine my delightful surprise when midnight struck that first night

and I, a grace-card-carrying survivor, was unable to put the book down.

Kathi Macias has the unique ability to weave a hometown issue into the

once-impermeable universal tapestry of human trafficking.

Deliver Me From Evil follows the stories of several different characters in the U.S. and abroad. The author’s riveting separation of characters is mind-boggling. Through each one God’s plan is revealed; raw courage emerges and hope springs up so powerful, it can surpass physical borders and rip apart the ignorant lie that until recently kept us all silent.

Although fiction, Macias’ superb introduction to the tragedy of modern-day slavery is surprisingly accurate. She’s a true pioneer in the abolition of sexual slavery.

After reading Deliver Me From Evil, you will no longer be able to close your eyes and say, “This kind of thing doesn’t happen in America.”

She features a realistic approach to everyone’s biggest question regarding human trafficking.

What can I do?

The Freedom Series can be used as an appropriate ministry tool to inspire teens, parents and individuals who simply want to understand the issues or feel led to become part of the solution.

I’m left with only question:

How soon can readers get their hands on Book #2 of the Freedom Series?

***Stacey Rudge

Grace-Card Carrying Survivor of Human Trafficking

Stacey, I'm happy to announce--to your and everyone else--that book two in the series, Special Delivery, has officially released. You can buy it at many stores across the country, and also at nearly any online venue. Remember, together we can make a difference. Abolition!

Free Kindle and Nook Download--but Hurry!

Wow, another great prayer resource--and FREE if you hurry!

Download your FREE copy of Linda Evans Shepherd's When You Can't Find God, How to Ignite the Power of His Presence, an inspiring book that will help you pray through any difficulty:

Amazon Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/7wg23as

B&N Nook: http://tinyurl.com/8yv8uqq

Excellent Prayer Resource

Looking for a great prayer resource? Here's one of the best I've come across in awhile.

A collection of classic and contemporary prayers, some derived from Scripture and others from the writings of Christian leaders throughout the centuries, this beautiful volume invites readers into a daily experience of closer intimacy with God. Each day's entry focuses on one of ten traditional types of prayer: * Prayers of Thanksgiving* Prayers of Confession* Prayers of Affirmation* Prayers of Petition* Prayers of Renewal* Prayers of Praise and Adoration* Prayers to Have Christ-like Character* Prayers for Wisdom and Guidance* Prayers of Intercession* Prayers of Surrender. With 260 entries -- enough for every weekday of an entire year -- Prayers for Today guides readers through a unique kind of spiritual pilgrimage, a pilgrimage toward the very throne room of God. For any reader who's ever wanted more out of prayer or who's ever hungered for a greater sense of God's presence, Prayers for Today promises deepened communion with the One who treasures the words and longings of His people.

http://www.amazon.com/Prayers-Today-Yearlong-Journey-Contemplative/dp/0802463509/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330724071&sr=1-1