Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

Come to the Table by Neta Jackson

New Novel from Best-selling Author Neta Jackson Kat Davies is suddenly wondering if her good deed was a bad idea…

Come to the Table by Neta Jackson Thomas Nelson December 11, 2012 ISBN-13/EAN: 978-1-59554-865-8 ISBN:1-59554-865-3 400 pages/Trade Paper/$15.99 Kat may be new in her faith, but she’s embraced the more radical implications of Christianity with reckless abandon. She invited Rochelle, a homeless mother, and her son to move into the apartment she shares with two other housemates. And she’s finally found a practical way to channel her passion for healthy eating by starting a food pantry at the church. And her feelings for Nick are getting harder to ignore. The fact that he’s the interning pastor at SouledOut Community Church and one of her housemates makes it complicated enough. But with Rochelle showing interest in Nick as a father-figure for her son, their apartment is feeling way too small. But -- not everyone thinks the food pantry is a good idea. When the woman she thought would be her biggest support just wants to “pray about it,” Kat is forced to look deeper at her own motives. Only when she begins to look beyond food as an issue does she see people who are hungry and thirsty for more than just food and drink and realizes the deeper significance of inviting them to “come to the table.” Kat must do some serious soul searching to determine where God is asking her to use her talents and passion . . . and what role she wants to play in Nick’s life. From best-selling author Neta Jackson (has sold more than 700,000 books) her new novel embodies Matthew 10:42 “If you give a cup of cold water to the least of these you will surely be rewarded.”

My Thoughts:
Sadly I didn't get this book in time to read it for reviewing. However I'm looking forward to reading it because I have enjoyed several of Neta's other books. I just need to get my hands on book 1 in this series.

Making Chocolate Freckles!!

This year I'm making mini gingerbread houses for Christmas and I thought it might be nice to have mini chocolate freckles to go on them.
I haven't found any in the shops (not that I've really looked), so I'm going to make my own.
Photos soon, but for now have a look at this video about how one person has made them!

A Little More Christmas

Listen along to this one! I discovered it today!

Christmas or Bible Memory?

I heard a snippet of this Andrew Peterson song a little while ago and cracked up laughing. Who would have thought to put the genealogy to music?!

Mother-Daughter Time at Christmas

Hospitality can be about time…one-on-one By Hannah Packham

Sometimes, it’s hard to find special time for your mom because she always seems available. The holidays can make it more difficult to nurture the mother-daughter relationship. However, this season allows for activities to do with your mom that are not available at other times. Here’s a list of activities that I enjoy doing with my mom:

Make Christmas cookies. You and your mom can make cookies for friends, a charity or for the family. In this case you are getting to enjoy time together, while serving others. The time alone baking is a good time to just talk about life. Go Christmas shopping together. It’s gotta be done so why not do it together and make it a date! Wrap together! You can talk while doing it and it puts you in the Christmas spirit. You could even add some hot chocolate and a Christmas movie into the mix to make it even more festive. Everyone gathers around and shares a meal during the holidays, but someone has to make it. Most likely that person is your mother. Not only would she appreciate your help, but also your company in the kitchen. This is a wonderful time to bond over tradition, family and yummy food. Take time for tea. Whether it’s at a cozy tea place or in your fire-lit living room, conversation over a cup of tea goes a long way. One of my family’s favorite parts of the holidays is the decoration. My mom is usually in charge of decorations and I happen to love helping decorate for the holidays. So, set aside a day or a few hours to deck the halls together. Choose a charity you both support. Make a meal, take people those cookies you made, think of some way you can give back in your community and do it together. Serving can draw you closer and change lives. With all the family, friends and parties that happen around the home during the holidays, the home itself takes quite a beating. Maybe, one way to spend some time together while showing your mom you want to help is helping her clean. Cleaning the house together can be fun and can result in some laughs and great conversation. Sit down together and write Christmas cards, or write individual cards to loved ones to accompany the gifts. You could even sneak your mom a note during this activity. It’s a gentle way to say you care. A little note goes a long way. Now, I don’t knit, sew or garden, but I can paint and so can my mom. If there’s any artsy activity that you both do, sit down together—or get up and go—and get creative. It might even make good gifts for your other loved ones. Some of these activities appeal to different people, and some are easier than others, but all are good ways to bond with your mom during the holidays while having fun and getting into the spirit! Enjoy! www.inspireddesignpublications.com ~ http://inspired31.org

ACRBA Tour - Back to Resolution by Rose Dee

3 - 7 December

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is introducing

Back To Resolution

(Even Before Publishing November 2012)

by Rose Dee

Available from Light the dark this week for $12.95

About the Author:

Rose Dee

Rose Dee was born in Ingham, North Queensland, Australia. Her childhood experiences growing up in a small beach community would later provide inspiration for her first novel.

Rose, who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree, decided to try her hand at writing two years ago. The result of that attempt is her first novel, 'Back to Resolution'.

Her novels are inspired by the love of her coastal home and desire to produce exciting and contemporary stories of faith for women.

Rose’s other releases include, 'Beyond Resolution' - the second book in the 'Resolution' series. And ‘A New Resolution’ – the final book in the series.

Rose has also co-written a novel in conjunction with three other outstanding Australian Authors; ‘The Greenfield Legacy’.

Rose resides in Mackay, North Queensland with her husband, young son, and mischievous pup, Noodle.

Book Description:

Back to Resolution

Bay Anders is lost. She enjoys every privilege a wealthy upbringing affords, but the void in her soul refuses to be filled.
Her mother's dying revelation drives Bay to the brink of self destruction, before a move to Australia changes everything. She embarks upon a search for her father that leads her to his island home, into a hazardous melting pot of hostile locals and a mystery – her father's disappearance.
The only person who can help her is a strong, selfassured and intensely magnetic man. Bay must fight an overwhelming attraction to stay focused on her goal.

Flynn McKenna is hiding from the world. A past filled with mistakes drove him to withdraw from society and live in seclusion. But the arrival of a woman he cannot avoid
shatters his solitary existence. As the search for Bay's father unites them, can he resist his desire for her?
It becomes a race against time as developers try to take over the island.

From the glittering streets of LA, to the beautiful
Daintree forest in North Queensland, to the idyllic island `Resolution', Back to Resolution is a romantic mystery that shows how far a little faith can go.

Website - http://rosedee.com/

My Thoughts:

This book is a wonderful combination of mystery, romance, faith and figuring out who you are.

I love reading books set in Australia, and this one made me want to head to Queensland for a holiday and find my own private island - just without the drama.

I can't wait to read the next 2 books in this series.

 

Little Things

First let me say that I am NOT a One Direction fan!
I don't have favourite bands perse - I have faviourite songs, and they come from many genres and periods of time.

I am putting this song on here because some of the lines in it made me laugh,
It also made me cry - because I don't have someone in my life - someone to love the "Little Things" about.

ACRBA Tour - Bethlehem's Warrior Baby by Ray Hawkins

9 - 23 November

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is introducing

Bethlehem's Warrior (31 Day Devotional)

(Even Before Publishing November 2012)

by Ray Hawkins

Available from Light the dark this week for $7.95

About the Author:

Ray Hawkins

Ray Hawkins, retired after over 40 years as a Churches of Christ minister, enjoys sharing themes from the Scriptures through Devotional writing. Married to Mary, multi-published inspirational romance author, they have three children and five grandchildren. Ray shares his insights in his first two books on Marriage and Children with more ideas to come about ministry and much more. Living in Beauty Point Tasmania Ray heads up a new Christian Fellowship as well as doing relief preaching, community work and writing.

Book Description:

Bethlehem's Warrior (31 Day Devotional)

Short Book Description: In 31 daily devotional meditations Bethlehem's Warrior
Baby takes you out of a sentimental nativity scene and into a contest with
eternal significance.

It walks you through God's promise in Genesis 3:15 of Someone coming and the
clues to His identity in the old Testament. You become aware that in the
Christmas event that 'Someone' has come.

I believe Christmas is the culmination of Heaven's countdown to reclaim men,
women and creation from the tyranny of sin, death and Satan. The cost involved
to God to achieve this should make the reader bow in awe and gratitude.

Website - http://rayhawkinsauthor.blogspot.com.au/

My Thoughts:

I haven't finished reading this yet, but I'm getting so much out of it. Ray has linked Old Testament prophecy with Christ's coming in a variety of ways. Many things are thought provoking, and have been about things that I have been thinking about and learning in other ways.
This is not just a devotional book to be read at Christmas, although reading it at this time of year is a wonderful reminder of what the Christmas season is really about.
Get a copy, start reading and listen to what God has to say to you through this.
After reading this, I really want to read some of Ray's other devotional books.

First Wild Card Tours - Still I Will Praise by Renee Bondi

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Renée Bondi

and the book:

Still I Will Praise: The Power of Praising God Even When You Don't Feel Like It

CLC Publications (August 24, 2012)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Renée Bondi is a popular speaker and recording artist who has shared the stage with Sandi Patty, Larry King and Point of Grace. She has been featured in magazines such as Today’s Christian Woman and Woman’s World and on shows, including “The 700 Club,” “Hour of Power,” and TBN. Renée is the founder of Bondi Ministries. Among her many awards and honors is Woman of the Year from the California State Senate and recognition for Outstanding Service to the Community from the U.S. House of Representatives. She lives with her husband and son in Southern California.

At age 29, Renée s future was incredibly bright. She was engaged and had a beautiful singing voice, a thriving career as a music teacher, and a loving family. But then one night a bizarre accident left her a quadriplegic. Renée lost not only all use of her arms and legs, but also her singing voice she could barely speak above a whisper. Through even this, Renée remained hopeful and held tight to her faith. Her unbroken spirit and amazing physical progress baffled the medical field and even surprised those close to her. She miraculously began to sing again and went on to live more fully than she ever dreamed. Whether performing or sharing her victorious story Renée are uplifted and mesmerized by her angelic voice, music and messages. Most importantly, all who hear Renée are encouraged to pursue a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Praising God hasn’t come easy for Bondi. She shares, “For most of us, praising God in difficult times doesn't come naturally. We praise God on the mountaintop, not in the valley. After becoming paralyzed, I found when I chose to lift my eyes and heart in praise to Christ, I experienced a much deeper peace and strength I didn’t have before. Praising God changes my focus, which changes my mind and then my heart and ultimately my attitude.”

Her book is filled with personal stories that emphasize how important worship has become in her life and brings to life some well-known and more obscure Bible characters who praised God in the good times and also in the tough times.

Product Details:
List Price: $18.99
Hardcover: 175 pages
Publisher: CLC Publications (August 24, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1619580136
ISBN-13: 978-1619580138

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Please go HERE and press the "Look Inside" button on Amazon to read the first chapter of this amazing book.

My Thoughts:
Sadly I wasn't able to get a copy of this book, but I plan to.
I have read Renee's autobiography, and from that can tell you that Renee knows what she is talking about.