Giveaway! Happy Birthday September; Win a DVD plus a Book!!

Posted on September 12, 2018 by Becky

Welcome September!

For me, this month has always meant the promise of cooler weather, the leaves changing colors, the start of football season, and birthdays—lots and lots of birthdays.  My Mom and grandfather both celebrated birthdays this month.   Besides family, I have known more people with September birthdays than all the other months put together.  Even I have a September birthday!

For decades, my Mom was known as “the candy lady” because she gave out sweet treats every Sunday after church. For the first time two years ago, we had to face September 13th, Mom’s birthday, without her.  But we couldn’t let the day pass without celebrating in some way.  In honor of her birthday, my family decided to attend Mom’s church and give candy out after the service.  That September day, many people shared their memories of Mom with us.

Even if you don’t have a birthday this month, the promise of cooler weather is enough to call for a celebration.  In my neck of the woods, we are usually extremely ready to bid the hot, humid temperatures goodbye.  In recognition of September and the start of football, I am giving away a DVD of the great movie, Facing the Giants. This movie can be seen by all ages, and you do not have to be a fan of football to enjoy it.  This story entertains, touches people’s hearts and is not easily forgotten.

Additionally, this giveaway includes the book, Oregon Weddings by Kathleen E. Kovach.  Can Skye rescue a woman who happens to be the mother who abandoned him?   Meranda is on the hunt for family treasure, can she find it without help?  Glenys must face her biggest fear, will anyone be able to get her through it?  These three stories will pull you in, and include faith in the mix.  

Want a chance to win? My blog must be followed to enter this giveaway.   Go to the upper right side of this page and follow my blog.  Then note in the Rafflecopter your email address, and that you have followed me, or you already are a follower.  I will use your email address to contact you if you win, and will not pass it on.  The best of luck to you.  You must be a resident in the continental USA and 18 or older.  No purchase necessary! *

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from Walking with Jesus in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.   Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Giveaways only valid in continental USA.

*See Disclaimer Section in above drop-down heading under picture.

This giveaway is now over.

Thanks to everyone who entered!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Posted in Giveaways, Random Ramblings | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 69 Comments

Parmesan Seasoned Pork Chops, Gluten-Free

Posted on September 8, 2018 by Becky

INGREDIENTS

  • 8 bone-in or boneless Pork chops
  • 2/3 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
  • 6 tbsp gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian Spices*
  • 1 teaspoon dried Basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried Parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 2-3 Tablespoons Olive oil
  • Salt and Pepper (we use a grinder) to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Put pork chops on a large plate or plates.  Salt and pepper them, we use a pepper grinder.  Put aside.

Next, put in a blender the Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, paprika, parsley, garlic powder and Italian spices.  Blend until mixed together and it all looks like bread crumbs.  We use a Vitamix blender, and it takes 20 seconds or less.  Adjust the time according to the blender that is being us.  Next, pour all of it into a large flat bowl.

One at a time, put a pork chop in the mixture.  Using a spoon, coat the top side, making sure the mixture sticks.  Then turn the pork chop over and repeat the same thing on the other side.  Do this to each of the pork chops.   Put the olive oil in a skillet.  Heat the oil over medium heat for about ten minutes.  Add pork chops (the pork chops should sizzle when added). Sear them for 5 minutes on each side.

Preheat the oven to 350°.   Line a large baking pan with aluminum foil and place pork chops on top of the foil.  Bake for 30 minutes or until the internal temperature on a cooking thermometer is 160°.  It is important to watch the temperature so they are done, but not overdone.

We have tried this with both boneless and bone-in pork chops.  They are good both ways, but we like our pork chops bone-in.  Serve and enjoy!

*We get the Italian Spice Blend from Planters of Kansas City.

Posted in Gluten Free Recipes, Gluten-Free Main Dishes | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Crack Yourself Up Jokes for Kids” by Sandy Silverthorne

Posted on September 5, 2018 by Becky

What’s so Funny?

When was the last time you had a good laugh? Or heard a joke that didn’t make you cringe?  Look no further than this little volume, it will supply you with jokes that can be heard by anyone.  For years, the author, Sandy Silverthorne, has entertained us with books that range from jokes to one-minute mysteries.  He does it again with this, his latest work.  For instance:

Teacher:  What’s another word for a bunch of bees?      David:  A great report card!

Q:  What did the duck say when he bought the lip balm?          A:  Just put it on my bill.

Some jokes are so corny that you just might groan, but they will make you giggle, too.  Take a break from all the electronics and noise that vie for attention in today’s society, and enjoy an old school activity—a clean joke book.   It is easy to read because it is geared towards children.  But teens, along with adults, will get a smile on their faces as well.  

If you want a book of jokes that children through grandparents can hear, then Crack Yourself Up, is for you. I highly recommend this 5-star book to anyone who likes to laugh.  I double-dog dare you not to smile.  You might just laugh yourself into feeling better.  As Proverbs says,  “a cheerful heart is good medicine….”  

Spire, Revell and Baker Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Crack Yourself Up Jokes for Kids, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SandySilverthornesPage

Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/sandsilver

Author’s Website:   http://www.sandysilverthornebooks.com/book-table/

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“More Than Meets the Eye” by Karen Witemeyer

Posted on August 25, 2018 by Becky

Do You See Both Sides Now?

Zach, Seth, and Evangeline were just children when they decided to band together.  The three unrelated and unwanted orphans decided to call themselves the Hamilton family.  Tough is not a strong enough word for the situation they found themselves in while trying to eke out a life.  The western town of Pecan Gap, Texas, in 1879, offered little comfort for children on their own.

As the years passed, the little Hamilton family struggled, but eventually came to own a small farm.  The two older boys became men, and were very close and protective of each other—especially towards the youngest member, Evangeline.  Despite growing into a beauty, she still has the physical characteristic that kept her from being adopted, and has made her an outcast among everyone but her “brothers”.

Then Logan Fowler moved into the area, keeping his identity secret, intent on getting revenge.  He has every intention of exacting retribution for the loss his mother and he experienced after his father committed suicide.  Not only was his dad gone, but their only home was forfeited as payment for the card game that his dad lost.  Logan was sure that his dad was a victim of a card shark, and that person was Zach.

Logan spent years honing his skills as a card player so he could challenge Zach to a game.  Logan planned to beat him and take back his family’s farm.

Plans have a way of changing.  Logan had barely arrived when he found himself smitten by a beautiful girl; that was not part of his plan.  He also stopped a murder attempt, and began looking for the perpetrator.  Will he ever be able to admit his true identity to the woman he loves?   Must he join forces with the Hamilton family to find the guilty person?  Is there any way that both the Hamilton family, and Logan could have a happy outcome?This clean story has adventure, mystery, drama and a bit of fun.  Family values are a big part of this tale.  They are evident in the way the Hamilton family members band together to protect each other.  The story also tries to answer a big question:  does the end justify the means?  Can forgiveness take place when an action changes the course of someone’s life, in a bad way?  These are big questions that this tale attempts to answer.  You’ll enjoy the outcome as you read this 5-star book.

Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of More Than Meets the Eye, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Website: http://www.karenwitemeyer.com

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/KarenWitemeyersAuthorPage

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Me and Jake” by Boo Riley

Posted on August 23, 2018 by Becky

A Modern-Day Monster!

Ty and Cameron are twins ready to start ninth grade and are just like all kids, except for one thing.  That one thing is what sets them apart.  They are being horribly neglected and beaten by their father.

The boys live on a remote farm far from any potential witnesses to the horror they experience daily.  Their father makes Ty and Cameron work from sunup to sundown taking care of work in the fields, the farm animals, kitchen clean-up and anything else he can think of.

In return, they are lucky to get one egg for breakfast, and supper is often a lone chicken leg with a small dab of mashed potatoes.  While they have that in the kitchen, their father eats like a king in another room.  Whenever the boys do the least little thing wrong, or even if they don’t, they are beaten.

When school finally starts, it is somewhat of a reprieve because the starving boys get to eat the school lunch. But they are also made fun of at school for a variety of things including having body odor—since they do not know what deodorant is.  Often at home, they have been given a bar of soap and told to stand in the rain and clean themselves.  Despite attending public school in a small town, no one seems to be paying attention to the obvious suffering the brothers are going through.This tale is told through the eyes of Ty.  Except for his twin brother, Ty has no other friend in the world besides his dog Jake.  He often thinks Jake has a spiritual quality, that he might be an angel.  Even though he has never been exposed to Christianity, he believes in God.

Be warned, this is a disturbing story of child cruelty and neglect. It is very troubling.  Since the author is a master story-teller, he describes incidents so well you will clearly see what the boys endure in your mind’s eye.  There is a Christian message towards the end, and that is when the tale becomes uplifting.  I would not call this a children’s book.  As a writer, the author does five-star work, but be prepared to brace yourself while reading this.Pelican Book Group has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of the e-book, Me and Jake, for purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

 

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Thief of Corinth” by Tessa Afshar

Posted on August 21, 2018 by Becky

Will the Secret be Discovered?

In Ariadne’s case, her name should be another word for adventure, sometimes, too much adventure.  She is swept into danger when her cold and aloof mother joins forces with her stern grandfather to push Ariadne into an arranged marriage.   The man is a brute, but if she refuses to marry him, they have threatened to savagely beat her foster brother, Theo.

Left with no choice, Theo and Ariadne decide to run away to her father’s home in Corinth.  They do not know what kind of welcome they will receive.  But because they know what will happen if they stay, they take a chance and go.  It is a hard decision because it means Ariadne will leave behind Dionysius, her much-loved older brother. 

After a perilous trip, Ariadne finds her father is living a risky secret life.  Worse yet, Ariadne is pulled into it herself.  There are also plenty of family issues such as her parent’s hostile divorce, Dionysius’ refusal to speak to any of them, along with the possible loss of home, money, and position.  On top of all that, a man named Paul enters their life and talks persuasively about a dead man named Jesus.  Will her Dad’s secret come to light, ruin their lives and destroy her chance to someday get married by choice?  Would a sane person become a follower of Jesus, a man who has died?

This fast-paced story will immediately pull you into the action.  From having bitterly divorced parents to trying to fit into a new town, Ariadne has modern problems that we can identify with.  The mystery and danger that surrounds her father’s secret life will keep you on the edge of your seat.  The apostle Paul is introduced into the story as just another guest.  That makes it easy to imagine what meeting Paul would have been like for someone who had never heard of him or Jesus.  This tale has something for everyone, adventure, mystery, along with drama all wrapped up in a clean story.  I highly recommend this 5+star book to everyone.

Tyndale House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Thief of Corinth, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessaAfshar/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/tessaafshar

The Author’s Website:   www.tessaafshar

 

 

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

GIVEAWAY! Win a Grown-up Coloring Book with Tote!!

Posted on August 9, 2018 by Becky

Hit the Road!

My parents loved to go on trips—day trips, car trips, road trips—all kinds of trips.  The Midwestern city I grew up in placed us just a few hours from lots of places that caught my parent’s eye.  There was an Amish community a couple of hours north that we would visit.  Or heading a few hours the other direction would put us in the area that contained the family farm my dad grew up on.  We loved to explore the countryside there. Sometimes we headed south to the Ozarks where we would explore an old grist mill and view beautiful leaves in the fall.  During the apple harvest, we prowled through the orchards a short drive from us, choosing a basketful to bring home.

We did lots of road trips that might not sound very exciting (we did do some sparkly family vacations, too, making it to Disney World, the ocean, and so on.).  Sometimes the things we went to see turned out to be a real bust.  But the thing about those trips was this:  we spent time with each other, hanging out together talking and bonding.  And the things that didn’t turn out to be too exciting provided lots of laughs and reminiscing later on.  Both my parents are gone now, and I am thrilled to have great memories from the times we went out on adventures together. There is still enough summer left to fit in at least one road trip, maybe more.  Give it a try with friends, family, or on your own.  You will make lasting memories!  In honor of road trips, I am giving away a wonderful, inspirational grown-up coloring book called, A Walk in the Garden, by Jeanette Meidal–along with a tote to take your book along with you.  This full-size book has lots to catch your interest.  I love the pictures it contains, as well as, the uplifting Bible verses.

Want a chance to win?  Go to the upper right side of this page and follow my blog.  Then note in the Rafflecopter your email address and that you have followed me or you already are a follower.  Blog must be followed to enter giveaway.  I will use your email address to contact you if you win, and will not pass it on.  The best of luck to you.  You must be a resident in the continental USA and 18 or older.  No purchase necessary! *

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from Walking with Jesus in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.   Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”  

Giveaways only valid in continental USA.

*See Disclaimer Section in above drop-down heading under picture.

This giveaway is now over.

Thanks to everyone who entered!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Posted in Giveaways, Random Ramblings | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Life-Changing Prayers” by Michael Youssef

Posted on July 31, 2018 by Becky

How God Displays His Power to Ordinary People

Want to Know How to Change Your Prayer Life?

Ever consider changing the way you pray?  Would you like to get more out of your prayer time?  How would you like to have a more joyful experience with the Lord, as well as, in your life?  If so, strongly consider this book, for if you follow the suggestions, it will change your life.

The author provides interesting information about the prayers of the following people in the Bible: Eliezer, Hannah, David, Daniel, Jonah, Habakkuk, and Mary.  Most Christians may have heard of these people, and might be familiar with their stories. However, many may not have paid too much attention to the way these Biblical people prayed.  The author gives interesting details about their stories, and then suggests easy ways to pray the way they did.

For instance, how often do you praise the Lord and thank him before your prayer is answered?  The author recommends it and shows how Jonah did that very thing.  He also advises that when praying, make sure you are expecting an answer.  Dr. Youssef states, “(our prayers) receive no answers because deep down, we really don’t expect an answer.” As proof of this, he refers to the first chapter of James which says:

“6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.”

On our own, we can never do enough or be good enough to deserve things from God.  But because of His mercy, the Lord takes care of us.  When praying we need to appeal to God’s mercy. That is how Daniel prayed.  Follow his example and make your prayers more than pleas for help or a list of things you want.  Glorifying God will give you more than you can imagine.

This book offers specific ways to pray that will deepen your relationship with the Lord.  The author reminds us there is not a time limit for God to answer our prayers.  So, don’t give up or lose faith.

I was amazed the author was able to use the book of Habakkuk, which is rarely preached on, to find insights for praying.  This is an amazing, easy to read book which offers lots of concrete suggestions to have a better prayer life—and a more joyful life as well.  This book built up my faith while offering great ideas that have helped me personally.  I highly recommend this 5-star book to everyone, give it a try!

The Life Changing Prayers Launch Team has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Life Changing Prayers, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook: Michael Youssef’s author page

The Author’s Twitter: @MichaelAYoussef

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Multi Use Taco Meat Gluten-Free

Posted on July 30, 2018 by Becky

 

 

4 lb Ground Meat of choice:  Pork, Chicken or Beef

1 Chopped Onion

1 Tablespoon Chopped Garlic

1 Tablespoon Ground Cumin

Salt & Pepper to Taste

1 ½ Cups Pace

2 Tablespoons of Swerve or Sweetener of Choice

3 Tablespoons Chopped, Fresh Cilantro

1 bag of Frozen Peas, if desired, when using for tacos

In a very large skillet or Dutch Oven, brown the meat with onion.  As it cooks, break the cooking meat apart so it stays in small pieces instead of forming large clumps.   Drain the grease.  Stir in everything else, mixing well.  Bring it to a low boil, then reduce heat until it simmers.  Cook and stir for 15 minutes making sure it is done.

This meat mixture can be used in tacos, along with many other recipes.  Try adding to burritos, quiches, pizza, spaghetti sauce, etc.  Frozen containers of this pre-cooked meat in the freezer is a real time saver.  Having this ready to use in a variety of dishes can cut off lots of cooking time.  It can be used for both gluten and gluten-free entrees.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Gluten Free Recipes, Gluten-Free Main Dishes | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Falling for You” by Becky Wade

Posted on July 25, 2018 by Becky

Love Me, Love Me Not!

Ever had your heart broken by someone you love?  Have you had your feelings for someone turn from adoration to distrust and dislike?  That is what happened to Willow Bradford, a gorgeous model.  She let herself love Corbin Stewart, a famous football player and known womanizer.  Willow, a Christian, sped through lots of red flags that ordinarily would have caused her to end a relationship.  But she ignored all the warnings and continued seeing Corbin. Willow believed it would different in their case because they were truly in love.  That is until he abandoned her during a crisis situation.  Afterwards, he made everything worse while giving a television interview.

Since Corbin let Willow down, she has tried her best not to be around him.  Willow has spent years avoiding Corbin and keeping her distance from him.  Now while helping her parents with their business, Willow is unhappy to discover she is living very close to him.  Worse yet, she promised to help a little girl named Charlotte find answers to a modern-day mystery.  Willow did not understand that helping Charlotte would cause her to be in frequent contact with Corbin.

Should Willow abandon Charlotte so she can stay away from Corbin?  Will Willow be able to guard herself so she is not heartbroken by Corbin again?  Can Corbin be trusted at all, or is he just wanting to add another conquest to his list?

I have the pleasure of reading many good stories—some are great.  Falling for You is in the last category, it is a great tale told from a Christian viewpoint.  I encourage you to read this 5-star book.  It is a story of sin, guilt, rejection, and forgiveness all played out by a beautiful model and a fabulously-rich football star.  On the surface this might sound like just another romance, featuring two beautiful people that have love problems.  It might be thought ordinary people with real life problems would not relate to this book.  But think again.  You will identify with these characters, this story will pull you in, and it will be hard to it put down.  This is the second installment in the Bradford Sisters Romance Series, but this tale stands on its own. I highly recommend this tale to fans of romance, mystery or well-written fiction.

Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Falling for You, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

 

Author’s Website:   http://beckywade.com/home/

Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/beckywadewriter

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/authorbeckywade

 

 

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment