“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

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

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“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

 

 

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Refreshing Lemon-Lime Fizz, Gluten-Free

Posted on July 22, 2018 by Becky

 

 

  • 2 Lemons, squeezed
  • 2 Limes, squeezed
  • 1 16.9 Fluid Bottle of Pellegrino, Perrier or Club Soda
  • 3 Tablespoons of Swerve or sweetener of choice

Mix all ingredients well, stirring until the sweetener dissolves.  Serve over ice.  Garnish with lemon or lime slices, if desired.  Makes 2 servings.

This tastes good & is nice to have anytime.  It is a great alternative to calorie-laden sodas!

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Do You Hear Them Ringing….Wedding Bells?

Posted on July 12, 2018 by Becky

“Mr. and Mrs.”

“Happily, ever after…”

“I do.  Me too!”

“All because two people fell in love….”

Love is in the air!  Or at least it is in my neck of the woods where Wedding Season is in full swing.  I don’t remember so many weddings taking place in the past as they have this year.  Showers of many kinds, along with weddings, are coming fast and furious.  For the first time ever, I even reviewed a book for newlyweds:

http://bookreadingtic.com/2018/07/11/our-newlywed-kitchen-by-laura-schupp/.

I have always been the official gift wrapper in the house.   While I get gifts ready, I busily pull wrapping paper off rolls and make ribbon into bows. Despite still recovering and working to stand again, my family has discovered I can still wrap gifts, even in bed.

Lest you think I am being put upon to do this, I am not.  It is great for me to do something normal.  And have I ever been doing something normal!  So far, fourteen gifts have been wrapped and taken to happy occasions.  As you can see, there are a few more waiting for their soon-to-come celebrations, and additional weddings are on the way.

If you are getting married, congratulations!  If you are a parent of a child that isn’t married, consider praying for your child’s future spouse.  It is never too early or late to start.  Ask The Good Lord to guide someone very special into your child’s life.  There are lots of places on-line to help get you started.  This is one I like and it can be modified for daughters.

It goes without saying you will always pray for your children.  Asking The Lord to send a future spouse that loves your child deeply, is kind, considerate, and a true believer in God will be a blessing that doesn’t end.  Think about what other requests can be added to the list.  Picking a mate is a life-changing decision, so ask the creator of love for help.  Love is so important to God that the 13th chapter in 1st Corinthians is devoted to it, where in part it says:

“….if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing…Love is patient, love is kind… Love never fails…And now these three remain: faith, hope and love…But the greatest of these is love.”

I wish all newlyweds the Lord’s blessings on their lives together.  If you are in a different stage of life, I ask God to bless you as well.

What do I hear, few notes of The Wedding March, or perhaps the tolling of Wedding Bells?  They are calling me to wrap some more…Watch out when rice, bird seed or bubbles are sent in your direction!

 

 

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“Our Newlywed Kitchen” by Laura Schupp

Posted on July 11, 2018 by Becky

The Art of Cooking, Gathering, and Creating Traditions

You’re Getting Married, What’s Next?

Are you getting married soon, perhaps you are a newlywed?  How exciting!  This book has a lot to offer a couple just starting out.  Ever think you would need a warning about well-wisher’s behavior?  You might, and this book will tell you why.  Good ideas range from being on a registry, to food–and the best way to get it, fix it, and save money along with time.  Read about joining a registry, along with good ideas and suggestions that are picked according to your current lifestyle, as well as, your future one.

A look between the covers will help with the nitty-gritty of setting up a kitchen along with advice that makes a home meaningful.   Personal anecdotes from author pepper the pages of this volume and tie in to situations a young couple face.  Ms. Schupp shares how traditions can be begun now, and the fun that can be.   Childhood traditions that the your family forced you to join in, may take on a different light after being married.   Don’t be surprised if they become associated with warm memories and are tweaked to fit into the new relationship.  The ways relatives, past and present, added their own twist to the family such as cooking style, the ways they celebrated, and so on, are presents that can enrich the couple’s life.   As the book says, “not all gifts come from a store…”

This beautiful over-sized book contains pretty fonts and appealing pictures.  But it is more than just a coffee table decoration.  Often, not much thought is put into life after the honeymoon.  When the thrill of the wedding fades, day-to-day life can leave the newly married overwhelmed.

That is where this lovely book can help.  It suggests ways two people can unite separate lives and start a new one together.  It has lots of ideas for fun and excitement that a new couple can try together, as well as, ways to enjoy day-to-day living.  Despite there being a small number of recipes, this is not a cookbook or a book just for the kitchen.  The recommendations inside help today’s couples establish a wonderful lifestyle together.  Best of all, it is written from a Christian viewpoint.

I wish I would have had a book like this when I got married, it is a joy to view.   This would make a lovely present for any up-coming brides, or a nice present to give to yourself.  It is sure to be a valued gift.  I highly recommend this 5-star book.

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”   -1 Corinthians 13:13

Tyndale House Publishing along with Focus on the Family has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Our Newlywed Kitchen, The Art of Cooking, Gathering, and Creating Traditions, 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:  https://ournewlywedkitchen.com

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

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Tasty Rice, Gluten-Free

Posted on June 28, 2018 by Becky

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • 2 cups Jasmine rice, uncooked
  • 1-quart gluten-free chicken broth, plus extra for sautéing
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 bag frozen cauliflower rice, 12 ounces
  • ½ to 1–12-ounce pkg. frozen spinach, in a microwave steam cooking bag or regular frozen spinach
  • 1 cup chopped Italian parsley
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated, not in the can
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning*
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon basil
  • 1 Tablespoon chopped garlic
  • 14 1/2-ounces of evaporated coconut (or cow) milk
  • 4 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper
  • Chicken broth for sautéing
  • 3 Tablespoons of corn starch
  • About ¼ cup of Provel Cheese, which is a combination of Provolone, Swiss and White Cheddar Cheeses, we use Imo’s Provel Cheese, or use a white cheese of your choice

Preheat oven to 350° degrees.

In a saucepan, add chicken broth, butter and salt, and bring to a boil.  Stir in Jasmine rice. Reduce heat to low and cover.  Continue cooking for 10 minutes.  After that, remove from heat, still covered and let sit for 10 minutes.

At the same time, put cauliflower rice into a microwave safe container and cook until done.  Taste one and see if it is soft like rice, if it is still hard, cook a bit longer until it reaches that stage.  It will be about 5 to 10 minutes based on your microwave.  Ours takes about 10 minutes.

For the spinach, we get the microwaveable, steam cooking bags that can be cooked, bag and all in the microwave.  Follow the bag instructions.   If this kind is used, there will not be excess liquid to squeeze out.  If you frozen spinach in a regular container, cook according to the package directions, and then squeeze excess water out.

While spinach is cooking, sauté the chopped onion in chicken broth in a skillet.  Add just enough chicken broth to cover the onion, and cook on medium heat until softened.   Stir so it doesn’t scorch, and add more chicken broth a spoonful at a time if the onion starts to go dry.  Set aside.

Using hands or kitchen scissors, remove leaves from the stalks of Italian parsley.  Using a knife or scissors, chop parsley into small pieces.

Put ½ can of the evaporated milk into a small bowl.  Add corn starch to the milk and using a fork, mix it like you would an egg, keep doing this until it dissolves.

In a large bowl, add all ingredients except the Provel Cheese, and mix gently.  Grease a 9” by 13” baking pan.  Fold in the ingredients from the bowl into baking pan.  Bake uncovered in a preheated 350° oven for 35 minutes.  Remove from oven and lightly cover the top with Provel Cheese.  Return to oven for 5 more minutes, or until cheese melts.  Serve and enjoy.

*We use Planters of Kansas City’s blend of Old Bay Seasoning.

 

 

 

 

 

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“The Accidental Guardian” by Mary Connealy

Posted on June 22, 2018 by Becky

A Western Superhero

Young sisters Deb and Gwen, along with two small charges, wander in the wilderness as the only survivors after a wagon train attack.  Mountain Man Trace Riley takes pity on them since he was orphaned, and left to fend for himself as a teenager, after a similar attack.  Because they are still in danger, he takes them to his ramshackle home to protect them.  The reader will laugh at the uncomfortable situations Trace and his ranch hands face having women and children suddenly intrude into their lives.

Trace is also in the midst of a dangerous cat and mouse game with murderous desperadoes and a mysterious person called The Guardian.  Some say he can appear and disappear at will, but he always swoops down and helps wagon trains in distress.

With Deb’s prickly distrust of men, a legendary hero, and killer thugs this story will keep you on the edge of your seat.  Add to the mix a sprinkle of romance, the Old West along with a dash of comedy–and you have a clean 5-star read from a Christian perspective that I highly recommend.

Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of The Accidental Guardian, 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://maryconnealy.com/

Author’s Website:  http://petticoatsandpistols.com/

Author’s Blog:  http://mconnealy.blogspot.com/

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

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“The Sweet Smell of Magnolias and Memories” by Celeste Fletcher McHale

Posted on June 21, 2018 by Becky

True Love?

With rising water all around her, Jacey makes it to a rooftop and is helped on by others also caught in the flood.  Her roof-mates consist of Colin, a young man close to her age, along with the Jackson family—mom Lilian, and her three children.  Over the next few days Jacey builds strong ties with all of them.  Colin and she connect so strongly that Jacey truly believes he is the one!

At long last rescue comes, however, Colin’s contact information is somehow lost.  After a year of searching without results, Jacey doesn’t think she will see Colin again.  But suddenly, the couple is reunited in a very surprising way.  Even more shocking is Collin’s occupation.  Despite the deep connection the two shared during the flood, things are not as easy now.

At the same time, Jacey is distressed to discover that Lilian and her youngest son died during the rescue.  Desperate to find the other two children, Jacey is heart-broken to find the situation they are now in.

Are Jacey and Colin ever going to have a relationship, or was their interest in each other artificially heightened because of the danger they were in?  Will Jacey be able to make sure the Jackson children have the “happily ever after” life she would love for them to have?  Has Colin been stringing Jacey along while he has another girl on the side?

This tale will take your emotions on a ride, sometimes you will laugh and other times you might cry.  This 4-star book is told from a Christian viewpoint and recommend it to lovers of stories set in the south or works of fiction.

Thomas Nelson Publishers has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of The Sweet Smell of Magnolias and Memories, 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/FletcherMcHale/

The Author’s Twitter:   https://twitter.com/fletchermchale?lang=en

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“The Road to Magnolia Glen” by Pam Hillman

Posted on June 20, 2018 by Becky

Betrayal!

After a long ocean voyage, Kiera Young realized as soon as she stepped on the Natchez, Mississippi, dock that she had been deceived.  Duped into believing Natchez offered them a good future, Kiera and her younger sisters willingly left Ireland.  Alone in the new world without a soul to turn to for support, Kiera found a nightmare lurked for the three of them.  Worse yet, legally the horror might have to be undergone.

Amazingly, Kiera and her sisters got unexpected help and  were secreted away to the O’Shea plantation, located many horseback hours from Natchez.  To express gratitude to the O’Shea’s for giving the girls shelter, Kiera undertook any work she could find there.

But all is not rosy at this location, because Kiera lived in fear.  Recognition of the girls could come at any time since the plantation is next to a well-traveled route.  If discovered, the Youngs could be forced back to the nightmare they barely escaped in Natchez.  Additionally, Quinn O’Shea who had been their protector, constantly had been talking of leaving to go see the world.  Connor O’Shea, the head of the family, was mistreated by another member of the Young family.  Because of that he is not very happy to have them there.  Kiera fears that once Quinn leaves, the three girls will be thrown out.  They could not survive in the Mississippi wilderness if that would happen.

Life on a 1790’s plantation along with close calls, and ingenuity pepper the pages of this volume.  Action and romance made an appearance as well.  The Road to Magnolia Glen is book two in the Natchez Trace Series but stands on its own. I liked that the faith of the characters was a natural part of the tale.  This clean 5-star story is recommended for any who like romance, historical books or well-written fiction.

Tyndale House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of The Road to Magnolia Glen, 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:  www.pamhillman.com

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

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

 

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