Tag Archives: God

“Truth Matters: Knowing God And Yourself”

Does truth matter? Andrew Petiprin argues that Truth (with a capital T) not only matters, but grounding your life on the ancient truths of the Bible is the way to a better life. Check out his book Truth Matters: Knowing God And Yourself.

Truth Matters: Knowing God and Yourself

Discovering the true answers to the age-old questions, Who is God? and Who am I? will help us flourish. These questions are always connected to our beliefs what we put our faith in. True faith is not a vague belief in a higher power. It is faith in the God who has revealed himself in specific ways in the Bible as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The life of Christ is there. The church is there. Forgiveness is there. Resurrection, eternal life, and everything else is there. Truth Matters champions the authentic teachings of the Christian faith as the best means of human flourishing. Along the way, readers will learn how doctrine was debated and decided. Doctrine develops, but Truth never changes.

The purpose of doctrine is to make Truth clearer than before, because our lives depend on it. Orthodox Christian doctrine simply paves the way for a better life (both now and forever) than any alternative. It is the only balm for our wounds during inevitable times of distress, and it is also the joy of our hearts in times of blessing. It keeps us from thinking too highly of ourselves by instilling in us an infinite worth given by an all-loving God.

Truth Matters: Knowing God And Yourself   is a good choice if you want to learn more about Christian doctrine and how it can help us lead a more fulfilling live. If you find yourself confused this book may help to clear things up for your especially if you are a new Christian.

I received this book at no cost to facilitate my review. My words and views are 100% my own.


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“Into The Deep” Blog Tour & Giveaway

Have you ever wanted to do something, but just could not due to your fear? I am sure like me, most of you can relate to at least one time, your fear held you back from doing something. For author Lauren Gaskill, it was on a family vacation when everyone but her, plunged off a boat into the ocean to go snorkeling. Lauren, an accomplished swimmer, could not get over her fear that there might be sharks in the water, and remained on the boat.

Years later, standing on a pier, Lauren felt that same fear as she was being cheered on to dive into the waves below. This time, she did not let that fear hold her back, and dove right into that deep blue ocean water.

Starting in high school Lauren had intense anxiety, panic attacks at night that continued into college. These attacks made her wonder why God was not helping her, why did it feel like she was drowning in a sea of despair. Lauren was lost in sea of anxiety, depression and chronic pain due to a health condition that continued to worsen.

Lauren began to lose her faith in God. She stopped believing God had a plan or his ability to save her. After graduating from College, Lauren found a Christian counselor and she was able to get out of the undertow and begin swimming with Jesus.

As I read this book, I could relate so well to the anxiety that Lauren faced in high school and college. I remember that in my own life, and I was hooked from that first chapter. If you want examples and tools to take your faith to the next level and help you control your reactions to overwhelming situations, you should read this book.

If you are ready to exchange fear and frustration for the boldness, courage and holy confidence that lead to a life of deep faith and joy, check out Into the Deep.  You can also find this book on Mommy Ramblings’ 2018 Holiday Gift Guide. 

You can see more in my video below:

Following Jesus doesn’t guarantee sunny skies and smooth sailing. In fact, the waters of life are often tumultuous, crashing over us. Sometimes we can feel that we’re drowning in a sea of confusion, division, frustration, complacency, or disillusionment. We need more than a shallow faith to survive these deep waters.Get ready to exchange fear and frustration for the boldness, courage, and holy confidence that lead to a life of deep faith and joy!

Giveaway

Audra Jennings PR is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky reader will win their own copy of Into the Deep! Thank you to Audra Jennings PR for the review book and for sponsoring this inspirational giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Open to US residents.

Into the Deep Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!

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Very Veggie Bedtime Prayers Book – #Giveaway

If you are looking for a sturdy board book that will stand up to little children’s handling filled with bedtime prayers, look no further. The Very Veggie Bedtime Prayer Book is just what you are looking for. This new book perfectly eases the daily transition from playtime to sweet dreams.

The rhyming prayers will help teach little ones about the importance of talking to God every day. The familiar VeggieTales characters accompany the short, easy to understand prayers. This collection of prayers was designed to help young children reflect on their day and anticipate the day to come with requests and gratitude for God’s guidance.

The soft padded cover and convenient size make it easy for little hands to hold. This book makes a nice baby gift or Christening gift. We have a special gift for our readers, you can enter to win your own copy of Very Veggie Bedtime Prayers below.

Giveaway

Worthy Kids Publishing is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win their own cop of Very Veggie Bedtime Prayers! Thank you to Worthy Kids Publishing for the review Book and for sponsoring this amazing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US residents.

Very Veggie Bedtime Prayers Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Remind Girls They are Adored by God #AdoredByGod #FlyBy

The world can be a tough place.  The tween and teen years are especially hard. While it was no picnic when we were growing up, this generation has challenges and issues we could not even imagine, thanks to technology. Don’t get me wrong, I love technology, but it has brought about some darker things along with all the good.

Girls today have to deal with bullying, social media friendships as well as the awful social media “unfriending”, dating, changing bodies, awkward growth phases, mean girls and much more. Proper guidance and support is paramount to a healthy attitude and self-image as they navigate this stage of life.

Adored is a 365-day devotional that features an easy-to-read, relevant devotion paired with a scripture verse and journaling space to help readers reflect on that day’s special message. This book tackles those tough topics mentioned above, and shows readers how infinitely precious they are in God’s sight. This hardcover devotional is published by Zondervan, written for girls ages 13 and up and has a retail price of $14.99. You can purchase it HERE. Right now, you can get it on sale for just $8.49.

Having a book like this reminds girls they are not the only ones facing challenges, it helps them on the tough days and lifts them up every day. The journaling space is a wonderful way for girls to track their own growth and mindset through the year. This devotional makes a very meaningful gift this Christmas season. We have added it to Mommy Ramblings’ 2017 Holiday Gift Guide.  You can visit the publisher’s site to access a Free 7-Day Download.

 


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“God’s Big Plans for Me” Storybook Bible #Giveaway #RickWarren #FlyBy

You have probably heard of the New York Times Bestseller, The Purpose Driven Life.  Did you know there is a storybook Bible based on that book? There is, it is called, God’s Big Plans for Me and it is written by Rick Warren.

Pastor Rick Warren uses lyrical storytelling and engaging illustrations in his chronological approach to 40 Bible stories. Each story is introduced with a theme relatable to readers of all ages. God’s Big Plans for Me Storybook Bible helps children grow closer to God and discover the purpose for their own lives.

If you are looking for a meaningful gift to give to any child in your life, this Storybook Bible would be perfect. I really like the format and how stories from the Bible like Noah and the Ark, Ruth and Naomi, An Angel Visits Mary, The Parable of the Lost Sheep and many others are arranged and written. Another thing I like is reading one story each night with my kids. It is a wonderful way to teach them about Jesus. There is a dedication page you can fill out, which makes the book even more special.

Giveaway:

We have a special treat for Mommy Ramblings’ readers, you can enter for your chance to win God’s Big Plans for Me Storybook Bible. Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Open to US residents. Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway and for the review book. Good Luck!!!

God’s Big Plans for Me Storybook Bible Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!! Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

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God Our Maker Board Books Blog Tour & #Giveaway #BabyBibleBooks #WorthyKidsIdeals

I have always loved reading to my kids, I loved it so much, I read to them in utero. It is so much fun to share colorful board books with even our youngest babies. It really tunes them into the love of reading as well as being a special time to share together.

Author, Gary Bower, fell in love with picture books at an early age on his mother’s lap. As he grew, he entertained himself writing his own stories, jokes, poems and skits. As an adult, his years of professional and volunteer experience ministering to children and teens, combined with thousands of story nights with his twelve children, have helped him polish his storytelling skills.

Gary’s board books, “God Paints The World” and “God Loves The World” are delightful books to read with children and they are sturdy to hold up to little hands. These books introduce even the littlest ones to God’s love and the beauty in the world he created. They make a beautiful gift to give to a new baby, Christening gift or baby shower gift.

About the Books:

God Paints the World takes children on a tour of God’s colorful creation. Each spread groups nature’s animals and objects by color, such as yellow dandelions, a shining sun, and chirping finches; and brown squirrels, trees, and crunchy nuts. Parents will love this early concept board book that teaches little ones about colors and the God who created them.

God Loves the World teaches little ones that God’s children are very diverse, and very, very, loved. Regardless of their shapes and sizes, colors and ages, interests and abilities—God cares for and loves each of his wonderfully unique children. Parents and little ones will love the book’s bright illustrations and inclusive message: “God loves all so very much!”

Giveaway:

Worthy Publishing is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win both of these books! Thank you to Worthy Publishing for the review books and for sponsoring this inspirational giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Open to US Residents in the contiguous 48 states.

God Paints The World and God Loves The World Board Book Set Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
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Start Your Day with the ATG APP – #ATGToday #FlyBy

How do you start your day? Do you grumble getting out of bed, thinking of all the things you need to do? Are you stressed and worried  thinking about how you will ever tackle that never-ending to do list? Do you feel like there has to be a better way to begin your day? If you do, you are not alone.

It can be easy to feel that we are not good enough or that we keep falling short of our goals. In fact, many people, moms in particular, feel they are not accomplishing enough and are very hard on themselves. I know the feeling all too well, it is especially true as we seem to be burning the candle on both ends trying to get our house finished after experiencing a leak last fall that left us with extensive damage.

Recently, I learned about an app called Awakening To God that is a devotional journal to help you enjoy your walk with God. It is very simple to download and use. In just 8 minutes in the morning, you follow simple steps that will get you on a routine that helps you learn to hear God’s voice, memorize scripture, pray and journal. It has many great ideas to increase your faith, share scripture, encourage others and strengthen family devotions.

I have been using the ATG App and what I really like about it, is that you have an easily accessible journal reflecting on the same areas each day. I can look back on what I wanted God to help me with last week, last month or last year on a certain day. It lets me see the things I need to work on and what I am thankful for as well.

It is not a drudgery or something that takes a lot of time. In about 8 minutes each morning, you can strengthen your relationship with God. It helps me to understand that I can lay my burdens, worries and troubles in his arms. He will fight my battles and I can remove that weight from my shoulders. It is very comforting. This one minute video will let you see how this app works. 

This app has two purposes. One is to inspire and encourage thousands of people on their walk with Christ (hopefully, leading to another “Awakening” – see 2 Chron 7:14). The other purpose is to raise funds to dig a well in 100 villages in India, provide 40,000 meals to widows and orphans, 15,000 mosquito nets and a medical team for immunizations, cataract operations and other services.

Gerald and Jeannie Long are the founders of Awakening To God. They experienced success and wealth based on the values of the world and also the deepest grief and suffering from the death of two of their three children. On their journey, God has revealed His grace and glory to them in extraordinary ways.

In particular, they have experienced how God is able to redeem the most painful areas of our lives and turn them around for good. Gerald has found a deep awareness of eternity and Jeannie has experienced God’s presence and glory when she was close to ending her own life. Their marriage has triumphed when all seemed lost and they learned invaluable lessons on their unbelievable journey.

You can learn more about them by watching the video, How Do You Keep Living After the Death of Two Children at: www.awakeningtogod.org and see Mission, Vision and Strategy under About.

If you would like to download this app, you can do so HERE. If you do, I would love to hear about how you like it.

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Faith is Rising Up Like Ivy in #TheGarden #FlyBy #Giveaway

As we brace for another snow storm, the longing for spring is hitting me hard. That darn groundhog says there will be 6 more weeks of winter. I guess it is to be expected after the extremely mild winter we had last year.  I cannot wait for the trees to start budding and the days to get longer and warmer.

The seasons of the year can be a lot like life. Sometimes we are going through tough times that seem to not want to let up. Those times can feel similar to the most harsh winter we feel will never end. Then, through the snow-covered ground, a tiny crocus appears to give us hope for spring and the rebirth it brings.

Worship leader Kari Jobe feels that even when our souls grow weary and dark in the thick of winter that God is always at work. The slow and unexpected green breaking through the frozen ground signaling the first signs of spring show us that. Kari Jobe who just released her fourth album, The Garden, invites listeners to drink of the wellspring of hope she’s found in the midst of unimaginable tragedy.

This new album is rooted in a series of personal transition and remarkable grief for the singer and her family. Over the course of the last two years, Jobe got married, moved from her hometown of Dallas, Texas to Nashville where they bought their first home and had a baby.

Jobe was a four months pregnant when her sister, Kris gave birth to a stillborn daughter, James Ivy. Jobe says the loss shattered her heart and wrecked her. She tried to walk in peace when she did not feel peaceful. Aching for her sister, Jobe was also anxious about the safety of her unborn baby. She welcomed her son Canyon Carnes last February.

While she celebrated the birth of her son, her sister’s loss weighed heavy on her heart. As Jobe held her son, she looked out her kitchen window to see the first signs of spring. Taking a walk in the garden she noticed what only God could produce: thick, green ivy lacing its way overhead that quickly reminded her of her niece’s namesake.

“Ivy is the most resilient plant there is. It can grow in the harshest of climates; it can grow in the harshest of situations,” Jobe explains, adding, “I’m standing in this garden. There’s ivy growing, and I just started to realize, ‘God, You’re moving in a way that is different than what I asked for, but You are moving.’ He’s at work and doing things we can’t see.”

The experience yielded the title track for Jobe’s new album and fresh healing for her soul. “Those seeds were planted years ago for it to be the way that it was that day for me, because it wasn’t just last year that they planted all this beautiful ivy. That took years,” she observes. “Something in my spirit started to rustle. Life was coming back. What felt dead in my heart was starting to wake up. It was like I’d been in this place of being numb in my walk with the Lord, but something just started blooming in my heart.”

Her unanswered questions began to grow into songs. As Jobe declared God’s goodness over her own circumstances, He began to transform her heart. “These raw things were coming out of my mouth, so I just started writing,” she shares. “I Will Sing,” written while she was still pregnant, became the first song she penned for this album. Jobe spent the next several months pouring out her emotions one track at a time.  She and her husband wrote together frequently, and Cody adds vocals on numerous tracks.

In addition, Jobe co-wrote with acclaimed songwriters, including Jacob and Amanda Cook of Bethel Music, Brooke Fraser Ligertwood, Ben Fielding, Jason Ingram, Mia Fieldes, Martin Smith and Josh Silverburg, among others.

“The garden is true intimacy with the Father, and it’s a place where He intended for us as humankind to be surrounded with His creation. There’s life in things that He’s created,” she offers. “I want to lead people into intimacy with the Father. It’s something that’s so important as we walk through stuff in our lives.”

Today, Jobe and her family continue to discover restoration through glimpses of God’s goodness. “The healing that He’s been bringing to my family and the way that He’s met us in our pain, it’s made me realize how many people are going through really intense pain and disappointments and trials,” Jobe offers. “There’s a lot of people who have lost babies or family members out of traumatic experiences. My eyes have been opened to that in a whole new way.”

“Everyone who’s seen something grow out of the dust realizes God was up to something in the midst of pain and questions. He never promised that it would be easy or that it would be pain-free, but that He would never leave us or forsake us,” Jobe offers, adding, “I’m more aware of His presence than I think I’ve ever been.

This is a beautiful album that will remind you even through the dark times, that God is there working, even if you cannot see what that is yet. I think everyone will take something from this album and the beautiful music and songs are calming and give hope to our lives.

Would you like a chance to win a copy of this CD? If so, enter the giveaway below. You can purchase it HERE.

Giveaway

The Garden CD Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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How To Help Your Child Spend #EveryDayWithGod-#Giveaway #FlyBy

With all of the negative messages that our kids are exposed to every day, it is nice to find ways to bring positive, spiritual and inspirational words into their lives. I was so happy to find a great book that does that and is on a level my little ones can understand.

Every Day With God is the newest 365-day devotional from VeggieTales. It is a book that can be read together and older kids can read alone. There are 2 versions, one for boys and one for girls. The updated content and art in this new version make the book even better!

veggie-tales-boys

Every day they can open the book to find a Bible verse, short devotion, thought of the day and a prayer. Through this book, kids can learn more about God as it helps them develop a habit of taking time each day to keep God close. More than that, the pages are full of words that can speak right to a child’s heart.

veggie-tales-girls

The words can calm an anxious child, give courage to a fearful child, lift the spirits of a child who feels down and more. Knowing that God has their back and will always be with them is very comforting in a world that can be very cruel. As children grow they face many things that can really hurt them and this book can help them to know,  they are special and God created them perfectly.

When we read it aloud with our kids it can help spur thoughtful conversation. I like that I can quickly find the right verse to speak to a particular issue that might be needed. It is also a wonderful gift for any child and one that carries so much meaning. We will be adding this book to our 2016 Holiday Gift Guide which will be live next week.

Would you like a chance to win a copy? Check out and enter on our giveaway below.

Giveaway:

Propeller Consulting, LLC is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win their choice of the Girl or Boy Version of Every Day With God Devotional. Thank you to Propeller Consulting, LLC  for the review book and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US and Canadian residents.

VeggieTales: Every Day With God Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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Baby, Baby! Lets Baby See Who God Loves #BabyBaby #FlyBy #Giveaway

It is never too early to read to your kids. I started to read to mine in utero. I even had that Dr. Seuss book that was made to be read to your unborn child. When they are born and as they grow, keep reading to them. Sometimes those eager little hands can wreak havoc on the pages of books. As a book lover, that stage made me nuts. I soon learned sturdy board books were the option for us.

I want to share a great board book with you today. Baby, Baby! by Diane Stortz and illustrated by Allie Busby is a short rhyming poem book that celebrates the discovery and wonder that fill baby’s days. At the end there is a special reminder that Baby is always loved by God. This sweet book  is perfect to add to any new baby gift or first birthday present. With the holidays fast approaching it would make a nice little Christmas gift for your baby or one that is close to you.

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The book features such adorable illustrations of babies doing all kinds of things from riding in the stroller to banging on pots and pans. At the end a baby safe mirror is on the page to show baby who it is that God loves. Babies love to look at themselves and they will have so much fun seeing their reflection in this book.

Enter below for your chance to win a copy of Baby, Baby!

Giveaway:

Fly By Promotions is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a copy of Baby, Baby! Thank you Fly By Promotions for the review book and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Baby, Baby! Board Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

 

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