Worship and Praise Sunday

There are some praise songs that always get my blood moving, that have me seated, front and center, at the throne of grace. There are a few songs that I will always cease what I am doing in order to listen to.  Better is One Day happens to be that kind of a song for me. 

For instance, yesterday, I had to take my daughter to the doctor.  He asked if she had ever been hospitalized (minor freak out on my part, wondering if he was about to say she was going to be), she got tested for RSV and they did blood work on her (another minor freak out).  I was told her white blood cell count was high, which meant her double ear infection was pretty severe.  She received a shot of antibiotic, and we received two prescriptions for her.  It feels like she has had some sort of a cold, strep, or ear infection about every other week since we have moved.  It's been draining, though I know this is minor in comparison to what could be wrong with our kid.  As we were leaving the doctor's office, this song came on.  I was tired, anxious, and wanting my kid to be well.  But when I heard the first words of this song, my spirit was at peace, I cranked up the radio, and was reminded of how good it is to be in the presence of my Lord.  Amen!  Enjoy.....



Lyrics:

"Better Is One Day"

songwriter: ??? I have no idea who originally wrote this

How lovely is

Your dwelling place

Oh Lord Almighty,

For my soul doth long

And even faint

For You

Oh, here my heart

Is satisfied (is satisfied)

Within Your presence

I see beneath

The shadow of

Your wings

Better is one day in Your courts

Better is one day in Your house

Better is one day in Your courts

Than thousands elsewhere

Better is one day in Your courts

Better is one day in Your house

Better is one day in Your courts

Than thousands elsewhere

(Than thousands elsewhere)

One thing I ask,

And I would seek,

To see Your beauty

To find You in

The place Your glory dwells

(One thing I ask)

One thing I ask

And I would seek,

To see Your beauty

To find You in

The place Your glory dwells

Better is one day in Your courts

Better is one day in Your house

Better is one day in Your courts

Than thousands elsewhere

Better is one day in Your courts

Better is one day in Your house

Better is one day in Your courts

Than thousands elsewhere

(Better is one day)

Better is one day in Your courts

Better is one day in Your house

Better is one day in Your courts

Than thousands elsewhere

Better is one day in Your courts

Better is one day in Your house

Better is one day in Your courts

Than thousands elsewhere

(My heart and flesh cry out)

My heart and flesh cry out

For You, the Living God

Your Spirit's water to my soul

I've tasted, and I've seen

Come once again to me

I will draw near to You

I will draw near to You

To You

Better is one day

Better is one day

Better is one day

Than thousands elsewhere

Better is one day in Your courts

Better is one day in Your house

Better is one day in Your courts

Than thousands elsewhere

Visit Jen @Following the Footsteps to add your Worship and Praise link, and to visit others who are participating!

Oh weekend

At the beginning of the week, God finally revealed to us where our family would be attending church.  All week we have been laughing at how God opened our eyes, how every piece fell perfectly into place.  It is no surprise that this happened days before a Missions Banquet we had been asked to attend with Pastor Todd and his wife.  My normally quiet husband became quite social last night.  Who knew?  All this time he was really a social butterly waiting for the right time and place to spread his wings.  We were in a room full of unfamiliar faces (except of the couple who bought a table from us on Craigslist, but that's just another funny story), yet felt right at home.  And the people we shared the table with?  We couldn't have asked for better company.

This afternoon, I went to a women's luncheon with Todd's fabulous wife, Terri.  Again, I was in a room of people I had yet to meet and felt quite at home.  The women I sat with were so wonderful, and incredibly witty.  I found myself laughing more often than not during our meal.  Come to think of it, most of us who were at the table have dark hair and freckles.  Must be the freckles.  People with freckles are witty.  Yep, that must be it. 

But I digress.

Here we sit, not even a full week into our decision, having yet to even attend service there, and it feels so right.  Isn't that how it is when God is working and we get out of His way in order for Him to do so?  When we trust and walk in obedience, every piece falls perfectly into place, and it is an exciting place to be.  We now walk knowing God has placed us in a specific place, at a specific time and are ready to be shown what He has for us there and where He will have us serve.  Already we feel like we are a part of the family, and it feels good.

Psalm 50:11 - WFW

Psalm 50:11

I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine.

I love the beginning of this Psalm: The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets.  There is something about the fact we have a God who knows that just leaves me in awe.  He knows every creature, every living, breathing thing.  He knows the reason for the location of every mountain, sea, and ocean.  He knows.  And He knows the number of hairs on our heads, he knows the name of every person created.  He knows.  He knows our joys and sorrows.  He knows our heartaches and the sound of our laughter.  He knows our strengths and weaknesses.  He knows.  And he sees.  And he hears.  And he is true to his word, constant, consistent, always.

Today, he knows my frustrations, the desires of my heart, my goals, the road I'm walking down.  He knows it all, and I can leave it with him.  Besides, he already knows where I am going.  He knows.

**To my WFW buddies - I am sorry for not getting around to all of your wonderful posts and commenting!  I am reading, I am blessed, and I seem to not have the time I need to comment on every single post like I want.  Forgive me!

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit http://susan2956.blogspot.com/.

Purposeful wandering

Joshua 5:6

The Israelites had moved about in the desert forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the LORD. For the LORD had sworn to them that they would not see the land that he had solemnly promised their fathers to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey.

Trying to find a church home has been an unusual task, to say the least.  We moved during the holidays, and began visiting churches based on recommendations from friends, and from our own findings.  In the beginning, nothing felt right.  Something was always missing, and we realized, we would have to come to terms with the fact there is no Strong Tower in Lubbock.  It is rare to find a church that excels in their music and in their preaching.  I am finding most are excellent in one or the other, but rarely both.  After a few visits to local churches, we narrowed down the search, hoping to find ourselves regularly visiting one.

Yesterday, we were at the church we decided to explore deeper.  The pastor was talking about faith, what it means, what it entails.  And he went on to say that when we take our requests before the Lord, he will answer, always.  And so the question of where we should go hung in my head, and I found myself enjoying the music, paying attention to the sermon, and thinking we should not be there.  Andy had chosen this place because of a comment I had made concerning how much I enjoyed the preacher, it was a step he took for me.  As we walked out I told him, "First of all, sorry for what is about to come out of my mouth.  But honey, this isn't where we are supposed to be.  It just doesn't feel right."  I started talking about another church that is active in the community, putting their faith in action, and how much I love that, how necessary I think it is.  Enough talking about God and feeding your own members, it's time to get out and serve our community church!  This began a long dialoge, having to be incredibly honest and feeling like I was judging the spirituality of a group of people, and I for one have no place casting a judgement there. 

As we spoke, God impressed on me the name of a close friend, someone who knows me well, whose advice and wisdom I have always sought and appreciated, and whose heart is focused on her Lord.  Last night, I called her.  Although my first statement was, "What is the point of curling?  What is the point and how is it and Olympic sport?" we did get to the topic I had called to discuss.  I started explaining my confusion, my heart's desire, and what Andy and I had talked about.  She simply shared her heart, her own observations, and her understanding of the purpose of the church.  I commented that Andy once said that one of the pastors moved him, inspired him, that his heart was changed upon hearing this man's sermons.  She paused, and giggled a bit, and reminded me of something basic, something I had overlooked when the head of the house is being fed and mentored well, the entire household will benefit.  The answer had been there all along, and we had stepped right past it.  My eyes filled with tears because I knew God was speaking, using my friend as I knew He would, to speak to me, to us, His answer.

Andy and I began discussing this decision.  I laughed that it felt like we had missed it.  Because, months ago, I saw us there.  I felt we would be there.  But Andy brought up a point I had not thought of, sometimes God will put up a blindspot, to keep us moving, keep us seeking, and to keep us learning.  He will always answer, He will always take us where He wants us, but sometimes, it is not via a direct route.  The Israelites wandered in a desert for a very long time.  The purpose?  Growth, change, sifting, but it was for a purpose. 

We have come back around to the place where the music may not, in our minds, be as great as some other places.  But, I noticed on their website they are looking for people for their music ministry.  Let me remind you, my husband is a gifted keyboard player, writer, singer.  As I read that announcement, a comment from a friend from our former church was brought to mind.  She came up one day and said, "You know, we have very talented musicians in this place, they are so gifted.  But no one has led me into a place of worship like Andy did when he played.  When he is at his keyboard, he is not just playing, he is worshipping God, and I miss having him sitting at the keys."  I chuckled, out loud last night as my eyes passed over the posting and this memory was brought back into my mind.  We have even had the pastor and his family over for dinner, and adore them.  They took the time to join us, which speaks volumes to me as he is the pastor of a church.  He tends to his flock, and does it well. 

Today, Andy and I are still chuckling.  However, we are thankful God had us move around to various places, to search, to wander, to wonder, to seek.  Yes, the answer was there all along, revealed a few months ago even, but there are lessons to be learned in the journey.  But for now, for such a time is this, we know where we are headed and we are both at total peace.  Praise the Lord!

Worship and Praise Sunday

Britt Nicole, I totally dig this girl and her music. If you have ever heard her speak, her speaking voice is about as cool as her singing. She just seems to "get it" and applies her own daily lessons to her music. Enjoy her song The Lost Get Found.  This song, in particular, is a beautiful way to challenge us to daily live out Christ's love.  The world will know Him through those who believe.  What are you doing to make a difference?

 

The Lost Get Found

Britt Nicole

Hello my friend

I remember when you were

So alive with your wide eyes

Then the light that you had in your heart was stolen

Now you say that it ain't worth stayin'

You wanna run but you're hesitatin'

I'm talkin' to me

Don't let your lights go down

Don't let your fire burn out

somewhere, somebody needs a reason to believe

Why don't you rise up now?

Don't be afraid to stand out

That's how the lost get found

The lost get found

So when you get the chance

Are you gonna take it?

There's a really big world at your fingertips

And you know you have the chance to change it

There's a girl on the streets, she's cryin'

There's a man whose faith is dyin'

Love is calling you

Don't let your lights go down

Don't let your fire burn out

somewhere, somebody needs a reason to believe

Why don't you rise up now?

Don't be afraid to stand out

That's how the lost get found

The lost get found

Why do we go with the flow

Or take an easier road?

Why are we playin' it safe?

Love came to show us the way

Love is a chance we should take

I'm movin' out of the way

Don't let your lights go down

Don't let your fire burn out

somewhere, somebody needs a reason to believe

(Stand out)

Don't let your lights go down

Don't let your fire burn out

(Stand out)

somewhere, somebody needs a reason to believe

Why don't you rise up now?

Don't be afraid to stand out

That's how the lost get found

The lost get found

So when you get the chance

Are you gonna take it?

There's a really big world at your fingertips

And you know you have the chance to change it

Visit Jen @Following the Footsteps to add your Worship and Praise link, and to visit others who are participating!

Get your husband to do what you want - Mark Gungor

Thursday's Thoughts

• How in the world is it already Thursday? 
• The marriage retreat we went on was simply incredible.  I invite all of you, who are married, to attend the next one, in October.  Come on, you know you want to come to dusty west Texas.  It would be worth it.  Check it out at http://www.imageministries.org/
• I have become pretty focused on building the AdvoCare business.  The last two week period, after putting in about five hours of work, I made $600!  YA HOO!  Now to add another zero to that number, and help others do the same.
• With the focus on AdvoCare, and a child who keeps getting strep, I have not been commenting on other blogs as much.  I.am.so.sorry.  I am reading!!!
• I have picked up a few clients with personal training.  Gotta love early morning sessions, whew.  But, I love it, love the folks I am working with, and I am enjoying (most) every minute of it.  And this too is one more reason you aren't getting my comments.
• My friend Jen, who started Thursday's Thoughts now has 200 followers.  I think that rocks, and it's so cool!  Yay Jen!
• Is anyone else ready to see the sun on a daily basis and experience temperatures in the 50s or 60s, at least?  Yes, me too.
• Did I mention the marriage retreat?  You all, who are married, need to go get this book, like, now.  It will change things, and rock your world!  WOW!!!
• I think I am done thinking now.  Enjoy your day friends!

WFW-Eph5:33

WFW-Eph5:33
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Ephesians 5:33
However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

This isn't a suggestion, it is a command. And, notice if you will, that one is not dependent on the other. Women, we are to respect our husbands regardless of whether or not we feel loved by them. Men, love your wives regardless of whether or not you feel respected. Do it, it will change things.

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit CrittyJoy.

All Things Hidden

Tricia Goyer is at it again, writing an incredible book filled with wonderful characters.  I found myself so engrossed in this story, and the main character's (Charlotte) desire to prove a family member was not a thief, that I completed this book in one day.  In the midst of trying to solve a mystery, Charlotte is also raising her grandchildren and worried about the eldest, Sam.  You will be taken away to Bedford Community, and will not want to leave until you have read the final page of this book.

Read an excerpt.
About the Home to Heather Creek Series

The past is brought to light…


Charlotte is cleaning out the basement of Bedford Community Church when she comes across a tattered and yellowed newspaper article. The clipping, published more than a century ago, implicates her great-great-grandfather in the loss of funds intended to help finish building the church. Charlotte has heard stories about the incident through the years, but now it seems the past has come back to haunt her. Is it just her imagination or are people treating her differently now that they think she’s descended from a crook? Will Charlotte be able to clear her family’s name once and for all?


Meanwhile, Sam is spending time with a new girl in town—and is keeping secrets from his grandparents about where they go. Christopher is trying to get an article published in the local paper, and Emily reluctantly partners with a foreign exchange student on a class project and eventually comes to see that they’re not that different after all. As old secrets are brought to light, the whole family is reminded that the truth is often more complicated than it seems.


Come home to Heather Creek. Get to know Charlotte Stevenson, who is raising her grandchildren on the family farm after a tragic accident changes all of their lives forever. With the help of her husband Bob and a close-knit circle of friends, she will do whatever it takes to keep this fragile family together. See how God, who makes the sun rise and the crops grow, watches over our lives too. ~~To order just this book (rather than the whole series) call customer service (1-800-431-2344).

BLOG TOUR: http://ow.ly/14nQc

**Thanks LitFuse for sending me this book to review!

Retreat!

Andy and I did not spend Valentine's weekend in any typical way.  Rather than buying each other gifts, going out to a nice dinner, or what have you, we headed out to a marriage retreat.  The retreat started Thursday night and ended Sunday at noon.  Let me tell you, it was the best way we have ever spent a Valentine's Day.

My sister and brother in law happened to be the facilitators of this retreat, and I must say, they did an awesome job with speakers, arrangements, all of it.  The topics discussed were nothing new, nothing earth shattering, but you know what?  They gave a voice to problems we have been having and areas we couldn't "nail down" as our real dilemma were identified.  Topics ranged from personality differences, intimacy, love and repect, perseverance, and so on. 

If you are married, or thinking of getting married, you MUST read Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs by Emerson Eggerichs.  This book, and the session in which it was discussed rocked our world!  It shed light on the things we are doing that are hurting our marriage and made us see how our different perspectives affect it all.  Oh it was good!  This is the session where lightbulbs were going off left and right, and we are better for having experienced it!

Saturday afternoon, they had picnic baskets for each couple and sent us off for a lunch time picnic.  As usual, Andy and I spent most of the time in hysterical laughter, but it was also one of the better talks we have had in a long, long time.  We realized that we have been under a great deal of stress, since our child was born.  Let's do the rundown:

• Our first child was born
• Andy's mother had a stroke one month later
• Andy's mom is placed in a nursing home
• We have to fly up to help clean out Andy's childhood home because it was being sold
• We decide to move
• We sell our house in TN, buy one in TX, and move we did
• Andy now works from home
• We are trying to find a chuch home and though thankful to have family here, are in need of a core group of friends

Stressful?  Yes.  The problem is, neither one of us realized just how stressed we were until we got away from the routine of life.  This is the first weekend, since our daughter was born, we have been alone.  The first time in almost two years we took a few days out to only focus on us.  It was not just needed, it was necessary.

The session Saturday afternoon was the hardest to sit through.  My sister and brother in law spoke on perseverance in marriage, and much of it had to do with my nephew's death.  I started crying as they walked up to speak.  My brother in law opened up by saying, "Life is hard, marriage is harder.  Deal with it."  So true, and oh how part of me wanted him to just end there.  But, I am glad he didn't.  It was hard to go back to those days, the surgeries, the fear in my sister's eyes, the helpless feeling I had since I was in TN at that time.  I could vividly remember the call that my nephew had gone into cardiac arrest, and then, that he did not make it.  I remember wanting to make everything better, to fix it, but not being able to.  And as I listened to them speak, I began to understand my brother in law better, and am beyond thankful for him.  He and my sister walked through, what I think, is the greatest hell on earth parents could face.  They will forever miss their son, and there will always be some sadness, but they are walking through it together.  And, they are stronger as a couple.  Their focus was on God, they surrounded themselves with incredible friends, and they kept moving forward.  Yes, I was in full on "ugly cry" mode, but I also know I was supposed to hear them speak. 

Following that, the men and women separated to share with one another.  I have no idea what the men's talk was like, but I know I laughed, a lot, during my time with the other women.  That night, they set up candle light dinners for each couple.  We were all in the same room, but each had our own table.  As we were served dinner, music played in the background, and Andy and I, again, found ourselves laughing. 

Honestly, I could write forever about the weekend.  About the washing of one another's feet, the letters we wrote to one another, and the ones we received from other people.  I could tell you about being away from computers and phones and TVs.  I could tell you about having time solely for us.  I could tell you about so much.  But, it is the fact they chose to focus on strengthening they foundation of marriages that made it so amazing.  We are blessed, beyond measure, to have been a part of the weekend.

There's another retreat in October, and if any of you want to come down for it, let me know.  It will be worth every penny!

The Choice

I have another great book for you friends:

As I began reading this book, I thought it was going to be just one more Amish book of a person leaving the family tradition, entering the world, and then returning to the Amish life, thankful, relieved, and wondering why they left in the first place.  This is not that book.  The main character, Carrie, is a headstrong woman who faces an inner struggle between the man she loves and the life she knows.  Through choices she makes, she endures both heartache and joy, and with each step, becomes even stronger and more grounded.  I would love to befriend this girl, to walk alongside of her, and hear her wisdom.  That is how wonderfully Fisher allows us to learn about Carrie, and each person in her life.  I found myself cheering at times, angry at others, and hoping the right choice was made.  Sometimes the so called simple life is anything but simple.

About the book:

Lancaster County has always been her home--but where does her heart belong?

One moment Carrie Weaver was looking forward to running away with Lancaster Barnstormers pitcher Solomon Riehl--plans that included leaving the Amish community where they grew up. The next moment she was staring into a future as broken as her heart. Now, Carrie is faced with a choice. But will this opportunity be all she hoped? Or will this decision, this moment in time, change her life forever?


A tender story of love, forgiveness, and looking below the surface, The Choice uncovers the sweet simplicity of the Amish world--and shows that it's never too late to find your way back to God.

Endorsements
"Fisher's writing brings that Amish sense of peace into your own world. The Choice brings an entirely new perspective to the Amish way of life. You will love it!"
--Kristin Billerbeck, author of What a Girl Wants

"A story of endearing characters. . . . Fisher writes with a fresh mix of humor and depth, splashing raw emotion onto the pages. I guarantee your heart will be touched."
--Ginger Kolbaba, founding editor of Kyria.com, former editor of Today's Christian Woman, and author of Desperate Pastors' Wives

Enter to win a Signed copy of The Choice:
TWEET THIS: (must use hashtag #thechoice to be entered - no limit on entries! Tweet away!)

The BLOG TOUR for The Choice will begin January 25th and end on February 15th with a wrap up celebration and Book Bomb!
Join Suzanne for Author Talk, a LIVE Chat, on Monday, February 15th at 8PM EST for an evening of chatter and fun.

The 15th is also the book bomb day - purchase a copy of The Choice on the 15th and send in your receipt to amy@litfusegroup.com and we'll enter your name into the hat for a $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com. (we just need the info from your purchase receipt: name of store, and receipt number, number of copies purchased.) Each additional copy you purchase gets you an extra entry.

Hear the story behind Suzanne's latest release, The Choice, win some great prizes (Amish cook books, Auntie Anne's Pretzel gift certificates, Amazon gift certificates), get a sneak peak at her upcoming releases, and join in the chatter! Suzanne will be answering all your burning questions and asking a few of her own. (oh, and hint, hint. Be sure check out Suzanne's website www.suzannewoodsfisher.com before the party - the answers to the trivia contests can ALL be found on there!)

To participate, simply head to the event page on the 15th, 8 pm EST (7 pm CST, 6 pm MST, 5 pm PST) and join in the conversation. We'll use the Event Wall to chat (just hit refresh to keep up with the current conversation) and we'll post all the info and trivia questions in the Description section.

Also - Suzanne will be making a fun announcement about something she's launching this spring. You won't want to miss it!

Hope to see you on the 15th - and don't forget to send your receipts to Amy (amy@litfusegroup.com)

Find Suzanne on Facebook: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Grab this button

WFW-Heb 4:12

WFW-Heb 4:12
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Hebrews 4:12 

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

God's word, amazing, incredible, and able to cut, deeply.  The God-breathed word can delve into the very fiber of our being.  Verses 13-16 go on to say:
And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.  Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.  Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

It is there, in the pages of His word, we find out who we truly are, who we are meant to be.  We find how madly in love our Creator is with us, how he adores us, and longs for us to draw nearer to Him.  It is in those printed pages we find God's heart, and his promises for us.  As His word encourages, disciplines, builds up, tears down, and challenges us, we are able to see how desperately we need him, how loudly our hearts are crying for him.  It is in those moments when His word pierces our hearts that we see our need for the Savior.

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit Lori.

God is purposeful and my AdvoCare story

Unlike most AdvoCare distributors, no one introduced me to the company or had me sample a Spark.  Nope, my story seems to be rather unique.  Let me explain.

I had started working as a personal trainer, and though clients continually asked about supplements, I was never comfortable recommending any.  One day, I noticed another trainer giving his clients some AdvoCare products.  Since I did not care much for the other trainer, I opted to go on the AdvoCare website to investigate the products and company for myself.  The sci/med board caught my eye immediately, and I even recognized some of the names from having studied to become a personal trainer.  I instantly felt good about the quality of the products.  The testimonials of product users and business builders as well as the endorsers blew me away.

Having never spoken to anyone, I chose to become a distributor and ordered products based on what I read others used as I scrolled through their tesimonials.  As AdvoCare distributors know, when we sign up with the company, we have to sign up with someone.  I clicked on "find a distributor" and a few names popped up.  The names of one couple (Mark and Tricia) were familiar to me thanks to the church we went to, though we did not actually know them.  I signed on, and so began my story.

Tricia called me to welcome me, but I basically blew her off.  However, after I received a $25 check in the mail from AdvoCare following an order placed by a client, I knew I had to find out what this was all about.  God so orchestrated things that Tricia and I were about to begin a fitness class at church.  We would be co-leading this new ministry, and God so designed the circumstances that we spent a lot of time together.  Through her friendship and personal story, I decided that the AdvoCare family was one I wanted to be a part of.

Not only is AdvoCare helping me to meet my own personal health goals, and keeping the rest of my family healthy, but it is also the vehicle that will bring us financial freedom.  AdvoCare is opening up so many doors, to wonderful people, but also, wonderful places.  God has been using and continues to use my involvement with AdvoCare to encourage my own growth, my faith, and my confidence in who He has created me to be.  I am setting out to make life better for myself, my husband, my daughter, for those around me, and for those whom I have never even met.  Every moment, I have found, has been purposefully designed by the Creator.  And for that, I am very thankful.

From Matt Chandler

Honestly, these vlogs are sermons in and of themselves.  God is shining so brightly through him as he goes through cancer treatments that I'm about to be blinded.  Enjoy this message from Matt.

Double Trouble

Susan May Warren's delightfully funny heroine is at it again ... P.J. Sugar finds herself in Double Trouble this time!

My thoughts:
As soon as I started reading this book, I found myself doubled over in laughter.  The first few chapters had me wiping tears from my eyes as I met the heroine in this story, PJ Sugar.  She is flawed, fearless, confident, desires success, and the queen of wit.  I love this character, love her humor even more, and enjoyed watching her battle the bad guys, with donut holes even!  HA!  This is one book you will need to read, especially if joy is missing from your life and you find yourself wanting to cheer on an unlikely heroine.

Click here to read other reviews.

About the book
With one solved case under her belt, PJ Sugar is ready to dive into her career as a private investigator. Or at least a PI’s assistant until she can prove herself to Jeremy Kane, her new boss. Suddenly PJ’s seeing crime everywhere. But is it just in her head, or can she trust her instincts? When she takes on her first official case—house-sitting for a witness in protective custody—Jeremy assures her there’s no danger involved. But it soon becomes clear that there is someone after the witness . . . and now they’re after PJ, too.

About the contest!
Be sure to enter the Double Trouble Prize Package Giveaway by clicking on the ‘Double the Sass” button!  Susan’s giving away an iPod prize package that is anything but troubling! Check it out!

Prize Details

Double Trouble, the brand new PJ Sugar novel by Susan May Warren, is in stores now! To celebrate the release, we’re running a HUMDINGER of a contest!!

One Grand Prize winner will receive a $150 SUPER SLEUTH prize package that includes:

* A brand new iPod Shuffle (perfect for those all-night stakeouts)

* A $10 iTunes gift card (we recommend the ALIAS soundtrack)

* A $10 Amazon gift card (why yes, they do sell spy pens)

* A $10 Starbucks gift card (for fuel, obviously)

* A pair of designer sunglasses (be stealthy AND super chic)

* A gorgeous scarf from World Market (can also be used as a blindfold, and/or for tying up bad guys)

* AND signed copies of both Nothing But Trouble & Double Trouble. (romance! danger! intrigue! sooo much better than Surveillance for Dummies!)

We’ll announce our super sleuth winner on March 1st.

Head down, focus on the goal

Ever since my moment of reckoning, I have found myself focusing more, being bolder, and more excited.  I hit a big goal by getting my first advisor!  That is a big step, but now I know I need to multiply that and introduce more people to the products.  There are times I honestly do not understand why people are so hesistant.  A solid company, products that are proven (tested like crazy by independent labs) safe and effective, yet some just will not get on board.  The only thing that bothers me is that I feel like I'm offering them stacks of gold and they are just turning away and saying, "No thanks."  I will never understand that, but, I cannot force them either. 

In fact, the quarterback of one of the teams headed to the Super Bowl is an endorser of AdvoCare products.  Does he get paid?  No.  Not a dime.  He endorses the company because he knows they work, he knows they are safe. 

Everywhere I go, I am working on listening more to what people are saying.  What are they wanting in life?  Are their present actions helping them attain it?  How would what I have help them?  I want to help them, to present them with a proven vehicle.  I find myself speaking up more, at least letting them know there is a way to obtain financial freedom and better health.  The bottom line is, I want people to be able to enjoy life, to live it fully, without anything holding them back.

Now, time to make my list of things I need to take care of today.  You know, work that will result in me being in Hawaii November 17-22.  Want to come?

Click here for more information

Matthew3:16- WFW

Matthew3:16- WFW
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Matthew 3:16:After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit PennyRaine.