Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Ambassador International. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sonnets of Faith by Dona Wilding Haws

Sonnets of Faith is a combination of a devotional book and a poetry collection.  Sonnets written by Dona Wilding Haws are matched to scripture.  They are divided by categories such as:  Praise and Thanksgiving, Faith and Hope in Christ, Grace, Love, Peace and Rest, Prayer and Supplication, Character, Wisdom, Obedience, and Ponderings.

Sonnets of Faith can be read from cover to cover.  It can also be enjoyed according to a topic of interest.  Readers can enjoy it as a devotional or they can use it more like a reference book.  The book is written in such a way that a person can spend as little as a few minutes gathering up a few bits of inspiration or a few hours meditating on a scripture passages and sonnets which bring those scripture passages to life.

Typically, when the book is opened up, the scripture references are on the left.  The corresponding sonnet is on the right.  The sonnets are thought-provoking and beautifully written.  There is plenty of extra space for personal notes or personal illustrations.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

Sonnets of Faith is beautifully illustrated by Dan Burr.  It is published by Ambassador International.  I would recommend Sonnets of Faith to adults and young adults.  Older teens might also enjoy it.  Associating a beautiful sonnet and a Bible verse might help with scripture memory.

 If you would like to purchase your own copy, you will find it here.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Baby Wren and the Great Gift by Sally Lloyd-Jones

Baby Wren and the Great Gift is a story about a baby wren who is born in a canyon nest.  The baby bird gazes out and watches her world from her nest high up in the canyon.  She can see that the world is “filled with such wonderfulness.”  She notices Monarch butterflies in the milkweed, the breezes in the switch grass, and the glittering river.

As Baby Wren ventures out of her nest, she comes into contact with other canyon creatures such as a kingfisher, ring-tailed cats, sunfish, and eagles.  Each of the canyon creatures has special gifts.  Baby Wren wonders if she has a gift.  Then, one day, she discovers her great gift  . . . and great it is.

Baby Wren and the Great Gift teaches children that everyone has special gifts and talents.  The wren’s gift is different than all the other canyon creatures.  Each canyon creature’s gift is different from all the others.  Likewise, children who read this book learn that his or her “great gift” might be different from his or her friends and family, but the gift is just as special and great as all the others.

Baby Wren and the Great Gift is visually appealing.  Some of the pages are illustrated with bright and vivid colors.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

Other illustrations are more like water-colors.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

I read this book to a 3 year old and a 6 year old.  They both loved the book.  They wanted to read it several times.

Baby Wren and the Great Gift is illustrated by Jen Corace.  It is published by Zonderkids.  It is recommended for children between the ages of 4 and 8.

This book is definitely a great children’s book.  It is sweet in nature and teaches a valuable life lesson.

Get your copy here.

That’s Not Fair (Bible Study – Matthew 20)

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Today’s lesson on fairness is taken from a sermon preached by Josh Reavis.  Josh is a pastor at North Jax Baptist Church.  These are my Bible study notes based on his sermon titled “That’s Not Fair.”

Matthew 20:1-16 (That's Not Fair)

Laborers in the Vineyard

For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. When he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius for the day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the market place;  and to those he said, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ And so they went. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did the same thing. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day long?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’

When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last group to the first.’ When those hired about the eleventh hour came, each one received a denarius. When those hired first came, they thought that they would receive more; but each of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they grumbled at the landowner, saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the scorching heat of the day.’ But he answered and said to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go, but I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?’ So the last shall be first, and the first last.” - Matthew 20:1-16

What lessons can we learn from a story that reflects what we might feel is unfair?  Obviously, if me and you were involved in this story, we wouldn’t be happy if someone else got paid the same amount of money for doing less work.

God keeps His Word.

God has never broken His promise.    

God never promised that life would be easy or fair.  He does promise that He will be with us and that He’ll take care of us.

God is in charge.

God does not distribute by method or achievement.  His grace is the same for all of us. 

The same measure of grace is shown to the person saved at the last minute of life as the one who lived a lifetime in fellowship with God.

God is generous.

God will do what He wishes with what is His.

Instead of saying, “That’s not fair” to God, try saying:

God, if this doesn’t work out, we still love You.

God, if this doesn’t go as planned, we know You still love us.

God, is this doesn’t work out the way we want, You are still good.

“Don’t doubt in the darkness what God has shown you in the light.”

  

Patience (Bible Study on the Book of James)

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The following are my final Bible study notes from our pastor’s study of the book of James.  Our main scripture text is taken from James 5:7-12.

Patience - James 5:7-12

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.

But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment. – James 5:7-12 

I am to be patient when:

situations are out of my control. (verse 7)

difficult people are encountered. (verse 10)

personal suffering has no explanation. (verse 11)

Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. – Job 1:20

I am to be patient because:

the Lord is going to return. (verses 8-9)

the Lord rewards patience. (verse 11)

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. – Matthew 5:12

the Lord is doing real work even though it is unseen. (verse 11)

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28 

This item is available here.

I am being patient when:

I wait on God with expectancy. (verse 8)

I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, and in His word do I hope. – Psalm 130:5

I wait on God quietly. (verses 9 and 12)

It is good that he waits silently for the salvation of the Lord. – Lamentations 3:26 

But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. – Micah 7:7

 You'll find all my posts about this study on the book of James here.

Money (Bible Study on the Book of James)

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Today’s topic from our Bible study in the book of James is “Money.”  Recently, our pastor preached a sermon series on the Book of James.  These are my Bible study notes based on his sermon.

Keep deception and lies far from me,
Give me neither poverty nor riches;
Feed me with the food that is my portion,
That I not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the Lord?”
Or that I not be in want and steal,
And profane the name of my God.

(Proverbs 30:8-9)

Money:  James 5:1-6

Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten. Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure! Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and put to death the righteous man; he does not resist you.  James 5:1-6

Avoid the ungodly and wrong uses of money.

Don’t be a hoarder.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal. – Matthew 6:19-20  

Don’t be a cheater.

You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your countrymen or one of your aliens who is in your land in your towns. You shall give him his wages on his day before the sun sets, for he is poor and sets his heart on it; so that he will not cry against you to the Lord and it become sin in you. – Deuteronomy 24:14-15 

Don’t be a self-server.

Apply your heart to discipline and your ears to words of knowledge. – Proverbs 23:12  

Apply the Godly and right use of money.

How we get money:   

 Don’t obtain money dishonestly.

Make sure the method doesn’t hurt your health.

Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, cease from your consideration of it. – Proverbs 23:4

Make sure your method of obtaining money doesn’t hurt your family.

Make sure your method of obtaining money doesn’t hurt your testimony! 

Make sure your method of obtaining money doesn’t hurt others. “Don’t step on people’s heads while your climbing the ladder to success.”

How we guard money:

Saving money is encouraged.  It helps us prepare for the future.  This is different from hoarding. 

There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up. – Proverbs 21:20 

How we give money:

There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, And there is one who withholds what is justly due, and it results only in want. – Proverbs 22:24 

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal. – Matthew 6:20 

Audit yourself:

Take a look at the way you manage your money and see if you are being obedient in the scriptural principles of this message.

Final Note

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. – 1 Timothy 6:17

You'll find all my posts about this study on the book of James here.

 

Priorities (Bible Study on the Book of James)

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Today’s lesson from the book of James is on the topic of priorities.  These are my sermon notes taken from our pastor’s study at Blackshear Place Baptist Church.

What was Jesus’ priority?

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work. – John 4:34

Priorities  James 4:13-17

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow.  You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.  Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin. - James 4:13-17

Our priorities are right when we don’t play God.

Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments and His ordinances and His statutes which I am commanding you today. – Deuteronomy 8:11

Our priorities are right when we don’t presume tomorrow.

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. – Proverbs 27:1

The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. – Proverbs 16:1

Life is unpredictable and brief.

Lord, make me to know my end
And what is the extent of my days;
Let me know how transient I am.
Behold, You have made my days as handbreadths,
And my lifetime as nothing in Your sight;
Surely every man at his best is a mere breath.
Surely every man walks about as a phantom;
Surely they make an uproar for nothing;
He amasses riches and does not know who will gather them.
(Psalm 39:4-6)

Our priorities are right when we don’t put off today.

So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6:34

 “Stress is like a rocking chair.  It keeps you busy but you get nowhere.”

You'll find all my posts about this study on the book of James here.

    

Conflict (Study on the Book of James)

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I’m not sure how I got away from our Bible study on the book of James, but this week, we’re finishing the study.  Today’s lesson is on the topic of conflict.  We all have conflict in our lives from time to time.  Some experience conflict more often than others.  Conflict can cause serious problems with relationships.  My notes are short this week but here are my notes taken from our pastor’s sermon at Blackshear Place Baptist Church.

Conflict:  James 4:1-12

Things to Avoid

What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?  You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”?  But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.  Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom.  Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.

Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor?  - James 4:1-12 

1. WE are the problem.  If we have conflict with our relationships, we probably have conflict in our hearts.
2. With conflict comes prayerlessness.
3. We are in conflict with God.

James 4:4 – You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God?  Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

God is not interested in 2nd place.  He desires first priority in our lives.  He doesn’t want part of us.  He wants all of us.

God is the answer.  His grace is greater than (insert conflict).

Humble yourself before God and He will lift you up.


You'll find all my posts about this study on the book of James here.
  

A Dolphin Wish by Natalie Grant (Book Review)

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Dolphin Wish by Natalie Grant

My first thoughts here about A Dolphin Wish  is how long it took me to “get into it.”  Several chapters in and I still felt like the plot had not developed yet.  Once I reached chapter 8, I finally began to enjoy the story.  In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I couldn’t put it down.  Perhaps my slow move into the plot of the book stems from the fact that I have not read the first one.  Now, I want to read all three.

The Glimmer Girls series is about three sisters who love adventures.  The adventure in A Dolphin Wish involves solving a mystery at a San Diego amusement park.  I especially liked this book because not only does it entertain young readers as they solve a good mystery, but it also teaches them Godly character.  The two older sisters, Mia and Maddie, learn lessons about growing up, changing relationships, and loving each other through it all.  The learn about the value of truth and friendship.

A Dolphin Wish is geared toward kids between the ages of 10 and 14 (give or take a year or two).  The book is written by award winning recording artist Natalie Grant.  It is the second book in Natalie’s faithgirlz series.  The third book, Miracle in Music City is currently available for pre-order.

 If my daughters were younger, I would definitely have them read this book and I’m sure they both would have loved it.

 You can order your copy of A Dolphin Wish here.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

*Note:  This is not a sponsored post.  I was not paid by any of the companies in this post or any of the linked posts.  I did not receive any products in exchange for writing this post.  This post is based on my own personal experience.

How to Vacation in the Outer Banks without Breaking YOUR Bank

My husband and I just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary.  We decided to celebrate by taking a vacation in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  We wanted to take an entire week, but we didn’t think we had enough money.  We were afraid we might not get to go until we remembered Just Gotta Go.  Several years ago, we took the family to Orlando, Florida for an entire week.  We had never taken an entire week before, but we were able to secure a top-notch condo for the entire week for just $700.  The condo included a full kitchen and dining room, living room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a washer, and a dryer.  We enjoyed a huge TV and ceiling fans.  It was amazing.  I was sure we would be charged a lot more at check out because the condo was way too nice for just $700 for the whole week.  Thankfully, there were no unexpected expenses and the entire week total for the condo was $700.  We decided to check Just Gotta Go and I’m so glad we did.  We were able to get a whole week in a condo at Barrier Island Station in Duck, North Carolina for just $625.  Once again, I was a little bit nervous because you’ve heard the saying, “If it is too good to be true, then it isn’t true.”  However, again, there were no unexpected charges and our entire week long vacation in the Outer Banks totaled $625 for the condo.

For Your Convenience:

Just Gotta Go Website

Just Gotta Go on EBay (This is where we purchased both of our vacation rentals.)

After purchasing our rental, we set out on a 9 hour road trip.  Our trip up there took longer than 9 hours because we heard about the ferry system.  I wanted to ride a ferry so we drove to Cedar Island, North Carolina to board one.  If you decide to ride a ferry, be sure to make reservations first.  We didn’t know this so we waited in line for about 2 hours just to take a chance on getting on the ferry.  They only take about 40 or 50 cars, depending on weight.  We didn’t make the ferry.  We had two choices.  We could back-track inland and continue on the road north to the bridges or we could wait on another ferry.  We were guaranteed a ride on the next one, but we would have to wait 3 more hours.  Either way, we would get there about the same time.  We waited.  The good news is that the ferry ride costs $10.  That’s it, just $10.  Then, once you board, you can get out of your vehicle and make your way to the deck.  We enjoyed a nice ride that afternoon.  It took the ferry 2 hours to travel 28 miles but it was a nice ride.  Finally, we drove onto the southern Outer Banks.  After several miles, we boarded another ferry.  This ride was free and took about an hour.  We drove onto the area of Hatteras Island.  We drove the length of the Outer Banks, from Hatteras to Duck in about 1.5 hours.  We had planned to do this in daylight so we could see the area but since we missed the first ferry, we had to drive in the dark.  Be sure to make those reservations!

For your convenience:

North Carolina Ferry Division

We arrived at our condo at Barrier Island Station.  Just like years ago in Orlando, I was nervous.  Just like then, I wasn’t disappointed when we walked in the door.  The condo in Duck wasn’t as nice as the on in Orlando had been but it was perfect for us.

Ferry Boat - Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

 You can read my review on Barrier Island Station – Duck here.

To our pleasant surprise, tourist attractions as you vacation in the Outer Banks are not too expensive.  Here are several things we did.  Click on the links for details.

Shop the Waterfront Shops 

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

Visit the Wright Brothers Museum and National Monument 

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

 Visit Whalehead in Historic Corolla 

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Visit the Currituck Lighthouse 

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 Visit Roanoke Island and see the Lost Colony Outdoor Drama

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The last thing we did before heading home was to kayak on the Currituck Sound.  The Sound is shallow and not overcrowded.  It was fabulous!  There were a few other kayakers, one or two people on paddle boards, and a small motor boat in the distance, but for most of our 2 hours on the water, it was just us.  We rented our kayak from Ocean Atlantic Rentals on Highway 12, just before you get to the Waterfront shops.  We rented an Old Town Double Sit-In for 2 hours and it only costed $ 42.70.  It was more than worth it.  We live near a huge lake so now we’re in the market for our own kayaks.  I don’t know why we haven’t tried it before.  Be sure to kayak on the Sound if you’re in Duck.  You won’t regret it.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

 Yep, that's me enjoying a kayak on the Currituck Sound.

The only thing that seemed expensive to us was the food.  Restaurants seemed pricy but we did enjoy some good food.  Since we didn’t spend a fortune on a place to stay and the attractions were affordable, we didn’t mind enjoying a few meals even if we thought they were too expensive. 

Read about a few places to eat here.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

We enjoyed our week by the Atlantic Ocean in the Outer Banks, North Carolina area.  If your planning a trip to that area, I hope this information helps you.  There are SO MANY things to do there.  I'm not sure we could do it all if we were there for a month.

Here are a few other resources which might help you plan your trip.

Read about other great places to visit in the Outer Banks of North Carolina here.