tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335613572024-03-07T04:25:09.538-05:00Mel's WorldMel's World with Melissa Mashburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09811037129669411510noreply@blogger.comBlogger1078125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561357.post-7281520928283517452013-01-29T07:00:00.000-05:002013-01-29T07:00:16.546-05:00One Word 365 - Shift 2013<div mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMVBWtwUi_M/UQcAMB8W0nI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/xt3qAkIhh0E/s1600/One+Word+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMVBWtwUi_M/UQcAMB8W0nI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/xt3qAkIhh0E/s1600/One+Word+2013.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I wrestled for weeks with what my One Word would be. I was actually quite frustrated that it was taking me so long to narrow down the list I was keeping of possible words for 2013 (<i>there were 19 words on the list</i>). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then, in the course of one whole week, <b>every time I turned around it was if I was having to "shift" my plans, thoughts, direction -- you name it, it was shifting.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was then that I knew that SHIFT was a whole lot bigger than it looks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yeah, it "seems" simple enough, but to SHIFT you actually have to see that there is actually another way. Thanks to <a href="http://dictionary.com/">Dictionary.com</a> I wanted you to see a little bit more about SHIFT;</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="header" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 2px; text-align: left; word-wrap: break-word;">
<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/shift?s=t" target="_blank"></a><br />
<h2 class="me" style="color: black; display: inline; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/shift?s=t" target="_blank">
shift</a></h2>
<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/shift?s=t" target="_blank">
<sup style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.75em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"></sup> </a></div>
<div class="body" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; margin: 0em 0px 0em 0em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<div class="pbk" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span class="pg" style="display: inline; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 3px;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">verb</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">(used</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">with</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">object)</span></span></span><br />
<div class="luna-Ent" style="background-image: none; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px;">
<span class="dnindex" style="color: #7b7b7b; display: block; float: left; font-weight: bold; width: 28px;"><span id="hotword">1.</span></span><br />
<div class="dndata" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 37px;">
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">put</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">(something)</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">aside</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">and</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">replace</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">it</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">by</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">another</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">others;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">change</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">exchange:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline" style="display: inline; font-family: Georgia, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">shift</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">friends;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span><span id="hotword" name="hotword">shift</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">ideas.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="background-image: none; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px;">
<span class="dnindex" style="color: #7b7b7b; display: block; float: left; font-weight: bold; width: 28px;"><span id="hotword">2.</span></span><br />
<div class="dndata" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 37px;">
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">transfer</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">from</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">one</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">place,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">position,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">person,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">etc.,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">another:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline" style="display: inline; font-family: Georgia, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">shift</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">blame</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">onto</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">someone</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">else.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="background-image: none; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px;">
<span class="dnindex" style="color: #7b7b7b; display: block; float: left; font-weight: bold; width: 28px;"><span id="hotword">3.</span></span><br />
<div class="dndata" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 37px;">
<span class="labset" style="display: inline;"><span class="ital-inline" style="display: inline; font-family: Georgia, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Automotive.</span> </span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">change</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">(gears)</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">from</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">one</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">ratio</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">arrangement</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">another.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="background-image: none; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px;">
<span class="dnindex" style="color: #7b7b7b; display: block; float: left; font-weight: bold; width: 28px;"><span id="hotword">4.</span></span><br />
<div class="dndata" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 37px;">
<span class="labset" style="display: inline;"><span class="ital-inline" style="display: inline; font-family: Georgia, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Linguistics</span> </span></span><span id="hotword">. </span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">change</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">systematic</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">way,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">especially</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">phonetically.</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="pbk" style="font-size: small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then I started to dig around in the Bible and found a couple of fantastic examples of what God has been trying to tell me when it comes to the word SHIFT.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">“Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage.<b> <u>The focus will </u></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><u><b>shift</b></u></span></i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><i><u><b> from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace</b></u>.<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6:6&version=MSG" target="_blank"> </a></i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6:6&version=MSG" target="_blank">Matthew 6:6 The Message</a> (emphasis mine)</span></blockquote>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">But <u><b>by </b></u></span><u><b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">shift</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">ing our focus from what </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">we</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> do to what </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">God</span></b></u></i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><i><u><b> does</b></u>, don’t we cancel out all our careful keeping of the rules and ways God commanded? Not at all. What happens, in fact, is that by putting that entire way of life in its proper place, we confirm it.</i> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3:31&version=MSG" target="_blank">Romans 3:31 The Message</a> (emphasis mine)</span></blockquote>
</div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's time for me to take myself out of the equation here--</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><b>time to start to SHIFT in every aspect of my life</b>.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><b>Shift - My Thoughts</b> to things that bring Him glory,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><b>Shift - My Quiet Time</b> to seeking Him in the Word,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><b>Shift - My Ministry Priorities</b> to those He wants me to focus on,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><b>Shift - My Health </b>back up to one of my top priorities,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><b>Shift - My Family Time</b> to focus on being fully present with my boys,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><b>Shift - My Focus on my Marriage</b> so that the next 20+ years are better than ever,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><b>Shift - My Blog in a new direction.</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><b>It's time for a change and instead of hanging on I'm going to lean in and SHIFT with God to see what/where He is taking me on this journey.</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">With that, I'd love to have you come over and visit me in my new "world". Welcome to the new Mel's World, now called "<a href="http://www.melissamashburn.net/" target="_blank"><b>Real Women, Real Life, Real Faith with Melissa Mashburn</b></a>".</span></blockquote>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">It is still a work in progress and I have lots to do to finish up all the details...but the time is NOW! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Please jump over and let me know what you think!<b> I'm now at <a href="http://melissamashburn.net/">MelissaMashburn.net</a></b>, I will be fixing all the links and stuff soon...but instead of waiting for everything to "come together" it's time to open it up! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<center>
<a href="http://www.melissamashburn.net/"><img border="0" src="http://i823.photobucket.com/albums/zz160/macm1222/button-7.jpg" /></a></center>
<center>
</center>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hey, if you want to find out more about ONE WORD 365, see all the info below. If you haven't done one yet, then I'd love to challenge you to consider jumping in too. It's not too late.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you already picked out your ONE WORD for 2013, then I'd love to hear what word you picked and why you chose it!</span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.oneword365.com/" mce_href="http://www.oneword365.com" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7051" src="http://oneword365.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/300_125.jpg" height="132" mce_src="http://oneword365.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/300_125.jpg" title="One_Word" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Forget New Year’s Resolutions. Scrap that long list of goals you won’t remember three weeks from now anyway. Choose just one word.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One word that sums up who you want to be or how you want to live. One word that you can focus on every day, all year long.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It will take intentionality and commitment, but if you let it, your word will shape you and your year. It will guide your decisions and help you grow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Discover the big impact one word can make.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One word. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">365 days. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A changed life.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" /></div>
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09811037129669411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561357.post-43602416246326759022013-01-28T17:34:00.000-05:002013-01-28T17:34:23.393-05:00Book Review: ”The Tutor’s Daughter” by Julie Klassen! Enter to win a “Downton Abbey” Kindle Prize Pack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ocZegB9bSNI/UQb4ZNK3W3I/AAAAAAAAAn0/qQKJ2BLTpKA/s1600/Tutors+Daughter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ocZegB9bSNI/UQb4ZNK3W3I/AAAAAAAAAn0/qQKJ2BLTpKA/s1600/Tutors+Daughter.jpg" height="400" width="257" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ow.ly/gI7qC" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Tutor's Daughter</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Julie Klassen</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My Thoughts About the Book:</span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you love all things Jane Austen, Jane Erye, Sabrina, or Downton Abbey, then you are absolutely going to fall in love with Julie Klassen's new book, The Tutor's Daughter. With intrigue, excitement, adventure and all the drama of a historical romance there is something for everyone in the Tutor's Daughter. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I found myself tucked inside the pages of the book enjoying every sweet minute of Emma's adventure. Stomping along, holding my breath and sitting in the background of every moment along her journey. I'm sure Emma would be great friends with Elizabeth Bennett (from Pride and Prejudice) and be able to share stories of prejudice and misjudgment. I can't wait to tell my Downton Abbey fan friends about the Tutor's Daughter.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About the Book:</span></b></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Filled with page-turning suspense, The Tutor's Daughter takes readers to the windswept Cornwall coast-a place infamous for shipwrecks and superstitions-where danger lurks, faith is tested, and romance awaits.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emma Smallwood, determined to help her widowed father when his boarding school fails, accompanies him to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons. But soon after they arrive and begin teaching the two younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen. Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte at night, only to find the music room empty? And who begins sneaking into her bedchamber, leaving behind strange mementoes?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The baronet's older sons, Phillip and Henry Weston, wrestle with problems-and secrets-of their own. They both remember the studious Miss Smallwood from their days at her father's academy. But now one of them finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When suspicious acts escalate, can Emma figure out which brother to blame and which to trust with her heart? </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About the Author:</span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yQR6xUfyppE/UQb4Y0AqJpI/AAAAAAAAAnw/ihVzFDsxsUM/s1600/Tutors+Daughter+Author+Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yQR6xUfyppE/UQb4Y0AqJpI/AAAAAAAAAnw/ihVzFDsxsUM/s1600/Tutors+Daughter+Author+Image.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Julie Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She has won the Christy Award: Historical Romance for The Silent Governess (2010) and The Girl in the Gatehouse (2011) which also won the 2010 Midwest Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. Find out more about Julie at <a href="http://www.julieklassen.com/">http://www.julieklassen.com/</a>. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">To read what others are saying </span><a href="http://litfusegroup.com/author/JKlassen" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;" target="_blank">click here</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Julie is celebrating by giving away one of the new Paperwhite Kindles, Downton Abbey (season 3) and hosting a fun Author Chat Party on Facebook. (January 31st)</span></strong></em>
</div>
<em><strong><br /></strong></em>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/310630" target="_blank"><img alt="Tutor's-Daughter-300" class="size-full wp-image-3843 aligncenter" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Tutors-Daughter-300.png" height="250" width="300" /></a></div>
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>One fortunate winner will receive:</strong>
<br />
<ul>
<li>A Kindle Paperwhite</li>
<li>Downton Abbey, Season 3</li>
<li>A Julie Klassen library (<em>The Tutor’s Daughter, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Girl in the Gatehouse, </em>and<em> The Silent Governess)</em></li>
</ul>
<strong>Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on January 30th.</strong> Winner will be announced at <strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/484177341633861" target="_blank">"The Tutor's Daughter Author Chat Party on January 31st</a></strong>. Connect with Julie, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be great giveaways - gift certificates, books and season 3 of Downton Abbey!
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em><strong><br /></strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em><strong>So grab your copy of The Tutor's Daughter and join Julie on the evening of the January 31st for a chance to connect with Julie and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)</strong></em></div>
<center>
<a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/310630" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/twitter.png" /></a><a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/310630" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/facebook.png " /></a><a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/310630" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/email.png" /></a></center>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Don't miss a moment of the fun, <strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/484177341633861" target="_blank">RSVP today</a>. </strong>Tell your friends via <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/310630/invites/new" target="_blank">FACEBOOK</a> or <a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/310630" target="_blank">TWITTER</a> and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 31st!</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEigWItuN7ZwHs9VXg415VgeRAb88wZTNYeB52QY4pVyQF6KpzbLk97dcekUKbleJ4agiJKELbrNpYGNCzlhaQRVy3DWxIDEg_45_oioWxMjrG0jx0uzxyE-Kn9KrH-_TL3UmAyBSgeGDMSN3Tw7Zwo3f9hZ5DrJHLvV9dnjpo2fJCEnxdZooQSpCpDgeMTwFvq30vpLbHY8o4Fu=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="centered" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”</span></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fi52.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg20%2Fmaryjohess%2FMelissa%2520Mashburn%2520Blog%2FMels_Signature_3.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEigWItuN7ZwHs9VXg415VgeRAb88wZTNYeB52QY4pVyQF6KpzbLk97dcekUKbleJ4agiJKELbrNpYGNCzlhaQRVy3DWxIDEg_45_oioWxMjrG0jx0uzxyE-Kn9KrH-_TL3UmAyBSgeGDMSN3Tw7Zwo3f9hZ5DrJHLvV9dnjpo2fJCEnxdZooQSpCpDgeMTwFvq30vpLbHY8o4Fu=" -->Mel's World with Melissa Mashburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09811037129669411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561357.post-55423287550735697892013-01-19T07:00:00.000-05:002013-01-19T17:47:07.170-05:00Book Review: Secretly Smitten | An Evening of Giggle, Gab & Prizes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P8fTTB2pX_w/UPsflh2tqUI/AAAAAAAAAmY/aszQs0IdikQ/s1600/Secretly-Smitten1-e1357928851170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P8fTTB2pX_w/UPsflh2tqUI/AAAAAAAAAmY/aszQs0IdikQ/s1600/Secretly-Smitten1-e1357928851170.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
<br />
<b style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>My Thoughts About the Book:</u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Delightful, heart warming fun. When I read that these four powerhouse women were collaborating on a book I just knew that I had to get my hands on it. I mean, I have been a big Kristin Billerbeck fan for years and recently have enjoyed the creative writings of Colleen Coble, Diann Hunt and even Denise Hunter. What I love about this book is that you have one great big story being woven together from four very different creative avenues. Each almost like a mini-book in the big book of the story.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just when I thought I liked one better than the other, I was wooed into the pages by sweeping stories and the hope that comes along like it is a Hallmark movie (which, by the way this would make an amazing movie). I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall while these women put their heads together for this book. I can only imagine the giggles that must have gone on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I loved this book and secretly hope they decide to do another one together. <a href="http://ow.ly/gM679" target="_blank">Secretly Smitten ~ Love Changes Everything</a>, love it, a perfect Saturday afternoon snuggled on the couch with a cuppa coffee and blankie type book!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<b style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>About the Book:</u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<center>
<div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Summer, fall, winter, spring-Smitten, Vermont, is the place for love . . . and mystery!</span></strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There's a secret in Grandma Rose's attic-a forgotten set of dog tags belonging to her first love. But David Hutchins was killed in action and never returned to Smitten. How did the dog tags end up in the attic?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The mystery intrigues Rose's three granddaughters-Tess, Clare, and Zoe-and they decide to investigate, though their mother, Anna, warns against meddling. But as the seasons turn and the mystery unravels, the three young women and their mother encounter some intriguing mystery men of their own. Has a sixty-year-old puzzle sparked something new for this close-knit family of women?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Join popular romance novelists-and real-life BFFs-Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter for four delightful intertwined tales of mystery and sweet intrigue.</span></em></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">
<br />
<em><br /></em></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v4kdlWUp8ys/UPsfdc9CdgI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/TUtfZRJFs6Y/s1600/Smitten-116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v4kdlWUp8ys/UPsfdc9CdgI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/TUtfZRJFs6Y/s1600/Smitten-116.jpg" height="184" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt;">
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><b><u><span style="color: purple;">Meet "The Gals":</span></u><span style="color: #222222;"> </span></b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;">
<div style="font-size: 11pt;">
</div>
</span> </span>RITA-finalist Colleen Coble is the author of several best-selling romantic suspense novels, including "Tidewater Inn", and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series. * Christy Award finalist and two-time winner of the ACFW Book of the Year award, Kristin Billerbeck has appeared on The Today Show and has been featured in the New York Times. Her books include "A Billion Reasons Why" and "What a Girl Wants." * Denise Hunter is the award-winning and best-selling author of several novels, including "A Cowboy's Touch" and "Sweetwater Gap." She and her husband are raising three boys in Indiana. * Diann Hunt has lived in Indiana forever, been happily married forever, loves her family, chocolate, her friends, her dog, and, well, chocolate.</span><div style="color: #222222;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><strong>Find out more about Coble, Billerbeck, Hunter, Hunt <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001y-QNWrXnwriZLJkSF3CgyNalO5_dNt9bTCAK2Lv_26O1W5icSKLlwzDaXlwanglbpz4rXjMNq2HgQjiEho9M4uenzbIE4UQY3b8fo7fEmWSG-2Vl5b6uIWNoMZF59eX5TXEEuHpEk_iwZFS5FC2Aa0AS9CIzGmVN" shape="rect" style="color: #6ba3a6;" target="_blank">here</a></strong>.</span></div>
</div>
</center>
<br />
<b><u><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Author Chat Party:</span></u></b><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/nelsonfiction/app_485447744827798" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/secretly-smitten-200.png" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
The "gals" are celebrating the release of Secretly Smitten with a fun Live Webcast on February 5th. They'll be debuting the *NEW* animated Smitten trailer, giving away tons of prizes, dishing on the book and their friendship. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They'll also be wrapping up the <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/secretlysmitten" target="_blank"><i>Secretly Smitten</i> blog tour</a>, answering audience questions and testing your trivia skills. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Don't miss the fun and bring your friends. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/nelsonfiction/app_485447744827798" target="_blank">Click here to RSVP and set up a reminder</a>.
</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”</span></span></div>
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09811037129669411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561357.post-85395734613516484882013-01-19T06:00:00.000-05:002013-01-19T18:09:57.426-05:00Book Review: The Matchmakers of Butternut Creek, by Jane Myers Perrine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2XQdIGIKzo/UPslqOqHgVI/AAAAAAAAAm0/Uh-iZAYdkpM/s1600/Matchmakers+51Xk64nQ35L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2XQdIGIKzo/UPslqOqHgVI/AAAAAAAAAm0/Uh-iZAYdkpM/s1600/Matchmakers+51Xk64nQ35L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My Thoughts About the Book:</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I read the first book in the Butternut Creek series when Pastor Adam first came to this sweet little small town. I laughed at all the antics of the widows then and was excited to pick right back up on all the fun in this book, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Matchmakers-Butternut-Creek-Novel/dp/0892968958/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1358636519&sr=1-1" target="_blank">The Matchmakers of Butternut Creek</a>". Growing up in a small town in Kentucky I had to laugh out loud because I have seen many of these things happen in real life. I enjoyed the walk down memory lane and also the adventures the widows always seem to get themselves into.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This book is crafted to be a sweet adventure for anyone willing to come along for the ride. I loved the new characters in the story line and even if you didn't read the first book, you will quickly be able to catch up and enjoy everything just as though you did. I can't wait to see what's next for the widows at Butternut Creek.</span><br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">About the Book:</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once again, the Widows of Butternut Creek are determined to find a bride for Pastor Adam. This time, their candidate is as gun shy as the pastor!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A traumatic experience as a college freshman has left Gussie Milton 'once bitten, twice shy.' Although she'd like a relationship, she's frightened, so she's thrown herself into caring for her aging parents, her photography business, and her church. In the eyes of Miss Birdie and her friend Mercedes, aka 'the Widows,' Gussie would make their young pastor the perfect wife. And though the attraction proves mutual, first Gussie's past and then the pastor's hopes for the future threaten to keep them apart. Can the Widows' meddling be the catalyst that changes the couple's lives forever?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B3MTB2bN3kI/UPsmScVkFEI/AAAAAAAAAm8/GsNocZLzoy8/s1600/jane+myers+perrine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B3MTB2bN3kI/UPsmScVkFEI/AAAAAAAAAm8/GsNocZLzoy8/s1600/jane+myers+perrine.jpg" height="200" width="145" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>About the Author:</u></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Jane Myers Perrine draws on her experiences as an ordained minister to write the tales from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=Jane%20Myers%20Perrine&ie=UTF8&search-alias=books&sort=relevancerank" target="_blank">Butternut Creek series</a>. She lives in Texas with her husband, who is also a minister.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" style="background-color: transparent;" /></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”
</span>Mel's World with Melissa Mashburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09811037129669411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561357.post-50349825140240795162012-11-28T07:00:00.000-05:002012-11-28T07:00:02.961-05:00Word Filled Wednesday: Psalm 119:11<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qHkJNRT0RJs/ULPni7ROvHI/AAAAAAAAAjc/GJkOpNzbkvY/s1600/Ps+119-11+WFW++(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qHkJNRT0RJs/ULPni7ROvHI/AAAAAAAAAjc/GJkOpNzbkvY/s1600/Ps+119-11+WFW++(1).jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you</i>.</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">~ Psalm 119:11 NIV</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of my favorite verses and a great reminder of why it is so important to memorize Scripture. In good times, in bad times, and everything in between if we have God's Word in our heart we can get through anything.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For more <a href="http://internetcafedevotions.com/wfw/" target="_blank">Word Filled Wednesday</a>, head on over to the <a href="http://internetcafedevotions.com/" target="_blank">Internet Cafe Devotions</a> site. There are tons of great WFW's there and also lots of fantastic resources too.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Are you new to Word Filled Wednesday?</i> Here's a little bit about it...</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-icZWzA9x1KQ/ULPngg6mYMI/AAAAAAAAAjU/y_LXwhZLXJg/s1600/WFWlogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-icZWzA9x1KQ/ULPngg6mYMI/AAAAAAAAAjU/y_LXwhZLXJg/s1600/WFWlogo.jpg" height="110" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since it’s inception, the purpose of Word filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photo, or graphic image combined with a verse from the Bible.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WFW <strong>is not</strong> about books, authors, artists.. it’s about God and <strong>HIS WORD ONLY</strong>. WFW is about celebrating the gift of creativity through God’s Word.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head on over to check out more <a href="http://internetcafedevotions.com/wfw/" target="_blank">Word Filled Wednesday</a> posts!</span></div>
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" />Mel's World with Melissa Mashburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09811037129669411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561357.post-41433556540941432592012-11-27T07:00:00.000-05:002012-11-27T18:50:12.537-05:00I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GMAhgNw1nOM/ULPUZamGY8I/AAAAAAAAAi4/b9Ql48qJRuU/s1600/dreamstimefree_201896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GMAhgNw1nOM/ULPUZamGY8I/AAAAAAAAAi4/b9Ql48qJRuU/s1600/dreamstimefree_201896.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9px; line-height: 23px;">© Vladimir Georgievsky | Dreamstime.com RF-LL</span></div>
<br />
<strong style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Busy.</span></strong><br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<strong><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Distracted.</span></strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<strong><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Overwhelmed.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">There is no time to hang out and catch up with your friends. The calendar is packed, the to-do list is never ending and each day spent trying to stay afloat. The feeling of isolation starts to seep in and then something happens, one small thing sets the whole balancing act off kilter and <strong>everything just falls down around you</strong>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Sounds a bit depressing,<em> doesn’t it?</em> Nevertheless, </span><em><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">isn’t that how a lot of us are living? </span></em></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">I am preaching to the choir here. <strong>I am the first to be caught up in my own world and forget that other things are going on around me…not only in my life, but also in the lives of my friends.</strong></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><em><br /></em></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><em>Friends? Who has time for friends?</em></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">We have so much to do and so little time we say to ourselves and yet <strong>when all the plates fall to the ground and we end up sitting there all alone when what we really need is a friend</strong>. You know, the ones that we didn’t have time for when everything was running smoothly. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<em><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><br /></span></em>
<em><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">What is it about ourselves that thinks we can do this thing called life on our own?</span></em></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<strong><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><br /></span></strong>
<strong><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Control.</span></strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<strong><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Pride.</span></strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<strong><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Self-Reliance.</span></strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><br /></span></strong></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #660000; font-family: georgia, serif;">...<a href="http://internetcafedevotions.com/2012/10/i-get-by-with-a-little-help-from-my-friends/" target="_blank">to read the rest of this post head on over to the Internet Cafe Devotions site</a>. </span></strong></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HzqAOxvSjuM/ULPVjzBBK8I/AAAAAAAAAjA/f4Tc-1gu20E/s1600/cafe+wp+header+RELATIONSHIP+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HzqAOxvSjuM/ULPVjzBBK8I/AAAAAAAAAjA/f4Tc-1gu20E/s1600/cafe+wp+header+RELATIONSHIP+copy.jpg" height="120" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><br /></span></strong></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: georgia, serif;"><b><i>What are you waiting for?</i> </b><a href="http://internetcafedevotions.com/2012/10/i-get-by-with-a-little-help-from-my-friends/" target="_blank">Head on over</a>, you'll love their site!</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" /></div>
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09811037129669411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561357.post-36148077817171033612012-11-26T08:00:00.000-05:002012-11-26T14:59:53.724-05:00Book Review: Courting Cate, by Leslie Gould<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NdCrAcPtfZ4/ULPIHFwBf4I/AAAAAAAAAik/11h8QkpYDlU/s1600/Courting-Cate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NdCrAcPtfZ4/ULPIHFwBf4I/AAAAAAAAAik/11h8QkpYDlU/s1600/Courting-Cate.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>My Thoughts on the Book:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cate is sassy, passionate and full of life. Within minutes I loved her spunk, but as the book continued on I just couldn't help myself but to be drawn in even further into her complicated "simple" life. Page after page took Cate on a new adventure and with each turn I enjoyed joining her on that journey.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is the first time I have read anything by Leslie Gould, but after reading this I am looking forward to reading more books from her...especially the following books in this series.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Great book, easy read, lots of fun and a sweet book to take along on vacation or on a rainy weekend curled up with a blanket and a hot cuppa coffee.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>About the Book:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When This Couple Gets to Courting, Sparks Will Fly!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In Paradise, Pennsylvania, Cate Miller is known more for her sharp tongue and fiery temper than her striking appearance. Her sweet and flirty sister, Betsy, on the other hand, seems to have attracted most of the bachelors in Lancaster County!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But the sisters’ wealthy father has made one hard-and-fast rule: older Cate must marry first, before younger Betsy can even start courting. Unfortunately, untamable Cate has driven away every suitor–until Pete Treger comes to town, that is.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Prodded by the men of the area, Pete turns his attention to winning Cate’s hand. But is his interest true or is there a scheme at play?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Book 1 in The Courtships of Lancaster County series.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>About the Author:</b></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vIHbyI1nmQ/ULPH-WqzpgI/AAAAAAAAAic/E31ISK0LQNw/s1600/LGould-104+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vIHbyI1nmQ/ULPH-WqzpgI/AAAAAAAAAic/E31ISK0LQNw/s1600/LGould-104+(1).jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span id="goog_24190877"></span><span id="goog_24190878"></span><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Leslie Gould is the co-author, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 bestselling The Amish Midwife and The Amish Nanny. She is also the author of numerous novels, including Garden of Dreams, Beyond the Blue (winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice for Best Inspirational Novel, 2006), and Scrap Everything. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She resides with her husband and four children in Portland, Oregon. Learn more at www.lesliegould.com.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Read What Others Are Saying:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For more reviews on "<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/author/lgould" target="_blank">Courting Cate</a>" make sure to head on over to the <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/author/lgould" target="_blank">LitFuse Publicity Group page</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”</span>Mel's World with Melissa Mashburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09811037129669411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561357.post-28220410161807149552012-11-04T14:53:00.003-05:002012-11-04T14:56:03.123-05:00Book Review: Hot Buttons, by Nicole O'Dell<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-as0NP1Kv4Lg/UJbDrKRs__I/AAAAAAAAAiA/dSLewv4c45Q/s1600/2012-10-12+17.40.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-as0NP1Kv4Lg/UJbDrKRs__I/AAAAAAAAAiA/dSLewv4c45Q/s1600/2012-10-12+17.40.38.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
<strong>My Thoughts on the books: </strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
I love that Nicole has tackled these tough topics head on. She doesn't shy away from the things we would rather not talk about, but rather she gently guides you, as the reader (the parent), to the heart of the matter. Her insight and wisdom is something she freely shares with you, as the reader.<br />
<br />
Let's face it, these are not things we necessarily WANT to talk about with our kids but in today's world we HAVE to or someone else will...and I don't know about you, but I am not ready to give that over to just anybody. I would much rather push past my weariness to talk to my child(ren) straight to their heart...as their mama, as their champion.<br />
<br />
Will it be easy...probably not, but with Nicole's HOT BUTTON books in hand you are more able to prepare yourself to make that conversation happen. Backed with Biblical truth and many years experience these books are not just going to sit on my shelf, but be in my hands, in my car, in my purse and wherever else they need to be so I am fully prepared to tackle these HOT BUTTON topics with my kids whenever the window of opportunity arrives...and even if I need to make it happen, I will be better prepared as their mama to tackle these issues with them.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
<strong>About the books: </strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
Nicole O'Dell helps address the Hot Buttons in teens' lives before the issues become problems</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
<br />
From dating to drugs, modesty to purity, morals to popularity, teens face all sorts of tough issues. How teens respond to these hot-button issues can have lasting effects on who they want to be and who they actually become. What if parents can help their teens prepare for these hot buttons-before the issues become a problem?</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
<br />
The uniquely packaged Hot Buttons Series is an accessible, quick-reference resource that parents can use to equip their children to make the right decisions, even in the face of peer pressure and outside influences. More than just another how-to manual, Hot Button Dating Edition offers practical real-life situations that parents can read and discuss with their preteens. Topics include: physical activity, missionary dating, and violence/abuse in dating relationships.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
<br />
Author, mom, and broadcaster, Nicole O'Dell provides short scenarios followed by three or four responses that a teen might choose in that particular situation. Parents are then encouraged to help their children explore the issue, ask questions, and discuss the options, so when a similar situation comes up in real life, the teens are already prepared to respond.<br />
<br />
<strong>Hot Buttons Dating Edition</strong> offers practical real-life situations that parents can read and discuss with their preteens. Topics include: physical activity, missionary dating, and violence/abuse in dating relationships.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QLNpkmfD-qE/UJbE2m7h3YI/AAAAAAAAAiI/drwqvIOleAA/s1600/Hot_Buttons_Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QLNpkmfD-qE/UJbE2m7h3YI/AAAAAAAAAiI/drwqvIOleAA/s1600/Hot_Buttons_Image.jpg" width="200" /></a><strong></strong><br />
<strong><strong><br /></strong></strong>
<strong>Hot Buttons Internet Edition</strong> helps parents prepare their teens for online challenges they may face. Topics discussed include: internet activity, file sharing, social networking, and internet predators.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>Hot Buttons Drug Edition</strong> braves the scary world of substance abuse, equipping parents with facts, warning signs, and real-world scenarios on: alcohol; Marijuana and other drugs; inhalants; and prescription drugs.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
<strong>Hot Buttons Sexuality Edition</strong> offers the facts about teen sexuality, backed by statistics; specifics for how to talk frankly about sex with your kids, discussion about the growth of homosexuality and bisexuality among teens; and compassionate advice for guiding your teen to reclaim purity.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>Link to buy books:</strong> <a href="http://ow.ly/esojj" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://ow.ly/esojj</a> </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AaqULcnCxF0/UJbC2mbWGhI/AAAAAAAAAh4/VnYaYu8nFp8/s1600/Nicole_ODell_Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AaqULcnCxF0/UJbC2mbWGhI/AAAAAAAAAh4/VnYaYu8nFp8/s1600/Nicole_ODell_Image.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"></span></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></strong></span></span></strong></span>
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Meet Nicole</span>:</strong></span>Youth-culture expert, Nicole O'Dell is the host of Choose NOW Radio: Parent Talk and Teen Talk and the founder of Choose NOW Ministries, dedicated to guiding teens through tough issues and helping parents encourage good decisions.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
On air, O'Dell covers peer pressure, dating, purity, drugs, alcohol, modesty, popularity, and anything else that comes up along the way. Nicole writes and speaks to preteens, teenagers, and parents about how to prepare for life's tough choices.<br />
<br />
As an author, O'Dell writes both fiction and nonfiction. Her popular YA fiction includes the Diamond Estate Series and the Scenarios for Girls interactive books that feature alternate endings, allowing young girls to decide the outcome for the main character. Her nonfiction for teens includes Girl Talk, which she wrote with her two daughters based on their popular advice column.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
<br />
While her YA resources encourage and equip teens, Nicole also works to bridge the communication gap between teens and their parents. The Hot Buttons series helps parents discuss tough issues with their tweens and teens before the issues pop up in real life. Watch for future Hot Buttons books on subjects like bullying, image, prejudice, friendships, politics, and more.<br />
<br />
O'Dell, resides in Paxton, IL, with her husband and six children-the youngest of whom are toddler triplets.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
<br />
Find out more about Nicole at <a href="http://nicoleodell.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://nicoleodell.com</a>.</div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”</span>Mel's World with Melissa Mashburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09811037129669411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561357.post-71220928805037089402012-10-26T15:49:00.003-04:002012-10-26T15:51:59.313-04:00Book Review: At the Feet of Jesus, Daily Devotions to Nurture a Mary Heart, by Joanna Weaver<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdEKhoUc7GQ/UIrmm89CB2I/AAAAAAAAAhc/tI-upf1g-3I/s1600/At_the_feet_of_Jesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdEKhoUc7GQ/UIrmm89CB2I/AAAAAAAAAhc/tI-upf1g-3I/s1600/At_the_feet_of_Jesus.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<h4>
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">My Thoughts about "At the Feet of Jesus":</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"> </span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have read just about everything that Joanna Weaver has ever written. She gets right to the heart of the matter and gets right in your world, messes it up, then places you back in your spot. Leaving you in awe of how she can take passages of Scripture that we've read many times before and peel them back to reveal so much more depth and richness. She's passionate, poetic, and powerful and when she writes something I take notice.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The new daily devotional book, At the Feet of Jesus ~ Daily Devotions to Nurture a Mary Heart" is the perfect companion to any daily quiet time. In bite sized nuggets there is more to this daily devotional than it being quick and easy to read. The deepness of her work still shines through but in these little golden bits that you can take and chew on each day. With Scripture and a time of reflection each day you have the ability to really focus your thoughts around what you've learned each day.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have been thoroughly enjoying my copy and can't wait to add it to my bookshelf to share with my friends at church. This is a must have for Christian women who are looking to add a little more to their daily quiet time.</span><br />
<br />
<div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
<strong>About At the Feet of Jesus:</strong> </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
<em>You were made for more than serving God; you were made to know Him.</em><br />
<br />
Intimacy with God-to know Him and be known by Him. It is what our hearts desperately need, but somehow life conspires to keep us busy and distracted.<br />
<br />
For anyone who struggles when it comes to daily devotions, <em>At the Feet of Jesus </em>extends an irresistible invitation to set aside your duties and find the amazing peace and incredible joy that come from time alone with Him. Drawn from Joanna Weaver's beloved Bethany trilogy, each reading in this 365-day devotional includes a Bible reading passage and reflection question. All-new material and "Going Deeper" sidebars are also woven throughout.<br />
<br />
Discover for yourself the riches that come from spending a portion of each day alone with God. At the feet of Jesus-where true life begins!<br />
<br />
Includes a unique One-Year Bible Reading Guide.<br />
<br />
<strong>Link to buy the book:</strong> <a href="http://ow.ly/erC31" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://ow.ly/erC31</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7OCd6zNPUE/UIrmfYdSf5I/AAAAAAAAAhU/3cIJiga5DeA/s1600/Joanna_Weaver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7OCd6zNPUE/UIrmfYdSf5I/AAAAAAAAAhU/3cIJiga5DeA/s1600/Joanna_Weaver.jpg" /></a><strong></strong><br />
<strong><strong><br /></strong></strong>
<strong>Meet Joanna:</strong><br />
<br />
Joanna Weaver is known the world over for her transparent and life-changing books, Having A Mary Heart in a Martha World and Having a Mary Spirit. Joanna has appeared on a wide variety of nationally syndicated radio and television broadcasts. She is also a highly sought after speaker and shares her message at intimate gatherings and several high profile events each year. But Joanna's greatest joy is found in being a wife and mother and her role as a pastor's wife.<br />
<br />
Find out more about Joanna at <a href="http://www.joannaweaverbooks.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.joannaweaverbooks.com/</a>.</div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><strong>Celebrate the release of </strong></em><a href="http://litfusegroup.com/author/JWeaver" target="_blank"><strong>At the Feet of Jesus</strong></a><em><strong> with Joanna Weaver by entering to win an iPad and RSVPing for the "True Life" Webcast Event on 11/8!</strong></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4hYPwL5e5fI/UIrpJDiGNWI/AAAAAAAAAhk/t_F6kPVm6NU/s1600/at_the_feet_of_jesus_Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="61" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4hYPwL5e5fI/UIrpJDiGNWI/AAAAAAAAAhk/t_F6kPVm6NU/s1600/at_the_feet_of_jesus_Image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<strong>One blessed winner will receive:</strong>
</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An iPad</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Year in Bethany Trilogy<em> (Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, Having a Mary Spirit</em> and<em> Lazarus Awakening </em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>At the Feet of Jesus </em>for YOU and Five of your friends.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 7th.</strong> Winner will be announced at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BecomingHis/app_161255287332089?ref=ts" target="_blank"><strong>"True Life" Live Webcast Event on November 8th</strong></a>. Connect with author Joanna Weaver and her special guest for an evening of encouragement, laughter and a Q&A! There will also be gift certificates and books given away to participants.
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em><strong><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em><strong><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So grab your copy of At the Feet of Jesus (or one of Joanna's other books) and join Joanna on evening of November 8th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books - don't let that stop you from coming!)</span></strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em><strong><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong></em></div>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/298247" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://litfuse.simplyamusingdesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/twitter.png" /></a><a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/298247" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://litfuse.simplyamusingdesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/facebook.png " /></a><a href="https://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/298247" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://litfuse.simplyamusingdesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/email.png " /></a></span></center>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Don't miss a moment of the fun, <strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/BecomingHis/app_161255287332089?ref=ts" target="_blank">RSVP today</a>. </strong>Tell your friends via <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/298247/invites/new" target="_blank">FACEBOOK</a> or <a href="https://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/298247" target="_blank"><strong>TWITTER</strong></a> and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 8th!</span></h4>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" /> </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”
</span></div>
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09811037129669411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561357.post-47550538500120691102012-10-18T18:00:00.000-04:002012-10-18T18:49:22.988-04:00Book Review: Bless These Lips ~ 40 Days of Spiritual Renewal by Sharla Fritz, a Women's Small-Group Bible Study<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-mkwLWqLG4/UICDGw1q7DI/AAAAAAAAAg8/3GPfK-y0YDk/s1600/bless-these-lips-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-mkwLWqLG4/UICDGw1q7DI/AAAAAAAAAg8/3GPfK-y0YDk/s1600/bless-these-lips-cover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm always on the look out for new studies for women. I love the fun & creativity of Sharla's newest book called "<b><i>Bless These Lips ~ 40 Days of Spiritual Renewal</i></b>". Speaking as a woman who has always (<i>...and I mean <u>*always*</u> struggled with what comes out of my lips</i>) this book immediately drew me in with the title, topic and cute little book cover. </span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sharla mixes truth, humor, and random tidbits of fun girl stuff together to make one sweet little study for any woman (or women's ministry) that is looking for a way to tame the mouth. Let's face it girls...we all say things we wish we could shove back in. This 40 day study is great to do on your own or with a trusted group of girlfriends. I can't wait to tell a few of my friends and ministry partners about Bless These Lips.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Keep reading below for more about the book, a few prizes from the author to celebrate the release of the book as well as an interview with Sharla.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About the Book</span></u></b></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bless These Lips!</span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oops. A mouth mishap. The words just slipped out,
and there is no taking them back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Words are powerful. They can build up or tear down. They can affirm and teach
or criticize and condemn.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By God's grace, a mouth makeover can improve our relationships and affect our
attitude toward life. Our words can enrich our connection to God as we spend
more time in prayer and praise. Most important, God desires that we use the
gift of speech to give Him praise, encourage others, and verbalize our faith in
Christ as Lord and Savior.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bless These Lips: 40 Days of Spiritual Renewal examines things we say that get
in the way of our relationships with God and with others. Each chapter draws on
lip product analogies and uses humor, anecdotes, and observations to introduce
Scripture passages that address common behaviors and attitudes.</span><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<br /></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As part of the release of the book Sharla is giving away a prize package that includes:</span></div>
</div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->a signed copy of <i>Bless These Lips</i> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->a pretty cosmetic bag with lip balm, lip liner,
and lipstick</span></div>
</div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->a handmade bookmark</span></div>
</div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->a $15 Amazon gift card</span></div>
</div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->a framed print of a quote from the book “God has
given you a unique mission to speak His words of love and grace to a lost and
discouraged world.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.artesianministries.org/" target="_blank">To win a great prize package leave a comment here.</a></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Author
Interview</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why did God
prompt you to write this book?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I began writing <i>Bless
These Lips</i> because I was the one who needed a Mouth Makeover! I always
seemed to be putting my foot in my mouth and I was tired of the steady diet of
sock lint and shoe leather. I wanted my words to be the kind that built other
people up, but instead I often used ones that tore them down. </span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I studied what the Bible had to say about our
words and read other books about interpersonal communication. I learned so much
and decided to share how each of us can make a difference in our worlds through
what we say.</span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In your own words,
what is a “mouth makeover?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A mouth makeover could be a visit to the cosmetics
counter where you walk away with multiple layers of lip liner, lipstick, and
lip gloss. You’ll look fabulous for awhile, but that mouth makeover only lasts
until your next cup of coffee.</span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A true mouth makeover is a transformation of your
speech. This Mouth Makeover begins with God’s grace and forgiveness as He
scrubs off the guilt of our harmful words. The makeover continues with the use
of the Lip Balm of Encouragement, the Lip Liner of Truth, and the Lip Gloss of
Thankfulness. This type of mouth makeover can last eternally as God enables us
to use our words to share His grace.</span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think
everyone can relate to struggling with what come out of their mouths. How could
doing this study help? <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How true! As women we love to talk—and so our mouths
often get us into trouble! Ann Landers has a great quote, “The trouble with
talking too fast is that you may something you haven’t thought of yet.”</span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recognizing our love of words, this study approaches
the topic with a sense of humor and combines it with fun lip product analogies.
First you’ll assess whether you’ve been wearing the shades of Motormouth Mocha
or Foot-in-Mouth Fuchsia too often. As you go through the study you’ll learn to
wear the Shade of Grace and the Lip Sealer of Discretion more consistently. </span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who will take
the most away from this book?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think anyone who wants to have more control over
her words and anyone who wants to make a difference in her world would benefit
from this book. </span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Often we think we need to do something monumental to
change our world. But while I was pursuing my own Mouth Makeover, God showed me
that I can make a difference by simply noticing hurting people in my life and
offering words of kindness and encouragement. We can all change the lives we
touch every day by simply providing a caring word or a listening ear. </span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What one thing
should potential readers know about this book? <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The most important message I would like readers to
take away from this book is: God has given each of us a unique mission to speak
His words of love and grace to a lost and discouraged world.</span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We may sometimes question the purpose of our lives,
but God has placed each one of us in a strategic place in time and space to be
able to use our words to bring others closer to Him. When I keep that in mind,
it changes my heart <i>and</i> what comes
out of my mouth.</span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tell everyone
a little more about yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iZFGkBUKzQc/UICDEVk7QTI/AAAAAAAAAg0/W7ypRTVuRTg/s1600/Bless-these-lips-Sharla+Fritz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iZFGkBUKzQc/UICDEVk7QTI/AAAAAAAAAg0/W7ypRTVuRTg/s1600/Bless-these-lips-Sharla+Fritz.jpg" width="172" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m a Christian speaker and author who loves to
communicate the truth of God’s transforming grace. My first book <i>Divine Design</i> leads women to a spiritual
makeover.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I live in the <st1:place w:st="on">Chicago</st1:place>
suburbs with my amazing, amusing husband. Together we shared the adventure of
homeschooling for 15 years with our two children. They are all grown up now and
live an average of 3500 miles away. Our son lives nearby, but our daughter and
her husband live in <st1:place w:st="on">China</st1:place>
(and they had the audacity to take our grandchildren with them!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my other life I am a church musician and piano teacher. I love traveling
(especially to <st1:place w:st="on">China</st1:place>!),
going out to lunch with friends, and reading. If I’m not sitting at the piano
or my computer you might find me at the thrift store stalking fabulous fashion
finds.</span><br />
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anything else
you’d like to share about this book? <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This book shares stories of my own struggles with my
mouth, but it is also an in-depth Bible study. When I began my quest for a
Mouth Makeover I was amazed at how much God had to say on the subject. In the
book of Proverbs alone there are 108 verses on our lips, mouths, and tongues!
God thinks our words are important.</span></div>
<div class="msolistparagraph0">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can connect with Sharla at:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Website: <a href="http://www.sharlafritz.com/">www.sharlafritz.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sharlafritzauthor">https://www.facebook.com/sharlafritzauthor</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/SharlaFritz">https://twitter.com/SharlaFritz</a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" /><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author as part of their Book Tour. 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.”</span>Mel's World with Melissa Mashburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09811037129669411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561357.post-56714850326758312442012-10-16T20:23:00.001-04:002012-10-16T20:23:57.182-04:00Book Review: Everything, by Mary DeMuth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-khZ7n2pXDEI/UH3xpdlBABI/AAAAAAAAAfc/BF5_6AU-nvM/s1600/Everything_launch-team1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-khZ7n2pXDEI/UH3xpdlBABI/AAAAAAAAAfc/BF5_6AU-nvM/s1600/Everything_launch-team1.jpg" height="135" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BOduBJlBz5Q/UH31V5Xk-PI/AAAAAAAAAf0/J7B2TYWEVIc/s1600/Everything_1400203988rgb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BOduBJlBz5Q/UH31V5Xk-PI/AAAAAAAAAf0/J7B2TYWEVIc/s1600/Everything_1400203988rgb1.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.marydemuth.com/2012/10/everything-releases-buy-it-this-week-get-over-240-in-freebies/" target="_blank">Everything</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.marydemuth.com/2012/10/everything-releases-buy-it-this-week-get-over-240-in-freebies/" target="_blank">By: Mary DeMuth</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There comes a time in each of our lives when we have to stop and put things back into perspective. When I heard about Mary's new book, Everything, I knew I just had to get my hands on it. I was intrigued to see where she would go with this book. I've read several of Mary DeMuth's books over the years and have always been challenged, stretched and inspired by her story...but this...this was something more.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've been a believer for many years now, which is a gracious gift that all too often can be taken for granted. I wanted to rekindle the fire and passion that I once had...when Jesus really was my Everything, but wasn't quite sure how to get back to that point. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What is so profoundly perfect about this book that Mary has written is that is takes you on a journey through three sections where she comes alongside you, not in the wagging her finger in your face sort of way, but in the way a fellow sojourner would. Arm in arm. Step by step.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The three steps are in the sections;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Section One: Head -- What We think</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Section To: Heart -- Who We Are</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Section Three: Hands -- How We Live</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had so many highlights, underlines, notes, comments and aha! moments (<i>182 of them according to my Kindle</i>)...and I can't share them all with you, but here are a few of my favorite aha!'s;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0of6JibAHWg/UH317aBc5jI/AAAAAAAAAf8/OlO_VyKEe2I/s1600/2012-10-16+20.02.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0of6JibAHWg/UH317aBc5jI/AAAAAAAAAf8/OlO_VyKEe2I/s1600/2012-10-16+20.02.52.jpg" height="195" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">...and</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFgbZKqj_kU/UH33Ibj937I/AAAAAAAAAgE/H6V6163QOeE/s1600/2012-10-16+20.08.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFgbZKqj_kU/UH33Ibj937I/AAAAAAAAAgE/H6V6163QOeE/s1600/2012-10-16+20.08.39.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">...and, one more</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ggxRS3O4Uok/UH33c1VUHUI/AAAAAAAAAgM/0LPOWCdd28c/s1600/2012-10-16+20.10.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ggxRS3O4Uok/UH33c1VUHUI/AAAAAAAAAgM/0LPOWCdd28c/s1600/2012-10-16+20.10.14.jpg" height="125" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">...soooo good, right?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Check out the book trailer for a little more info on what Everything is all about.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/49323753?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="400"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here's a little snippet about the book;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>“I don’t write this book as a condemnation or as a sermon. The last thing I want to do is provide a ‘how to be the best Christian in ten easy steps’ guide. I pen these words as a fellow struggler who is learning that what we think about God matters, how we allow Him to reign in our hearts matters, and how we obey Him in the moment matters. It all matters. Everything.”</i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Author and speaker Mary DeMuth has been abused, foreclosed, abandoned, and betrayed. She has been pressed and drained till it was too much . . .</i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>But it was just enough to bring her to a place of surrender, piece by precious piece. In that surrender, she found the freedom of giving everything to God. And through Scripture, community, and the work of the Holy Spirit, she gives it all over again, every day.</i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>In this gentle and challenging book, DeMuth describes the process and the nuances that shape us to be more like Christ. Her words are clear, vulnerable, and thought provoking, and every chapter is infused with Scripture.</i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Most of all, DeMuth provides personal and practical evidence that there is no greater pursuit than Christ. We must surrender everything, but it does not compare to the Everything He is, the Everything He gives.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don't take my word on it...check out Everything for yourself! As a matter of fact, if you pickup a copy of the book this week (October 16-23) then <b>Mary's giving you whole bunch of FREEBIES!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.marydemuth.com/2012/10/everything-releases-buy-it-this-week-get-over-240-in-freebies/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Go to her website for the Everything Release post with all the details...or you can click anywhere on this entire sentence and it will take you there.</span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iy19UrgWi3g/UH36ItCBniI/AAAAAAAAAgY/1_8mGXO7nJc/s1600/everythingbutton11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iy19UrgWi3g/UH36ItCBniI/AAAAAAAAAgY/1_8mGXO7nJc/s1600/everythingbutton11.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>On a more personal note;</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I want to take a minute to celebrate with Mary...not only the <a href="http://www.marydemuth.com/everythingthebook/" target="_blank">release of her newest book, Everything,</a> but also the <a href="http://www.marydemuth.com/2012/10/release-day-julia/" target="_blank">release of her sweet baby girl, Julia</a>, who has been in the hospital for the past couple of days. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>As a mama who spent 51 days in the PICU with my oldest when he was 11 years old my heart has been broken for her knowing the journey of the endless waiting, beeping, tests, etc. Thank you Jesus for bringing Julia home with the family today, I truly believe it is not a coincidence...be praying that the doctors find out what's been going on.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the pdf copy of EVERYTHING free from the author as part of their launch team. 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.”
</span>Mel's World with Melissa Mashburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09811037129669411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561357.post-12986130618932270042012-10-15T14:05:00.000-04:002012-10-15T14:05:28.503-04:00Making a Change in Direction<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uL2YYlXOey0/UHxLrTucn8I/AAAAAAAAAfI/9T31i0zGInw/s1600/dreamstimefree_80776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uL2YYlXOey0/UHxLrTucn8I/AAAAAAAAAfI/9T31i0zGInw/s1600/dreamstimefree_80776.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #f6f3f0; color: #3b3d3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">© </span><a href="http://www.dreamstime.com/hixnhix_info" style="background-color: #f6f3f0; color: #003aa5; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;">John Hix</a><span style="background-color: #f6f3f0; color: #3b3d3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> | Dreamstime.com</span></div>
<span style="background-color: #f6f3f0; color: #3b3d3f;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It has been a long time coming. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've been blogging for six years...<i>I can hardly believe that. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In that time I have done a little bit of this and a little bit of that, but over the last year or so I have felt God really pushing me hard to narrow the focus and do what I do best.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>What do I do best?</i> </b>(Isn't that the question we often ask ourselves in moments like this?)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So I did what most of us do, I put it aside. Laid it down. Forgot about it and hoped it would come to me. I thought the time away would help me, but it actually made it harder. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>That's so weird, isn't it?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, I needed to change it up and try something different to figure out the answer. I prayed about it, not just a little bit and occasionally here and there, but I really prayed about it. I also sought counsel from wise and trusted friends as well as colleagues in the ministry and here's what I found out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>I have a heart for women's ministry.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I love to encourage women. To come alongside them and share my journey...as well as theirs.</b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I don't have all the answers, nor do I have to, but I do want to learn and grow.</b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As well as be alongside other women that want to learn and grow.</b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I want to be a part of a group of women that are living life REAL.</b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">No pretenses.</b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">No masks.</b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">No trying to have it all together.</b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Just REAL women, living out their REAL life and REAL faith each and every day.</i></b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, that's what I'm going to do. In the course of the next few weeks I'm going to be changing things up here in Mel's World.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've partnered with <a href="http://www.2timesdesign.com/" target="_blank">2xDesign</a> to come up with a way to reflect this new direction. I've been working with the team there for months now and just in the last week have really landed on what this part of my world will look like.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Everything I do will be focused on Real Women, Real Life, Real Faith in action. What it looks like to live out Romans 12:1-2 in our everyday, ordinary lives. The heart of it is to encourage women to live with an authentic faith. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Whether you are in full time ministry, married to a Pastor, are a car pool mom, a college student, or anything in between...<i><b>we are ALL in ministry and can live out our lives for His glory.</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I hope you take the jump with me.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's going to be a great new adventure. I'm excited about what God is doing here and I hope you will be too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>There will still be book reviews, articles, devotionals, interviews, but also practical info on new things like;</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>* Ministry Life </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>* Life Lessons from the Edge of Burnout</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>* Marriage Matters</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>* Family First</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>* Godly Gals</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>...and so much more!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Would you do me a favor? </span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Would you please pray for all the pieces to come together quickly for the new design/direction? That this would be a place where women from every age, stage, and corner of the world would come and be encouraged, challenged and grow in who they are in Christ.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thank you so much...I can't wait to see what happens when all the pieces come together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">~ Melissa</span><br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" />Mel's World with Melissa Mashburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09811037129669411510noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561357.post-13405969431082808552012-10-12T11:45:00.002-04:002012-10-12T11:57:12.447-04:00Free Book Friday -- Giveaway of "Today Is Your Best Day" by Roy Lessin<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qac7k1u5qa8/UHg4wp17QBI/AAAAAAAAAe0/KWK5hBoFLuU/s1600/Free_Book_Friday_NLPG_viewer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qac7k1u5qa8/UHg4wp17QBI/AAAAAAAAAe0/KWK5hBoFLuU/s1600/Free_Book_Friday_NLPG_viewer.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eWlNg03rxe8/UHg2wul0-YI/AAAAAAAAAek/a0pbys4qx9I/s1600/today-is-your-best-day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eWlNg03rxe8/UHg2wul0-YI/AAAAAAAAAek/a0pbys4qx9I/s1600/today-is-your-best-day.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm super excited to share this book AND give away with you today! This 60-day devotional book is busting with so many life changing devotions that there is no other way to put it then <i>you need to get this book</i>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love this...<b>TODAY IS YOUR BEST DAY </b><i>because of</i>;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>- God's plan</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>- Redemption</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>- Prayer</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>- Grace</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>- God's promises</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>- and many more!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We all need to remember that today is our best day and I can't think of a better way to keep our minds focused on Him and His transforming grace than to add this devotional book to your morning routine.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>...and guess what?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>My friends over at New Leaf Publishing Group are allowing me to GIVE AWAY one FREE copy of this devotional today!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Make sure you jump in on the rafflecopter and the winner will be randomly selected and the book shipped directly from the publisher...<i>easy peasy</i>!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eWlNg03rxe8/UHg2wul0-YI/AAAAAAAAAek/a0pbys4qx9I/s1600/today-is-your-best-day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eWlNg03rxe8/UHg2wul0-YI/AAAAAAAAAek/a0pbys4qx9I/s1600/today-is-your-best-day.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can terminal cancer, divorce, abuse, miscarriage, bankruptcy and other traumatic events keep you from having your best day? Best-selling author and co-founder of DaySpring, Roy Lessin helps you focus your thoughts on what really matters – your relationship with God through Christ Jesus. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today IS your best day </span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; line-height: 13px;">
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because Christ is in you</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because of God’s presence</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because of Jesus’ name</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because of the Cross</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And 56 more compelling reasons</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Start your day with these encouraging truths. Walk in the assurance of what your heart knows, not the uncertainty of what your eyes see.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Terminal cancer patient, Lawrence Knorr decided to make every day for the rest of his life the best of his life. He and his wife Linda read Today is Your Best Day each day six times through. They were so encouraged by the book they shared it with over 400 families before Jim left this world for heaven. In the foreword of this printing, Linda asks that we honor Jim by sharing this book and letting God use each of us to enrich the lives of others. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aXlqdOY1k-8" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cb862911/" id="rc-cb862911" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" />Mel's World with Melissa Mashburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09811037129669411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561357.post-46163358338934854692012-10-11T16:30:00.000-04:002012-10-11T16:30:01.100-04:00Book Review: Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Queen-of-the-Waves-cover-244x384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Queen of the Waves - cover" border="0" class="left wp-post-image" height="400" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Queen-of-the-Waves-cover-244x384.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.298039) 0px 0px 5px; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.298039) 0px 0px 5px; margin-top: 5px; outline: 0px; padding: 7px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Queen of the Waves" width="253" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="border: 0px; font-size: 1.1em; margin: 0px 0px 0.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">{My Thoughts About Queen of the Waves}</span></h3>
<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What a deliciously woven story of two women from two completely different worlds. When their worlds collide and they are handed an opportunity to change things forever they both jump in and enjoy the adventure. With a beautifully detailed background, aboard the Titantic, there is romance, intrigue, challenges, faith, and new beginnings. With all the social drama comparable to Downton Abbey, this page turner is a perfect rainy day, snuggle under a blankie, get away.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5e5e5e; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Welcome to the campaign launch for Summerside Press’ brand new series, American Tapestries.</strong> Debuting this new series are authors Janice Thompson (<em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Queen of the Waves</em>) and Melanie Dobson (<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/american-tapestries-dobson" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #508b8e; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Where the Trail Ends</em></a>) and together they are celebrating the series launch by hosting a Kindle Fire Giveaway and throwing an American Tapestries Facebook Party on October 18th.</span></div>
<h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #508b8e; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{AMERICAN TAPESTRIES KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY AND 10/18 FACEBOOK PARTY}</span></h2>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="line-height: 1.2em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Each novel in this line sets a heart-stirring love story against the backdrop of an epic moment in American history. Whether they fought in her battles, built her cities or forged paths to new territories, a diverse tapestry of men and women shaped this great nation into the Land of Opportunity. Even then, as is true now, the search for romance was a major part of the American Dream.</span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="about_book clear" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; clear: both; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/books/queen-of-the-waves" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #508b8e; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></a><div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #5e5e5e; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<h3 style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #508b8e; font-size: 1.1em; margin: 0px 0px 0.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{MORE ABOUT <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">QUEEN OF THE WAVES</em>}</span></h3>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When pampered Jacqueline Abington secretly elopes with the family gardener, she asks another woman to take her place on the much anticipated maiden voyage of the Titanic. Tessa Bowen hails from a poor corner of London but has been granted the opportunity of a lifetime—a ticket to sail to America aboard a famed vessel. But there’s a catch: she must assume Jacqueline’s identity. For the first time in her life, Tessa stays in luxurious quarters, dresses in elegant gowns, and dines with prestigious people. Then a wealthy American man takes an interest in her, and Tessa struggles to keep up the ruse as she begins falling for him. When tragedy strikes, the game is up, and two women’s lives are forever changed.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #5e5e5e; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #508b8e; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1609366867/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=sprightly-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1609366867&adid=1BFS8993RSCCHDN79B46" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #508b8e; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Order a copy here.</span></a></strong></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #5e5e5e; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #508b8e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: normal; text-transform: uppercase;">{MORE ABOUT JANICE THOMPSON}</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/authors/JThompson-94.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="Janice Thompson" border="0" height="200" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/authors/JThompson-94.jpg" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Award-winning author Janice Thompson, who also writes under the name Janice Hanna, has published nearly eighty books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She formerly served as vice president of the Christian Authors Network and was named the 2008 Mentor of the Year by the American Christian Fiction Writers.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thompson lives in Spring, Texas, near her four grown daughters and young grandchildren. She leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends and two mischievous dachshunds.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Readers can keep up with Janice Thompson by visiting janiceathompson.com, becoming a fan on Facebook or following her Twitter.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Find out more about Janice at <a href="http://janicethompson.com/" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">http://janicethompson.com</a>.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #5e5e5e; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Celebrate with Janice by entering to win a Kindle Fire!</span></strong></em></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHKwGCs96sA/UHYLkOCT7MI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/FJkajuxK-3w/s1600/American-Tapestries-giveaway-300-252x210.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHKwGCs96sA/UHYLkOCT7MI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/FJkajuxK-3w/s1600/American-Tapestries-giveaway-300-252x210.png" /></a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<div style="color: black; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One fortunate winner will receive:</span></strong></div>
<ul style="color: black; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A Kindle Fire</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Where the Trail Ends</em> by Melanie Dobson</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Queen of the Waves</em> by Janice Thompson</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="color: black; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 17th.</strong> </span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Winner will be announced at the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://www.facebook.com/events/150491455095345/%E2%80%9D" target="”_blank”"><strong>American Tapestries Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/18</strong></a>. </span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Connect with authors Janice Thompson and Melanie Dobson for an evening of book chat, trivia and fun! There will also be gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!</span></div>
<div left="left" style="color: black; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></em></div>
<div left="left" style="color: black; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So grab your copy of Queen of the Waves and Where the Trail Ends and join Janice Thompson and Melanie Dobson on the evening of the October 18th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – don’t let that stop you from coming!)</span></em></div>
<center style="color: black; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/295088" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://litfuse.simplyamusingdesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/twitter.png" /></a><a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/295088" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://litfuse.simplyamusingdesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/facebook.png " /></a><a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/295088" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://litfuse.simplyamusingdesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/email.png " /></a></span></center>
<h3 style="color: black; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't miss a moment of the fun, <strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/150491455095345/" target="_blank">RSVP today</a>. </strong>Tell your friends via <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/295088/invites/new" target="_blank">FACEBOOK</a> or <a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/295088" target="_blank"><strong>TWITTER</strong></a> and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!</span></h3>
<div style="color: #5e5e5e; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a free copy of this book (Queen of the Waves) as a review copy through Litfuse Publicity Group as part of their blogger review group. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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.”</span></div>
<div style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
</div>
</div>
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" />Mel's World with Melissa Mashburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09811037129669411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561357.post-37881856323010955032012-10-10T19:38:00.000-04:002012-10-10T19:42:33.318-04:00Reflections of Trying to be Everything to Everybody<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AGWWysBbZoo/UHYASD1L_nI/AAAAAAAAAd4/s1F-ZCbjzAI/s1600/dreamstimefree_12001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AGWWysBbZoo/UHYASD1L_nI/AAAAAAAAAd4/s1F-ZCbjzAI/s1600/dreamstimefree_12001.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #f6f3f0; color: #3b3d3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;">© </span><a href="http://www.dreamstime.com/lishmay25_info" style="background-color: #f6f3f0; color: #003aa5; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;">Alisha Furbish</a><span style="background-color: #f6f3f0; color: #3b3d3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;"> | Dreamstime.com</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #f6f3f0; color: #3b3d3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stressful would be an understatement. Hectic is more like it.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Life has been going at a break neck pace lately and my own personal need to get things done, have people like me, and feel like a successful person has driven me to to a place where I just have thrown my hands up in the air in despair.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>I can't be "everything" to everybody.</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I said it.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh my goodness do I want to, <i>but I just can't.</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm 41 years old for heaven's sake, you would think that I wouldn't still struggle with this, but I do. I want people to like me. I like having the answers. I like getting things done. I love excellence and I love the chaos of ministry, but enough is enough.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was struggling with this so much that yesterday I threw out this statement on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MelissaMashburnMelsWorld" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #990000; line-height: 18px;"><i>I have to keep reminding myself that I can't be everything to everybody...I just have to keep being the best I can be for Him and Him alone. Which is not easy when you are a recovering "people pleaser".</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Apparently I hit a nerve because there were a bunch of you talking about it.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>I'm not alone...and neither are you!</b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can't even tell you how long I've struggled with this. So, here I go again, when it hits and I try to be everything to everybody I have to go back to the Word and get my priorities straight.</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying </span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; text-align: start; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29051A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a </span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; text-align: start; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29051B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">servant</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b> </b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">of Christ. </span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=galatians+1%3A10&version=ESV" target="_blank">Galatians 1:10 ESV</a></span></i></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">There it is, <i>who am I trying to please?</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><i>Man?</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><i>or God?</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">Talk about a perspective shift, which is exactly what I needed. Today. Everyday.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><b>I'm not going to make everyone happy, </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><b>so why not shift my focus from them...to Him</b>.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><u><b>What about you...</b></u></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><i>What do you do when you catch yourself trying to be everything to everybody?</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><i>How do you know that you've been focused on the wrong one for far too long?</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">I can't wait to hear from you!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">~ Melissa</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></i></div>
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" />Mel's World with Melissa Mashburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09811037129669411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561357.post-90696820146842472142012-09-15T11:41:00.002-04:002012-09-15T11:41:19.757-04:00Book Review: With Every Letter, By: Sarah Sundin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img alt="With Every Lettter" class="left wp-post-image" height="384" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/With-Every-Lettter-248x384.jpg" title="With Every Letter" width="248" /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">{MY REVIEW}</span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Unlike anything I have read in a very long time I was captivated by this book. The characters, the depth, the drama and the uniqueness of their story was a breath of fresh air to me. I love great books and I especially love great Christian Fiction and this did not disappoint. With a touch of history, romance and faith it was the perfect blend of a get away in your hands. I soaked up this entire book in one lazy Saturday afternoon setting. I can not wait to see what other adventures, drama, and excitement awaits in the rest of the books in this series!</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #508b8e; font-size: large; text-transform: uppercase;">{</span><a href="http://ow.ly/dyzz0" style="font-size: x-large; text-transform: uppercase;" target="_blank">MORE ABOUT <em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">WITH EVERY LETTER</em></a><span style="color: #508b8e; font-size: large; text-transform: uppercase;">}</span></span></div>
<div class="about_book clear" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; clear: both; color: #5e5e5e; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong>
<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Book 1 in the Wings of the Nightingale series</span></strong></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lt. Mellie Blake is looking forward to beginning her training as a flight nurse. She is not looking forward to writing a letter to a man she’s never met–even if it is anonymous and part of a morale-building program. Lt. Tom MacGilliver, an officer stationed in North Africa, welcomes the idea of an anonymous correspondence–he’s been trying to escape his infamous name for years.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As their letters crisscross the Atlantic, Tom and Mellie develop a unique friendship despite not knowing the other’s true identity. When both are transferred to Algeria, the two are poised to meet face-to-face for the first time. Will they overcome their fears and reveal who they are, or will their future be held hostage by their pasts?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Combining a flair for romance with excellent research and attention to detail, Sarah Sundin vividly brings to life the perilous challenges of WWII aviation, nursing–and true love.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="about_author clear" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; clear: both; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Century Gothic, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.292969) 0px 0px 5px; background-color: transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.292969) 0px 0px 5px; font-size: 14px; height: auto;"><img alt="Sarah Sundin" class="alignleft" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/authors/SSundin-54.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.292969) 0px 0px 5px; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.292969) 0px 0px 5px; float: left; height: auto; margin: 5px 15px 10px 0px; max-width: 250px; outline: 0px; padding: 7px; vertical-align: baseline;" /></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">{MORE ABOUT SARAH SUNDIN}</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #5e5e5e; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sarah Sundin is the author of “A Distant Melody”, “A Memory Between Us”, and “Blue Skies Tomorrow”. In 2011, “A Memory Between Us” was a finalist in the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Awards and Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on-call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist’s mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. www.sarahsundin.com</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #5e5e5e; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Find out more about Sarah at <a href="http://www.sarahsundin.com/" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #508b8e; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">http://www.sarahsundin.com/</a>.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #5e5e5e; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #508b8e; font-size: large; line-height: normal; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{EREADER GIVEAWAY AND 9/27 FACEBOOK PARTY}</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #5e5e5e; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Celebrate with Sarah by entering to win either a Kindle Fire or a Nook Color!</span></strong></em></div>
<div style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/291575" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #508b8e; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2209" height="250" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/With-Every-Letter-Giveaway300.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.292969) 0px 0px 5px; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.292969) 0px 0px 5px; display: block; margin: 10px auto; outline: 0px; padding: 7px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;" title="With-Every-Letter-Giveaway" width="300" /></a><br />
<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One fortunate winner will receive:</span></strong></div>
<ul style="border: 0px; line-height: normal; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px 10px 20px 30px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A Kindle Fire or Nook Color (winner’s choice)</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Handmade <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">With Every Letter</em> First Aid Kit</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">With Every Letter</em> by Sarah Sundin</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 26th.</strong>Winner will be announced at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/520875814606233/" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #508b8e; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“With Every Letter” Author Chat Facebook Party on 9/27</strong></a>. Connect with Sarah, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be gift certificates, books, handmade <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">With Every Letter</em> first aid kits, and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So grab your copy of With Every Letter and join Sarah on the evening of the September 27th for a chance to connect with Sarah and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)</span></strong></em></div>
<div style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<center style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/291575" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #508b8e; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://litfuse.simplyamusingdesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/twitter.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.292969) 0px 0px 5px; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.292969) 0px 0px 5px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 7px; vertical-align: baseline;" /></a><a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/291575" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #508b8e; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://litfuse.simplyamusingdesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/facebook.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.292969) 0px 0px 5px; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.292969) 0px 0px 5px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 7px; vertical-align: baseline;" /></a><a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/291575" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #508b8e; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://litfuse.simplyamusingdesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/email.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.292969) 0px 0px 5px; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.292969) 0px 0px 5px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 7px; vertical-align: baseline;" /></a></center>
<div style="border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE FUN, <span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/520875814606233" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #508b8e; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">RSVP TODAY</a>. </span>TELL YOUR FRIENDS VIA <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/291575/invites/new" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #508b8e; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">FACEBOOK</a> OR <span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/291575" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #508b8e; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">TWITTER</a></span> AND INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 27TH!</b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #508b8e; font-family: SansationRegular, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-transform: uppercase;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #508b8e; font-size: large; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>{BLOG TOUR}</b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'century gothic'; line-height: 1.2em;">
To see what other readers are saying, click <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/with-every-letter-by-sarah-sundin-kindlenook-giveaway-facebook-party-and-blog-tour" target="_blank">HERE</a> to read their thoughts and reviews on this book.</div>
<div style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'century gothic'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'century gothic'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'century gothic'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2em;">
<img alt="post signature" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" />
</div>
<div style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'century gothic'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2em;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: century gothic; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16.78333282470703px;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”</span></span></div>
</div>
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09811037129669411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561357.post-61458318223672971062012-08-22T07:00:00.000-04:002012-08-22T07:00:00.109-04:00Mark Your Calendars Now: South Florida Praise & Coffee Night 9/13/12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QA9TtBvHoWQ/UDKk8Mnk2DI/AAAAAAAAAdA/HpiYtgn-oB8/s1600/September+2012+Event+Graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QA9TtBvHoWQ/UDKk8Mnk2DI/AAAAAAAAAdA/HpiYtgn-oB8/s400/September+2012+Event+Graphic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mark your calendars...it's time for our South Florida Praise & Coffee Night.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">The kids will be back in school, Labor day will have come and gone...and chances are you are gonna be ready for a night out just for you!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;">We have a special guest joining us for this event --</span><b><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.lisashawcares.com/" target="_blank">Lisa Shaw</a>, </span></b><span style="color: #333333;">author of '</span><span style="color: #660000;"><i>You Are Beautiful In God's Eyes</i></span><span style="color: #333333;">', speaker, ministry leader...and more importantly, friend. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OUD_hWrbKKw/UDKpdJsREoI/AAAAAAAAAdc/xhZx5brrrQI/s1600/lisabook.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OUD_hWrbKKw/UDKpdJsREoI/AAAAAAAAAdc/xhZx5brrrQI/s200/lisabook.png" width="141" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">We'll also have incredible worship, yummy desserts and of course...lots of coffee & great conversation!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;">Save the date, get a babysitter, call a friend and make sure to join us on </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><u><b><span style="color: #4c1130;">Thursday, September 13th from 7-9pm</span></b></u><span style="color: #333333;">.</span></span></span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">If you could RSVP to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/391727474222776/" target="_blank">event on Facebook</a>, that would be great, that way we know how many cupcakes to have ready. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">It's not required though, you can decide at any time to join us and just show up...<i>we'd love to have you there</i>!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zfY-6I-wRNk/UDKpWlsoygI/AAAAAAAAAdU/dvEgFhP8qZ4/s1600/button+nights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zfY-6I-wRNk/UDKpWlsoygI/AAAAAAAAAdU/dvEgFhP8qZ4/s200/button+nights.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you aren't in the South Florida area, then you are still in luck...we have Praise & Coffee Nights going on all over the world. Simply click here, <a href="http://praiseandcoffee.com/praise-and-coffee-nights-schedule/" target="_blank">Praise & Coffee Nights</a>, to see if there is one in your neck of the woods. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If there isn't, then maybe you are just the right girl to get one started. Everything you need to know to get started is here, "<a href="http://praiseandcoffee.com/praise-and-coffee-nights/" target="_blank">How Anyone Can Start a Praise & Coffee Night</a>".</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The South Florida Praise & Coffee Night is being held at Sawgrass Community Church, located at 17950 Griffin Road, SW Ranches, FL 33331.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" /></div>
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09811037129669411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561357.post-1462009229313397292012-08-20T14:45:00.000-04:002012-08-20T14:52:55.345-04:00Lessons I'm Learning At Back To School Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wtH_L278vJM/UDKD7mzKltI/AAAAAAAAAcs/zthD26qk91o/s1600/First+Day+of+School+2012.2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wtH_L278vJM/UDKD7mzKltI/AAAAAAAAAcs/zthD26qk91o/s400/First+Day+of+School+2012.2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can hardly believe that picture in the middle was twelve-years-ago. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>How did that happen? </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was sitting on the floor in my oldest boy's 1st grade classroom, soaking up the cuddling they gave up so freely, and now today my oldest started college and my youngest is a Junior in high school.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Oh.my.word!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's been a very melancholy and reflective day in my world...mostly because it is the first time since January (<i>yes...January</i>) that I've been able to just sit, soak, and ponder life a bit.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've not always made the best decisions and I may not have been the most accomplished woman in the world...but you know what, <b>being a mom, well--that's just about the best and most accomplished thing I've done and I am so proud to be their mama.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Moms, you don't have to be perfect, you don't have to have all the right answers.</b> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u><b>You will</b></u>;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">drop the ball, </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">miss</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> an appointment (</span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Yikes, I just realized typing this that I need to call the orthodontist, I will do that next, lol</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">), </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">lose</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> your cool, </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">your mind and </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">possibly your waist</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">...</span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">but it is all so worth it.</i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As your babies</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> (</span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">no matter how big or how small they are</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">) </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">step out in new adventures this season celebrate the gift of what God has allowed you to be a part of</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. It really is something special.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For me...I'm learning (<i>slowly but surely</i>) to be fully present and engaged in each step of this journey with my kids.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b>What are some things you're learning along the back to school season with your kids?</b></i></span>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" /></div>
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09811037129669411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561357.post-12902000598564238042012-08-17T14:45:00.000-04:002012-08-17T14:45:00.937-04:00Book Review - Tidewater Inn, by Colleen Coble<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDGD_5ta4MU/UC6NcTDjSOI/AAAAAAAAAcY/BH_RpiKgRDU/s1600/Tidewater+Inn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDGD_5ta4MU/UC6NcTDjSOI/AAAAAAAAAcY/BH_RpiKgRDU/s1600/Tidewater+Inn.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #ffcc99; color: #ff9900; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: #f9cb9c; color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My Thoughts About the Book:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">From the start of the book you are immediately brought into the complicated life of the lead character, Libby. With great adventure, heart break, sit on the edge of your seat suspense and redemption this makes for a great read. I never really knew where she was going at any time in the story, which made it even more exciting for me as an avid reader. I love how she tied it all together in unexpected ways and love that the story of God's love and redemption is gently woven all through the book as well.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: #ffcc99; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #ff9900; font-size: medium;">About the Book:</span> </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welcome to Hope Beach. A place of intoxicating beauty . . . where trouble hits with the force of a hurricane.</span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the Outer Banks could be a dream come true for Libby. The inn cries out for her restorer’s talent and love of history. She’s delighted to learn of the family she never knew she had. And the handsome Coast Guard lieutenant she’s met there on the island could definitely be the man of her dreams.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But Libby soon realizes that the only way she can afford the upkeep on the inn is to sell it to developers who are stalking the island. The father who willed her the inn has died before she could meet him, and her newfound brother and sister are convinced she’s there to steal their birthright. Worst of all, her best friend and business partner has been kidnapped before her eyes, and Libby’s under suspicion for the crime.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Libby’s dream come true is becoming a nightmare. Her only option is to find her friend and prove her innocence, or lose everything on the shores of Hope Island.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #ffcc99; color: #ff9900; font-size: medium;">Meet Colleen:</span> </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xjcYvr5MwL8/UC6Nb7LgXBI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/DeaPebDhmkM/s1600/Tidewater+Inn+Colleen+Coble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xjcYvr5MwL8/UC6Nb7LgXBI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/DeaPebDhmkM/s200/Tidewater+Inn+Colleen+Coble.jpg" width="169" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA’s RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Visit her website at <a href="http://www.colleencoble.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.colleencoble.com</a>. Twitter @colleencoble.</span></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Celebrate with Colleen by entering to win a $500 gift certificate to BedandBreakfast.com!</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13526905/tidewaterinn" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Find out what the reviewers are saying here!</span></b></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/272517" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/cdn_images/resize_1024x1365/ab/ContentImage-20-74509-TidewaterInn300.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>One grand prize winner will receive:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A $500 gift certificate to BedandBreakfast.com</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A copy of <i>Tidewater Inn.</i></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Enter today by clicking one of the icons below.</strong> But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 22nd. Winner will be announced at Colleen's <strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/369943576411022/" target="_blank">"Tidewater Inn" Author Chat Facebook Party on 8/23</a></strong>. Colleen will be sharing the story behind the book, hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills, and of course, there will be plenty of fun giveaways - books, gift certificates and a Book Club Prize Pack! She’ll also be giving a sneak peak of her next book too!</span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So grab your copy of Tidewater Inn and join Colleen on the evening of the August 23rd for a chance to connect with Colleen and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)</span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/272517" target="_blank"><img alt="Enter via E-mail" height="48" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfvwk3FenqcEoawzT45lK5qu9-OqAcXAUbTBTXFCT7aU-buipypsD5w9QvYYOymHjrWKHLLeaeqL-FnMUjf87phhTHoZoYP3HguaXXIUNU9B7lK2AtKWzy25IIpGr3A2MZEo2Vg/s1600/email_icon.png" title="Enter via E-mail" width="48" /></a> <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/272517" target="_blank"><img alt="Enter via Facebook" height="48" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UvD23d3IHiBuKa0AWcg49QCh4wN0SvaFnDKBk2a7vPz6Xl-A8FrFxWz19OixvdMzFElg38jYsEZyQB90D0_GZC20D_d4ftH3BDX1BCFGMze4NTJRmxo5C8fPiBhs5MeWlB7s9Q/s1600/Facebook_icon-300x300.png" title="Enter via Facebook" width="48" /></a><a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/272517" target="_blank"><img alt="Enter via Twitter" height="48" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJ_VMC0r1stJhs59AviBh1F41qHecLDCjlnhie16giQbqiWz5oKqJc0viiAqC3esZ7oJyHzFKjQCJgKrCLCeS7Jf2we9fA3l1XGXASpB3XvX_8phq2REoQb9LucpkyylFQcCVHg/s1600/Twitter_button.png" title="Enter via Twitter" width="48" /></a>
</span><br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Don't miss a moment of the fun. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/369943576411022/" target="_blank">RSVP today</a> and tell your friends via <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/272517/invites/new" target="_blank">FACEBOOK</a> or <a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/272517" target="_blank">TWITTER</a> about Colleen's giveaway and increase your chances of winning. </b><b>Hope to see you on the 23rd!</b></span><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group as part of their Book Review Blogger 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.”</span></span></div>
</div>
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09811037129669411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561357.post-20366650843403141422012-07-08T18:05:00.000-04:002012-07-08T18:07:46.689-04:00Book Review: Hope Springs, By: Kim Cash Tate<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArmotwGgIlg/T_n-uS58v5I/AAAAAAAAAbw/sIbknJHxeZQ/s1600/Hope_Springs_ContentImage-20-41129-HopeSpringssm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArmotwGgIlg/T_n-uS58v5I/AAAAAAAAAbw/sIbknJHxeZQ/s320/Hope_Springs_ContentImage-20-41129-HopeSpringssm.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">{My Thoughts about Hope Springs}</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you can believe this I am actually struggling with coming up with just the right words for this book. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am a big fan of books that seem to grab you and pull you right into the pages...but this book, well, it yanked me in quicker than I could have imagined.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Kim is a master story-teller. She intricately weaves multiple stories together in a way that keeps you actively engaged as if you were actually watching a movie in your head while you read it. Which is a gift. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Her ability to allow you to relate to each character endears them to you. You cheer when they celebrate, you weep when they hurt and you laugh out loud of some of their crazy adventures.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm not sure if it's because I have lived small town life, am married to a Pastor, or speak to women...but darn it if there weren't sprinkles of each of these in the book. I'm telling you, there were times I thought she had been in my head (<i>which is a scary place to be by the way!</i>)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I haven't picked up Cherished yet, but after reading Faithful and now Hope Springs it has now moved up to my MUST READ list. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you haven't read Faithful yet, then<span style="background-color: white;"> </span><a href="http://melissamashburn.blogspot.com/2010/09/book-review-faithful-kim-cash-tate.html" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">you can read my review of that book here</a>. I loved it so much I <span style="background-color: white;">told all my friends about it...as a matter of fact I just loaned it out again two weeks ago. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pyl1KPRnen4/T_oBD2PxFtI/AAAAAAAAAcA/XbZ31ktNwfI/s1600/100_3441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pyl1KPRnen4/T_oBD2PxFtI/AAAAAAAAAcA/XbZ31ktNwfI/s200/100_3441.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(Kim Cash Tate & I at the Women of Faith All Access Event in Nashville, February 2011)</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>{More about Hope Springs}</b></span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Hope Springs is the epitome of small-town life—a place filled with quiet streets where families have been friends for generations, a place where not a lot changes . . . until now.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Janelle Evans hasn’t gone back to Hope Springs for family reunions since losing her husband. But when she arrives for Christmas and learns that her grandmother is gravely ill, she decides to extend the stay. It isn’t long before she runs into her first love, and feelings that have been dormant for more than a decade are reawakened.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Becca Anderson is finally on the trajectory she’s longed for. Having been in the ministry trenches for years, she’s been recruited as the newest speaker of a large Christian women’s conference. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But her husband feels called to become the pastor of his late father’s church in Hope Springs. Will small-town living affect her big ministry dreams?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Stephanie London is married to a doctor in St. Louis and living an ideal life. When her cousin Janelle volunteers to stay in Hope Springs and care for their grandmother, she feels compelled to do the same. It’s a decision that will forever change her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As these women come together, they soon recognize that healing is needed in their hearts, their families, and their churches that have long been divided along racial lines. God's plan for them in Hope Springs—and for Hope Springs itself—is bigger than they ever imagined.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"<i>Kim Cash Tate draws us into a world where the dreams, desires, missteps, and matters of the heart we discover mirror our own. She is a master at crafting characters who make you forget you're reading fiction. By the end of Hope Springs, you'll feel as if you're cheering on members of your extended family.</i>" —Stacy Hawkins Adams, bestselling author of Coming Home and The Someday List</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{More about Kim}</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5p9QR3HYTIY/T_n-20QMnMI/AAAAAAAAAb4/aMa-ggXKnQo/s1600/Hope_Springs_ContentImage-20-41131-KCTheadshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5p9QR3HYTIY/T_n-20QMnMI/AAAAAAAAAb4/aMa-ggXKnQo/s1600/Hope_Springs_ContentImage-20-41131-KCTheadshot.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kim Cash Tate is the author of <i>Cherished</i>, <i>Faithful</i>, <i>Heavenly Places</i> and the memoir <i>More Christian than African-American</i>. A former practicing attorney, she is also the founder of Colored in Christ Ministries. She and her husband have two children.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Find out more about Kim, her other books and read her blog at <a href="http://www.kimcashtate.com/">www.kimcashtate.com</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>{More about the Hope Springs Facebook Party & Kindle Fire Giveaway}</b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zZamR1ahDLg/T_n-Q2Nz_CI/AAAAAAAAAbo/7S-CgDIacx0/s1600/Hope_Springs_ContentImage-20-43320-HSFBParty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zZamR1ahDLg/T_n-Q2Nz_CI/AAAAAAAAAbo/7S-CgDIacx0/s320/Hope_Springs_ContentImage-20-43320-HSFBParty.jpg" width="137" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Grab your copy of Hope Springs and join me for an <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/255673687871596/" target="_blank">Author Chat Party on July 10th</a> at <b>8:00 PM EST </b>(that's 7:00 Central, 6:00 MST, & 5:00 PST)!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">During the evening I'll be sharing the story behind the book, posting discussion questions, testing your trivia skills, and of course, there will be plenty of chatting and fun giveaways - books, gift certificates and (<i>I'm so excited about this</i>)<b> - a Kindle Fire!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I ALMOST FORGOT – I’ll also be giving you a sneak peak of my next book too!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/255673687871596/" target="_blank">RSVP today </a>and then come back on the 10th ... and bring your friends!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{More Reviews of Hope Springs}</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13506280/hopesprings" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13506280/hopesprings</span></a></span></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="centered" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”</span><br />
<br />Mel's World with Melissa Mashburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09811037129669411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561357.post-71357375039794027042012-06-22T07:00:00.000-04:002012-06-22T07:00:13.570-04:00Headed Out To #TGCW12 Conference, Woohoo!<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m29rZUn79rE/T-OwsJO9OqI/AAAAAAAAAbc/7h2ty41FMpA/s1600/ad2_download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m29rZUn79rE/T-OwsJO9OqI/AAAAAAAAAbc/7h2ty41FMpA/s400/ad2_download.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I can hardly stand it. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I didn't sleep much last night. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's sort of like going to Disney World for me...ok, maybe not like Disney World, but the excitement and anticipation has been building for weeks as I prepare to go to Orlando for <b>The Gospel Coalition's Women's Conference</b> (<i>or #TGCW12 if you wanna follow along on Twitter</i>).</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It has been quite some time since I've looked forward to something this much, and finding out that a few of my bloggy buddies will be there too...well, that is just the icing on top of the cupcake (<i>which, by the way, is the BEST part of the cupcake...just sayin</i>!)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Here's a little bit about TGCW12;</u></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here Is Our God!</b></div>
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: white;">God’s Revelation of Himself in Scripture</b></div>
</span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;">The Gospel Coalition’s 2012 National Women’s Conference is for women but not all about women. It’s about the gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s a time to learn more of what Scripture says to us—and to say it to each other. A time to dig deeper into the character of God and his purpose for his people. A time to gather together and share biblical encouragement as sisters, daughters, wives, mothers, and friends.</span></div>
</span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have even heard that some of the sessions will be streamed live, so if you wanna come check it out but can't make it to Orlando,<a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2012/06/19/watch-tgcw12-live-from-orlando/" target="_blank"> log in here and watch right along with us</a>.</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The boys are all staying home this weekend, I'm sure they have lots of manly stuff planned, which is fine by me, they need it and so do I. I will be tweeting from the conference (<i>if you tweet<a href="http://www.twitter.com/Mels_World" target="_blank"> follow along with me here</a>, I'm <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Mels_World" target="_blank">@Mels_World</a></i>) and sharing all the little nuggets of inspiration I pick up along the way.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you wouldn't mind saying a prayer for us as we travel I would certainly appreciate it. I'm headed up with two other awesome chicks that I'm blessed to do life & ministry with from my church (<a href="http://www.westpines.org/" target="_blank">West Pines Community Church</a>) and it looks like rain and thunderstorms all the way up from Ft. Lauderdale to Orlando. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><b>Thanks so much for your prayers, we totally appreciate them!</b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Here's a little snip-it from the conference website about the online streaming and who's going to be there this weekend;</u></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>We're also excited to announce that our friends at <a href="http://www.gospelproject.com/" target="_blank">The Gospel Project</a> will be <a href="http://thegospelcoalition.s3.amazonaws.com/index.html" target="_blank">helping us broadcast the conference live</a>. Starting at noon EDT on Friday with Tim and Kathy Keller talking about "Marriage in Gospel Focus," the broadcast will feature every event through Sunday noon on the conference main stage, including all plenary sessions; workshops by Elyse Fitzpatrick, Carolyn Mahaney, and Lauren Chandler; and Focus Gatherings on parenting, urban ministry, pastor's wives, grief, and the church in Asia. In addition, we'll be recording interviews with many of the speakers and guests to be broadcast during breaks in the conference livestream schedule.</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>So even if you can't join us in Orlando, we hope you'll <a href="http://thegospelcoalition.s3.amazonaws.com/index.html" target="_blank">tune in this weekend </a>to share in this landmark event. We're thrilled that love for God has motivated thousands of women to travel from around the world to spend their weekend focusing on the gospel of Jesus Christ so they can leave inspired and equipped to serve in their churches, families, and neighborhoods.</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><a href="http://thegospelcoalition.s3.amazonaws.com/index.html" target="_blank">Check in at noon EDT on Friday</a> to hear from Tim & Kathy Keller. </i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="centered" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Mel's World with Melissa Mashburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09811037129669411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561357.post-21503386616750354352012-06-21T09:00:00.000-04:002012-06-21T09:21:46.134-04:00Book Review: Glamorous Illusions, by Lisa T. Bergren<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xI8hV-8Tods/T-MayCWnNMI/AAAAAAAAAbI/EsX54sU0D2Y/s1600/Glamorous+Illusions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xI8hV-8Tods/T-MayCWnNMI/AAAAAAAAAbI/EsX54sU0D2Y/s1600/Glamorous+Illusions.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>My Thoughts:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I really didn't know what to expect when I first received a copy of this book to review. I knew the cover art was gorgeous and the idea of a story taking place during this time period was intriguing to me, but what I didn't expect is that I would fall right into the story line and be taken on this journey with Cora, the lead character.</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The writing is captivating, you can "see" all the details of the farm Cora was living on, you can "feel" her shock, and you are privileged to go on the Grand Tour with her. I have to admit that I was along thoroughly enjoying the book when it took an unexpected turn in the last couple of chapters and completely captivated me. I was turning the pages so fast to see what was next and could barely contain my disappointment that it was over. Then I realized that it is a series and there would be more to the story in the coming books.</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I will absolutely be on the look out for the next book in the Grand Tour Series!</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Check out the book trailer and party information below; </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uik28TrHoMs" width="400"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<u style="background-color: white; color: #783f04; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>About the Book:</b></u><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was the summer of 1913, and Cora Kensington's life on the family farm has taken a dark turn. Not only are the crops failing, so is her father's health. Cora is carrying on, helping her mother run their Montana farm until a stranger comes to call, and everything changes. Cora then learns a secret that will radically change her future: she is the illegitimate daughter of a copper king who has come to claim her. </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cora is invited to take the "Grand Tour" of Europe, a journey intended to finish a person's education, to solidify an understanding of ancient culture and contemporary refinement. As she travels from England to France with half-siblings she's never known, Cora encounters the blessings of the Kensington family name, as well as the curses. But when an unbidden love begins to form, she realizes the journey is only beginning.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Faced with the challenge of accepting her father, new family, and the identity that comes with it, Cora also struggles to accept that she is also the daughter of the one true King-a Father who is the only One who can truly heal.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DI5zbY56AZ8/T-MauMJCe3I/AAAAAAAAAbA/J5G6pPmDcLg/s1600/Glamorous+Illusions_09f64ba839eb0a7f023524.L._V172197974_SL200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DI5zbY56AZ8/T-MauMJCe3I/AAAAAAAAAbA/J5G6pPmDcLg/s1600/Glamorous+Illusions_09f64ba839eb0a7f023524.L._V172197974_SL200_.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>About the Author:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 30 books, with more than 1.5 million copies sold. She just finished writing a Colorado historical trilogy (the first book, Breathe, Sing and Claim), and has begun a teen series called River of Time.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lisa's time is split between managing home base, writing (including a fair amount of travel writing), consulting and freelance editing (with a little speaking here and there). She's married to Tim, a liturgical sculptor, graphic designer and musician. They have three kids-Olivia (15), Emma (12) and Jack (7).</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All five of the Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For more information on Lisa and to view other books written, please visit her website: <a href="http://lisatawnbergren.com/">http://lisatawnbergren.com</a></span><br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">About the Giveaway:</span></u></b><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Win a $350 “Glam” Visa Card Prize Pack from @LisaTBegren &
RSVP for 6/27 Facebook party!
</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>What is our "true" identity?</i></b> Join the conversation at Lisa Tawn Begren's
<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1434764303/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=sprightly-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1434764303&adid=0NNZSHX1HAANDTP116PR" target="_blank">Glamorous
Illusions</a></i></b> Author Chat Facebook<b> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/309629112464074/" target="_blank">Event
Page</a></b>. On the evening of 6/27 we'll gather to talk about our spiritual journey,
share our stories and a few laughs.</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<b><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the meantime, celebrate with Lisa by entering her Glamorous Illusions
Giveaway!</span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/cdn_images/resize_1024x1365/03/ContentImage-20-35386-GI300.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/cdn_images/resize_1024x1365/03/ContentImage-20-35386-
GI300.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One "glamorous" winner will receive a "Glam Prize Pack":</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>A $350 Visa Cash Card</b> <i>(Oh ... think of what you could do: treat yourself
to a mani/pedi, a fabulous new dress, dinner for two, or even a two-night escape in a
lovely hotel - you're only limited by your imagination!)</i></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Glamorous Illusions</i></b> (by Lisa Tawn Begren)</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Enter today by clicking one of the icons below.</b> But hurry, the giveaway ends
6/26/12. Winner will be announced at <b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/309629112464074/" target="_blank">Lisa's
"Glamorous Illusions" Facebook Party on 6/27</a> <i>{Fun begins at 5pm
PDT / 8pm EDT}</i></b>. Lisa will be hosting an evening of meaningful chat, fun trivia,
laughter, and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some
GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack! (Ten copies of the
book for your small group or book club and a live chat with Lisa via video or phone.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So grab a few of your friends and your copy of Glamorous Illusions and join Lisa
on the evening of June 27th for an evening of fun.</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/239546" target="_blank"><img alt="Enter via Facebook" height="48" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-
ZBHv5uije28/TXqYfJCLMkI/AAAAAAAAAiU/AVPqG6Tv5W4/s1600/Facebook_icon
-300x300.png" title="Enter via Facebook" width="48" /></a><a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/239546" target="_blank"><img alt="Enter via Twitter" height="48" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m-
99VSwns4U/TXqYmf0klHI/AAAAAAAAAiY/VwREnY_u7TA/s1600/Twitter_button.p
ng" title="Enter via Twitter" width="48" /></a>
</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Don't miss a moment of the fun. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/309629112464074/" target="_blank"><b>RSVP
TODAY</b></a> and tell your friends via <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/239546/invites/new" target="_blank"><b>FACEBOOK</b></a> or <a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/239546" target="_blank"><b>TWITTER</b></a> and increase your chances of winning. Hope to
see you on the 27th!</span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="centered" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”</span></span></div>Mel's World with Melissa Mashburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09811037129669411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561357.post-27006237367538799712012-06-19T15:43:00.001-04:002012-06-19T15:43:11.512-04:00Wiggled His Way Into Our Heart<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BEVkFsz-vsY/T-DSEZ2jt8I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/v3LnnBqXaNg/s1600/IMG_8882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BEVkFsz-vsY/T-DSEZ2jt8I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/v3LnnBqXaNg/s320/IMG_8882.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Six weeks ago, in the midst of all the ministry season craziness, end of the year madness and my oldest son's high school graduation (<i>more on this in another post...so much to tell</i>), my husband, who I have known and loved for twenty years, <b>walked into the house with this puppy.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">He had been abandoned, was scared, lonely and in need of a home. In the twenty years I have known my hubby he has <u>never</u> (<i>ever, ever</i>) done anything like this...but <b>he just had a feeling that this dog was supposed to be ours.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We tentatively said that we would keep him "<i>for a few days</i>" to try him out with our family, then went about our regular day to day chaos. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Little did we know that with each passing day this little guy was actually wiggling his way into our hearts</b>, and now, six weeks later, we can't imagine life without him.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xYYuNwV3DD0/T-DSGQkqUbI/AAAAAAAAAaY/6IA4jMZMLdU/s1600/IMG_8883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xYYuNwV3DD0/T-DSGQkqUbI/AAAAAAAAAaY/6IA4jMZMLdU/s320/IMG_8883.JPG" width="147" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>This is our dog, Duke! </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">He is the baby of the family, our 3rd son and just about the sweetest little puppy on the planet. He's still a puppy, and we've not had a dog in years (like 15 years at least), but we've expanded our hearts and he took it right away from us.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><i>Who would have thought that six weeks ago that "feeling" that he belonged with our family would turn out to be one of the biggest blessings ever!</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ytNVVxRkUBM/T-DVcGREeFI/AAAAAAAAAas/z9MdU20NmlE/s1600/IMAG0128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ytNVVxRkUBM/T-DVcGREeFI/AAAAAAAAAas/z9MdU20NmlE/s320/IMAG0128.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">PS - <b>We have a kitty too, his name is Willy. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Willy has been with us for 10 years...needless to say he thinks the puppy is way over rated, but deep down we know Willy likes him too!</span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" /></div>Mel's World with Melissa Mashburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09811037129669411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561357.post-52974530435734447162012-06-17T17:47:00.002-04:002012-06-17T17:49:06.042-04:00Book Review ~ My Stubborn Heart, by Becky Wade<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f5jDF7W5TZ8/T95ISJg0III/AAAAAAAAAaE/0uF4s5xMAk4/s1600/MSH+Wadesm+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f5jDF7W5TZ8/T95ISJg0III/AAAAAAAAAaE/0uF4s5xMAk4/s1600/MSH+Wadesm+(1).jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2090177719"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>My Stubborn Heart (a novel)</b></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764209744/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=meswotrbi-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0764209744%22%3EMy%20Stubborn%20Heart%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=meswotrbi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0764209744%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E" target="_blank"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>By: Becky Wade</b></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I absolutely loved this book! It is completely adorable and perfect for a Saturday afternoon cuddle on the couch with a cuppa coffee & a great book. As a matter of fact that is exactly what I did when I got a chance to read Becky Wade's break out novel. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With an easy to read, suck you right in style you jump right into Kate's life. The complicated Matt Jarreau is just the perfect character that makes you sit on the edge of your seat in anticipation of what will happen next. Charming, sweet and full of God's grace...this book will be one of your favorites this summer, just wait!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>On the Back of the Book:</u></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When Kate's grandmother asks Kate to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yet, she discovers a different kind of project upon meeting the man hired to renovate the house. Matt Jarreau is attractive and clearly wounded -- hiding from people, from God, and from his past. Kate can't help but set her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light... whether he likes it or not.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">When the stilted, uncomfortable interactions between Kate and Matt slowly shift into something more, is God finally answering the longing of her heart? Or will Kate be required to give up more than she ever dreamed?</span>
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"A beautiful story that proves sometimes falling in love is a matter of faith. Becky Wade creates characters readers will love."</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"></span></i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">--Lisa Wingate, national bestselling author of Blue Moon Bay and Dandelion Summer</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"></span></i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div style="text-align: center;">
"I love finding new authors, and Becky Wade is definitely one to watch. Her debut novel offers romance, laughter, and poignancy. The perfect combination for a night out with you and your book."</div>
</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div style="text-align: center;">
--Deeanne Gist, bestselling author of A Bride Most Begrudging and Love on the Line</div>
</span></i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"A feisty heroine, romance, and comedy make this a fabulous debut and Wade an author to follow. Recommended to readers who enjoy Melody Carson." --Library Journal [Starred Review]</i></span></span></div>
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFoiSiyUibc/T95IRxmnOXI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/_GVVRnFGG4k/s1600/Becky-Wade+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFoiSiyUibc/T95IRxmnOXI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/_GVVRnFGG4k/s1600/Becky-Wade+(1).jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About the Author:</span></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Becky Wade is a graduate of Baylor University. As a newlywed, she lived for three years in a home overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, as well as in Australia, before returning to the States. A mom of three young children, Becky and her family now live in Dallas, Texas. Visit her Web site at <a href="http://www.beckywade.com/">www.beckywade.com</a>.</span></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="centered" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Disclosure
of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services
mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe
will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the
Federal Trade Commission’s <a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">16 CFR, Part 255</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and
Testimonials in Advertising.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>Mel's World with Melissa Mashburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09811037129669411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561357.post-63769423937640235402012-05-21T12:10:00.001-04:002012-05-21T12:11:54.644-04:00Book Review: Wish You Were Here , By Beth K. Vogt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2kpo-lwIU4c/T7pk2UJrd4I/AAAAAAAAAZw/5d9gq7kB4_U/s1600/wish-you-were-here-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2kpo-lwIU4c/T7pk2UJrd4I/AAAAAAAAAZw/5d9gq7kB4_U/s320/wish-you-were-here-web.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://ow.ly/aQTEk" target="_blank">Wish You Were Here</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Beth K. Vogt</span></div>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>My Thoughts:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Y'all know I love a good "get away" book and I absolutely love a sweet romance story, so when I picked up this book I thought this could be a good fit. At first I thought it was going to be a bit like "Runaway Bride" but as the pages went on I quickly learned this is so much more than a typical runaway bride movie or story. With twists, turns and adventure this book was...well...devoured in one day. I absolutely could not put it down. Wherever Allison Denman (the lead in the book) went I went right along with her. It was the perfect blend of adventure, romance and faith.</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you prepare for your summer vacation and some time to "get away" on your own, this book is a perfect addition to your summer reading...you are gonna love it!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b>About the book:</b></u>
</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Allison Denman is supposed to get married in five days, but everything is all wrong. The huge wedding. The frothy dress. And the groom. Still, kissing the groom's brother in an unguarded moment is decidedly not the right thing to do. How could she have made such a mistake? It seems Allison's life is nothing but mistakes at this point. And pulling a "Runaway Bride" complete with stealing, er, borrowing her best friend's car doesn't seem to solve her problems. Can Allison find her way out of this mess? Maybe she just needs to stop orchestrating everything. Allison prefers being the one in control, and giving it up is not going to be easy. But to find her way again, she will have to believe that God has a plan for her and find the strength to let Him lead.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sARuKolVTiY/T7pk107VEpI/AAAAAAAAAZo/A36LNSSs2Os/s1600/Wish+You+Were+Here+Author+85433122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sARuKolVTiY/T7pk107VEpI/AAAAAAAAAZo/A36LNSSs2Os/s1600/Wish+You+Were+Here+Author+85433122.jpg" /></a><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beth K. Vogt provides her readers with a happily ever after woven through with humor, reality, and God's lavish grace. She's a non-fiction author and editor who said she'd never write fiction. She's the wife of an Air Force physician (now in solo practice) who said she'd never marry a doctor-or anyone in the military. She's a mom of four who said she'd never have kids. Beth has discovered that God's best often waits behind the doors marked "Never." She writes contemporary romance because she believes there's more to happily ever after than the fairy tales tell us. Beth earned a journalism degree from San Jose State University and met her husband Rob when he knocked her down at a karate studio. They've been married for 31 years. They have four children, ranging in ages from 28, 25, 23 and - thanks to a funny thing happening on their way to the empty nest-a 10-year-old. The Vogt Team, which now includes a "daughter-in-love" and "son-in-love," enjoys hiking and camping in Colorado. Read more about Beth at her website:<a href="http://bethvogt.com/">http://bethvogt.com</a></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Blog Tour Schedule</u></b>: <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13480251%C2%A0" target="_blank">http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13480251 </a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Celebrate with Beth by entering her Wish You Were Here Giveaway!
<b>Enter Today - 5/15-6/4!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13480251/bethvogt" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img alt="Beth Vogt Wish You Were Here iPad2 Giveaway" height="266" src="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/cdn_images/resize_1024x1365/4f/ContentImage-20-18866-WYWHGiveaway300.png" width="320" /> </a></div>
<b>
</b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One "happy" winner will receive:</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> A brand new iPad with Wi-Fi (The must-have, do-everything gadget!) </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wish You Were Here by Beth Vogt (Swoon worthy.) </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">$15 iTunes Gift Card (Music, books, apps, & more.) </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hurry, the giveaway ends on 6/4/12. The winner will be announced 6/6/12 on <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QWhS_5xNRhoWyPgxcJcGb9EVQ1OQF9_r8J52nnEnNPtoqHGcApwSg3rz3jOO-iP21qiFsRM6SWO4dXQp9-Cxuk817Y0E81HfV3VyaVRZ0tI=" target="_blank">Beth's Website</a>! </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just click one of the icons below to enter. Tell your friends about Beth's giveaway on <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QWhS_5xNRhpHVelbsrrhTQCRbKUD3JFnsIaWeqmJw1LDGAGbiM2f7Kb169g6NEq37xfjbyQcT_KPYiJwrmtCh5YBvygY4NeNuLoBAOmZMsknWV8sUzyFfSDyvWz4-umqewjD00fdB0qVE_rOP8aQ_5Vy57mwPst3VsIWv-vVR2PvgNJbB7sKSQ==" target="_blank">FACEBOOK</a> or <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QWhS_5xNRhogeNc6NetZFfnnjTV0LBQpeCWd6VeNYaYt9wJfVqMFGd7IQqQ95sIUfMVsci3bHtpUemom8sGjnioeaHbUV0HgRxt7Zw5XZeKpuyxKLI1TP6z2uWVahkwIMuPOWxoNU4MqfrODtMyZxyEuTE9vTXDWzPOLQDq2Ooc=" target="_blank">TWITTER</a> and increase your chances of winning.</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/maryjohess/Melissa%20Mashburn%20Blog/Mels_Signature_3.png" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”</span>Mel's World with Melissa Mashburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09811037129669411510noreply@blogger.com0