Monday, April 29, 2019

A Life of Creative Purpose by T.H. Myer


About the Book



Book: A Life of Creative Purpose  
Author: T.H. Myer  
Genre: Christian non-fiction  
Release Date: Revised edition released in December, 2018

“What might be sabotaging your uniquely gifted contribution to the world around you? Discover the obstacles and barriers standing between you and your God-given purpose. In this revised book, you’ll learn how to identify ways to strengthen your calling that’ll encourage you to confidently operate in the gifts and talents that God designed you to do. Through the lens of T.H. Meyer’s own journey, you’ll recognize the universal struggle in embracing your whole person as she encourages you to live a life without regrets. For the individual reader looking to examine more deeply their life purpose or a group seeking to collectively spur each other toward their God-given gifts, talents, and life. This book can be used as a 12-week, 6-week, or 4-week study guide, with exploratory questions at the end of each chapter the assist you in listening to God’s voice and revealing your unique purpose, path, or direction.”  


 Endorsements ”A wonderful exploration, but not only for readers to look inwardly, but to also look around at others, at where our lives are at, and mostly upward toward God’s design and dreams for our lives. Love it!”– Cindy Coloma, best selling and award-winning author of over 15 books

  ”You’ll come away from this wise and insightful book with a clearer understanding of how you are uniquely gifted to contribute to the world, and why it’s imperative that you honor your creative calling.”– Michelle DeRusha, author of Katharina and Martin Luther: The Radical Marriage of a Runway

  ”TH Meyer looks at the glass ceiling the world has placed between ‘creatives’ and ‘non-creatives’ and shatters it. This those who have felt they are not creative, too timid, or simply too late to the life they were called to live, Meyer says, ‘Pish-posh.’ She delivers on her promise to help people embrace uniqueness, explore boldness, and encourage faith.”– Amy Young, author of Looming Transitions: Starting & Finishing Well in Cross-Cultural Service

  ”In her book, A Life Of Creative Purpose, Tammy Hendricksmeyer [TH Meyer] is a trusted mentor, offer ing us the tools we need to step completely into God’s design for us as individuals, and as members of His body. Her relatable stories coupled with scripture inspire and ignite a renewed passion for pursuing not only our own creative callings but even more, her words stoke the fire in our hearts for the Giver of these gifts.” – Kris Camealy, author of Come, Lord Jesus: The Weight Of Waiting

  ”A Life of Creative Purpose is a fantastic resource filled with thoughtful questions, stories, and Scripture each designed to awaken us to God’s unique purposes for our lives. It is well-written, thoughtful, and engaging, an invitation to embrace our own eternally significant creative purpose.” – Cindee S. Re, author of Discovering Hope: Beginning the Journey Toward Hope in Chronic Illness

 ”In her book, A Life of Creative Purpose, TH Meyer masterfully blends personal stories with wisdom from Scripture to reveal the importance of creative purpose (even if you think you are not creative.) The thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter will help you discover (or uncover) and embrace the unique way God has made you and inspire you to step into a life of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment.” – JoDitt Williams, author/artist of Delight in the Word of God: A Devotional Coloring Book/Journal for Adults


 Click HERE to purchase your copy.


My Review

I found this book to be a very insightful, honest, and relatable look into the gifting of women for the Kingdom. I related with the author on many points such as needing rest like Jesus to minister effectively, feeling limited by what others may think of the gifts the Lord gives us (sometimes by just being a woman), and understanding the need to grieve at points in your life to move forward to a new season. I liked how the author emphasized that the gifts are totally from God and can not be developed or put into use properly apart from an intimate relationship with God. I know as a control freak, I tend to turn to any ministry that sounds worthy of my time and gifts (like everything lol), and then I just end up a mess because I launched off without even acknowledging God in the decision. I enjoyed the personal anecdotes that made the points hit home, and I enjoyed the discussion questions for contemplation and application at the end of each chapter. I enjoyed how the author emphasized how different seasons bring different challenges and different ways for our spiritual gifts to glorify God, even being a stay at home mom. While I can't say I agreed with everything, I found the overarching themes really well written, and filled with Scripture and other books on the topic that really gave it credibility and authenticity. If you feel like you are not worthy of the dreams God has placed in your heart, or if you feel like you are just in a rut spiritually, this book is for you! 

 I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions given are entirely my own. 


About the Author



T.H. Meyer enjoys sunsets, porch dates with her husband, and Sonic tea. Her family built a home on their Texas farm in 2011 where their two mini-Australian shepherds share the couch and ice cubes from the fridge. Tammy is a Purpose-Focused life coaching strategist who authored A Life of Creative Purpose and co-authored A God of All Seasons. She is a mother to three beautiful kids and grandmother to one. You can find her at her website: www.thmeyerauthor.com “



More from T.H. Meyer

A Purposeful Life & the One Thing that Trumps Fear

Most my life, I’ve been afraid of failure. However, I might’ve been even more afraid of success. For too many years, I was immobile because the magnitude and pressures, or vulnerability, required to do what God had called me too, paralyzed me. I’ve written a lot about this. I even originally named my blog, The Art of Fear Not. I decided on that title because God always told His people to not fear just before sending them into battle.  

Armies Against Us

Even though His people were informed that they’d win the skirmishes, most times they were still afraid. I can’t say I blame them. They were up against sword-wielding armies that were willing to cut a man down and spill blood. We may not have the same scenario, but we don’t need the threat of hand-to-hand combat to experience fear. Our own thoughts can attack us with feelings just as real a danger. I know mine did. The enemy uses fear to hide us or blind us from our God-purpose. He’d prefer to lock us up and throw away the key. The enemy attempts to bully us. His demonic realm would prefer to rip out our vocal cords or cut off our hand from writing or burden us with every insecurity until we began to believe our worth was lower than the dirt itself rather than seeing us live our God-given purpose. But bear in mind, when you’re in bondage, suppressed, oppressed, silenced, or held back, it also holds back blessings too—our blessings through your God-given contribution of gifts and talents.  

Fighting Back

Several years ago, I decided to tackle my own issue with fear, head on. I looked in the mirror and met with God on my internal mess. And I also asked questions like, “Was it me or God who wanted to do a such-n-such thing? And if it’s God, why am I hamstrung with fear?” After spending time in prayer, and laying down a good dose of self-preservation, a clear path emerged. I then decided I’d follow wherever it led. Not that the path was open and wide or easy for traveling. No, this was more of a narrow thicket where I couldn’t see ‘round the next corner—making the journey less about self-reliance and more about placing one steady foot in front of the other. Don’t get me wrong. Fear didn’t entirely flee on this trek with God. There were times it tried to gore me like daggers from a thorny locust. But instead, I chose to trust and move forward anyway. I fought back too.  

A Warrior’s Call

During that time, anxiety would creep in only for me to replace it with intercession. I meditated on scripture. I bombarded my mind with worship music and reflected on His beautiful handiwork in creation. I took opportunities to reverse fear into faithful action. I’m sure the devil didn’t take kindly that his demonic attacks turned into prayers, worship, and a yielding to the sword of the Spirit inside my heart. But that’s what fighting does—the good fight—positioning myself for a (God) purposeful life. But oh how we also need to be each other’s champion for freedom too!  

Power & Purpose

I continue to be amazed at the power of prayer. Prayer moves mountains, y’all. And sometimes those mountains are skyscrapers inside us. I’m not perfect at prayer or even at instantly returning to it, but when I finally do—why did I wait so long? When we receive God’s wisdom, we become bold like lions, warriors ready to rise above insecurities, frailties, or fear and charging into battle in order to advance His kingdom. I want to live in obedience to Christ, despite trepidation of what it might require of me. Which also means, I need the Holy Spirit to help me get over myself.  

Truth That Sets Free

We all need each of you. We need you to press into your God-purpose. Except, we don’t want to be something you’re not. You should be exactly what God’s called you to be and nothing more. No pressure to run off and save the world. None of us in this Body of Christ are too small and Lord have mercy, none are too big and important either. Instead, we pursue our God-purpose whether it’s raising our family or speaking on a stage. Or writing a book called, A Life of Creative Purpose. And let’s not allow our muddied past to undervalue our worth inside God’s kingdom. I’ve done that. I once disqualified myself for many of God’s ministries because of condemnation and shame. Learn from my mistake. Truth be told, the spirit of fear is afraid of you—afraid of the Spirit inside you, the same Spirit that sets you free.  

Courage Rises to the Top

The enemy knows your God. The ruler of this world attempts to draw away your attention with clanging gongs, hoping you’ll never notice how big God really is. Scripture says that God’s perfect love casts out fear. And that means, we have to first let God love on us, receiving it. Once we do that (& never stop), courage rises to the top. Let’s make this a year where we pay attention and live with more intention. God’s gifted you beautifully unique. Don’t grow weary of the fight. What might God be asking of you? How might He be challenging you to change or step out or persevere this year? What are your biggest struggles or hurdles right now?



Blog Stops


Mary Hake, April 19
Multifarious, April 20
Artistic Nobody, April 20 (Spotlight)
A Diva’s Heart, April 24
Cathe Swanson, April 25


Giveaway

 
To celebrate her tour, T.H. Meyer is giving away a grand prize of a $100 Amazon gift card and a copy of A God of All Seasons!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e011/a-life-of-creative-purpose-celebration-tour-giveaway


at 9 comments:

Thursday, April 25, 2019

Thirty Days Hath by Chautona Havig


About the Book



Book: Thirty Days Hath  
Author: Chautona Havig  
Genre: Christian fiction, contemporary romance
 Release Date: Revised edition, Feb 26, 2019  

Blind Dates Are for Wimps!

At least, that’s what Adric Garrison thinks. Can you blame him? Thanks to his sister and brother-in-law, Adric is about to embark on a year of month-long, chaperoned, blind dates. Awkward.
He didn’t ask for it. But Adric still finds himself living what seems more like a bad TV reality show than a new life in Fairbury.

 Once an ordinary (if prematurely gray and vertically challenged) guy, Adric is now Fairbury’s newest “most eligible bachelor,” and dreams of permanent bachelorhood loom on the horizon. Will he call it quits before the year is out, or will one of his “girls of the month” change his mind?

  One man, twelve women, one happily ever after. 
  
Click HERE to purchase your copy!


My Review

I am admittedly not a die hard romance fiction fan- I only enjoy it lightly in books when it is not the core of the story, but let me tell you, Thirty Days Hath really grew on me. Our author gave us a quirky, sweet, innocent, endearing romance without being sensual which I really appreciated. What a protagonist we find in Adric- so down to earth, caring, honest guy. The book focused more on real kinship and friendship before any romance takes place, and how spiritual background and strength effect a serious relationship, and I think that is really important to emphasize because marriages that last are centered around Christ and are based on much more than just romance. I felt like Chautona gave us an inspired idea for contemporary Christian courtship, which is an old word, but is how my husband and I dated. It was with the intention of marriage, and there was always accountability there so that we could both be pure when we took our wedding vows. I loved how innocent this romance was, how quirky this romance was, and how Christ-centered this romance was. If you are looking for an out of the ordinary, clean Christian romance, this one is for you! 


I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions given are entirely my own. 


About the Author



Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her on the web and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.




More from Chautona

A Silent Truth No One Admits: Blind Dates Are for Wimps

Maybe I’m not the one to talk. After all, I never dated. Not really. My best friend in high school was a guy. We went to the movies. We did things. Still, we were just great friends. I had what might be considered one date in Lubbock, Texas in 1987. Maybe. I didn’t consider it one, but I suppose the guy might have. Maybe. Then I went from best friends with the guy I’ve been married to for 30 years to engaged in the span of a few seconds after what might have been a rhetorical question. He’s under orders not to tell me if it was. After all, he’s the fool who went on to say, “I do.” Just sayin’.

 Still, in the first decade of the 21st century, I discovered a new “thing” in reality TV. The Bachelor. Though I tried watching it, I couldn’t after a while. It started out reasonably clean, but then it devolved into cat fights, spit-swapping sessions, and drama. Oh, the drama. But one aspect intrigued me. The focused attention to finding the girl. What if Christians did that? What if we stopped playing the silly game of “pretend we’re not in this to see if you’re someone I could put up with for the next fifty or sixty years…”? Oh, man. What if the church rallied around its members and helped without pushing. Trust me, you don’t want to push too much. You may discover that the people you’re pushing just get together and talk about it. Laugh at your antics. Mock the ridiculousness of it. Not that Kevin and I ever did that back in the day or anything. (Check out that story HERE.)

 That “what if?” spurred an idea. Sister churches. Chaperones. Not a couple of weeks in a giant house somewhere, but a whole month of real living with someone, day in. Day out. And again, with that chaperone to avoid that “appearance of evil” thing. If you could spend that much time with someone, seeing warts, virtues, best and worst sides… well, maybe you might just be right for each other. At the least, you’d have a good idea if you even wanted to find out. That’s a healthier and quicker start than two or three months of a date here or there and hoping you’re seeing the real person. Right?

 I created a character and ran with it. From giving him less than Hollywood good looks, to an anger problem and a blue-collar job, Adric had lots going for him… and not so much! Then I tested it out. Acid test. I signed him up for eHarmony. No, really. I did. For the record, apparently short, prematurely graying mechanics with anger issues are a hot commodity. It took hours to get it set up, but man there were many women out there for him… supposedly. And to this day, my Gmail email (that I never use) still says adricgarrison@gmail.com. No joke. For what it’s worth, Adric learned one very difficult lesson that year. As I’ve already confessed. I’ve never been on a blind date. I doubt anyone would even consider that I’ve been on a date.

Still, after writing this book, I know for one thing. Blind Dates Are for Wimps.



Blog Stops



Giveaway


 
To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away a grand prize of a paperback copy of Thirty Days Hath, book cozy, and a $25 Starbucks gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into to the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/dee7/thirty-days-hath-celebration-tour-giveaway

at 4 comments:

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd


About the Book



Book: The Governess of Penwythe Hall  
Author: Sarah Ladd  
Genre: Historical Romance  
Release Date: April 16, 2019

In the first of a new series from beloved Regency romance author, Sarah Ladd, Delia, a governess to five recently orphaned children, would risk anything to protect them . . . even her heart.
Cornwall was in her blood, and Delia feared she’d never escape its hold.

Cornwall, England, 1811 Blamed for her husband’s death, Cordelia Greythorne fled Cornwall and accepted a governess position to begin a new life. Years later her employer’s unexpected death and his last request to watch over his five children force her to reevaluate. She can’t abandon the children now that they’ve lost both parents, but their new guardian lives at the timeworn Penwythe Hall . . . back on the Cornish coast she tries desperately to forget.

 Jac Trethewey is determined to revive Penwythe Hall’s once-flourishing apple orchards, and he’ll stop at nothing to see his struggling estate profitable again. He hasn’t heard from his brother in years, so when his nieces, nephews, and their governess arrive unannounced at Penwythe Hall, he battles both grief of this brother’s death and bewilderment over this sudden responsibility. Jac’s priorities shift as the children take up residence in the ancient halls, but their secretive governess—and the mystery shrouding her past—proves to be a disruption to his carefully laid plans. Rich with family secrets, lingering danger, and the captivating allure of new love, this first book in the Cornwall Novels series introduces us to the Twethewey family and their search for peace, justice, and love on the Cornish coast. 

Click HERE to purchase your copy.
 


My Review

If there is a Regency era fiction to be had, I'm going to be reading it because I love the fiction written from this era. Our author certainly does not disappoint in any way. The intrigue that follows us through the book is enough to keep us glued to the page, but our author gives us developed heroes and heroines, beautiful historical backdrops, and some intense emotion, especially despair and fear. The author seamlessly weaves this tale that truly delighted my inner love of both good fiction and history. Can I just say that the cover to this book alone is just outstanding and so beautiful, and with this book, you can judge the quality by the cover. The way our characters develop and our villains try to destroy that development is so artfully written. If you are looking for an emotional read, an intriguing read, a romantic read, or a historic read, you have to pick this one up!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions given are entirely my own. 



About the Author



Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for The Heiress of Winterwood. She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing family and spunky golden retriever. Visit her online at SarahLadd.com; Facebook: SarahLaddAuthor; Twitter: @SarahLaddAuthor.



More About The Governess of Penwythe Hall

5 things to know about Cornwall, England:
  1. Throughout its early history, Cornwall’s inhabitants called the country Kernow.
  2. Early inhabitants largely spoke their own language known as “Cornish,” which became nearly extinct in the 1800s
  3. The country has a long and rugged coastline and there were frequent shipwrecks.
  4. Fishing was a major industry, with herring, mackerel, and sardines being common catches.
  5. In 1870, novelist and poet Thomas Hardy called Cornwall “the region of dream and mystery.”
  Imagine yourself in The Governess of Penwythe Hall with these pictures of 19th Century life in Cornwall https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/gallery/2016/may/19/everyday-life-in-cornwall-captured-in-the-19th-century-in-pictures

Sources: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/empire_seapower/cornish_nation_01.shtml

https://www.maritimeheritage.org/ports/Cornwall.html

http://www.cornwallgoodseafoodguide.org.uk/cornish-fishing/history-of-the-cornish-fishing-industry.php




Blog Stops

Back Porch Reads, April 11
LifeofLiterature, April 11
Moments, April 11
Genesis 5020, April 11
Mary Hake, April 12
KarenSueHadley, April 13
EmpowerMoms, April 13
The Avid Reader, April 14
Wishful Endings, April 15
Simple Harvest Reads, April 15 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
The Becca Files, April 16
Remembrancy, April 17
Worthy2Read, April 18
By The Book, April 18
Pause for Tales, April 21
Bigreadersite, April 22
Hallie Reads, April 23
Henry Happens, April 24


Giveaway


 
To celebrate her tour, Sarah is giving away a grand prize of a finished paperback copy of The Governess of Penwythe Hall!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/de80/the-governess-of-penwythe-hall-celebration-tour-giveaway


at 4 comments:

Beauty in Hiding by Robin Patchen


About the Book



Book: Beauty in Hiding  
Author: Robin Patchen  
Genre: Christian romantic suspense  
Release Date: March 12, 2019  

Book 2 in the Beauty in Flight series: Harper’s second chance at life will become a second stint in prison if anyone connects those two dead men to her.

Nutfield, New Hampshire, is as good a place as any to hide from the murderer Harper left behind in Maryland. All she has to do is lie low and make enough money to keep herself and Red alive until she can figure out who her enemies are.

 Jack Rossi isn’t sure what to make of his beautiful new tenant and her confused grandfather. Something’s not right, but the love he sees between them and the care she takes of the old man convinces Jack they’re trustworthy. As drawn as he is to Harper, she’s his tenant, so she’s off limits.

 Derrick, Harper’s ex-boyfriend and Red’s grandson, needs to find his grandfather and get his hands on the old man’s money before Derrick ends up with a bullet in the skull. And when he gets his hands on Harper, she’ll be sorry for what she’s put him through.

 Harper and Jack grow closer, but so do her enemies. If Harper can’t trust Jack with the truth, she may lose more than just this glimpse of true love. She may lose her freedom—or her life.

  
Click HERE to purchase your copy.
 


My Review

I have to pick up the first and third installments in this trilogy because I got to jump into this story and it was just that good! Harper is such a heroine, and the way Red is portrayed is so realistic for those who are caretakers for their elderly relatives. The redemptive themes found in the book are so inspiring amidst the constant suspense and cliff hangers we find ourselves in. Jack is also a worthy hero, and I enjoy watching the relationship between him and Harper bloom. Derrick also makes a compelling character. I am telling you when you read this, you are going to want to but the entire trilogy because, like me, you have to know what happens next! The characters were relatable, the book was fast-paced without being exhausting, and the book just flowed so well and kept me glued to the page. If you are looking for suspense, action, romance, or a good redemptive read, this one is for you! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions given are entirely my own. 


About the Author



Aside from her family and her Savior, Robin Patchen has two loves—writing and traveling. If she could combine them, she’d spend a lot of time sitting in front of her laptop at sidewalk cafes and ski lodges and beachside burger joints. She’d visit every place in the entire world—twice, if possible—and craft stories and tell people about her Savior. Alas, time is too short and money is too scarce for Robin to traipse all over the globe, even if her husband and kids wanted to go with her. So she stays in Oklahoma, shares the Good News when she can, and writes to illustrate the unending grace of God through the power and magic of story.
 

More from Robin

I was raised in a Christian home. Our parents took my sister, my brother, and me to church every Sunday. They taught us right from wrong, but eventually, kids have to make their own choices. In my case, I chose wrong for a long time.

 Don’t misunderstand: I was always a pretty nice person. I wasn’t a thief, and I didn’t kill anybody, but I made a lot of bad decisions. Sinful decisions. I discovered that one bad choice often led to the next and the next until I was trapped in a life of my own making with no idea how to get out. But God… two of my favorite words in the English language.

 God had a different plan, and He pulled me out of the muck and changed my life. He showed me that I was not the person I’d been acting like. He showed me who I was, and He taught me to walk in the truth of my identity. Harper Cloud isn’t me, not at all. First of all, she tall and blond and drop-dead gorgeous. More than that, her choices are nothing like mine were. But she’s in the same boat I was.

Thanks to a series of bad decisions, Harper was in a hole, and she didn’t know how to get herself out of it. She used drugs to quiet the condemning voices and told herself lies to make herself feel better. Someday, she told herself, she’d get her life together enough to go home to her parents. Because she couldn’t go when she was a mess. She couldn’t go until she’d done something they could be proud of. Thanks to a bad choice in boyfriend, Harper not only didn’t go home, she ended up in prison. 

Harper’s story begins two years after she’s released. It’s the story of a woman desperate to be free of her past, clinging to hope when there’s every reason to despair, and desperate to believe what she’s been told about this Savior, Jesus Christ. Harper will learn about love and redemption and salvation in the course of the three books that make up the Beauty in Flight series. That is, if she can survive the danger that seems to follow her wherever she goes.



Blog Stops

amandainpa , April 13
Genesis 5020, April 15
Among the Reads, April 16
Remembrancy, April 18
Just One More, April 18
Emily Yager, April 19
EmpowerMoms, April 22
Simple Harvest Reads, April 22 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)
Bigreadersite, April 23
The Lit Addict, April 24
Older & Smarter?, April 25
Pause for Tales, April 26
The Becca Files, April 26



Giveaway


 
To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and the entire Beauty in Flight Series!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/de7a/beauty-in-hiding-celebration-tour-giveaway

at 4 comments: