Merry Christmas!!

Luke 2:11
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.

My Mom and Dad at Christmas Eve Candle Light Service.

Merry Christmas!! 

This is my favorite pic of the entire weekend. I had the privilege to join my parents for the celebration of Christ's birth at their church...Wesley United Methodist Church. It was beautiful. I grew up understanding that Christmas is about our Lord. It is a celebration of the birth of Christ....our Savior!

I am thankful for family tonight...and for the gift of a Savior...Jesus! He truly is the light of the world!!

There Will Always Be Enough...The Future Is In His Hands

So that there will be enough to eat when the seven years of famine come. Genesis 41:36

The Lord holds today and tomorrow
in the palm of His hand.
Do not be afraid.

One of my all time heroes of the faith is Corrie ten Boom. I love her writing and her life story! She was filled with faith and courage. She has mesmerized me sense high school where I was originally introduced to her kindness, compassion and strong belief in Jesus Christ. 

Many mornings, my daughter and I begin our day reading one of her devotionals together from a book called: Each New Day. I have the original version published in 1977, however there is a new version with a beautiful cover and perhaps organized in a different manner, available on Amazon. (Click here if you're interested in purchasing it. It is Christmas time you know...great gift idea!)

Anyway, this morning's reading was beautiful...as always. It is a gentle reminder for me and maybe you today, that we don't need to fear tomorrow. The Lord holds today & tomorrow in the palm of His hand!

The following is a copy of the December 9 Devotional:

Joseph filled the barns in the time of plenty to be prepared for the time of famine. (see Genesis 41:29-36) Gather the riches of God's promises which can strengthen you in the time when there will be no freedom. Nobody can take away from you those texts from the Bible which you have learned by heart.

Lord Jesus,
We do not fear the future because we know You who have the future in Your hand. What a joy to know that You are the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Movie Review- To Joey With Love: A Story of Life, Love & Hope

1 Corinthians 13:13 (MSG)
But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love. 


Before I begin...let me just say that I am having a drawing for a free DVD copy of this amazing film. Look to the right side of my blog. See the Rafflecopter? It starts at midnight tonight and will end December 20, 2016. I will email the winner! 
Be sure to stop back by my blog or my Facebook Page @OnlyALittleWhile and sign up!

The movie, To Joey, With Love: A Story of Life, Love & Hope That Never Dies  (click on the preceding title for the official trailer) is presented by Provident Films a Hickory Films production. The film will be released in DVD format & ON-Demand December 20th, 2016. (Order by clicking here.) It is classified as a PG film in the documentary genre. It was written, filmed and directed by Rory Feek. Production is by Aaron Carnahan. 

Movie Critic Reviews 

A beautiful film that captures the true
meaning of the message to
"trust steadily in God", as described in
1 Corinthians 13:13.

"I walked away with a greater appreciation for the brevity of life and with a goal of loving those around me even more."
Christian Examiner

"The movie leaves viewers with an urgency to live every day as if it is a gift, thank God for what He has given, and enjoy the simple moments of life."
Movieguide®

"The film will inspire you to love deeper, and to grab every opportunity in every moment."
Christianity Today

My Personal Review

To Joey, With Love is a touching documentary narrated by Rory Feek. The film chronicles the story of the past two years with his wife Joey Feek. Their journey through the birth of their first and only daughter, Indiana is highlighted, as well as Joey's diagnosis with cervical cancer. The emphasis is placed on the path of learning to trust God's plan for their lives, rather than relying on their own direction. It is a compilation of live footage filmed mostly from their home which is about an hour from Nashville, Tennessee. 


Here's my take-away from this movie. First, I found myself wishing from the very beginning that I had been a part of the Joey+Rory Fan Club. The brief shots of some of their concerts made my heart warm, not only due to the beautiful music, but also because of their interactions with one another. 


Secondly, I found the movie to be extremely transparent and pure. Much of the time, I had the feeling that I was viewing something sacred. Let me explain. Because the filming is live and this family is simply living their "story", there really isn't any "acting" going on. The impromptu footage shows clips from the actual birth of their daughter (albeit discrete footage), daily chores on their homestead, phone calls, physician consults, morning routines, meals, prayer circles and lots of spontaneous family interactions. Watching such natural and unposed scenes will illicit a broad spectrum of feelings. 

The range of emotions experienced by the viewer runs the full continuum from happiness and laughter to fear and sadness. As you participate in Rory, Joey and Indiana's lives, you realize that this is not a film for my "entertainment" per se, but rather it generates a reflective experience creating a pause and recognition of the sanctity of life. This is a movie with the potential to assist in bridging the gap between this temporal world and the next. The sincere way that Joey and Rory applied the promises that God has given us in His Word is somewhat mind boggling. 


Finally, I think the target audience for this movie is very broad, but somewhat unique. It is most certainly for anyone who has been blessed by "Joey+Rory" music. If I had known this couple prior to this film review, I would be very encouraged to see how God gave them, as Rory says, "A great story." Watching the movie would give me a peace about Joey's ultimate healing. It would ease a sadness that most certainly must be present for those who knew her as a public figure. In my opinion, any believer in Christ who watches this movie will be inspired and challenged as they walk through a day with this couple. I also feel anyone dealing with cancer, either personally or through a family member/friend, will find hope and comfort through the viewing of this film. Hearing Rory's faith filled statement that he gave when the news that the medical treatments were no longer deemed curative for Joey, uncovered a bold and empowering way to accept the will of God. He said, "We came home. Not to die. But to live." A final potential audience is anyone searching for truth, as this couple's faith is tangible and will intensify the urgency to discover a loving Savior in Christ.
  

In conclusion, To Joey, With Love is a very moving work. It has much to say about the preciousness of life and the choices we make with regard to how we live each day. It teaches us to confront the fact that we "only have a little while" to walk in a steady trust in God and live a life filled with hope and an extravagant love for one another!

1 Corinthians 13:13 

This CD was released in 2016. Christmas shopping anyone?

Joey+Rory released a new CD in 2016, titled: Hymns That Are Important To Us. 

It is on my Christmas wish list! (Hint..hint to my family who are reading this.) 

Thank you to Icon Media Group for allowing me to view this review copy of  To Joey, With Love. I was not required to write a positive review, but only to watch the film and give my honest opinion. 

Book Review~ The Prayer of Protection: Living Fearlessly In Dangerous Times by Joseph Prince

I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." Psalm 91:2

Book Description

This book is a beautiful reminder of the
confidence we are given when we are
hidden in Christ!

In these days of danger, trouble, and evil, New York Times bestselling author Joseph Prince reveals how God's children can have round-the-clock protection through the power of prayer.


THE PRAYER OF PROTECTION unveils the Bible's ultimate psalm of protection, Psalm 91, to help you understand more about how God guards His children. Joseph Prince offers simple keys and practical advice to finding and resting in the secret place of the Most High, where no evil can even come near you. You'll begin to live unafraid and with boldness as you allow the certainty of your heavenly Father's love and the sure promises of His Word to guard your heart against every fear. Come under the wings of the Almighty and live life divinely protected, 

positioned, and free from all fears with our covenant-keeping God!

My Personal Review

The Prayer of Protection~Living Fearlessly In Dangerous Times by Joseph Prince and published by FaithWords is an insightful work; it provides reassurance and comfort that we can live a protected and peaceful life in Christ.

Joseph Prince clearly communicates to the reader that the promises of protection located in Psalm 91 are relevant and tangible for each of God's children, today. His newest book, The Prayer of Protection breaks down Psalm 91, verse by verse with the intent to strengthen the reader's walk with Christ through the faith building truths that are found within this wonderful chapter in the Bible. The author points out that our culture breeds fear and weakness, from the constant media frenzy of negativity, to the belittling commentary about our God. This continual saturation of fear mongering can force us into an unfruitful paralyzing state. He asserts that as Christians, we need to stand firm in our hope in the Lord; we need to cling to the Word of God and not allow insecurity to take a stronghold in our lives.

The book is divided into twelve chapters. Each chapter carefully inspects a verse or two from Psalm 91. The prevailing message of getting the Word of God into our hearts is emphasized throughout the book, as Pastor Prince writes, "It is so important for you to invest time in getting God's living and powerful Word into your heart." He also contends that "we must involve the Lord Jesus in our lives every day, because only Christ can deliver us and keep us safe." 

I love the personal faith building testimonies that are scattered throughout this book. These illustrations of perseverence serve to provide examples of God in motion. The stories from other's trials create a fantastic sense of applicability that is inspiring. I also enjoyed the depth of which the author explores various words from the verses and uncovers their meaning within the Bible. In so doing, Prince unveils an understanding of the truths to a much deeper level. He continually stresses the importance of quoting the written Word of God, which will, "put up a shield of faith and release power as you declare that your God shall deliver you..". The author reminds us that when the Lord Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He did not merely "think" about scripture, He spoke it out loud. "The enemy will always try to keep you self-occupied and in fear. God wants you Christ-occupied and in faith." The author challenges the reader to memorize Psalm 91 and speak it with authority over your most difficult situations and watch what God does. He encourages us that worship through praise will activate angelic forces to guard us against all sorts of enemy attacks.

Finally, I was drawn into this book simply based upon the sincerity of the grace and mercy message that it contains. As we know, it is already so difficult to live in this world on a day to day basis, so a book that encourages hope, security, strength, confidence and love through the grounded roots of the gospel of Christ and the written Word of God is a HUGE winner in my mind! As Prince writes, "God has already foreseen the problems that we will face in this day and age, and His protection and covering over us is all-encompassing." 

The Prayer of Protection by Joseph Prince does not teach a formulaic "name it and claim it" ritualistic memorization of chanting nonsense, but conversely Prince pleads for each of us to have a relationship with Christ and then utilize this book as a tool to be explored slowly with an open Bible and a receptive heart to the Word of God. It also beckons to be read in an intimate small group where transparency within the setting would allow the Spirit of God to break chains, bring down walls of insecurity and draw people together through the chord of Christ. Whether you read this book in a quiet devotional setting with the Lord or in tandem with others, I would highly recommend you read it! 

Joseph Prince has provided a free 30-day prayer plan available to correlate with the book’s teaching and further your experience. Please click the following link if you would like to participate: http://www.faithwords.com/divineprotection. He also provides a link within the book that will provide answers to the perplexing suffering of Job through a free audio message of bonus content. 

Thank you to FaithWords, a division of Hachette Book Group Inc., for this review copy of The Prayer of Protection by Joseph Prince. The opinions within this review are my own; I was not required to write a favorable review.

Book Review: Think Better Live Better (A Victorious Life Begins in Your Mind) by Joel Osteen

2 Corinthians 2:5
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 

This is a fast and friendly motivational
read!!

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Bestselling author Joel Osteen shares how reprogramming your thoughts to remove negativity will lead to a more blessed, fulfilled life. Your mind has incredible power over your success or failure. THINK BETTER, LIVE BETTER offers a simple yet life-changing strategy for erasing the thoughts that keep you down and reprogramming your mind with positive thinking to reach a new level of victory. As a child of the Most High God, you are equipped to handle anything that comes your way. To claim your destiny, start thinking about yourself the way God does and delete the thoughts that tear down your confidence. When you train yourself to tune out the negativity and tune into your calling, you'll begin to live the wonderful plans God has made for you.

About the Author

JOEL OSTEEN is the author of eight New York Times bestsellers. He is the senior pastor of America's largest congregation, Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. More than 45,000 people attend services there every week. His televised messages are seen by more than 10 million viewers each week in the United States, and millions more in 100 nations around the world. His 24-hour channel on SiriusXM Satellite Radio and millions of social media followers have prompted numerous publications to name him as one of the most influential Christian leaders in the world. He resides in Houston with his wife, Victoria, and their children. You can visit his website at www.joelosteen.com.

My Personal Review

Think Better Live Better by Joel Osteen provides the reader with encouragement and direction to take positive control of one's thought life and in so doing, unleash the abundant life that God has designed for each of us.

The book's foundation is built upon the truth that "We are who God says we are..." not who "other people say we are". Pastor Osteen reminds us that we are "born into royalty, created to reign in this life" and we should never forget those truths or we will miss the greatness God is calling us to. Think Better Live Better is a quick motivational read that will ignite your passion and desire to serve the Lord. This book has a steady flow of interesting stories to spur you on and breathe faith into your walk.

The continual reminder that we need to "reprogram of our minds" if we are repetitively thinking negative thoughts is clearly communicated. The use of analogies adds an interesting layer to the book. My favorite description of what it is like when we think negatively is when Pastor Osteen compares our lives to being stuck in a cocoon. He explains that "the enemy would love to keep me in my cocoon, thinking these wormy thoughts. He wants us to struggle, to be insecure, to be burdened by addictions and bad habits. It all starts in our mind." But, the author goes on to clarify that we can break out of the cocoon by speaking the truth of scripture over our minds. Anytime the self limiting thoughts creep in we need to confront them by saying, "I can do all things through Christ. I am strong in the Lord. If God be for me, who dare be against me?" 

The totality of this book is based on scripture and taking back our lives for the Lord through meditation on the Word of God and focusing on the promises that are found in the Bible. Osteen references Joshua 1:8: "If you will meditate on God's Word day and night, you will prosper and have good success." The author champions us to concentrate on the "promises of God... not the problems" of life.

Think Better Live Better gives several examples of people in the Bible, who would never have met the full potential that God had in mind for them had they listened to the labels other people had placed on them. We are challenged to care more about the label of the Lord than what the naysayers will say. Speaking the truth over our situations and not allowing fear of tomorrow to grip our today is another excellent piece of advice found in the pages of this book. 

Think Better Live Better by Joel Osteen is currently available for preorder by clicking here. It will be released tomorrow, October 4, 2106. 

Thank you to FaithWords Publishing for this review copy of Think Better Live Better (A Victorious Life Begins In Your Mind) by Joel Osteen. I was not required to write a favorable review, but to simply give my honest opinion of this work.