Book Reviews – His Heart, My Desire

New Book Release! 30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents

I met Kathy Howard several years ago in a writing group. She has since then published several bible studies/books. Her latest book, 30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents just released and I wanted to share it with you.

Kathy’s parents are both elderly and her world has now changed over to caring for her parents full-time. I know so many people are in that time of life to where the roles have changed a bit in the parent department. If you are in that season now or you want to be prepared for the future, this book will be a great resource for you.

Kathy shared an excerpt of what you will find in 30 Days of Hope….

Can I Parent and Honor My Parents?

Due to Mom’s worsening dementia, she could not stay alone while my father was hospitalized. Each day we drove to the hospital to spend the bulk of the day with Dad and then I took her home for the night.

During the drive one morning, I saw Mom rummaging in her purse in my peripheral vision. At a stoplight I glanced over in time to see her touch a mascara wand to her lips.

“What ‘cha doin’ Mom?” I asked casually.

“I need a little color on my lips,” was her reply.

Seriously, what do you do with this? I could let her walk into the hospital with black lips, setting her up for possible embarrassment. I could stop her with a quick rebuke. Or I could ask God to help me do the right thing, the right way. I quickly asked God for wisdom and words.

“Mom, I’ve got some lipstick in my purse that would look great on you. Want to try it?”

Mom dropped the mascara in her purse and used my lipstick. Her feelings were spared and she was satisfied. I’d like to tell you every encounter is similar, but sadly it’s not. Too often I react from my own resources instead of God’s.

As our parents age, as illness takes it toll, they require increasingly more help. As the parent becomes more like a child, the child must take on the parenting role.

God’s Word teaches that honoring and caring for our parents is our God-given responsibility and pleases Him (1 Timothy 5:40). But is it possible to both care for and honor our parents?

We can do what’s best for our parents with kindness and respect. But we must first make sure my heart is right with God.

More than once I’ve caught myself trying to do the right thing in the wrong way. My impatience and selfishness fostered harsh words. I’ve learned that the end result isn’t all that matters. The words and actions we use to get there should comfort, encourage, and strengthen our parents.

Honoring our parents while caring for them is not child’s play. But God stands by to supply everything we need to do the right thing, the right way.

Think about some of your recent interactions with your parent. In what ways, if any, could you have improved on the outcome?

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That was just a sample of the wisdom filled chapters that make up this great resource, 30 Days of Hope When Caring For Aging Parents.

Kathy has generously offered to give away a book to one of my readers who leaves a comment on this post. I would love to hear if you are going through this season and what your biggest struggle/blessing is. If you aren’t going through the season of caring for your parents, you may know someone who is and would be blessed by this book. *We will draw a name from the list of comments on Monday, July 2, 2018 at 9:00 p.m. (central)

Be sure to visit Kathy’s website. She has some great articles that I know you will love!

Hannah – A Passionate Hope

Are you looking for something to read this weekend? I may have just the book for you!

I know I’ve shared with you before how reading fiction is out of the box for me. I love reading non-fiction and I can probably count on one hand how many fiction books I have on my shelf right now.

As a teen someone gave me a book called “Two From Galilee” by Marjorie Holmes. I was new to the Christian reading world. I fell in love with the story of Mary and Joseph after reading this book. Of course, I always loved the story form God’s Word, but, this book helped me to see how life was for Mary and Joseph and how the world was operating at that time. It put everything in perspective for me.

When I discovered the author, Jill Eileen Smith, I thought that I may have found another Marjorie Holmes type book. I was thrilled that she wrote specifically about the women of the Bible in her stories. I’ve always had a fascination for the women of the Bible. I love reading and learning how God used all types of women in so many different ways to make a difference in the world.

Once I began reading, A Passionate Hope, I had a hard time putting it down. If you are like me, you might struggle with things in the Bible days such as men who had multiple wives, slaves, animal sacrifices and the wickedness of men and women. This is what I love about reading this type of book; it helps me understand the culture in those days and it also shows me the consequences of practices that God warned us about.

I don’t want to spoil the story line for you, so I’m not going to give you details of the book. I’ll try to share enough to hopefully entice you to get the book and read it for yourself. If you do, I would love to hear your take on it.

When I read, I try my best to focus in on the lesson, whether it be fiction or non-fiction. I learn from everything I read. So many lessons to learn from women who walked many years ago. I guess we could even think of them as our mentors.

While reading, A Passionate Hope, one main thought kept screaming out at me.

“Stop thinking life will be better if only it were different than what it is now.” Hannah wanted a child so desperately from the moment she married. Her every moment was filled with wanting a child so badly that she would do anything to have a child of her own. She probably missed out on a whole lot of life by being miserable, jealous, bitter and dissatisfied each day. That dissatisfaction spilled over to her husband.

How thankful I am for a forgiving God, who is right there waiting for me to get my act together. Even when we don’t trust or our faith starts wavering; He is right there waiting to walk through whatever it is that has been set for us to walk through. We are stronger and our faith is stronger.

As I was reading, I thought of my own life. What is it that I’m always worried about, always fretting about and playing over and over in my mind?

Have you ever had this thought?

“Well, God must not love me like I thought, because He isn’t answering my prayer just like I want Him to.”

Doubting God is the first big thing that will put you on a path of dissatisfaction. When we are disatstistfied, we become ungrateful and we can lose our joy. Once we lose our joy, we become bitter.

Oh me, I don’t want to be a bitter old joyless woman! Yikes! I have a feeling you don’t either.

God has a plan for our life, just like He had a plan for Hannah. Let’s don’t spend our days fretting about what isn’t perfect. We have so many blessings around us. It’s time to count those blessings instead of count what we wish were different and always being dissatisfied with where God wants us at this time. We can’t afford to miss the grand plan….it could be something as grand as changing the world as we know it or change the direction of your life or someone in your family.

I could tell you some crazy stories of some places I’ve been in the past 58 years. Even when I’ve gone through some things and didn’t understand why….I did my best to put all my trust and faith in my God. He saw me through, even when I thought my heart was going to break right in two. Instead, I chose to learn some serious lessons that only made me stronger.

We all have a choice.

We can either listen to the voice of the enemy and think we are worthless or we can listen to what God has to say about us and become a Mighty Woman of Faith!

Just like Hannah…..

It’s a Giveaway!!!!

For every comment, your name will go into a drawing for a copy of the book, A Passionate Hope-Hannah’s Story by Jill Eileen Smith.

If you haven’t subscribed to my blog and you do so today, your name will go in a second time and you will double your chances of winning a copy of, A Passionate Hope-Hannah’s Story. You may already be a subscriber and if you are, let me know and I’ll put your name in the drawing as well.

Help Me, Jesus! I have nothing to wear! – Book Review

I’m so excited to share with you a book review of a book that I have read before and I just finished reading it for the second time.

If you love fashion, you will love this book. If you don’t really enjoy reading or thinking about fashion, but you want to look your best at all times, you will love this book!

A little backstory…

When I was a teen, I loved fashion and read everything I could get my hands on. I made many of my own clothes, so I spent a lot of time looking at patterns and studying different styles. At one time I had wanted to attend a school called Bauder Fashion College. I dreamed of being a fashion designer. But, that dream was short lived, as there was no way I could have ever been able to afford to go to a special school such as that. Which all in all, it really wasn’t the Lord’s plan for my life anyway. It didn’t stop me from always staying on top of fashion. Granted, as a pastor’s wife of small churches, I was fortunate to have a couple of outfits to work with. Over the years, I did the best I could on our budget to dress my family and myself.

I had recently reserved a spot on a cruise for my mom and I to travel to the Caribbean. This was a cruise with a group called, Cruise Chics. It is a group of Christian women who travel together. While on the cruise there would be workshops on the subject of fashion with my favorite Image Stylist, Shari Braendel.

I came down with a horrible cold/flu and didn’t think I should chance getting on the ship with a terrible cough. While I was resting and blowing my nose, I decided to read Shari’s book again. The information is so good; I just had to share it with you.

Several years ago, I had bought a book called, “Good Girls Don’t Have to Dress Bad” by Shari Braendel. I loved everything I read and called her up and asked her to come speak to the ladies of the church that I attended. She came and taught at a conference with our ladies. I loved it! She stayed in our home and what a treat she was. She was so much fun and such a godly woman. You can learn so much from women such as Shari.

Since that time, Shari’s book has been updated and the title has changed to, “Help Me, Jesus! I have nothing to wear!” I would encourage you to purchase this book and if you aren’t able to, hopefully, I can share enough to help you take a look at your fashion issues. I will just highlight her teachings and then if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to visit her site or maybe, just maybe, I can help out somehow. I will provide links to the various sites that will give you more information at the end of this post.

Are you ready? Here we go….

The first step is determining your body type. Shari has four categories that we will fit in. When you are in one of her workshops, Shari will ask you to think about where it is that you gain weight the most. For me, it’s my hips and thighs. Bummer…anyway, that makes me a D Body Type. If you gain in your tummy, you are a B body type. For those that gain up top, you are an O. For those that are evenly balanced and you gain evenly all over, you are an X. How easy is that! So, whatever you body type is, there are certain ways that you can dress that will balance you out so it doesn’t draw attention to those areas that you don’t want to “fluff” out. By the way, you don’t say “fat,” you use the word “fluff.” There are so many tips in this chapter; I’m thinking you need the book. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions and I will do my best to answer.

Once you have your body type figured out and what styles look best on you, you will learn that you have certain colors that work best on you. In learning how to determine this, you go by your hair, skin and eye color. There are six color groups; Light, Deep, Soft, Clear, Warm and Cool. I am a Soft. Here is a sample of the color swatches that are “my colors.”

Isn’t this fun? If you want to know what you color code is, Shari has a quiz that you can take that will help you determine what that is. You can also order your own swatches. These are great to take shopping with you to help in picking the correct colors.

Accessories!!! My Favorite! You will find a chart that helps you in learning how to have just the right amount of accessories.

The next chapter deals with undergarments! After you read this, you will understand why the correct fitting of undergarments are so important. It will change your world.

Shari will share with you how important the correct hairstyle, skin care and makeup are.

You will love the chapter devoted to the topic of finding the correct jeans. If you love jeans like I do, you will appreciate this chapter!

Towards the end of the book, Shari will give you your marching orders to hit the mall. There is an art to shopping. You don’t want to be an impulse shopper! You want to be organized and shop on purpose. You will then have a closet full of clothes that you love and can wear.

The last chapter in the book deals with my very favorite; Modesty! Whew, is anyone else so tired of seeing private parts popping out everywhere? Shari shares from her heart in a gentle but straightforward way of why and how to be discreet in our dress, but yet fashionable. It is possible. You can be Miss Fashion and still be modest. I’ll share an excerpt from Shari:

“Dressing modestly doesn’t mean being old fashioned and dressing puritan-like. What it does mean is having an attitude in dressing that reflects a respect for God, our self, and even the opposite sex. Yep, that’s it!”

One more:

“Modesty is learning how to take each style and make it respectful. Doing this will bring out the fashionista in all of you (and your daughters) by allowing you to be creative with your clothes.”

I hope that sparks a desire to dress in just your style of fashion and reflect who your Savior is at the same time. We didn’t even talk about the styles. You have a style personality and Shari has a name for each one. Can you guess which one you are? There is the Pure Natural, Classic Modern, Style Fashionista and the Creative Original. You will have fun finding which one you are!

Here are the links to the resources I mentioned:

Help Me, Jesus! I have nothing to wear! By Shari Braendel

Fashion Meets Faith (Shari’s site)

Analysis to determine your color code by Shari Braendel

Cruise Chics with Michele Harkins, Travel Agent

Linking my post up with A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Coloring Through The Bible with Debbie Hannah Skinner

Debbie Hannah Skinner has published a coloring book called “Fear Fighting Scriptures.” This book has 31 coloring pages with 31 verses to meditate on as you color.

If you have read my last few blog posts, you know that I’m giving a copy of Debbie’s coloring book away. All you have to do is leave a comment and I will then enter your name into a drawing. I will be drawing the name on Friday, September 22, 2017. (so, if you want to enter, leave a comment today) If this is your first time visiting my blog, welcome and enjoy your visit!

If you don’t win your own personal copy of Fear Fighting Scriptures and are wanting to purchase one, click here to learn more.

I met Debbie in 2004 when I attended my very first writer’s conference in Oklahoma. I was new to the idea of writing and I was between being very excited to learn what all I needed to know to begin writing and also very nervous as I was in the midst of some seasoned writers. I remember Debbie as being very kind and friendly. Many years later, I came across her name as being a painter who speaks to ladies groups. I was so intrigued as she would paint as she spoke. I knew that we had to have her at our church to speak to our ladies. What a blessing it was to be around her for a couple of days and see her in action as she shared her story during a women’s conference and yes, she painted a picture and then gave it away to one of the attendees of the conference.

I do not have one bit of artistic talent in me. I have a brother who paints amazing pictures and I also have a couple of sweet friends who paint. I’m amazed at how someone can draw and paint pictures that you could actually frame and hang somewhere for people to look at. My stick figures don’t even resemble a stick figure. I guess I will be satisfied to admire my painting friends work instead.

I hope you will visit Debbie’s site and learn more about her. She loves Jesus and spends her time sharing about what a difference He has made in her life. Her sweet spirit will draw you in to learn more.

Debbie Hannah Skinner created these coloring pages for adults to help you find less stress in life and more rest in God’s Word. An artist, Bible teacher, and author, she helps people engage their hands in art to help focus their heart on God. She’s a Southern girl living on the high plains of West Texas. Learn more about Debbie’s ministry through words and painting at WisdominWatercolor.com

Always Room for A Children’s Book!

The earliest I remember of being interested in reading, was when I was in first grade. I loved going to reading time and putting my little wooden chair in the reading circle. There would be several groups and each group was labeled a different color to coordinate with the reader and your reading level. The books that I learned to read from were the famous Dick and Jane books. I LOVED looking at the pictures more than anything. I would study how they dressed and all the fun they were having. Cooking, working in the yard, driving to the grocery and getting ready for bedtime are the ones that stand out in my mind the most. I would dream that those pictures were of me and my family.

This book was given to me by a dear friend who knew that I had fond memories of my readers in 1st grade. She had a collection of these and surprised me with one.

In my later elementary years, Library Day was my favorite day. I loved going through all the books and studying the titles and then choosing my books. The first thing I always wanted to know was what the limit of books to check out were.

I’ll always remember that time of year when we would get a catalog of books that we could actually order from and have as our very own. I would go through and mark all the books I wanted. It always ended up that I could only order one book, if any. Money was extremely tight at our house. My first book that I ordered was a reader about Abraham Lincoln. I can still see the cover of that book in my mind.

I had the honor to homeschool our children and books were a huge part of our schooling. Our son and daughter loved to read and were always reading something interesting. They both were excellent readers and they both love reading today, as adults.

While my husband served in full-time ministry, money for books was a huge luxury. I would go to bookstores with him and drool over all the books I wished that I could purchase and read. But, we were only able to get him the needed books that he had to have. Commentaries, study books, Bibles, etc. were very expensive for our little family that was in the throws of ministry life. I always said that if we were ever in a position of having a staff while serving as pastor, I would request that the wife of the staff member would get a book allowance for sure, alongside her husband. *If you are reading this and you are in a position at your church to make a decision such as that, I would highly recommend it.

All that brings me to my main reason for writing today. Children’s Books!!!! I love books for kids. I began collecting them many years ago. I’ve given many away and of course, we encourage our grandkiddos to read them. My favorite thing to listen to is, my Jim reading a book to one of the little ones before bedtime.

We had many Little Golden Books when my kids were young and they were always a part of bedtime stories. But, I think their favorite was when Jim made up stories instead of reading.

Today, I visited a bookstore looking for a certain decorating magazine. I found myself in the children’s section and of course bought four books for the “kids.” I always have to read them first and they are just as exciting to me as when I was little.

This is my “book haul” from today, as they say…..

I hope children’s books are a big part of your life and that your children and grandchildren will fall in love with reading because you made it easy for them to have access to books.

I am picky about the books I choose. They must always have a good message. There is enough negativity in the world that will find its way into your child’s mind. The books we choose for them should always be full of knowledge and good things!

My sweet elderly friend and mentor, Iris, wrote a little story that would be perfect for a board book. I’m doing my best to help her with it. Pray that it will work out. I’ve always thought about the idea of writing a children’s book. Maybe this will let me know if it is for me or not.

What are some of your favorite books that you remember as a child?

Our cutie pie grandkiddos are in the middle of a reading challenge for the summer. I’m speechless when they tell me how many books they have already read. Isn’t that fun! I’m so proud of them!

I love the program that Dolly Parton has concerning children’s books. Read about it here. When I was a child, I would have LOVED to be on the receiving end of this amazing gift.

Happy reading!

Movie Review – The Champion

I love a good movie, don’t you? I especially love watching a good faith based movie. I was so excited to get to preview the new movie, The Champion. This movie will be in theaters on May 19, 2017. I do hope you go see it. I do my best to get to the theaters when a faith based movie comes out; number one, to support it and number two, because I hope to be inspired and encouraged in my walk with Christ. How refreshing it is to be able to watch a movie without bad language that makes you cringe and scenes that you wonder…”why?”

My husband and I sat down to watch, The Champion and we were impressed with the acting and the actual filming of the movie. We both agreed that it was good quality and nothing to be ashamed about! That is usually the complaint you hear the most about some faith based movies.

Our son is an animator in the movie world and has worked on some major movies. We are used to watching movies with him and then discussing things other than the plot of the movie; we discuss acting, lighting, camera work and how you feel after seeing the movie. I’m thinking we watch movies a little bit different than some people do.

You might enjoy this link to a page that will show who the actors are and their bios. That is always fun to see. I love reading about the actors that share their talents in a movie that has a gospel message.

I do hope you will go to the theater on May 19th and watch, The Champion. Click here to see if it is showing in your area.

Here is a synopsis of the move:

“In the supercharged world of dirt track racing, a single mistake causes the lives of two men to change forever. One must fight for his family, the other must fight to forgive.

Dirt track racer Sean Weathers was at the top of his game…an unstoppable career, scores of fans, and an adoring daughter. When a rivalry with another racer turns personal, the ego that propelled him to success causes a tragedy, sending his life into a tailspin.

Jack Reed was attempting to make up for past mistakes. He had prospered as a businessman but failed as a family man. In a sudden turn of events, his chances for reconciliation are ripped from his grasp.

Sean and Jack’s lives collide, and an unexpected bond forms between them. Working through a painful journey of healing together, they each learn about second chances and the true freedom only forgiveness can offer.”

My favorite theme of the movie was that of forgiveness, redemption and the love of a father. I am super sensitive when it comes to showing father/child relationships. If you are too, you might want to have your tissues close by. Then of course when it comes down to realizing the love of a Heavenly Father, I not only have tears but chill bumps as I thank the Lord for saving me as a teenager. Click here to see part of my story of when I realized I needed and wanted a Savior.

I do hope you will go see, The Champion on May 19th.

Do you have some favorites in the faith based movie world?

I’ll be anxious to hear what you think of, The Champion.

Feisty and Feminine – A Book Review

I just finished reading a great book called, Feisty and Feminine by Penny Young Nance. Penny is the President of Concerned Women for America which was founded by one of my heroes, Beverly LaHaye!

I had read about this book being published and put it on my list of books to buy as soon as it was available for purchase. A sweet friend gave me a copy and I read it in about three sittings. Feisty and Feminine was a hard book to put down.

If you are a conservative woman and you are concerned about the direction that our country is going, this book is for you!

Penny Nance covers several important issues in easy to understand detail. Issues such as:

The Devaluation of Women

Sexual Assault and Politics

Marriage and True Tolerance

Abortion and the Sanctity of Life

The Real War Against Women

The Rise of Islamic Extremism and the Need to Fight Back

Beyond Our Borders: Why Israel Matters to Christians

You will want to save this book and use as a refresher and a reference when things come up that you may not understand and need clarification on what is going on. I will for sure keep my copy handy. It’s hard sometimes to stay on top of the many issues going on in our world. When you listen to the media and the so many people who have a different point of view, you can lose your focus and forget the practicality of the issue at hand.

I love how she refers to women as, Esther Women. If you know the story of Queen Esther, you know that she saved a nation by being concerned about the destroying of her people and then taking action and doing something about it. It was serious to her just as we are serious about our country.

Beverly LaHaye has always taught that in a woman’s life are seasons and we can’t do everything at once. I love the way Penny takes an entire chapter and explains how important it is to not judge others for what they are doing or, what they are not doing. We don’t know what season of life other’s are in. We do know what season of life we are in and what we are capable of doing. What is important to know is; Are we doing what we are called to do?

After reading this book, you may find the one issue that you want to be vocal about. Being vocal can mean one thing to you and something different for someone else. It may be getting involved in a prayer group, writing letters to your congressmen, getting involved in politics, making aware issues that concern you to your friends and family. We are the only ones that know what we can do at this moment in time. We all can be informed and gain more knowledge on issues. That is why you might need to read this book!

I do hope you read, Feisty and Feminine and then ask God what He wants you to gain from it and if there is something He wants you to do about it. Peggy also has a study guide that you can download from her site. Click here if you would like to download the study guide.

I love this quote Penny shared by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who called on the church to stand against the Nazis. “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”

What is it that concerns you the most in our country?

Is there something you can do to make your voice heard and to make a difference?

Top 5 Books That Made A Difference In Me!

Blog Challenge #14:

The 5 books that have impacted you the most.

Here are my Top 5 Books that have impacted my life the most:

bible — #1 God’s Word! This book has made the biggest impact on my life. How could I not include this on my list? The Bible that I am currently using is the Study Bible for Women with Devotionals by Rhonda Kelley. I love reading out of this Bible!

Fasc. Girl — #2 – When I was about 15, I worked in a snack shop at an office building downtown while the owner friend was on vacation. He had a rack of books and I picked this book up and read the entire book in a couple of days. It was an eye opener for me.. It taught me how a young girl was to conduct her life in her teen years. I always look back on this as the first book that made a difference in my life as a young girl!

two from — #3 – Two From Galilee by Marjorie Holmes. When I was 16, I volunteered in a nursing home. A gentleman gave me this book and asked me to please read it. I took it home and read it and oh, how I loved this book. It is a fiction book and it took me back to the life of Mary and Joseph during their courtship to the birth of Christ. It gave me such a clear picture of this time in history. Loved it!

sidetracked — #4 – Sidetracked Home Executives. As a young wife and mom I was struggling with organization and keeping up with my home duties. I found this book while browsing in a book store one day and while learning how to bring order to my home, I laughed my way through the book. These sisters are a hoot! I actually made the file that they recommend. I followed the book to a T, until I had it down pat and formed my own way of doing things.

a woman — #5 – A Woman After God’s Own Heart by Elizabeth George! The first time I read this book, I fell in love with the way Elizabeth writes and her heart for women living a life for Christ. This book encouraged me to have a home that glorified God. Since then, I have bought and read all of her books and studies. Matter of fact, I just bought her latest this past week, 15 Verses to Pray for Your Husband! I don’t know where I would be without the teaching of Elizabeth George!

holy — Bonus! #6 – Personal Holiness Bible Study by Rhonda Kelley! This study was such a blessing to me! I was encouraged and challenged by this study! Just had to share one more!

If you are interested in any of these books, I made a link in my sidebar that will take you to Amazon to read more about each of these books!

Do you have some books that have impacted your life? I have many, but these pop out as special books to me!

I’m No Angel

From Victoria Secret Model to Role Model
by Kylie Bisutti

I saw Kylie Bisutti on a program not too long ago. Since hearing her, I looked forward to reading her book. Kylie talked about her modeling career and as her love for Christ grew stronger and stronger, she was convicted of the things that go on in the modeling world and she stepped away from something that had been a dream since a young girl.

Kylie is very transparent about her life as a young teen craving the attention and love from her dad. She found the attention in a way that too many girls end up regretting.

The modeling world always looks so appealing and exciting not only for young girls but even for women like me who are in their 50’s. It seems we are all attracted to fashion and a more glamorous life. When you read, I’m No Angel, you will see the other side of the fashion world that we are protected from.

Kylie didn’t become a Christ follower until she was already beginning her dream of modeling, so she was pretty much caught up in making excuses for the lack of discretion in dress and situations that we hope our daughters would never find themselves in. We all know what Victoria Secret stands for and you will know for sure what their goal is once you read this book.

I encourage moms to read this book and then share with daughters and make it very clear what really goes on in this world. We need to be honest with our sons and daughters of what is out there waiting for them.

If you work with teen girls, you might consider having Kylie come speak to the girls in your group along with their moms.

How important it is for dads to be involved in every area of a girls life. Dads are to be the protector of their daughters. When the dad isn’t around, a girls risk of being exploited and hurt are greater.

I was impressed with her husband and the way he prayed for her to allow the Holy Spirit to work on her heart about the world she was in. You will appreciate that part of the story.

I love what she wrote toward the end of her book, “I quit being a VS model to become a Proverbs 31 wife.”

In a day and time where modesty, purity and common sense are quickly fading, we need to hear from those that know first hand what is in the trenches. God has something so much more exciting than what the enemy has in store. Be wise and discerning. Mom and Dad, please don’t leave it up to your children to figure it out all alone. The results might not be what you expect. -Beverly Dillow

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A Friend and Her Book!

How to Get and Keep a Job, is now hot off the press!

Donna’s latest book!

Donna and I met 7 years ago at a writer’s conference in Oklahoma City. During a break we began talking and realized that she went to high school with my mom in Ft. Stockton, Texas. Is that a small world or what? She also knew my Uncle who at the time owned a radio station and Donna had a radio program at his station called “A Date With Donna.” This was during the 50’s, I think. Since then, we have become great friends. She is an inspiration to me and is a constant encourager in my writing endeavors and just life itself! She loves life and lives it to the fullest!

Donna taught a class at a university in Edmond, Oklahoma and her book, How to Get and Keep a Job, is going to be used as a handbook for many colleges, individuals and organizations. It is filled with all kinds of business etiquette tips and great advice on improving your life with business integrity.

If you are interested in this book for you or someone you know or just want more information, contact Donna at www.Howtogetandkeepajob.com. Tell her, Beverly sent you. 🙂

Donna and I at her home in Branson, MO.

Did I mention she also had a story in the latest
“Chicken Soup for the Soul” series, Grandmothers.
*This is Donna signing my copy. 🙂