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Articles, Christian Living, Daily Inspirations, Disability, Family, Friendship, Holidays

Thank You

Hi friends,

It has been a while since I have posted but I wanted to write a quick update regarding my health. The past few weeks have been extremely difficult. I have dealt with another bladder infection which is a very stubborn bacteria. I finished a round of iv antibiotic treatment one week ago, and unfortunately I think the infection is already returning. I will have another test tomorrow to confirm that and will hopefullly start another round of treatments. Please pray that the bacteria will show up clearly, that I will be put on the right antibiotic ASAP, and that we are given wisdom and the right resources moving forward regarding treatment options. The infection is still lingering, and I’m hoping to get started on medication again soon. Also, pray for me over Thanksgiving that I am able to enjoy time with family without being in pain, and that I keep the right attitude in the midst of hard.

Thank you all so much for the continued prayers and sweet notes you send my way. Even though I am not always able to respond I do read them all, and I am greatly encouraged by them. I am so thankful for each one of you and thank God for you daily!

Be sure to check the blog again tomorrow as I will start a series called “In Everything Give Thanks.” I look forward to sharing more with you. 🙂

Articles, Books, Reading, Uncategorized

Trust My Heart Book Review

About the Book:

Grant McAllister arrives in Murphy, North Carolina, with one aim: to sell his inherited property and leave as quickly as possible. The big-city lawyer has no interest in his late, estranged grandparents or the dilapidated mansion he just acquired. After his high-profile divorce, he should be avoiding perky reporters, too. But Jami Carlisle is honest, funny, and undeniably appealing.

After breaking up with her safe-but-smothering boyfriend, Jami is determined to ace her first big assignment. A story about the McAllister estate is too intriguing to ignore—much like its handsome, commitment-phobic heir. Thanks to her digging, the pieces of Grant’s fraught family history are gradually fitting into place, but also upending all his old beliefs.

The two draw closer as they share their dreams, until misread signals and misunderstandings begin to test their trust. But in the unspoiled beauty of the Smoky Mountains, there’s healing and forgiveness to be found. And for Grant, this unplanned detour may be just what’s needed to finally guide him home.

My Thoughts:

Trust My a Heart by Carol Post is such a sweet and easy read. I enjoyed the characters, and love simple romances like this one. Although, I wish the book would have been longer. However, if you are looking for a good weekend read this book is for you. This is the first book I’ve read by Post, but it certainly will not be the last.

I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity.

Purchase a copy here.

About the Author:

From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, Carol’s resume reads as if she doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up. But one thing that has remained constant through the years is her love for writing. She currently pens fun and fast-paced inspirational romance and romantic suspense stories. Her books have been nominated for a RITA® award and an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award. To learn more about Carol, you may visit her web site at https://www.caroljpost.com.

Articles, Books, Reading

Union With Christ Book Review

About the Book:

Union with Christ: The Way to Know and Enjoy God (David C. Cook, July 2016)

Nothing is more basic or central to knowing and enjoying God than Union with Christ.

Have you ever had difficulty connecting what you know to be true about God with how you feel or how you live each day? Have you ever longed to change but just felt stuck?

The Bible makes a stunning claim: God has provided a way for your life to be united to Christ’s. What does that mean? Is it really possible for me, now? What would it look like?

In Union with Christ, Rankin Wilbourne makes union with Christ accessible and beautiful, for you. Union with Christ is not an abstract idea. It is a powerful reality. And recovering a sense of your union with Christ can change everything for you, like finally putting on a pair of desperately-needed glasses.

Discover how coming to see your life through the lens of union with Christ can help bridge that gap between your head and your heart, between your belief and your experience. Union with Christ is what we most need in order to know and enjoy God.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

My Thoughts:

Union with Christ is an easy read about how as believers we can know and enjoy Jesus better in our day to day life. Wilbourne breaks the book down into different sections which allows the reader to better follow and what he is sharing. While not my favorite book on this subject, this is definitely a good resource for folks wanting to go deeper in this area.

I was given this book by Litfuse Publicity Group.

To read what other reviewers are saying visit – https://litfusegroup.com/author/rwilbourne

About the Author:

Rankin Wilbourne grew up in Louisiana and was educated at the University of Mississippi and Princeton Theological Seminary. He is now the senior pastor of Pacific Crossroads Church in Los Angeles. As a former commercial banker, Rankin understands the “gap” between the gospel preached on Sunday and the world people face on Monday. Leading a thriving church in a city driven by stories, he’s concerned with drawing connections between what we believe and how we live. Rankin and his wife, Morgen, reside in Los Angeles with their three children.

Website

Articles, Books, Reading

Twilight at Blueberry Barrens Book Review

About the book:

Kate Mason has devoted herself to caring for her family’s blueberry barrens. But after her fields stop producing fruit, she’s forced to come up with alternative ways to make a living.

Renting out the small cottage on her property seems an obvious choice, but it won’t be enough. When entrepreneur Drake Newham shows up looking not only for a place to rent but also for a nanny for his two nieces, it’s almost too good to be true. And maybe it is—because Drake brings with him dangerous questions about who might be out to kill his family.

The more time Kate spends with Drake and the girls, the more difficult it becomes to hide her attraction to him. But a family crisis isn’t exactly the ideal time to pursue a romance.

Meanwhile, Kate learns that her uncle—in prison for murder—has escaped. Add to that a local stalker who won’t leave her alone, and Kate is looking over her shoulder at every turn. With threats swirling from multiple directions, she wonders if her blueberry fields will ever flourish again . . . or if this twilight is her last.

Set on the beautiful coast of Maine, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens brings together suspense, romance, and the hope that one day new life will come again.

Purchase book here.

My Thoughts:

Twilight at Blueberry Barrens is the third book in the Sunset Cove Series by Colleen Coble, and it does not disappoint. This book is the first I’ve read in this series, but I am definitely going to read the other ones now. Colleen has the reader hooked from the beginning. She offers the perfect mix of suspense and romance that keeps you turning the page. I loved getting to know Kate and Drake and watching their relationship build throughout the book, and how God made them stronger through the story. This is such such a sweet story and is a wonderful read for fall. I am already looking forward to reading my next book by Coble.

I was given this book by BookLookBloggers.

About the Author:

Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at https://colleencoble.com.

Articles, Books, Reading

The Magnolia Story Releases TOMORROW!

Hi friends. Over the past several months I have been part of the launch team for Chip and Joanna Gaines new book, “The Magnolia Story.” They are an amazing couple with wonderful values and I can’t wait for you to read their story. God is using them in great ways. Whether or not you are a fan of their show “Fixer Upper,” I know that you will be blessed and encouraged by their book.

Lots of fun things happening celebrating the release this week!

People Magazine recently featured with Chip and Jo so be sure to read that here.

To order the book and for more information visit – https://magnoliamarket.com/book/

Also, tomorrow Chip and Jo will be doing a Facebook Live Event from backstage at the Today Show – do not miss it! To tune in to the fun visit – https://www.facebook.com/joannastevensgaines

Articles, Books, Devotionals, Reading

Experiencing God Through His Names Book Review

About the Book:

Experiencing God Through His Names(Bold Vision Books, June 2016)

What’s in a name?

Names are more than groups of letters that represent a person or identify objects. Names are powerful. A person’s character and destiny can be influenced by his or her name. God’s attributes and personality support His unique and distinct names. If we comprehend the meanings of His titles, we can know God more intimately. In Experiencing God Through His Names, Sheryl Giesbrecht walks with you on an exciting journey to discover and absorb the truth about God’s character. In the next 31 days, God wants you to get to know Him. Are you ready?

Learn more and purchase a copy.

My Thoughts:

I greatly enjoyed this devotional from Sheryl Giesbrecht. It is 31 days of readings that focus on the names and attributes of God. This is the perfect devotional to add to your quiet time each morning. As the holidays are approaching this makes a great gift for your friends. I have enjoyed reading this during this season and it has helped to focus my heart on the Lord and who He is.

This was given to me by Litfuse Publicity Group.

About the Author:

Sheryl Giesbrecht has written three books, hundreds of articles, blogs, and columns. A nationally syndicated radio host, Sheryl is a sought after inspirational speaker who facilitates leadership training for thousands internationally.

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Articles, Christian Living, Devotionals, Disability

Blog and Life Update

Below is an update from a newsletter I recently sent out, and I thought I would share it here as well.

Health/Life Update

Hello Prayer Warriors,

Thanks for your continued prayers! For those of you who are just now reading my blog and following my journey, I am currently dealing with some ongoing health issues. Over the past two years I have had three major surgeries and been home bound much of the time. One surgery was to remove my colon and the other two were from complications dealing with my small bowel. Because of my Cerebral Palsy, I have a neurogenic bowel and bladder which means they are slow and do not function normally. We think this is the cause of the recurring bladder infections I am dealing with that have been hard to treat. Due to constant infections, I have been on antibiotics continually over the last few months. However, I have an appointment with a new urologist at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem, NC in a few weeks. While I know, this is not an easy fix, I pray that he is able to shed some light on the situation.

The past two weeks have been some of the hardest days physically that I have dealt with in a while. I have been bed bound most days with pain, no energy, and dealing with side effects from medications, However, in the midst of all of this, God is faithful. I am so thankful for all the folks praying for me and lifting me up during this season. Your prayers and encouragement mean so much to me and I am daily blessed by you. One verse that has encouraged me lately, and a scripture I am holding tight to right now is Romans 8:18 which states,

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Blog Update-
Prior to my last surgery in May, I posted a Bible verse or inspirational quote on the blog each day that I called “Daily Inspirations.” However, I have not kept up with those, but am starting them again this week. Through the month of October the theme for my “Daily Inspirations ” is going to be favorite quotes from people that I consider to be “Heroes of The Faith,” so stay tuned for that.

Also, I am currently writing a 31 day series on the book of Nehemiah through the month of October. I would love for you to read along with me as I study the Word, and post about what I am learning. I may not be able to post every day but I will post as often as possible.

To read my Nehemiah series visit here –

https://ameliamcneilly.com/category/31-days-nehemiah/

Articles, Daily Inspirations

Daily Inspirations – October 7, 2016

Happy Friday my friends!

[clickToTweet tweet=”It is not my ability, but my response to God’s ability, that counts. ~Corrie Ten Boom” quote=”It is not my ability, but my response to God’s ability, that counts. ~Corrie Ten Boom”]

Articles, Daily Inspirations

Daily Inspirations – October 6, 2016

“When Jesus Is In His Rightful Place, All Insecurity Will Fade Away And His Lasting Loveliness Will Become The Mark Of Your Life.” ~Leslie Ludy

Articles, Books, Holidays, Reading

Finding Father Christmas/Engaging Father Christmas Book Review

About the Books:

By beloved author Robin Jones Gunn, two timeless, heartwarming Christmas novellas bound together for the first time in an omnibus edition.

In FINDING FATHER CHRISTMAS, Miranda Carson’s search for her father leads her unexpectedly to London with only a few feeble clues as to who he might be. Immediately welcomed into a family that doesn’t recognize her, and whom she’s quickly coming to love, she faces a terrible decision. Should she reveal her true identity and destroy their idyllic image of her father? Or should she carry the truth home with her to San Francisco and remain alone in this world? Whatever choice she makes during this London Christmas will forever change the future for both herself and the family she can’t bear to leave. In ENGAGING FATHER CHRISTMAS Miranda Carson can’t wait to return to England for Christmas and to be with her boyfriend, Ian. She has spent a lifetime yearning for a place to call home, and she’s sure Carlton Heath will be it, especially when a hinted-at engagement ring slips into the conversation. But Miranda’s high hopes for a jolly Christmas with the small circle of people she has come to love are toppled when Ian’s father is hospitalized and the matriarch of the Whitcombe family withholds her blessing from Miranda. Questions run rampant in Miranda’s mind about whether she really belongs in this cheery corner of the world. Then, when her true identity threatens all her relationships in unanticipated ways, Miranda is certain all is lost. And yet . . . maybe Father Christmas has special gifts in store for her after all.

Purchase a copy here.

My Thoughts:

Robin Jones Gunn is one of my favorite authors. I read her books as a young teenager, college student, and now as an adult. God has used her writing to encourage me in some very difficult seasons of life. Recently, two of her novellas were updated and released again to celebrate the upcoming Hallmark Christmas movie based on the books.

These novellas are two of my favorites, and reading them is a delight to my soul. Robin’s writing is very compelling, and makes the reader feel part of the story. Set at Christmas time in England, the books take you on the personal journey of a young woman looking for her father, but what she finds is more than she ever imagined. Filled with a heartwarming story of family and the right amount of romance, these books are a must read. Plan to read these when you have no other plans because you will not want to stop. I cannot wait to read her latest installment called “Kissing Father Christmas,” which I know will not disappoint. Be sure to stay tuned for my review of that one soon. Grab your favorite cup of tea, and your favorite cozy chair, and begin. Happy reading!

I was given these books by Netgalley in exchange for my review.

About the Author:

ROBIN JONES GUNN is the much loved author of 90 books with over 5million copies sold worldwide. Her popular Christy Miller series continues inthe new Christy&Todd: The Married Years series. The award winningSisterchicks® novels are book club favorites along with her non-fictiontitles, Victim of Grace and Praying For Your Future Husband. Robin is a frequent speaker at local and international events. She and her husband have two grown children and live in Hawaii.

Be among the first to hear about upcoming books and movies based on Robin’s books when you sign up for the Robin’s Nest Newsletter at robingunn.com.When you sign up you’ll receive 10% off your next purchase at Bookshop.robingunn.com

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