Articles Archives - Page 27 of 39

Greater Than Gold Book Review

About the Book:

One of America’s most heralded young divers, David Boudia twice went for Olympic gold, training obsessively and whole-heartedly for success. In his first Olympics, he failed miserably, not winning a single medal. Four years later saw a different story: he mounted the podium twice, winning both gold and bronze. The difference? In the intervening years, he’d changed the focus of his quest from seeking glory for himself to giving glory to God. In Greater Than Gold, Boudia provides a behind-the-scenes access to the rarefied world of world-class athletics while also showing readers that when they place their hope in God, they receive what they’ve been seeking all along.

To Purchase visit here.

My Thoughts:

I love sports, especially the Olympics and I have been a fan of David and his career for many years now. Over the past couple of years he has been vocal about his faith in Christ, and how his conversion changed his life forever. Therefore, I was excited to find out about his book release prior to the games in Rio. This book offers insight into David’s life as an athlete, and his journey in realizing that there are far greater things in life than winning a gold medal. David shares his testimony and admits his struggles as well as his joys. David’s story reminded me once again that no matter what circumstances we are facing — whether good or bad — Jesus is always enough. It is also a reminder that only Jesus can fill the empty void that so many try to fill with alcohol, drugs, relationships, fame, etc. None of these things will ever satisfy like Jesus. This book is a must read for all ages, especially if you are a fan of David’s, and this makes a great gift for the teenager in your life.

I was given a copy of this book from Netgalley and Thomas Nelson in exchange for my review.

About the Author:

David Boudia is an Olympic champion, a gold-medalist at the 2012 London Olympics and winner of multiple world championship medals. Winner of six NCAA national titles at Purdue University and winner of five medals in the 2012 FINA Diving World Series, Boudia was the first American male since 1986 to medal in the 10m platform at a World Championship. He lives with his wife and daughter in West Lafayette, IN

https://davidboudia.com/greaterthangold/

31 Days, Articles, Daily Inspirations

New Blog Series Coming October 1, 2016!

Hi friends. Things have been quiet on the blog lately, but beginning on October 1, I will be participating in the 31 days of Writing Challenge again hosted by Crystal Stine.

I am super excited about my topic for this year, and can’t wait to share more about it with you tomorrow. If you have not already, take a moment to subscribe to my email list so you will never miss a post. Subscribe here.

Also, if you want to read my 31 days series from last year visit here.

Check back tomorrow morning for the reveal and first post in my new series!

Articles, Books, Giveaways, Reading

A Beauty Refined Book Review

About the book:

A Beauty Refined (Bethany House, July 2016)

What does it take to reveal the true beauty of a hidden gem?

Phoebe Von Bergen, the daughter of a German count, is excited to visit America for the first time while her father purchases sapphires in Helena, Montana. Little does she know, however, that her father’s intentions—both for her and the gemstones—are not what she thinks.

Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the dignified young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie—a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.

Meeting Ian has changed everything for Phoebe, and she begins to consider staying in America, regardless of her father’s plans. But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger that results when her family’s deception begins to unravel.

My Thoughts:

Tracie Peterson is one of my favorite authors and she never fails to disappoint. I enjoy all of her books. While “A Beauty Refined” is the second book in the Sapphire Brides Series, they can be read as stand alones. I am immediately intrigued by Phoebe’s story, and once she travels to America and Ian comes into her life, I want her to discover the truth and live in that freedom. I am also a fan of her and Ian’s relationship and I am rooting for them throughout the book. Tracie does a fantastic job of telling this story, and allows the reader to feel like they are really getting to know the characters. There is just enough mystery to keep you turning the pages and enough romance to warm your heart. If you haven’t done so already add this entire series to your must read list. You will never regret reading a novel from Tracie. I am already looking forward to her next book.

I was given this book by Litfuse Publicity and Netgalley in exchange for my review.

Also, there is a live Facebook party and giveaway tonight so be sure to head over to Facebook to meet and chat with Tracie. All details for that can be found here. Don’t miss out!

Purchase a copy:

https://bit.ly/29Sh70o

Read what other reviewers are saying here: https://litfusegroup.com/author/tpeterson

About the Author:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

Website |

Facebook |

Articles, Christian Living, Disability, Family, Friendship

Update from Amelia 💛

Hi friends! Thank you all so much for your prayers over the past few weeks.

My surgery went well. My intestines were kinked together and pressing against my abdominal wall, but Dr. Dobson was able to fix the problem without complications — Praise the Lord!

I am currently home and recovering. I saw Dr. Dobson again this past week and he is hopeful that things will continue to improve. However, I am still extremely weak so prayers for strength, energy, and stamina would be greatly appreciated. I have therapy exercises that I am doing, and am now able to get in the pool so that is helpful. Also, I have a wonderful home health nurse visiting me weekly which is super helpful and encouraging, and I also receive palliative care services. I recently received a hospital bed from palliative which has helped me rest so much better at home. I am deeply grateful for all of these healthcare professionals who make my recovery easier, and who help to ease my pain. They are such a huge blessing to me and my family. The Lord has been so good to me and I’m thankful for the strength He gives me daily to press on!

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. It means so much to me. I am daily inspired by your calls, notes, and visits. I am still home bound and unable to be out and about but I love having phone calls and company for those who live nearby. Give me a call sometime or stop by for a visit. I would love to hear from you and know how you are doing. I am so thankful for all of you! Please let me know how I can pray for you as well!

I hope you all are enjoying the weekend and this warm weather! Summer is here! 😊

Articles, Christian Living, Disability, Family, Friendship

Leave it in the Hands of the Healer

On Friday (tomorrow), I go in for another surgery on my small bowel. Because of my previous surgeries, there could be a lot of risks involved with this. However, I am praying that all goes well and this will improve my quality of life. The past few months and especially the last few weeks have been extremely hard health-wise. I have spent a lot of time in bed with a lot of pain, but in the midst of all of the hard God has been incredibly gracious. He has blessed me with two wonderful parents who love and care for me so well. I know it is not always easy for them but they show Jesus to me everyday in their care of me. God has also blessed me with an amazing group of friends who daily encourage me in different ways, and are continually praying for me.

It is so much easier going through the hard seasons when you have a solid group of people alongside you. I thank God daily for the community He has given me. Most importantly though, I thank God for the relationship I have with Jesus Christ.

Without Jesus, I would be living as a lady with no hope. Without Jesus, I would be scared out of my mind right now (I am nervous, but I would be even more so without the Lord), and without Jesus, I would be bitter. But Jesus still gives me LIFE and HOPE even on the most dreary days.

When my body is tired and overwhelmed, and I am not knowing how to pray the Lord knows. He understands, and is giving me the nudge I need to carry on. At times it may seem that the Lord is completely absent but He is not. He is always there loving and leading. The Lord knows me better than anybody and loves me more than anyone ever could so why do I doubt Him? Why do I fear? He has proven faithful over the course of my 31 years, and He will continue to do so.

Over the weekend, I let thoughts of fear and worry creep in my mind. They brought along misery, sadness, anger, and doubt. During those moments the Lord gently reminded me that since I have Him, I should have no fear. This verse came to mind from Isaiah 41:10 –

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

This truth from Scripture reminded me that I have no reason to worry. God wants to know that I trust Him and will surrender my everything to Him even if I don’t know what the future holds.

My act of obedience during this season is trusting the Lord and fearing Him instead of fearing my circumstances.

As Friday nears I am focusing on fearing God and trusting Him to carry me through. As one of my favorite songs says, “leave it in the hands of the Healer and walk away.”

Surrender your fears to Him today and His peace will rule in your heart more than you could ever imagine.

Thank you to all who have prayed for me. Your prayers are being felt, and are greatly encouraging. My friend Erin will be updating via email. If you would like to receive these updates join the Google Group here, or send me a message.

Articles, Daily Inspirations

Daily Inspirations – May 18, 2016

Happy Wednesday. Be encouraged that God is in control of your circumstances today. He loves you and He will carry you through whatever comes your way!

Articles, Daily Inspirations

Daily Inspirations – May 17, 2016

“Seek God and let your heart live.” ~Psalm 69:32

Articles, Books, Reading

Sister Dear Book Review

About the book:

Sister Dear (Thomas Nelson, April 2016)

All Allie Marshall wants is a fresh start. But when dark secrets refuse to stay buried, will her chance at a new life be shattered forever?

Convicted of a crime she didn’t commit, Allie watched a decade of her life vanish — time that can never be recovered. Now, out on parole, Allie is determined to clear her name, rebuild her life, and reconnect with the daughter she barely knows.

But Allie’s return home shatters the quaint, coastal community of Brunswick, Georgia. Even her own daughter Caroline, now a teenager, bristles at Allie’s claims of innocence. Refusing defeat, a stronger, smarter Allie launches a battle for the truth, digging deeply into the past even if it threatens her parole status, personal safety, and the already-fragile bond with family.

As her commitment to finding the truth intensifies, what Allie ultimately uncovers is far worse than she imagined. Her own sister has been hiding a dark secret—one that holds the key to Allie’s freedom.

My Thoughts:

“Sister Dear” is a page-turning suspense from Laura McNeill. The book begins with the main character Allie being released from prison for a murder she did not commit. While in prison her daughter Caroline becomes a teenager, her dreams of a successful career dies, and she loses the love of her life. Following her release, she enters back into a world where everyone doubts her and no one believes she is innocent including her own family. As the story unfolds the reader is taken back to what really happened, and is told the backstory and the point of view of each character. As Allie tries to discover the truth the reader is in suspense until the very end. This book will keep you up at night because you won’t be able to put it down, and is a must read. I cannot wait for Laura’s next book.

I was given this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my review.

Purchase a copy: https://bit.ly/24TOGXK

To see what other reviewers are saying visit: https://litfusegroup.com/author/lmcneill

About the Author:

Laura McNeill is a writer, web geek, travel enthusiast, and coffee drinker. In her former life, she was a television news anchor for CBS News affiliates in New York and Alabama. Laura holds a master’s degree in journalism from The Ohio State University and is completing a graduate program in interactive technology at the University of Alabama. When she’s not writing and doing homework, she enjoys running, yoga, and spending time at the beach. She lives in Mobile, AL with her family.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Articles, Daily Inspirations