Random 5 Friday

To participate in R5F, just make a blog post and share 5 random facts about you, your day, your pets, your kids, whatever! Then link up at A Rural Journal.

Here's my 5--

1. The photo above has been posted on the blog before but this past weekend my husband had an 8x10 printed out and framed for his office. Be still my heart!

2. 100 Years of Langley happens this month and I'm stoked! Can't wait to see up close and personal the airplanes the USAF will be showing off. The sounds of freedom fly over our home daily!!!

3. I didn't get a lightening photo last week. We only had high winds and rain. Phooey!

4. This moma isn't ready to not be 'first in your affections'. Do you know where the reference comes from?

5. Goodwill had an explosion of amazing art on Saturday!

: : :

Thanks again, Nancy, for starting R5F back up.

   Hope y'all have a great weekend!    

Review ~ New Beginnings: A 31-Day Devotional Journey: a LifeSword Devotional by Cathy Bryant

Published January 3rd 2016 by WordVessel Press

We all experience times of fresh starts and new beginnings, times that tend to counting our God-given blessings and making goals and plans. The 31-day devotional journey is intended to guide us through verses of how God makes all things new, the beginnings of the Bible, and goal-setting done through faith in Him.

Join us for the journey as we explore such topics as:

-God-given fresh starts
-The new song of praise in our hearts for Him
-The endings that accompany new beginnings
-How fear of God is a beginning
-Renewed spirits, youth, mind, and strength
-Restoration
-Revival (brought back to life)
-Letting go of the past
-Looking forward to what's coming for believers
-The real "new and improved"
-Out with the old, in with the new
-Life, better and forever
-Daily renewal
-New creation
-Cooperating with God
-Forward movement
-Standing up under the load while running the race
-Keeping our eyes on the prize
-Following in His steps
-A believer's main goal
-Goals and action plans
-Committing plans to God
-In step with the Spirit
-Wisdom and guidance for the journey
-God's faithfulness 

 : : :

My Thoughts  

When choosing a devotional to use during my daily Bible study, I look for one that has substance, or what Scripture refers to as meat. I can tell you that Cathy Bryant’s New Beginnings fits the bill. Each one gave me something to chew on and ponder which led me to deeper study of God’s Word. 

The devotions are simple in layout but filled with truths that will help you grow as a Christian as you study your Bible and seek God’s guidance in how to live a holy life. 

I can highly recommend A 31-Day Devotional Journey.

I want to thank the author for sending me an electronic copy of the book for review purposes. No compensation has been received.

 : : :

About Cathy

Cathy Bryant is an Amazon bestselling Christian author of both  fiction and non-fiction. Her first novel Texas Roads was a 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers’ Genesis contest finalist. The fourth book in the series Pilgrimage of Promise was nominated by readers for the 2013 Grace Award. Since her first book, she has added five more stand-alone books to the beloved Miller’s Creek novels, with another due to release Spring 2016. Readers compare Cathy’s novels to those of Karen Kingsbury and Nicholas Sparks, and Miller’s Creek to Mayberry, only Texas-style.

In addition to the novels, Cathy’s written four devotional books (two in collaboration with other Christian writers), two Bible studies, and a Christmas novella. All her books and collections are rated at 4.5 stars or higher on Amazon.

She released four new titles in 2015, including Crossroads (April 2015), Believe & Know (April 2015), Miller’s Creek Collection 2 (October 2015), and Pieces On Earth (November 2015). So far in 2016, she’s released two monthly devotionals, New Beginnings (January 2016) and The Power of Godly Influence (February 2016), as well as Miller’s Creek Truth Collection (January 2016), a novel and Bible study digital bundle.

When she’s not writing, Cathy enjoys rummaging through thrift stores, romping in the great outdoors, and especially spending time with her family. You’ll often find her up to her elbows in yet another home improvement project in the mountain cabin she shares with her minister husband of almost thirty-five years. You can find out more about Cathy and her books at http://www.CatBryant.com.

Readers can also connect with her at the following places online:

| Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Amazon | Goodreads |

 

Random 5 Friday

WooHoo!!! I didn't know Nancy @ A Rural Journal had revived R5F until this morning. I'm so excited to participate in this meme again. It's always such fun!!! All you have to do is share  

5 random facts about you, your day, your pets, your kids, whatever!

So here goes...

1. I love watching the sun rise each day, even on mornings like today. It was partly cloudy and the color palette was soft and inviting.

2.  There is nothing more soothing to my soul than hearing the waves coming onshore.

3. I would live here forever but I have to admit I don't like sand.

4. We aren't allowed pets in our condo.  Here's a little secret...I have a Beta fish :-)

5. I'm hoping for some super big thunderstorms later today. I want to practice trying to catch a bolt of lightening on film.

Happy Friday, Y'all!

Sharing @

Resurrection {Sunday}

Review ~ Step by Step by Candace Calvert

 

Published February 1st 2016 by Tyndale House Publishers

Three years after a tragic accident left her a widow, ER nurse Taylor Cabot is determined to move on, checking off one item after another on her survival list. Her relationship with a handsome plastic surgeon even gives her hope for the last point—“fall in love again.” At least until crisis chaplain Seth Donovan steps back into her life, reawakening unanswered questions about her husband’s death.

While in San Diego to train community volunteers, Seth hopes to learn why Taylor is backing away from the crisis team and from their friendship. But nothing prepares him for the feelings that arise when he sees Taylor again . . . and sees her moving on with another man.

When a community crisis hits home and puts lives at risk, emotions run high and buried truths are unearthed. Will hope make the survival list?

My Thoughts

 

Step by Step is my favorite Candace Calvert book to date and it’s going on my best of 2016 list! There isn’t anything I didn’t love about this book. With a solid plot line and strong characters—main and secondary—my emotions were fully invested in this story. I was only a quarter of the way in and knew I didn’t want it to end. I took my time, savoring every morsel. Thank you, Candace, for gifting me a copy of this fabulous book!  

Find out more about Medical Hope Author Candace Calvert by clicking the image below. :)