I don't want to say a lot about this book because I don't want to ruin how wonderful it is for you.  It would spoil the surprise that you got each morning when you learned one more aspect of just how much God loves you.  I could hardly wait for the next days adventure in friendship and to be truthful sometimes I didn't, I would read ahead! 

 This is a month long journey of daily, easy to read and understand devotions of God's desire for you.  You don't want to miss out on this book and I would highly recommend more of Mr. Sheets books.

Usually I just enjoy clean romances for the feel good feelings however, this one actually reminded me of a few truths in life. One, is that I need to live in the moment and enjoy that moment because all too soon it will have passed. Two, I need to NOT assume how well I know someone.  It would be worth my time to spend time getting to know my family members better, really listen to them. Three, I need to honor my Mother and Father by listening to their advice.  They have already felt and experienced much of what I have not and they can save me from making a lot of mistakes, finding what my true strengths and dreams are.

While this book was a lovely read with situations that are applicable to things happening in today’s world. I felt that I learned more of the Father’s love for me and how if I depended on Him no matter what then I would not be facing anything alone.  Melville is quoted in the book and I found it to be an excellent quote. “For the scene of suffering is a scene of joy when the suffering is past; and the silent reminiscence of hardships departed is sweeter than the presence of delight.”

I was also delighted when I discovered that Janette Oke’s stories are the base for some of my all time favorite television movies and series on Hallmark channel!  I highly recommend all of Mrs Oke’s and her daughter’s books.  Let’s bring back worthwhile stories that honor the Lord and entertain.

What a lovely read this book was.

 It really brought up the point that the Lord has forgiven us our sins 

and we should never judge others. 

We can accept people just the way they are and if we allow them 

to they can put their past behind them. 

While the book is basically a typical romance where a couple is put together, 

starts to find love, is separated, t

hen overcomes all the obstacles to continue their lives together. 

 I Just Happen to Love that scenario.

It gives me hope and makes me happy.

Another great point to this book is it is clean, no graphic stuff that I have to wash my mind of and try to skip past.

I recommend this book and you will also learn some cool stuff about lighthouse keeping on the Great Lakes.  

I didn't even realize before this that lighthouses were needed on the Lakes.

I received this book free from Bethany House to review.

The Jesus Story by Dr. William H. Marty

I have been trying to remove a lot of extraneous “worldly” entertainments from my life and focus on Jesus.  Some people call this a Jesus Fast. I can’t say that I have been 100% successful but, it has been a big help.  It is books like The Jesus Story that has helped me in my fast.  I have been craving books that will not only translate the Story of Jesus’ life into everyday language but I’m the kind of person who wants those details about what His everyday life could have been like.  I want to know how food was prepared, how the towns were laid out, what type of fabric they made their clothing out of and how they made it and on and on.  While this book does not go into that type of depth it gave me a glimpse of the story in chronological order.  As I read there were many times I wished for more of Dr. Marty’s insights but it did make me go and read more about it in the Bible.  All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants an over view of Jesus.

This book was provided to me free from Bethany House to review. I was in no way paid for the review though I feel enriched by having read the book.

Firefly Island by Lisa Wingate 

When reading Firefly Island I felt  like the main character Mallory could have easily been me. A career driven woman with a family that loves her and a dream job that she is willing to leave all behind for a man she loves. I like the mystery behind the small town, Moses Lake, her laughable "honeymoon" destination that is her new home. She quickly finds out that small town like is no much different than the politics of Washington, D.C. where she came from. Mallory has to learn to TRUST, which is hard for her but in the end is part of the beautiful reward she receives.

I asked my friend Hannah to finish reading this book for me and write the review.  I was only a third of the way thru the book (and enjoying it very much) when circumstances intervened that did not allow me to finish it in a timely manner. What I was able to read I found delightful and appreciated Lisa Wingate's style in bringing Mallory to life.  No matter what your age and where you are in your life we all have doubts when starting a relationship and trust in God is what brings us thru.  I recommend the book and hope you will make it a point to read it. I received a free copy from Bethany House for review.

                                          "When ROCK-STAR PREACHERS SPEW a FALSE GOSPEL"
                                                                      by Jennifer LeClaire

When preachers tour like rock stars, it´s no wonder sinners flock to stadiums. Of course, preachers holding stadium-sized events packed out with lost souls is awesome-unless those preachers present a hyped-up, watered-down, seeker-friendly gospel that´s giving the assurance of heaven while sending people to hell.

I am convinced that too many people who claim to be Christ- followers are not really saved because too many false teachers and false prophets are propagating a "different gospel" centered on "another Jesus" (see 2 Cor. 11:3-4). I am convinced that many self-professing saints are going to sit right next to sinners in hell when it´s all said and done-thanks, in part, to rock-star preachers presenting a hyped-up, watered-down, seeker-friendly gospel.

Especially in America, it´s easy to say, "I believe in Jesus." It´s called mental assent. I believed in Jesus before I got saved, too, but I was still on my way to hell. Many who have "accepted Jesus into their hearts" have responded to a "different gospel" centered on a false Christ. This gospel is mixed with compromise. This gospel is impure and defiled religion. This gospel offers a humanistic, self-help message that taps New Age principles.Indeed, these false teachers and false prophets are moving in a false anointing and presenting a false Christ. And it´s deadly.

Perverting the Gospel of Christ

This is not a new problem. More than 2,000 years ago, Paul wrote, "But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted-you may well put up with it!" 

(2 Cor. 11:3-4, emphasis added)

Church, why are we putting up with this false gospel? Why are we spending millions of dollars on books filled with heresy penned by false teachers? Why are people flocking to stadiums to worship another Jesus?

They have been deceived by the serpent´s craftiness. Their minds have been corrupted from the simplicity of Christ. The gospel is not difficult to understand, and it´s not difficult to recognize false doctrine if you are a student of the Word. But members of the lukewarm, apathetic, bless-me-only church are too lazy to open their Bibles and read Scripture for themselves. Members of the lukewarm, apathetic, bless-me-only church want to be spoon-fed a feel-good 20-minute sermonette rather than be challenged to die to self, pick up their cross and walk the narrow road. They've turned away from the real Jesus to another Jesus. Paul felt the same angst in his spirit that I feel in mine.

"I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed" (Gal. 1:6-9, emphasis added).

Fables and Fairy Tales

I´m also marveling at the masses that are paying to hear a different gospel, a perverted gospel-a gospel that will send them to hell if they embrace its doctrines. Some of those "gospels" insist there is no hell. Some of those "gospels" say we´re all going to heaven in the end. Some of those "gospels" give you a license to sin without penalty. False teachers are using familiar Scriptures to justify their stance, but they´ve essentially turned the Bible into a book of fables and fairy tales.

I don´t care who doesn´t like it. I´m taking the apostle Paul´s advice: "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables" (2 Tim. 4:2-4).

When the Lord called me into ministry, he gave me parallel Scriptures  out of Ezekiel 3 and Ezekiel 33. I´m a watchman called to warn the  church. If I don´t open my mouth and people die in their iniquity-in their different gospel from another Jesus-some of the blood will be on  my hands (Ezek. 3:17-19). I don´t want any blood on my hands, and I´m  not going to shut up just because the false teachers-or anybody else-doesn't like it. 

 Does He Know You?

Here´s the rub. Jesus is come back to separate the sheep from the goats (Matt. 25:32). And I´m seeing too many goats sitting in the church saying amen to a false gospel centered on a false Christ.

Jesus put it this way: "Not everyone who says to Me, `Lord, Lord,´shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, `Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?´ And then I will declare to them, `I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!´" (Matt. 7:21-23)

They never knew Jesus, and Jesus never knew them. They were following another Jesus based on a different gospel that was more convenient to their humanistic lifestyle, tickled their ears and promised peace when
 there is no peace (Jer. 6:14).

 I shudder to think of the horror on that day, when masses who rushed  to the stadiums and megachurches to hear rock-star preachers (or even  no-name preachers in small congregations) present a hyped-up, watered-down, seeker-friendly gospel realize they´ve been duped. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And there will be suffering for eternity. God forbid. Let us pray that these false teachers and false prophets will be exposed and that discernment will rise among believers and non-believers searching for
the true hope of the real gospel. Amen.

I am putting this on my blog because I think it is so important, I have noticed a disturbing trend that says everything I do is covered by Grace.  These people are using Grace as an excuse for their apathy, their sin, their busyness, time not spent with God.  I am saying, "WAKE UP"  God will cover mistakes with Grace while He leads you to a place of repentance,  however, Grace does not cover your willful sins.  The article above was sent out by Charisma Magazine around the beginning of May.  If you do not already, I would suggest you check out the magazine on a regular basis.  I hope this article will lead you to double check what you are hearing with God's Word.  God's Heart Peace to All of you.

Thrift Store Adventures Continued...

 

Here is another of my Thrift Store Reviews:

Second Hand Rose on the Square in Harrison, Arkansas

 I love this store!  

The clothes were clean and well organized and since it is a consignment store you never know what goodies you are going to find at any given time.

 I found a lot more trendy clothes here plus plenty of items for every taste.

 I found these great leopard print wellies for only $20.  

And just in time for gardening season as my other wellies developed dry rot and needed replacing.  

Hmmm... maybe one of those cute flower pots would be a good way to 

re-purpose the old ones. 

 You know like you see on pinterest!

I also found 3 great tops even though you only see 2 here all for under $14 Yeah!

There was more than one dressing room and they were furnished so I had a place to set my personal belongings down and hang up the clothes I wanted to try. I did not bump my elbows on the walls while trying on clothes, which is a big rant for me in most of the places I've been in.  

The owner of this store will help you by pulling clothes (when she has time)

 if you tell her what you are looking for.  

Personal shopper baby! 

I needed new clothes to fit my new body. At the end of P2 I bought a pair of jeans, size 8. And now they are too loose. So I went thrift Store Shopping in Fayetteville, Arkansas.  Having never been shopping there I googled and asked around as to where the best deals could be found. Following is a review of the stores I visited and what worked for me. But, before I list the stores and my ratings Here is some of what I found. 2 pair of size 6 jeans (and yes one is a pair of skinny jeans)  Those of you who know me know my opinion of skinny jeans. LOL However I decided that they are perfect for tucking into boots. 2 sweaters, 1 jacket, 4 tops, 1 designer leather handbag all for under $40. Yeah! most items were Coldwater Bay or Chico's brands.

I also found a couple other non-wearable items, 1 NIV bible for 25cents, 1 red fuzzy scarf for $1. A birdcage for $11 and donut baking pan for $3.

Now for the list of stores:
Goodwill, 3157 Sunset Ave, Springdale - this store was clean and well organized and the dressing rooms were large enough to turn around in. All of the staff were pleasant and helpful. over all I would give this thrift store a 5 out of 5.
Potters House, 2703 N Drake St, Fayetteville - I found several of my items here. This shop is definitely worth checking out.  The clothing was organized by size and color.  The staff were pleasant, Dressing rooms were small and there were only 2 and a constant waiting line.  You could find a lot of other items here beyond clothing. Because of cleanliness I would only give this store a 3 1/2 out of 5.
Second Chance - 3865 S. Old Missouri Road, Springdale - Not a large store but they did allow you to use the restroom.  The staff was very friendly and personable. It seemed like most of the clothes were either petites or 12 and up. Because of the friendliness of the staff I would visit this store again, but only give it a 3 out of 5, for selection and it was so cold everyone was wearing their coats, made the experience unpleasant. 
Peace at Home Thrift Store , 1200 N Garland, Fayetteville - Clothes run small, dirty, very small dressing room.  The girls behind the counter were nice but there was staff sitting around flirting and being a little loud.  I did not find the atmosphere welcoming at all.  I would only give this store a 1 out of 5 and will not visit it again.

My tip for shopping is wear shoes you can slip off and on easily and the same for the rest of your clothing.  I wore a tank I could try tops on with out removing it, with a zip up jacket that I did not have to take off over my head. Sweat pants that were fast to take on and off.

Next Week I'm headed to Branson to try out the thrift stores there.  I'll let you know how I find them. 

Week 5 - lost 2.4lbs & 4"

At week 4 these pants which were tight just 2 weeks ago are now baggy in the rear and at week 5 I didn't even need to unzip them to get them on. They are now in my "fat" clothes. I've found one pair of  new jeans that next weeks photos will be taken in. And I will be going thrift store shopping soon for some new clothes.  Wooo Hooo!

Over all in the 5 weeks or 35 days of Phase 2 HCG I lost a total of 18.4 pounds and 29 overall inches.

I am still experiencing reshaping 8 days later but that story next week.  There was just no other way I've been able to loose the weight and keep it off since my 40's.  I highly recommend this process, it will work for everyone.

I saw a program Dr Oz did where he stresses that only injections under a Doctor's regulation will work. But, I do not agree, I felt that this was a way for it to be regulated by government and to make money.  I have found only a few Doctor's even followed the program, most made adjustments of their own that have made it difficult for some to keep the weight off.  My own Doctor has done several rounds herself but I found that by study and keeping up with others blogs and forums that had been successful that I ended up knowing more than she.  Don't get me wrong my Doctor is great, I just feel it is my responsibility to find as many answers for myself and not just take any one's word for it.  Dr Oz also stressed that only injections would work, which is untrue. I have successfully used RX drops each of my rounds.  There are a lot of false drops out there and you need to be sure you get yours from a reputable source and you will know very fast if you don't have real drops.  I would use injections if I ever do another round because I think that I would loose faster in my stomach area. I felt that with the sub lingual drops I lost faster in my upper torso. This is my personal opinion based on my experience.

Week 4 ended with 4.5 inches and 1.4 lbs lost

That doesn't seem like a lot of loss but just wait until next week's post!  What a difference one day will make!!  I've been checking things today like BMI which is down to 20.6 from 23.4 which is well into the acceptable range and my hip to waist ratio which is 0.7.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a healthy waist to hip ratio for women should not exceed 0.8.

I'm very satisfied with my progress and don't feel like I need to loose more weight but I want to be sure I get rid of the rest of the abnormal fat in the belly and back.  Either way I will be stopping for sure by next Tuesday. I do have the option of stopping any day now. I am upping my protein a little because it is inches I want to loose more than weight.  I know as I enter Phase 3 that reshaping will continue. And I am really tired of Phase 2 foods. It's scary to go into P3 because you are only restricted from sugar and starch so you have to be careful what you eat so your weight stabilizes.  More to come about P3 in the future.

I had my husband take photos this week so it is a slightly different angle but you can still see the difference in my stomach.  

My dear husband was going back and reading the first post of this journey and told me how amazed he was at the difference because he had never seen me as heavy.  I really appreciated that, however he wears tri-focals and I'm always asking him to take off his glasses and tell me how many fingers I'm holding up.  Ha Ha   He doesn't think it's as funny as I do.

I was going to post my update on Wednesday but I ended up editing photos all day of my session with my granddaughter Kaylee. Then I was going to get this posted yesterday but I worked all day at the Heartwood Gallery in Fayetteville, Arkansas and the internet connection was down there.  I did get photos of all the new works of art and got them edited so if you are not friends with me on Facebook please send me a friend request and lets get hooked up.  I'd also appreciate it if you would LIKE our Heartwood Gallery page. We have one of the oldest galleries in Fayetteville.

Here are a few photos from the session Christmas Dress.