Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Wednesday Worship: I Need You More

A dear friend of mine is faced with shutting down her business. She was going gangbusters for a while there. Until the bottom fell out of the economy and took her catering firm with it.

A relative is recovering from a double mastectomy. Another is challenged by multiple sclerosis.

We keep receiving notice of people our age--and we're not that old--who are passing away.

My heart aches for everyone facing difficult times. Sometimes it sees like no matter how good God is, how good we know Him to be with our intellect, our hearts cry out, "I need You more".


Do you need God more?

I do.

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Wednesday Worship: We Have Overcome

I've been spending time in the book of James. As I was reflecting on how we are shielded by God by faith, this Israel song came to mind.

We have overcome!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
We have overcome
By the power of Your name.

Jesus, you're the one!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
The one who made a way for us
To triumph in His name.


This version has a special twist in the middle. smile


Are you feeling triumphant in Jesus?

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Monday, February 8, 2010

Featured Book: Financial Purity by Jessica Psalidas

We know that God requires us to be good stewards over the resources that He blesses us with. The Bible tells us that. However, in today's complex world, it is easy to fall into money habits that take us away from the stewardship God had in mind. Jessica Psalidas reminds us of simple steps we can employ to handle our finances in a godly manner.

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!


Today's Wild Card author is:


and the book:


Financial Purity

Infinity Publishing (June 8, 2009)

***Special thanks to Paula Krapf of Author Marketing Experts, Inc. for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Jessica V. Psalidas is the authority on purity and spiritual growth. She has impacted the lives of many and continues to do so through her bestselling books like Everlasting Purity (which also won the 2008 Christian Choice Book Award). Jessica is requested by all walks of life for coaching and the teaching on spiritual growth and purity.

Jessica is a cum laude graduate of the Inter-American University in Puerto Rico with a degree in Business. She also has completed studies such as Faith Foundations at the Institute for Christian Living with Charles Stanley and The Way of the Master at The School of Biblical Evangelism. Fueled with a passion to continue to study the Word of God and to serve the Lord, Jessica continues to have a daily commitment to learn as much as she can. Jessica also serves the Lord by helping younger women understand the importance of purity and how to apply it in their everyday life.

Jessica is a successful entrepreneur and President of two companies. A much sought after writer and coach, Jessica has over 17 years of experience working in the sales and business world and lives to reach out to people to impact their lives.

Visit the author's website.

Product Details:

List Price: $15.95
Paperback: 263 pages
Publisher: Infinity Publishing (June 8, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0741453169
ISBN-13: 978-0741453167

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:


This book will provide an in-depth look at what we spend our money on, why we should stay away from certain things that waste our money, and why we need to have a vision about money. I think money – the use and management of it – is very important in our lives. Once you develop a vision, you will have a clear idea of what you want in life and what action you will need to take in order to get there.


What is your financial purity portfolio? Many people have heard of a financial portfolio, but what is a financial purity portfolio, and why is it different? As we discover the answer to that question we will examine money in a different light, in a simple way that allows us to be clear about the use and management of our money. We will go beyond what we have in savings and investments and look into some of our day to day spending habits and frequent purchases, as well as why we save, why we tithe, why we should have a will, and what can happen when we spend our money on wasteful vices. Most importantly, in this book I will encourage everyone to develop a financial vision for themselves and their family.


Having a vision gives you clarity as to what you want and what you need to do to get there. It gives purpose and focus to your money management and to the outlook you have concerning your money. Many people that I talk to about money have a grim view of it because they do not have enough of it on hand at any given time or they do not earn enough of it. I encourage you to have a positive, realistic outlook and attitude toward money for your own financial welfare. It does you no good to be irritated or upset about your financial status right now, because with a great attitude and determination, you can change your situation.


Developing a vision for your finances is the first step in building your financial purity portfolio. Utilizing and managing your money purely and cleanly, meaning spending your money on necessary and wholesome things, is one of the most important steps in developing your financial purity portfolio.


Some people may think it is hard to focus on developing a vision due to their own difficult financial situation or, as some call it, the “financial crisis” we are experiencing in the U.S. at the time of this writing. If this describes you, please be encouraged! I would like to share with you some steps that I have implemented in my life to remain joyful and hopeful during any trying situation that comes along.


Everyone seems to be in a state of panic over the financial situation in the U.S. economy, and it both saddens and frustrates me at the same time. We are, to a certain extent, part of the reason why our country is the way it is. When our morale goes down, so does everything else. We are gripped by fear over temporary difficulties that will soon pass. This country has experienced many challenging situations before, and we have always gotten through them. We will get through this too. We need to remain positive, encouraged, and stimulated to find new and exciting ways to spur our economic growth. We need to be stronger in prayer, which will keep our morale high. If we all lifted our spirits up higher and kept a positive attitude, we would experience a change for the better. Nothing good will come out of us being depressed, upset, angry, or fearful. These emotions will not get us ahead but rather will only hold us back. Stay in prayer and remain hopeful in God.


Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7


Have I not commanded? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9


This is not the first time we have ever gone through a financial situation (or “crisis” as some may call it) in this nation. We will survive, and we will get through this. Do not corrupt your mind with negative thoughts such as, “Oh, no … the world is falling apart!” Thinking this way will cause much devastation to your otherwise positive mindset, and it will keep your fears very much alive. On the contrary, you will be amazed at what can happen to your morale and your spirits when you remain positive, jovial, and at peace about the situation. Because this is not the first time our country has experienced something like this, I know the situation will get better soon. We will get better. I believe that by changing our outlook, adjusting our lifestyles, and remaining positive, we will do a great service those around us and to ourselves. Stay in prayer, remain spiritually strong, and most importantly, remain happy.



Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Wednesday Worship: Restored

Sometimes it helps to be reminded, then to speak (sing) in affirmation.

I'm restored and I've been rewarded,
I'm redeemed from guilt and shame.
Never rejected, just reconnected.
Now I rejoice because I know His name.



Peace & Blessings,
Patricia