Tree Swing Reading

winner

Congratulations to Word Lily!

Your name was drawn to win Crime Scene Jerusalem.

Thanks for entering!

Alphabet Soup Giveaway, Letter K

This drawing is now CLOSED. Thanks for entering!

LETTER K!

This will be a giveaway working through the alphabet by author's last name.

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the blog entries of the books you would like to win AND answer the "Just for Fun" question that goes with it.

Today's question for "K." K is for keeping resolutions! What's one of your resolutions for 2009?  One of mine is to do some more non-fiction reading.  I have bunch of books on prayer that I've been meaning to read...I'll be sharing the reviews of some of these with you as I read them!

b. Enter on or before the date specified. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.

Enter by January 5. Today's book winner will be drawn on January 6.

c. Check back for the next giveaway: letter K!

Today's books are by C.L. Kelly, The Sensations Series.

Note from me: I just finished the first book in this series and enjoyed it very much! I suddenly found myself noticing smells in a whole new way! A nice combination of suspense and drama as Cassie works through the challenges of letting go of her "idols" and separating her identity from her work.

  Synopsis: 
The hunt is on to capture “the very breath of beauty” and secure the success of struggling perfumers Cassie and Nick Dixon. When the fragrance “Cassandra” is at last unveiled, the public goes wild. Then “Cassandra” starts to wreak havoc, and the Dixons must face their inner demons before it’s too late … 

Book 2: Description

 

In book two of the Sensations series, Cassie Dixon’s getaway to the mountains with her friends and their thirteen-year-old deaf son becomes a high-stakes search when the boy disappears. Danger stalks the slopes. 

Book 3 description:

The Dixons have been helping at Taste of Success, a program that teaches the homeless the culinary arts. When a series of disturbing events hits the organization, the Dixons must find the person who is out to get them before it’s too late. “You are what you eat” takes on new meaning in this thriller of taste and terror.

This will be a giveaway working through the alphabet by author's last name.

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the blog entries of the books you would like to win AND answer the "Just for Fun" question that goes with it.

Today's question for "K." K is for keeping resolutions! What's one of your resolutions for 2009?  One of mine is to do some more non-fiction reading.  I have bunch of books on prayer that I've been meaning to read...I'll be sharing the reviews of some of these with you as I read them!

b. Enter on or before the date specified. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.

Enter by January 5. Today's book winner will be drawn on January 6.

c. Check back for the next giveaway: letter K!

Today's books are by C.L. Kelly, The Sensations Series.

Note from me: I just finished the first book in this series and enjoyed it very much! I suddenly found myself noticing smells in a whole new way! A nice combination of suspense and drama as Cassie works through the challenges of letting go of her "idols" and separating her identity from her work.

  Synopsis: 
The hunt is on to capture “the very breath of beauty” and secure the success of struggling perfumers Cassie and Nick Dixon. When the fragrance “Cassandra” is at last unveiled, the public goes wild. Then “Cassandra” starts to wreak havoc, and the Dixons must face their inner demons before it’s too late … 

 

In book two of the Sensations series, Cassie Dixon’s getaway to the mountains with her friends and their thirteen-year-old deaf son becomes a high-stakes search when the boy disappears. Danger stalks the slopes. 

Book 3 description:

The Dixons have been helping at Taste of Success, a program that teaches the homeless the culinary arts. When a series of disturbing events hits the organization, the Dixons must find the person who is out to get them before it’s too late. “You are what you eat” takes on new meaning in this thriller of taste and terror.

Word of the year for 2009

I know I'm a little early for New Year's Day, but I have been praying for God to give me my "word of the year" for 2009.  I have never heard an answer so clearly before. I got the word "stillness." As in "Be still and know that I am God."

I think it's His way of speaking to my crazy pace, scrambling around in my life trying to live up to some sort of expectation. Trying to earn love from other people by performing and creating at some frantic level.  It's time to ease up on the craziness and find peace in the simple and beautiful things in my life.  Time to quiet my racing throughts and heart. 

I know I need to make changes in my life. The one that I see clearly now is about the craft sale I do every year. I need to let those go. Why? There's nothing inherantly wrong in having a craft sale. It's just that my motives are wrong. I've been out-creating myself in an effort to get the praise of others for the things I make. I need to say this publically to hold myself accountable.  I can still be creative and make scarves and mittens and quilts and jewelry; but it's time to do them only for the joy of using my gifts and being creative in and of itself. 

 I also see it with my physical health.  I have been abusing my body in terrible ways. I have lived on junk food and caffiene. I have used adrenaline as a drug and ended up with hormone levels that are extremely imbalanced and adrenal fatigued.  I have used food as a reward.  I have spoken of my body in hatred and cursed it for the ugliness I see. I have blamed God and harbored anger against Him for not "fixing" my weight and hormone problems overnight just because I demanded it.  This is my confession.  It is time to come clean and recognize the treatment of His temple. It is time to open myself up to His longings to come beside me and fill the emptiness I feel from my biggest life failure of being fat. I don't know if that means I will be thinner or if that means He will help me live with the "thorn" in my flesh. Would it be His will for me to be thin?  Or would it be His will that I be grateful instead for this flesh that will in heaven be made whole?

I have been brutally honest and quite serious here. I will update you from time to time on the progress toward stillness.  Thanks for listening.

By the way, anyone know what I should do with my surpluss of beads? It is time to lighten my load in that area. :)

Alphabet Soup Giveaway, Letter J

This drawing is now CLOSED. Thanks for entering.

LETTER J!

This will be a giveaway working through the alphabet by author's last name.

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the blog entries of the books you would like to win AND answer the "Just for Fun" question that goes with it.

Today's question for "J." J is for jumping. Which would you rather do: jump out of an airplane (with a parachute of course), go bungee jumping, or jump rope for an hour. Just a silly question today. I would jump rope.

b. Enter on or before the date specified. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.

Enter by January 3. Today's book winner will be drawn on January 4.

c. Check back for the next giveaway: letter J!

Today's book is Forty to Life by Dave Jackson

Description:

FORTY TO LIFE

a Novel by

Dave Jackson

Provoked by a gang leader into the random shooting of an innocent athlete, fourteen-year-old Raymond Slewinski now faces a forty-year sentence in Chicago's infamous prison system. To Ray, it might as well be for life.

But just when Ray has resigned himself to this new existence, he receives an unexpected gift—forgiveness. Even when he learns that the source of this forgiveness is God, Ray still struggles to accept it. And then the ultimate test comes: When faced with the man who ruined his life, can Ray extend the same forgiveness that has been handed to him?

A note from Dave: While this story is fiction, its opening chapters are based on a gang shooting on the Evanston/Chicago border in the summer of 1996. I was inspired to use this tragic event to start my novel when I learned the mother of the victim had visited the shooter in prison and extended her forgiveness in the name of Christ. Committing murder changed Mario Ramos's life forever, but so did this unfathomable forgiveness.

Mario remains in prison where I have visited him and written to him. His new faith in Christ is strong. But someday he will get out ... and what he makes of his life then will be the rest of his story.

My Thoughts:

A story that shows the emense power of forgiveness to change someone's life.

This will be a giveaway working through the alphabet by author's last name.

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the blog entries of the books you would like to win AND answer the "Just for Fun" question that goes with it.

Today's question for "J." J is for jumping. Which would you rather do: jump out of an airplane (with a parachute of course), go bungee jumping, or jump rope for an hour. Just a silly question today. I would jump rope.

b. Enter on or before the date specified. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.

Enter by January 3. Today's book winner will be drawn on January 4.

c. Check back for the next giveaway: letter J!

Today's book is Forty to Life by Dave Jackson

Description:

More winners

Congratulations to the following winners:

Karin winner of Homeland Heroes Series

Mary winner of Elvis takes a Backseat

Chrysa winner of Colton Parker Series

Thanks for entering!

Self-Doublt Comes Roaring In

The Christmas rush is over. I am finally finding time for sitting still. This year was exceptionally busy since October. I almost feel lost without the rush of adrenaline propelling me forward. That's when I run into trouble. When I finally sit down and stop running and start thinking.  I start doubting myself.  Here's the lion's roar of doubts just so I can get them off my chest.

1. I am questioning why I have the craft sale every year.  It always stresses me out. The profits are always eaten up with my own foolish over-preparation; meaning, I buy too many beads and too much yarn and can't even make everything in time.  I had more jewelry this year than ever and while sales were around the same as last year, my product increased more.  Not so profitable for me for all the work. My own fault, I just get such fun out of the creative process that I can't stop myself. I'm pretty sure it ended up costing me more to have the sale than I made. I'm afraid to find out for sure.  How stupid is that.

2. My weight. Nothing like having the Wii fit tell you to lose weight.  Did you know that they make your little Mii gain weight to match you?  How embarassing! I know I need to lose weight.  I honestly am not sure which approach to take. I've tried and failed at so many. It's not the exercise.  I am on the treadmill 5 times a week. It's the snacking.  I love chocolate and cookies and dessert way too much!  But when I think of giving it all up, well, it makes the desire even greater.  So then I tried the "eat only when hungry" programs..like Weigh Down (before the founder started to scare me with her "own" church) and The Seven Secrets of Slim People. Good concept, poor willpower on my part.  Anyway, I'm worried that I'm headed for health problems, but too full of doubt that any program will actually work for me. The weight issue is a loaded one for me as I have been pressured about it by my family since I was a kid.  (I better not even get started with that story or I'll be whining for hours!)

3. This blog. Yep. I'm getting freaked out about a blog. Why? Well, I feel so inadequate with my reviews! I read other book review blogs and see their detailed accounts of the books and I feel stupid for my short comments and amateur perspective.

4. My schooling. Here I am spending all this money to take web design classes when I don't even know for sure what I'll do with it when I'm done.  Am I really talented enough to promote myself to get business. I don't want to work for someone else right now, so I'll have to find my own clients.  How does one get clients when one is filled with self-doubt?

So there you have it. A whole lot of new free time to wallow in self-doubt and worry. Poor me.  Now the trick is to take this time of reflection and use it to do something about these things.  If I brainstorm about them...

1. New marketing ideas for my craft items? A temporary break from that business?

2. Forging ahead with a new weight-lose attempt?

3. Accepting my blog for what I am able to make it at this time?  A break from it?

4. Doing my best with the school work now, trusting God for the future.

Maybe number 4 works for all of them. :)

Thanks for letting me share.

Alphabet Soup Giveaway, Letter I

LETTER I!

This will be a giveaway working through the alphabet by author's last name.

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the blog entries of the books you would like to win AND answer the "Just for Fun" question that goes with it.

Today's question for "I." I is for ice cream of course! What's your favorite kind of ice cream?  I love the Ben and Jerry's Chubby Hubby and any kind of chocolate ice cream with pb in it.  Yum! 

b. Enter on or before the date specified. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.

Enter by January 1. Today's book winner will be drawn on January 4.

c. Check back for the next giveaway: letter J!

I don't have any books by authors whose names start with I. I decided to pick one where the book starts with an I. I chose In High Places by Tom Morrisey.

Description:

After the death of their mother and wife, 16-year-old Patrick Nolan and his dad relocate to West Virginia and open a rock-climbing shop. But when grief drives the elder Nolan to try increasingly dangerous feats, Patrick and the local pastor's daughter realize they must act. Will they be in time?

My Review:

I don't have time to say much about it except that I found it to be a beautiful and powerful book.  I was moved by it and especially appreciated the perspective of the book coming from Patrick.  Very good book! 

This will be a giveaway working through the alphabet by author's last name.

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the blog entries of the books you would like to win AND answer the "Just for Fun" question that goes with it.

Today's question for "I." I is for ice cream of course! What's your favorite kind of ice cream?  I love the Ben and Jerry's Chubby Hubby and any kind of chocolate ice cream with pb in it.  Yum! 

b. Enter on or before the date specified. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.

Enter by January 1. Today's book winner will be drawn on January 4.

c. Check back for the next giveaway: letter J!

I don't have any books by authors whose names start with I. I decided to pick one where the book starts with an I. I chose In High Places by Tom Morrisey.

Description:

Alphabet Soup Giveaway, Letter I

LETTER H!

This will be a giveaway working through the alphabet by author's last name.

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the blog entries of the books you would like to win AND answer the "Just for Fun" question that goes with it.

Today's question for "I." I is for ice cream of course! What's your favorite kind of ice cream?  I love the Ben and Jerry's Chubby Hubby and any kind of chocolate ice cream with pb in it.  Yum! 

b. Enter on or before the date specified. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.

Enter by January 1. Today's book winner will be drawn on January 4.

c. Check back for the next giveaway: letter J!

I don't have any books by authors whose names start with I. I decided to pick one where the book starts with an I. I chose In High Places by Tom Morrisey.

Description:

After the death of their mother and wife, 16-year-old Patrick Nolan and his dad relocate to West Virginia and open a rock-climbing shop. But when grief drives the elder Nolan to try increasingly dangerous feats, Patrick and the local pastor's daughter realize they must act. Will they be in time?

My Review:

I don't have time to say much about it except that I found it to be a beautiful and powerful book.  I was moved by it and especially appreciated the perspective of the book coming from Patrick.  Very good book! 

This will be a giveaway working through the alphabet by author's last name.

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the blog entries of the books you would like to win AND answer the "Just for Fun" question that goes with it.

Today's question for "I." I is for ice cream of course! What's your favorite kind of ice cream?  I love the Ben and Jerry's Chubby Hubby and any kind of chocolate ice cream with pb in it.  Yum! 

b. Enter on or before the date specified. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.

Enter by January 1. Today's book winner will be drawn on January 4.

c. Check back for the next giveaway: letter J!

I don't have any books by authors whose names start with I. I decided to pick one where the book starts with an I. I chose In High Places by Tom Morrisey.

Description:

Winner of "Snow Angel"

Congratulations to Deborah! Your name was drawn to win Snow Angel by Jamie Carie.

Thanks for entering!

Alphabet Soup Giveaway, Letter H

This drawing is now CLOSED. Thanks for entering.

LETTER H!

This will be a giveaway working through the alphabet by author's last name.

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the blog entries of the books you would like to win AND answer the "Just for Fun" question that goes with it.

Today's question for "H." H is for history. If you could go back in time and meet someone famous in history, who would you like to meet? How about one Biblical person and one from more recent history. I'm going to say you have to pick someone other than Jesus just to take away the obvious answer... My choice would be to meet Simon Peter from the Bible.  And I'd like to meet Joan of Ark.

b. Enter on or before the date specified. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.

Enter by January 1. Today's book winner will be drawn on January 2.

c. Check back for the next giveaway: letter I!

Today's letter is H for T.L. Hines and the book is The Unseen

Description:

Lucas is an urban explorer: he lives in steam tunnels under universities, explores abandoned warehouses, and freely travels the underground passages of the city. Dishwasher by day, explorer by night, Lucas works alone, watching the lives of others from his secret hiding places.

But when he meets another explorer, he discovers he's not alone after all. A group calling itself the Creep Club breaks into private homes to spy on the people living inside...and they want Lucas as their newest member. For Lucas, the Creep Club steps way over the line; he never spies on people in their homes, only watching them in public spaces. He wants no part of their activities.

But he may not have a choice. Lucas finds himself pursued by secret agents from home and abroad, mafia thugs intent on murder, and gunmen who look just like…him. And it looks like the only way to get out, is to get in the Creep Club.

Lucas, the man who has always been invisible, finds himself drawn into a high-profile race against time as Creep Club members are murdered and he is pegged as the killer. Now he's on the run, and he must find out who is behind all the chaos--before they find him.

My Thoughts:

Very good book! Good suspense and a very likeable character in Lucas. I thought that Lucas would creep me out (no pun intended), but he is actually a very lonely guy who seeks connection in the people he watches. He is not there to harm them or get some kind of preverted pleasure out of watching them. He makes us stories about them to build some kind of human contact into his own world.  I enjoyed the book and was enthralled with Lucas' race to figure out solutions to the infiltration of his world.

This will be a giveaway working through the alphabet by author's last name.

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the blog entries of the books you would like to win AND answer the "Just for Fun" question that goes with it.

Today's question for "H." H is for history. If you could go back in time and meet someone famous in history, who would you like to meet? How about one Biblical person and one from more recent history. I'm going to say you have to pick someone other than Jesus just to take away the obvious answer... My choice would be to meet Simon Peter from the Bible.  And I'd like to meet Joan of Ark.

b. Enter on or before the date specified. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.

Enter by January 1. Today's book winner will be drawn on January 2.

c. Check back for the next giveaway: letter I!