EmpowerMoms

“Sacred Marriage” What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy? By Gary Thomas

This book cover immediately stood out to me because of the words “holy more than happy”. That thought had never occurred to me before. The “worldly” selfish view is to make sure we are always happy and if our spouse or significant other doesn’t make us happy anymore, its time to move on to something better. I wasn’t raised like that, but I also don’t like the concept of being miserable in a marriage either. Instead of focusing on my husbands faults, I should be focusing on how I can have a better relationship with God and with my family, thus having a better relationship with my husband as well, over time.

“Sacred Marriage doesn’t tell you how to build a better marriage; it shows how your marriage can help you deepen your relationship with God.”

“This book looks at how we can use the challenges, joys, struggles, and celebrations of marriage to draw closer to God and to grow in Christian character.”

Sometimes that is hard to do but I’m looking forward to reading more of this book and implementing the suggestions and prayerfully seek a closer, more intimate, spiritual relationship with my husband.

Just reading the chapter contents gives the reader a good idea of what kind of spiritual, self help, marriage book this is. Chapter contents like: The Soul’s embrace, Sacred Struggle, Holy Honor, and Sacred Mission; to name a few.

I have read other books by author Gary Thomas and I’ve always been very impressed with his knowledge and insight.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Book Description
With over 500,000 units sold, Sacred Marriage has become a classic read for married couples over the past 15 years. Now updated, streamlined, and revised by author and speaker Gary Thomas to better meet the needs of today’s pre-married and married couples.

Happy is good. Holy is better.

Marriage is more than a sacred covenant with another person. It is a spiritual discipline designed to help men and women know God better, trust him more fully, and love him more deeply. So what if God’s primary intent for marriage isn’t to make people happy . . . but to make them holy?

Sacred Marriage reveals how marriage trains husbands and wives to love God and others well, how it exposes sin and makes us more aware of God’s presence, how good marriages foster good prayer, how married sex feeds the spiritual life, and more. More than just a manual to a happier relationship, Sacred Marriage challenges readers to look at marriage in a whole new way and uncover the mystery of God’s overarching purpose.

The revised edition of Sacred Marriage takes into account the ways men’s and women’s roles have expanded since the book was first written. It has been streamlined to be a faster read without losing the depth that so many readers have valued.

Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Zondervan; Reprint edition (August 4, 2015)

About the Author
Gary Thomas is a bestselling author and international speaker whose ministry brings people closer to Christ and closer to others. He unites the study of Scripture, church history, and the Christian classics to foster spiritual growth and deeper relationships. Gary’s unique message will help you:

* Embrace the unique way that you interact with God.
* Partner in the spiritual growth and character formation of your spouse.
* Build a closer, grace-based family.
* Enjoy God with a new sense of freedom and delight.

Find out more at: www.GaryThomas.com

The Berenstain Bears Mother’s Day Blessings (Berenstain Bears/Living Lights) by Mike Berenstain

My son is 5 years old (almost 6) and LOVES The Berenstain Bears books! New and old-doesn’t matter! I really like the newer books by the son, Mike Berenstain the best. They are more “christian” and teach values and the importance of church and scriptures. I also like that the last page includes discussion questions and activities to reiterate what children read about the story.

Sister, Brother and Honey Bear plan a Mothers Day surprise at Bear Country Inn for Mama Bear. As they drive thru town on the way to church, Mama Bear explains to the cubs about the importance of Mothers and that they come in all shapes, sizes and job professions.

This book was released back in March, a couple months before Mothers Day. My son immediately scooped it up and read it when it came in the mail and because he keeps all his books in his room to read again and again, I forgot I hadn’t done my review of it yet.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLookBloggers in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.

About the Book:
Mama Bear is the best mama in all of Bear Country and Brother, Sister, and Honey Bear know just what to do for her on Mother’s Day. In this newest title in the Berenstain Bears Living Lights, The Berenstain Bears Mother’s Day Blessings, join the Bear family and all of Bear Country as they spend Mother’s Day together remembering just why our mothers are so special to all of us!

Age Range: 4 – 8 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 3
Series: Berenstain Bears/Living Lights
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (March 1, 2016)

You can purchase a copy here:

This book was fast paced and thrilling from beginning to end! I have read only a couple books by author Dr. Richard Mabry and each one is more thrilling than the last.

I read this book in one night because I had to find out who was stalking Dr. Sarah Gordon and of course I didn’t figure it out. The plot kept my interest and the characters were very realistic. I was heartbroken to find out what happened to Dr Sarah’s family! As a mother of 2 kids, I would be devastated to lose my family!

I also gave this book to my almost 15 year old to read and he said “it was awesome and very exciting!” and asked for more books to read by Dr. Richard Mabry.

I can’t wait to read more medical drama stories by this author! Clean, christian fiction suitable for young adults as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.

About the book
Someone is after Dr. Sarah Gordon. They’ve stalked her and set a fire at her home. Trying to recover from the traumatic deaths of her husband and infant daughter is tough enough, but she has no idea what will come next. Her late husband’s best friend and a recovering alcoholic detective are trying to solve the mystery before it’s too late, but both appear to be vying for her affection as well. Sarah finds herself in constant fear as the process plays out.

As the threats on her life continue to escalate, so do the questions: Who is doing this? Why are they after her? And with her only help being unreliable suitors in competition with each other, whom can she really trust?

Biography
I’m a retired physician who is now writing. I also stay busy being a husband and grandfather, working on my golf game, and doing the hundred-and-one other things that retired people do.

I got into non-medical writing after the death of my first wife with my book, THE TENDER SCAR: LIFE AFTER THE DEATH OF A SPOUSE. I’m gratified that it continues to help those who have lost a loved one.

From that point, I moved into writing fiction. Thus far I’ve had seven novels of medical suspense published: CODE BLUE, MEDICAL ERROR, DIAGNOSIS DEATH, and LETHAL REMEDY were the first four. The second and third books listed were named finalists for the ACFW Carol Award and Romantic Times’ Best Inspirational Novel respectively, and LETHAL REMEDY won the Selah Award.

Then came STRESS TEST (also a finalist for Romantic Times’ Best Inspirational Novel), HEART FAILURE, CRITICAL CONDITION, FATAL TRAUMA, and my latest, MIRACLE DRUG (which made the CBA bestseller list). I’ve also self-published a novella, RX MURDER, which is currently available for Kindle and in hard copy.

You can follow me on my blog (rmabry.blogspot.com) and my web page (rmabry.com).

Just what the doctor ordered: heart-thumping suspense and intrigue, courtesy of Richard Mabry’s new medical drama, Medical Judgment. Someone is after Dr. Sarah Gordon. They’ve stalked her and set a fire at her home. Trying to recover from the traumatic deaths of her husband and infant daughter is tough enough, but she has no idea what will come next. As the threats on her life continue to escalate, so do the questions: Who is doing this? Why are they after her? And with her only help being unreliable suitors in competition with each other, whom can she really trust?

Join Richard in celebrating the release of Medical Judgment by entering to win an e-reader!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Medical Judgment
• A Kindle Fire HD 6

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on June 21st. The winner will be announced June 22nd on the Litfuse blog.

**3, 30-Minute Fusion Style Sessions
**Low Impact [no jumping!] Barefoot Cardio, Standing Pilates, Yoga
**Build Balance, Agility, Posture, Coordination and Core Strength
**Standing Abs Core Exercises – No Floor Work

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

Lose your shoes to gain balance, postural alignment, core strength, range of motion — even foot and ankle strength and mobility with these low impact, fusion-style routines.

Feel free to mix and match these sessions into your weekly workout schedule (we recommend alternating them with your favorite cardio, strength and flexibility training routines 2-4 days a week).

Check out our other titles in this series, our “Walk STRONG: Boost Metabolism and Muscle” and “Walk STRONG: Burn Fat and Have Fun” for some great options! You can also use these workouts in conjunction with our “Walk STRONG: Total Transformation 6 Week System!”

Visit walkonwalkstrong.com/phase3 to download our free, printable “Phase III” calendar which includes our suggested 6 week schedule.

WORKOUT #1: CORE CONTROL – Fusing together elements of Pilates, dance and yoga, this flowing, low impact cardio session incorporates standing only abs work for a stronger center and a surprising amount of sweat.

WORKOUT #2: POISE AND GRACE – Using a single set of light dumbbells, this total body sculpting session builds better posture, body awareness and functional strength.

WORKOUT #3: BALANCE AND AGILITY – Better your balance and improve your coordination with this total body strength and cardio flow that incorporates the use of a flat resistance band for added challenge.

Our modifier Debbie, age 60, offers options throughout each workout.

About Your Instructor:
Jessica Smith has over 15 years of experience as a certified trainer, instructor and wellness coach.

 

Give your family summer vacation a makeover this year and turn it into a “staycation.” Have your kids forget their summer boredom, turn off their screens, and instead circle the globe with Focus on the Family’s “World Explorers” summer adventure kit!

Throughout the next two months, travel our colorful, diverse world, visiting 27 different countries on six continents. Part of the fun will be figuring out where the next stop is, using five clues that reveal interesting facts about the next country. Once you’ve determined where you’re going, use the games, activities and faith lessons to give your kids a glimpse into that country’s unique culture.

Click here to sign up and receive your free summer adventure kit.

Don’t Be Bored This Summer!

Now is the time to make sure your kids have the greatest adventure this summer with more than 800 Adventures in Odyssey episodes and non-stop listening fun! Sign up for the Odyssey Adventure Club today for just $9.99 per month at OACLUB.org.