Fruitbearers

This year I read about 35 books. Here are my top 13 reads of 2013 (not in any particular order). Beyond the Rapids by Evelyn Puerto When God Makes Lemonade by Don Jacobson Stop Asking Jesus into Your Heart by J.D.Greear God's Not Dead by Rice Broocks Experiencing God at Home by Tom and Richard Blackaby Secrets to a Happy Life by Bill Giovannetti Epic Fail by Gordon Dabbs Lead Your Family Like Jesus by Ken Blanchard, Phil Hodges, and Tricia Goyer The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence One Way Love by Tullian Tchividjian Knowing God by Name by Sharon Jaynes, Gwen Smith, and Mary Southerland Fed Up with Flat Faith by Kathy Howard Whispers of Hope by Beth Moore You can click on the titles to read my reviews or to get more information about the books. What are some of  your favorite books this year?  Please share.

We are thankful for what God has done for us, in us, and through us this past year and are excited for what He has prepared for us in 2014! 1. Alyssa was awarded a full 4 year AFROTC scholarship (Type 7). 2. Josiah made 87 out of 100 free-throws (in February)! 3. Eric and I celebrated our 22nd anniversary in September. We had a sweet weekend getaway at the beach (Lincoln City). Actually, this year we managed to have 2 beach getaways. We also had a memorable time at Salishan Spa & Golf Resort at the beginning of April. So thankful for God's unexpected blessings! For some (unknown) reason, all their premier rooms were all booked (even though we made a reservation in advance a few months prior) so they upgraded us to one of their suites, the most romantic suite Salishan has to offer (with an in-room Jacuzzi and more :)). We had so much fun! This was our first time ever being alone as a couple away overnight since we have had children. Feeling like newly weds ♥! 4. Is

About the book: The God Puzzle is a colorful, easy to use tool to help you communicate to your child the rich truths about God, His ways, His will and His love. The God Puzzle will help you address doctrinal themes of the Christian faith in a kid friendly way, present Bible lessons in an interactive way that will hold the child's attention and deliver quality teaching with no preparation needed. 75% of children leave the church when they leave home. Something isn't working. Sunday School isn't doing it all. Kids need answers, good ones. And they need them from you, the parent. This book enables you to give them simple, clear answers. About the Author: Valerie Ackermann has a BA in Theology and has been a full time Children's Ministry Director at Parkwood Community Church in California for over 10 years. She is also a weekly Sunday school teacher, wife, and busy mom of two boys ages 9 and 11. She has hands-on experience as a children's ministry

About the Author Deborah works full-time as a regional government affairs manager for a major U.S. energy company. Prior to joining the utility industry, Deborah worked as a radio news director, television reporter, anchor and talk show host. For five years she wrote inspirational and book commentary columns for newspapers in northern Virginia. Deborah serves on boards of directors for community, education and leadership organizations. My Review: Have you ever wondered how successful people do what they do to get to the point where they are :)? The author interviewed 12 successful people in various fields and from different backgrounds such as a songwriter, actor, teacher, minister, dancer, soldier, governor, and entrepreneurs. They share their career highlights, triumphs, and challenges. I'm glad that they boldly share how their faith in God/their relationship with God/their reliance on God has helped and influenced them. You will find valuable insights and prac

I collect devotionals :)! So happy to add this new one to my collection. I think Daily Reflections on the Names of God is now one of my favorite devotionals. This devotional book covers 122 names of God. In the Bible, names are very important. They often reflect the characteristic attributes about the persons. Even more so, God reveals His character by referring to Himself by different Names. He wants us to know and understand Who He is, what He does, how He relates to His children, and how we should relate to Him. Who is God to you? Elohim (Creator God). El Shaddai (The All-Sufficient God/God Almighty). Abba (Father). You may be familiar with these. But God is so much more! He is also the Jealous God (El Qanna), the God Who Sees (El Roi), the Lord Our Peace (Yahweh Shalom), the Lord Who Heals (Yahweh Rapha), the Lord Our Righteousness (Yahweh Tsidkenu), and more. The author offers 3 devotionals for each name. The first one ("look up") explains why God describes