Fruitbearers

As another year draws to an end, we reflect upon God's goodness and faithfulness through all its ups and downs.  This year has been a year of sorrow and celebration, loss and gain. On January 22nd,  my mother-in-law, Juanita went home to be with Jesus. Very unexpectedly. We visited her the night before and she was improving. We had her celebration of life on January 30th at City View Chapel. On March 3rd, we bought Juanita's home in Salem from her husband, Joe. Alyssa bought her first car (2006 blue Buick) from Joe for $2,350, which died on her shortly after she arrived in Texas (she left Oregon on Aug. 25th and arrived in Texas on Aug. 29th). On April 7th, during a wind storm, the Tree of Heaven in front of the garage fell on our red Toyota. Eric was standing there two minutes earlier. We're so grateful that God saved Eric's life! On April 8th, Josiah bought his first car (2000 green Ford Taurus) for $1,200. On May 13th, Alyssa received awards in the morning, had a d...

I like to check out new Christian music albums. I was glad for the opportunity to review a new CD, "A Girl Like Me" by Julie Elias . I had not heard of her before. Julie Elias was an actress (appearing on shows like "Grey's Anatomy" and "CSI: NY") and now she is a Christian singer and songwriter. She has a beautiful voice. She wrote all the songs on this album except three. She used her own personal experiences in her songs, hoping to share with others how God has worked in her life. Below is the list of songs: 1. Unchained 2. Only For Awhile 3. Awaken 4. A Girl Like Me 5. Alive 6. Forgive Me 7. Lost 8. Run Away 9. Here With Us 10. Wherever You Roam 11. A Wild Rose 12. In the Light I enjoyed listening to this CD. Some songs are catchy and some are soothing. All original songs are intentionally crafted to share stories that aim to encourage and inspire young women. Unchained is a song about freedom and transformation and a...

I love studying God's Word. I like using a variety of different Bible versions because they help me gain a better understanding of the Bible. I was excited to receive a  She Reads Truth  Bible  for review. It is a Poppy Linen hardcover. It is Christian Standard Bible (CSB) version. It may look plain on the outside but it is quite pretty and appealing on the inside. This Bible's key features are color-coded genre indicators, key verse arts, book introductions, maps, charts, reading plans (including supplementary passages for added context and deeper understanding), timelines, and devotionals. I'm a visual learner so I find maps and charts very helpful. I think it's great that "How to Read the Bible", "This is the Gospel", and "Introduction to the Christian Standard Bible" are included in the beginning of the book. In the back of the book, you will find a list of key verses, genre guide (color-coded), the Apostles' Creed, the Bible i...

1. I am thankful that " God works in me both to will and to act for His good pleasure ." (Philippians 2:13) Thank You, Lord, for fixing our electricity problems! 2. I am thankful that I am chosen, royal, holy, special (treasured), and called out of darkness into God's wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9). Thank You, Lord, for Your protection over Josiah! 3. I am thankful for God's mercy, love, compassion, and forgiveness. 4. I am thankful for God's Word and the Holy Spirit that leads, guides, encourages, teaches, nourishes, and comforts me. 5. I am thankful for childlike faith. I am thankful for God's provision. 6. I am thankful for my eyes, the gift of sight. I am thankful for restful sleep. 7. I am thankful that out of Christ's inexhaustible fullness, I receive...grace upon grace, blessing upon blessing, comfort upon comfort. 8. I am thankful for the blessings of abundant life and everlasting life. 9. I am thankful for heat/warmth, warm shelter....

World View: Seeking Grace and Truth in Our Common Life is a collection of columns which Marvin Olasky, as the Editor-in-Chief of World Magazine,  wrote for the magazine. He presents  Christian/ Biblical worldview on a wide variety of current world events and topics such as government role, abortion, racism, immigration, welfare, education, economics, environmentalism, tax, movies, marriage, and more.  The book is divided into 5 main sections: Basics, Changes, Institutions, Causes, and Conclusions. There are 10-13 articles/columns under each section.  These columns are short (only 2-3 pages long) but packed with Biblical wisdom and practical insights. The author  exemplifies how to confidently speak Biblical truths in love with grace, respect, and humility and to passionately live out conviction with integrity, mercy, and compassion. Today's culture keeps  challenging our faith. How do we effectively communicate about God, the Bible, and Biblical v...

" 'I AM the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,' says the Lord, 'Who is and Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty .'" (Revelation 22:13) Alpha / Omega is Kutless' 10th studio album that is released this month. It consists of old and new praise & worship songs. Some of them are familiar songs which have often been sung in churches and/or heard on radios such as Your Love Awakens Me, Great Are You Lord, Cornerstone, Your Great Name, and King of My Heart. Below is the list of songs: 1. Your Great Name 2. Strong Tower 3. Cornerstone 4. You Are Love 5. Great Are You Lord 6. Your Love Awakens Me 7. Shepherd of My Soul 8. Gave It All (I Surrender All) 9. King of My Heart 10. No Wonder (Roar of the Rugged Cross) I've always loved praise and worship songs. I'm glad to add this album to my collection of praise and worship CDs. I really enjoyed it. It's the kind of CD that I can listen to again and again. Some of my favori...

Don't we all love receiving gifts? In Ordinary Graces , Lucinda Secrest McDowell invites readers to unwrap word gifts from God's Word. This devotional book is divided into 4 main sections: Grace, Strength, Gratitude, and Life. There are 30 words/devotions under each section. Each devotion is only 2 pages long. I collect devotional books so I'm pleased to add this one to my collection. Ordinary Graces is beautifully written. Each devotional reading focuses on one word at a time. It starts with Scripture. Sometimes, the author explains the words' original Greek or Hebrew meanings. I really like that! I also enjoy the insightful quotes and interesting stories. Some of the wonderful words you will find in the book are Lavished, Treasure, Surrounds, Patiently, Thrill, Overflow, and Attend. I think it's a great idea to take time to ponder one word each day and live it out in action. I definitely don't want to miss any of God's gifts. The words/devotions under ...

I love studying God's Word and I love listening to music so I was excited to review this Bible study that combines both. This unique Bible study includes a book, 13-song CD, and digital album download card. All songs were written and sung (except two) by Ginger Tabot. She's a gifted singer and songwriter. Scott and Ginger Tabot (husband and wife) both have a passion to be used by God to help people know and love Him more. They want to use their God-given gifts for God's glory and God's kingdom. It's clearly shown in Live SoulFull which is a music-driven, gospel-centered, immersive Bible study. Ginger's original songs beautifully reinforce messages in each chapter. The lyrics and text in the book present Biblical answers to some of life's common questions, such as "How can we know that God is real?" and "Why does God allow evil and suffering?" Some important topics covered in this Bible study are soul needs, creation, God's grand ...

I'm so glad and thankful that God gave me the right guy. I am blessed with an awesome husband, a man after God's own heart. We've been blissfully married for over 26 years. I chose to review this book because I am concerned about my 24 year old daughter who is single and wants to find the right guy to date and marry. She is smart and wise but her dating choices have not always reflected that. This book is just what I want her to read :). She's Got the Wrong Guy is divided into 3 parts: 1. From Problems to Faith, 2. Am I Dating the Wrong Guy?, and 3. The Quest for a Godly Man. Each chapter starts with relevant quotes and Scriptures. The author pulls no punches when he discusses about the ten wrong types of guys single women should avoid. The ten types are: the Control Freak, the Promiscuous Guy, the Unchurched Guy, the New Convert, the Unbeliever, the Angry Man, the Lone Ranger, the Commitment-Phobic Man, the Passive Man, the Unteachable Guy. As a pastor and counselor...

I collect devotional books and I love Christmas so I was excited to review this book. During Christmas season, do you feel like flustered Martha (in the Bible)...having too much to do and not enough time to get it all done?  Let's not get swept up in the hustle and bustle. Instead, may we prepare our hearts to celebrate this Christmas with joy and purpose.  Christmas is  about celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ; it's not about perfect planning or fantastic festivities! Pause and become more like Mary who focused  on Jesus. Mary sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said while Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. Jesus said to Martha," You are worried and upset about many things, but only ONE thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. " (Luke 10:38-42) Total Christmas Makeover has 31 devotions that will help you pause and prioritize, ponder...

In today's society, many people (including those in the Body of Christ) seem to be struggling with mental health problems such as Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and the list goes on. There are different opinions about psychiatric diagnoses and treatments, even among Christians. Some rely too heavily upon psychiatric labels and medicines while others totally disregard them. Neither of these extreme positions are helpful. Descriptions and Prescriptions offers a Biblical perspective on psychiatric diagnoses and medications. It's well written with a Scripturally & scientifically balanced approach. Dr. Michael R. Emlet, a Christian counselor, author, and retired physician, presents this challenging topic with humility, compassion, and understanding. The book is divided into two main parts: 1. Understanding Psychiatric Diagnoses, and 2. Understanding Psychoactive Medications. The author addresses some misconceptions, explains difficult medical terms, g...

I love studying God's Word because I want to know God more. I like using a variety of different Bible versions because they help me gain a better understanding of the Bible. I was excited to receive this KJV Know The World Study Bible for review. It features three easy approaches to studying the Bible: book by book, verse by verse, and topic by topic. I was glad to see words of Jesus in red; they stand out as they should :). This study Bible includes a comprehensive list of theological notes, full-color maps, and concordance. It covers 21 theological topics such as Trinity, Covenant, Sanctification, Purpose, God's Will, Suffering, and Evil. I'm currently studying Philippians so I've been using this study Bible to give me a deeper, clearer understanding. I appreciate the concise book introductions which offer insight into each book's background, author, audience, purpose, and message. The Study the Book sidebars are great, too; they expound each book's major t...

I personally experienced a temporary (partial) blindness in my left eye due to vitreous hemorrhage. It's very scary! I value the gift of seeing so much. I enjoy taking pictures of God's beautiful creation. Sight is precious to me! While we care about eating right and staying fit, we should also care about keeping our eyes healthy. I'd like to encourage you all to learn more about Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by listening to the video below about AMD from a grandmother's perspective and downloading a free educational packet on AMD (provided by Foundation Fighting Blindness) from this   link . AMD is a common curable eye disease.  Feel free to share this post and help spread the news about the efforts that are being made to fight AMD and in some cases, reverse the disease. Please use #ffbamd when posting about AMD (Age Related Macular Degeneration). Thank you! Every year nearly 10 million Americans go blind due to AMD or Age-related Macular Degeneration. Th...