The Echo Within Giveaway Winners

Congratulations to our winners of The Echo Within by Robert Benson: Trudi of Foley, Alabama and Lori of Sedona, Arizona. Thanks to everyone who entered.

Please check back Monday for another book review and giveaway contest!

Vegan Comfort Food

I grew up with a "feeder Mom". By that I mean any problem you had could be solved -- or at least alleviated -- with food. Food was comfort. Food was love. When I told my mom and dad my first husband announced without warning he was leaving me, the first words out of Mom's words were:

Let me get my coffee. Do you want a cookie?

These are troubling times we're living in. No doubt. So whip up a batch of these soft, chewy Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies, grab a glass of soy milk, and feel comforted!

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
(use vegan ingredients)
4 ½ c flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 c Earth Balance margarine
1 ½ c sugar
1 ½ c brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla
4 Tbs flaxseed flour (ground flaxseed) + 12 Tbs water – let sit 2 minutes (= 4 eggs)
4 cups chocolate chips
2 cups chopped nuts (we like pecans)

Mix the above and roll dough into 1 1/4 inch balls. Place 12 to a cookie sheet (do not grease cookie sheet). Bake at 350 degrees (preheat oven) for 10-12 minutes. Yield: 48 cookies

Reminder: I have two copies of The Echo Within by Robert Benson to give away. To enter the random drawing, please send an e-mail to seewhykinsman@gmail.com. Winners will be drawn on Friday, February 27, 2009. Good luck!

Your Authentic Self

I have often written in the past about being true to your authentic self. I have encouraged you to find out what's truly important to you and then live your life accordingly. For instance, if you say your family is important, find ways to actually spend time with them. I know this seems like a no-brainer, but so many people say their priority is family, yet their calendars reveal their true priorities are golf and work.

We all have to struggle to balance our lives. We all struggle to balance the "must dos" with the "want to dos" and, of course, the dreaded "should dos". There's a special happiness that comes when we realize who we are and what we want, and then prioritize our lives to maximize our priorities. Of course, this involves constantly reviewing our commitments and making sure the trivial and unnecessary things have not crept in and displaced the truly important parts of our lives.

I don't think it's hard for us to know who we are. I do, however, think it's very hard for us to ADMIT who we are: to give ourselves permission to be who we are (instead of who we think we should be) and to reveal our true selves to others (instead of projecting the persona they think we should be).

I think everyone on the planet thinks he or she is weird. I also think almost everyone thinks most other people are "normal". So we hide our "weirdness" and try to fit in and act like who we think everyone else is. The joke is that everyone else is as weird as we are and engaging in the same game.

Think I'm exaggerating? Try going to your place of worship and admitting you sometimes question whether God exists, or, at least, that He gives a hoot about you. Try admitting to other parents that you have no clue how to best raise your children no matter how many books and articles you read. Try admitting to your loan officer that you don't really feel knowledgable or responsible enough to negotiate a loan -- that, in fact, you feel like a clueless 16 year old kid half the time -- and you're just hoping to get through the process intact. Try admitting to your spouse that you really don't have any idea why he or she loves you when you know how unlovable you are (on a good day) or try admitting to your friends that you really, truly, honestly, actively dislike your spouse (on a bad day).

I can just about guarantee that almost every single person has felt every one of those things . . . and would never, ever admit to any of them because what would people think?

We need to start being real. Real with ourselves. Real with each other. I promise if you are courageous enough to confess the real you to someone you know and love, they will heave a sigh of relief and make their own confessions.

We are afraid of what people think too far beyond our awful high school years. This is why we choose jobs that seem "normal" instead of doing what we are passionate about. This is why we don't speak up when someone says something offensive. This is why we agree to do things we don't want to do. We are afraid they'll think we're weird. As a result, we all live behind masks of perfection, quaking in our boots someone will realize who we really are. And then we wonder why we feel lonely, even if our lives are filled with people.

The truth is, most people envy those who aren't afraid of revealing their authentic selves. Most people admire people who stand up for what they believe, even if they don't agree with it themselves. People wish they had the courage to be true to themselves, even if they reveal they are "weird" in the process. So admit who you really are -- to yourself and others. Instead of thinking you are "weird", most people will think you are brave and wonderful. You will be admired, not shunned. And by being openly authentic, you give permission to those around you to be real.

Can You Hear That Little Voice Inside?

The Echo Within: Finding Your True Calling by Robert Benson is an easy, sweet, poetic little book about how to listen to the voice within you, God's voice, directing you down the path for which you were created. Specifically, it is about how to find a career best suited to your natural gifts, calls, talents and personality, a profession which will fulfill you. Robert Benson draws on his own life experience and makes you feel good if you wander down several wrong paths before finding the right one, and explains a circuitous journey is sometimes required. The Echo Within is funny, entertaining and guaranteed to make you think about your authentic self without judgments. We are all wonderfully made, but sometimes we try to cram ourselves into a "should" profession rather than one that comes naturally -- the one for which we were ideally created.

Below is the summary from the publisher and information about the author. I have two copies of The Echo Within by Robert Benson to give away. To enter the random drawing, please send an e-mail to seewhykinsman@gmail.com. Winners will be drawn on Friday, February 27, 2009. Good luck!

Summary:

The Echo Within is a profoundly affecting, honest look at the myriad ways we are drawn into our life’s best work.

Written out of his own lifelong search for and response to the calling voice of God, Robert Benson recounts his discovery of the meaning of vocation, work, and purpose through the ups and downs inherent in family life, professional choice, and spiritual experience. With clarity and insight, and in the elegant prose for which he is known, he gently invites and encourages readers to find such deep truths for their lives as well. In particular, he illuminates the way for readers to explore:

· ways to sense the Holy in our pursuits, both in the pursuits themselves and within ourselves.
· how to fall into our vocation and chart a course toward it at the same time.
· how to love the work we do, and the process of doing it.

For anyone beginning a new career or sensing a needed change in their life or wrestling with a transition suddenly thrust upon them, Robert Benson delivers wisdom, humor, and heart in what he’s learned about listening for The Echo Within—and how it can help us discover our calling.

Author Bio:

Robert Benson has written more than a dozen books about the discovery of the sacred in the midst of our ordinary lives, including Between the Dreaming and the Coming True, Home By Another Way, and Digging In. His work has been critically acclaimed in a wide range of publications from The New York Times and USA Today to Spirituality & Health and The Benedictine Review. He is an alumnus of The Upper Room’s Academy for Spiritual Formation and was recently named a Living Spiritual Teacher by SpiritualityandPractice.com. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee.

You can purchase this book from www.amazon.com or other booksellers.

Outlaw Marshal Book Giveaway Winners

Congratulations to our winners of Outlaw Marshal by Al & Joanna Lacy: Jessica of Burlington, Iowa, and Renee of Valleyford, Washington. Thanks to everyone who entered. There will be another book giveaway contest starting on Monday, February 23. My review will be posted Monday and you can enter to win all week. Winners will be announced Friday, February 27.

Earth Day is Coming

My husband and I recently went to a movie and saw the previews for the new Disney movie, Earth, premiering Earth Day, April 22, 2009. It looks like a great movie, except that I'm sure at some point it'll make me bawl like a baby. Nature is always sad. Lack of nature is even sadder! You can watch the previews at the link below. Just click the link and then click the polar bear with the words "Earth April 22" underneath:

http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/index.html

Apparently, Earth is the first movie release in the DisneyNature program -- Disney is collaborating with leading film makers to produce one "cutting edge" theatrical release each year about nature . . . and what the audience can do to affect the ending of the story! I'm excited. Whatever gets the word out about our planet is A-OK with me! You can read more about the DisneyNature project here: http://disney.go.com/disneynature/

Reminder: If you want to enter to win one of two copies of Outlaw Marshal by Al and JoAnna Lacy, please send your name and mailing address to seewhykinsman@gmail.com; winners will be drawn tomrrow, Friday, February 20th.

You'd Better Clean Your Plate . . . There Are Little Kids Starving . . . HERE!

This weekend I read an article in Delicious Living, a free magazine from our co-op. I'm still reeling from what I read about wasting food:

If only we all had smaller eyes — or bigger stomachs. U.S. residents throw away about 100 billion pounds of food every year (nearly 3,000 pounds per second), enough to feed 60 million people. At the same time, more than 35 million Americans are hungry or on the edge of hunger. At greatest risk are households with children, families headed by a single woman, and people with incomes below the poverty line. We've got an abundance of food; we just waste lots of it. Consider this: We recycle half of all used paper, a third of all used metal, but only 2 percent of leftover food.

I'm beyond horrified. Long time readers know my dad lived through The Great Depression and, believe me, there was nothing great about it. He got his first job when he was 4 years old, setting up pins at the bowling alley. A year later he got a job hauling scrap metal and tires over a mile. When he grew up, he wasn't afraid to invest in the stock market, but the one thing he HATED was wasted food. Consequently, so do I.

Please read the rest of the article here to find out what you can do to help. And remember these common sense rules from my dad:

1. If you put it on your plate, eat it.

2. If you don't know how much you can eat, or if you will like it, take only a tablespoon -- you can always go back for more.

Reminder: If you want to enter to win one of two copies of Outlaw Marshal by Al and JoAnna Lacy, please send your name and mailing address to seewhykinsman@gmail.com; winners will be drawn Friday, February 20th.

Also, today (Noon, Eastern Time) I'm going to be a guest author at reducefootprints.blogspot.com. Please make sure you check it out and click back there often for all kinds of information and tips regarding how to minimize your impact on this bruised and battered planet. Walk softly over to reducefootprints.blogspot.com.

An Answer at Long Last!

Long time readers of my blog will know I have often wrestled with the issue of humility and how to translate the concept into a healthy and realistic course of action. I didn't know where to draw the line between healthy self-esteem and humility. I wanted to avoid false humility. I didn't want to fail to acknowledge the gifts, strengths, calls and talents God has given me just for an "aw shucks, I'm nuthin'" attempt to be humble. I asked everyone I could think of in person and in cyberspace what humility means to them. You can read more about my quesitons on this issue at my old blog address here.

Part of me thought if I gathered enough "pieces to the puzzle", I would finally get my quesitons answered. But part of me couldn't shake the feeling that I just hadn't come across the right explanation and when I did, I would know it.

Well, I've been zapped! The other day I was listening to a Torah Club teaching CD by First Fruits of Zion, a great Messianic Judaism resource. FFOZ referenced a teaching by Dwight Pryor on the subject of . . . you guessed it . . . humility. The quote that made the light go on for me was this:

Humility is not thinking less OF yourself; it’s thinking less ABOUT yourself.

Reminder: If you want to enter to win one of two copies of Outlaw Marshal by Al and JoAnna Lacy, please send your name and mailing address to seewhykinsman@gmail.com; winners will be drawn Friday, February 20th.

Also, tomorrow I'm going to be a guest author at reducefootprints.blogspot.com . Please make sure you check it out and click back there often for all kinds of information and tips regarding how to minimize your impact on this bruised and battered planet. Walk softly over to reducefootprints.blogspot.com.

Outlaw Marshal Book Giveaway

This week's book review and giveaway features Al and JoAnna Lacy's book, Outlaw Marshal. This is a book where the Old West meets Gospel tent meeting. I have to admit, this book wasn't really my taste -- I'm not a fan of westerns and I also thought it was a little simplistic and heavy-handed with its "get saved" message. I think this is a matter of personal taste, rather than a defect in the novel. If you've read other books by this husband and wife author team or if you think you might enjoy a Christian based western, you can win one of TWO copies of this book right here. Just e-mail me at seewhykinsman@gmail.com and I'll draw the winners this Friday, February 20, 2009. Good luck! If you don't win, you can purchase Outlaw Marshal at www.amazon.com and other booksellers.

Below is a summary from the publishers and information regarding the authors.

Summary:

John “The Stranger” Brockman is back by popular demand!

A good deed grants outlaw Whipley Langford early release from prison and a friendship with Chief U.S. Marshal John Brockman. Another good deed gets Whip framed for murder and looking at life through a hangman’s noose. John arrives just in time to reveal the true murderers and lead Whip to Christ.

A new man and a fast draw, Whip becomes Brockman’s deputy. Life is still fast and dangerous, and there’s a pretty lady Whip would like to get to know better too. Before he admits his love, Whip is shot in a bank robbery. Survival looks slim until he awakens to hear his lady confess her love. Weeks later, they are married.

Readers who are familiar with the Journeys of the Stranger and Angel of Mercy series reunite with well-loved characters John and Breanna Brockman. Western history buffs will enjoy a wholesome, fast-paced story where the Gospel is presented clearly. Christian readers will learn how to lean on the Lord in times of trial and non-Christians will have the opportunity to make Christ their Savior.

About The Authors:
Al Lacy is an evangelist and author of more than one hundred historical and western novels, including the Journeys of the Stranger, Angel of Mercy, and Mail Order Bride series, with more than three million books in print. JoAnna Lacy, Al’s wife and longtime collaborator, is a retired nurse. The Lacys have been married over forty years and live in the Colorado Rockies.

Book Giveaway Winners!

Congratulations go to our winners of the book giveaway drawings:

Reeva of Fort Washington, MD, won the For Couples Only book set by Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn.

Trudi of Foley, AL, will receive I Do Again by Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs.

Pam from Urbana, IL, and Dana from Savannah, GA, each won a copy of Intimate Issues by Linda Dillow and Lorraine Pintus.

Lisa of Odessa, TX, will receive The Love as a Way of Life Devotional by Gary Chapman.

Please check in on Monday for another book review and the start of another week-long giveaway!

Book Giveaways -- Reminder

Friday, February 13th, I am giving away two copies of Intimate Issues by Linda Dillow and Lorraine Pintus, as well as one copy of each of the following books: The Love as a Way of Life Devotional by Gary Chapman, For Couples Only book set by Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn, and I Do Again by Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs. If you would like to enter to win a copy of any of these books, please e-mail your name and mailing address to seewhykinsman@gmail.com. Please specify the title of the book you are entering to win or just tell me "any of the four" and I'll enter your name in all the drawings. If you tell me your favorite trait about your spouse or significant other, I will enter your name twice in the drawing(s) you request to increase your chances of winning. Good luck!

Eating the Scum off the Fish Tank

As you will recall from my posts around the end of December and first part of January, I was suffering a fierce depression. While it's true there are circumstances in my life which would make Mary Poppins cry in her beer, I couldn't help but shake the feeling that something was simply not right.

Then I read an article about DHA, an Omega-3 essential fatty acid most commonly found in fish oil. The article discussed the importance of eating the proper ration of Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acids (4 parts of Omega-3 to 1 part of Omega-6). Essentially, most Americans' diets are way out of whack in this regard; many Americans eat 20 times more Omega-6 to Omega-3. Vegans' diets are generally even more off kilter. The result is depression as well as a whole host of other ailments (high cholesterol, joint pain, cardiovascular problems, etc.)

Other than a multi-vitimin, I'm not a supplement kind of gal. However, I was at my wit's end with the level of depression I had been experiencing. Desperate times call for desperate measures so I was receptive to the suggestion of taking a supplement! Vegan supplements are available and encouraged due to the toxicity of most fish. The supplements are derived from algae, which is where fish get their high levels of Omega-3. It makes sense to me to go to the source.

I am amazed! Although my outward circumstances have not improved, the black cloud of unbearable depression has lifted. I can't believe the change I feel inside and it's readily apparent on the outside as well. Family and friends have noticed I "seem to be in a really good place right now" and I "have a glow" about me. If anyone would have told me a dietary supplement would have helped so dramatically, I probably should have kicked them in the shins and then cried in bed the rest of the day!

Of course, I'm not a doctor, nor the daughter of a doctor (!), so please, please make an appointment with your medical professional before changing or adding any medications or supplements to your health care regimen.

Here are a couple of articles so you can discussed the matter intelligently with your physician:

http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/good-fat-bad-fat-facts-about-omega-3

http://www.vegetariantimes.com/features/archive_of_editorial/233

And here is a link to www.thriftyvegan.com which is where I bought my supplements:

http://www.thriftyvegan.com/vegan_DHA.html

Let's Talk About S*X

Yesterday I reviewed several books about relationships, but no such discussion would be complete without talking about sex. Intimate Issues, 21 Questions Christian Women Ask About Sex, by Linda Dillow and Lorraine Pintus, is a book about God's intentions for your sex life. "What do you mean? God cares about my sex life?" You betcha. Not only does He care, but He created sex as part of His gift to you and your spouse; He intended for it to be a crucial part of marriage.

I have often gotten on my soapbox about believers who become too religious for their own good. By that I mean they worry about their image to the point that they stop being real and authentic. They're so busy being a "good Christian" they hide behind a facade which is far different from the human being underneath the mask. As a result, they shy away from honest conversations about how they feel, what they think, their struggles in following Yeshua (Jesus), asking honest questions about God, etc. When you add to that the taboo subject of sexual relations, every Christ-follower feels completely alone on topics related to intimacy.

Intimate Issues is a great book to address all the questions you were afraid to ask or, in my case, all the questions you didn't even know to ask! When I started to read this book, I was a little irritated. I thought, "Why did I agree to review this book? I don't need to read this. I have an extremely open and healthy attitude about sex. I know God intended for us to enjoy sex within the union of marriage." Then I came to the subject of forgiveness for past sexual sins. Wow. I had no idea the condemnation I felt for things I did before I became a believer. I had asked God to forgive all my sins; I thought I'd forgiven myself. Boy, was I wrong! This book is leading me to freedom in that regard (I say "leading" as opposed to "led" because for many women, it's a process.)

It's true that the world is too permissive when it comes to sex, but it's also true that most in the church are too repressed, rejecting God's gift of marital intimacy and the important role it was intended to play in marriage. Intimate Issues by Linda Dillow and Lorraine Pintus gives the reader an opportunity to have honest conversations about sex in a God-centered environment. It's like talking to your two best Christian friends about the topics you may not be comfortable discussing face-to-face. In addition to talking about what God intended for the marriage bed, difficult subjects are covered such as healing from sexual abuse, what to do when your husband's sex drive is low, dealing with impotency, recovering from guilt of a past abortion, pornography, and other tough topics. This book is a great resource, one I dare say any married woman should read!

Below is the summary from the publisher and information on how to enter to win a free copy of this book:

Intimate Issues answers the twenty-one questions about sex most frequently asked by Christian wives, as determined by a nationwide poll of over one thousand women. Written from the perspective of two mature Christian wives and Bible teachers-women who you'll come to know as teachers and friends-Intimate Issues is biblical and informative: sometimes humorous, other times practical, but always honest. Through its solid teaching warm testimonials, scriptural insights, and experts' advice, you'll find resolution for your questions and fears, surprising insights about God's perspective on sex, and a variety of practical and creative ideas for enhancing your physical relationship with the husband you love.

With warmth and wisdom, authors Linda Dillow and Lorraine Pintus speak woman to woman: examining the teachings of Scripture, exposing the lies of the world, and offering real hope that every woman's marriage relationship can become all it was intended to be in God's design.

This book is available at www.amazon.com and other book retailers. I have TWO copies to give away. If you would like to enter to win a copy, please e-mail your name and mailing address to seewhykinsman@gmail.com. Please specify you are entering to win Intimate Issues . I am also giving away one copy each of the following books: The Love as a Way of Life Devotional by Gary Chapman, For Couples Only book set by Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn, and I Do Again by Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs. You can request your name be placed in the drawing to win any of these books and, if you tell me your favorite trait about your spouse, I will enter your name twice in the drawing(s) you request to increase your chances of winning. All winners will be drawn on Friday, February 13th! Good luck!

Let's Talk About S*X

Yesterday I reviewed several books about relationships, but no such discussion would be complete without talking about sex. Intimate Issues, 21 Questions Christian Women Ask About Sex, by Linda Dillow and Lorraine Pintus, is a book about God's intentions for your sex life. "What do you mean? God cares about my sex life?" You betcha. Not only does He care, but He created sex as part of His gift to you and your spouse; He intended for it to be a crucial part of marriage.

I have often gotten on my soapbox about believers who become too religious for their own good. By that I mean they worry about their image to the point that they stop being real and authentic. They're so busy being a "good Christian" they hide behind a facade which is far different from the human being underneath the mask. As a result, they shy away from honest conversations about how they feel, what they think, their struggles in following Yeshua (Jesus), asking honest questions about God, etc. When you add to that the taboo subject of sexual relations, every Christ-follower feels completely alone on topics related to intimacy.

Intimate Issues is a great book to address all the questions you were afraid to ask or, in my case, all the questions you didn't even know to ask! When I started to read this book, I was a little irritated. I thought, "Why did I agree to review this book? I don't need to read this. I have an extremely open and healthy attitude about sex. I know God intended for us to enjoy sex within the union of marriage." Then I came to the subject of forgiveness for past sexual sins. Wow. I had no idea the condemnation I felt for things I did before I became a believer. I had asked God to forgive all my sins; I thought I'd forgiven myself. Boy, was I wrong! This book is leading me to freedom in that regard (I say "leading" as opposed to "led" because for many women, it's a process.)

It's true that the world is too permissive when it comes to sex, but it's also true that most in the church are too repressed, rejecting God's gift of marital intimacy and the important role it was intended to play in marriage. Intimate Issues by Linda Dillow and Lorraine Pintus gives the reader an opportunity to have honest conversations about sex in a God-centered environment. It's like talking to your two best Christian friends about the topics you may not be comfortable discussing face-to-face. In addition to talking about what God intended for the marriage bed, difficult subjects are covered such as healing from sexual abuse, what to do when your husband's sex drive is low, dealing with impotency, recovering from guilt of a past abortion, pornography, and other tough topics. This book is a great resource, one I dare say any married woman should read!

Below is the summary from the publisher and information on how to enter to win a free copy of this book:

Intimate Issues answers the twenty-one questions about sex most frequently asked by Christian wives, as determined by a nationwide poll of over one thousand women. Written from the perspective of two mature Christian wives and Bible teachers-women who you'll come to know as teachers and friends-Intimate Issues is biblical and informative: sometimes humorous, other times practical, but always honest. Through its solid teaching warm testimonials, scriptural insights, and experts' advice, you'll find resolution for your questions and fears, surprising insights about God's perspective on sex, and a variety of practical and creative ideas for enhancing your physical relationship with the husband you love.

With warmth and wisdom, authors Linda Dillow and Lorraine Pintus speak woman to woman: examining the teachings of Scripture, exposing the lies of the world, and offering real hope that every woman's marriage relationship can become all it was intended to be in God's design.

This book is available at www.amazon.com and other book retailers. I have TWO copies to give away. If you would like to enter to win a copy, please e-mail your name and mailing address to seewhykinsman@gmail.com. Please specify you are entering to win Intimate Issues . I am also giving away one copy each of the following books: The Love as a Way of Life Devotional by Gary Chapman, For Couples Only book set by Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn, and I Do Again by Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs. You can request your name be placed in the drawing to win any of these books and, if you tell me your favorite trait about your spouse, I will enter your name twice in the drawing(s) you request to increase your chances of winning. All winners will be drawn on Friday, February 13th! Good luck!

Love is in the Air

Love is in the air! I have three books to review today and have one copy of each to give away. To enter the drawing to win, please e-mail your name and mailing address to seewhykinsman@gmail.com. Please specify the book you would like to win. Of course, you can request your name be placed in the drawing to win one, two or all three of the books. If you tell me your favorite trait about your spouse, I will enter your name twice in the drawing(s) you request to increase your chances of winning. Also, check back tomorrow for ANOTHER book review and giveaway! All winners will be drawn on Friday, February 13th! Good luck!


My longtime readers may recall last summer I reviewed For Young Men Only, a book to teach young men about relationships and what young women really think, feel and desire in a mate. The authors had previously written books for men, women, and young women. NOW, a box set is available, For Couples Only, containing For Men Only and For Women Only. These books are fabulous. The authors have conducted a scientific study to reveal the secret mind and heart of the opposite sex. It's impossible to read the book about your own sex without nodding your head and exclaiming, "Yes! Why can't my spouse understand this?" Just as it's equally impossible to read the book about the opposite sex without saying a million times, "Really? Is this really how they feel? How could I not know this?! Now their behavior makes so much more sense to me!" This book set is an excellent tool for one or both members of a couple to understand each other and improve their relationship and communication. Ladies, you'll even find out why men won't ask for directions . . . yes, there really is a reason and it makes sense, too. This book will definitely improve your relationship, communication and understanding of the opposite sex, and help you articulate to your significant other how you feel and why!

For Couples Only is available here at www.amazon.com and other booksellers. Below is the summary from the publisher:

Summary: Since their debut, these revolutionary guides have sold well over a million copies, been translated into fifteen languages, and sparked much fascinating water-cooler conversation around the country. Now together in the For Couples Only boxed set, these books provide the perfect resource to help you understand what you never knew about the woman or man in your life.

Each volume is based on input from more than a thousand members of the opposite sex—including an unprecedented nationwide survey and hundreds of personal interviews. This innovative approach yields candid and surprising answers about everything you don’t “get” about your significant other—even what that person deeply wishes you knew. It also produces simple but groundbreaking awareness of how you can best love and support the one who is most important to you.

So whether you are newly dating or have been married fifty years, get ready to know each other in a whole new way. The adventure is just beginning!

Cheryl & Jeff Scruggs share their story of marital restoration following an affair in their book, I Do Again. Cheryl and Jeff seemed to have the perfect marriage; “Ken and Barbie” is how they were described by friends. But their marriage was superficial and for a lot of complex emotional reasons, Cheryl had an affair. After ten years of marriage, they got divorced. Then they each became Christians and Cheryl became convinced the Lord told her to pursue reconciliation. Jeff did not hear the same message until years later, and seven years after their divorce, they remarried much to the delight of their twin daughters.

I Do Again is, of course, a book about building a God-centered marriage and the restoration, healing and forgiveness that can only be possible with God’s supernatural power. But it is so much more than a book about marriage. It is a book about spiritual maturity – both Cheryl and Jeff needed to develop into mature Christ followers before they could even consider being the type of spouses God intended them to be. It is a book about how we truly become new creations – completely new people – when we build a relationship with Jesus. . . and it is a book about how this transformation is not magical, easy, or something that happens overnight. Such transformation only occurs through the diligent pursuit of a daily relationship with the Master, learning and re-learning God’s lessons, and obedience to His will, not our own.

Finally, I Do Again is a book about pursuing the promises of God, even when you are weary, even when you have no worldly confirmation, even when you have no evidence God is working; in fact, sometimes we have evidence that seems contrary to what God has promised. Cheryl Scruggs’ perseverance (with falls, missteps, and sometimes backwards progress) for SEVEN YEARS really spoke to me. It encouraged me to keep waiting for God to be God and do what He promised, in His way and on His timetable in my own life.

Below is a summary from the publisher. I Do Again is available here at www.amazon.com and other booksellers.

Summary: With their professional success and adorable twin daughters, Jeff and Cheryl Scruggs looked like the perfect couple. But their polished facade concealed a widening chasm between two people unable to connect on an intimate, soul-deep level.

After years of frustration, Cheryl’s desire for emotional fulfillment led to an affair and, finally, divorce. Yet, incredibly, seven years later, Jeff and Cheryl once again stood at the altar, promising to “love, honor, and cherish” one another. A new and vibrant love had risen out of the ashes of this family’s pain.

I Do Again details the fascinating real-life story of a couple whose relationship seemed shattered beyond all hope until a spiritual awakening led them to reconsider their definitions of “happily ever after.” A riveting account of the power of prayer and redemption, this remarkable book offers renewed hope for even the most troubled marriages—and reveals why the rewards of restoration are well worth the wait.

Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages now has a book entitled, Love as a Way of Life Devotional. This book is a 90 day devotional which seeks to show God's love for us and encourages us to love others as God loves us. Human beings are selfish, self-centered, inwardly-focused creatures. It is impossible for us to truly love unconditionally and unselfishly because it's not in our nature to do so. Only by accepting and understanding God's love, and with His divine help, can we then love others, truly love them, as God intended. This devotional will demonstrate how to love and will movtivate your prayer life and spiritual growth to enable you to love others with God's perfect love. It's a companion to the book, Love as a Way of Life, which I will definitely be buying and reading as well!

This book is available here at www.amazon.com and other booksellers. Below is a summary from the publishers:

Summary: In his book Love As a Way of Life, best-selling author Gary Chapman shows readers how to cultivate a new lifestyle built around the seven characteristics of authentic love. Now in a companion devotional, he provides ninety inspirational readings to help Christians consistently live out the characteristics of love in every relationship.

Each devotional entry showcases biblical truths that guide a life of love, offering fresh insight and practical guidance in how to make love a lasting habit. Over the course of three months, readers will learn to follow God’s lead as they practice the characteristics of a loving person: kindness, patience, forgiveness, courtesy, humility, generosity, and honesty.

The Love As a Way of Life Devotional makes an ideal gift for the holidays or for any special occasion. Couples, parents, new graduates, and anyone celebrating a milestone in life will welcome this inspiring daily guide to richer, more satisfying relationships.

Valentine's Day -- What's Love Got to Do With It?

Next week is Valentine’s Day. I’m not a fan.

What matters to me is how my husband treats me 365 days a year.

I would rather have a husband who vaccuums without complaint, not one who brings home a dozen roses.

I would rather have a husband who scratches my back anytime I want and for as long as I need it, not one who brings me chocolates.

I would rather have a husband who invites me for lunch on a random Tuesday just because he misses me, not one who “must” spring for a fancy dinner “because it’s Valentine’s Day.”

Come to think of it, I would rather have a husband who will go out for Mexican again even though he wants steak, “because I want you to be able to find something to eat so you can enjoy your meal, too.” (Mexican can be very vegan friendly versus the paltry offerings at most steak houses!)

I look at young couples who are “so much in love” when they get married. Then they hit their first rocky patch or have their first major fight, and they’re so shocked. They figure they must have made a mistake and start looking for a way out of the marriage. Ha! We didn't have any unrealistic attitudes about marriage. No "romantic" thoughts of it at all. In fact, one of the things I told my husband on our first date is, “You seem like someone I can fight with.” And we do fight sometimes. But I never have to worry that we’re skidding on the rocks. I don’t have to worry that he’ll leave because it’s difficult . . . because I’M difficult. I don’t have to worry he doesn’t love me, just because he may not like me right then. Because one of the first things my husband told me when we were dating is, “Marriage is hard. It’s not perfect. You take the bad with the good – and a lot of times there’s more bad than good. Marriage is a lot of work. Anything worthwhile is hard work.” And the best part is, even when we’re in the middle of a fight, if he speaks to a family member or friend, he’ll tell them I’m “wonderful” because he doesn’t want them thinking badly of me. One time he said to me, “I’m so happy we’re married, even when I’m angry enough to kill you.” A sense of humor makes all the difference in the world!

The grand gestures a couple of times a year don’t really matter. What matters are the small, every day gestures. Last night is a perfect case in point. My husband works very, very hard and he’s TIRED. He sleeps soundly at night and is almost “stumbling drunk” when awakened in the middle of the night. Last night I happened to be awake when he woke up to go to the bathroom about 3:00 a.m. As he crossed the bedroom, he encountered one of our Persians. I heard him say, “Hi Anna” and he bent down to pet her before continuing on to the bathroom. If you want to know the heart of a man, spy on him in the middle of the night when he’s tired and doesn’t know you’re watching!

So you can keep Valentine’s Day. We’ll just treat it like any other day.

BUT, in honor of Valentine’s Day, next week I will have a number of books to review and give away concerning relationships. So make sure you check in to read about them and enter to win!

Also, remember to head over to reducefootprints.blogspot.com today where I am the “guest chef”. Check the reduce footrpints blog often for helpful, entertaining, informative tips about how to walk softly on this fragile earth and leave only light footprints behind!

Shopping In Your Own Home

I know everyone is trying to make ends meet in this tough economy. I would like to suggest you go shopping . . . in your own home.

This weekend we cleaned out our storage room. I mean, we opened every box and rearranged every shelf. We also defrosted and re-organized the freezers and refrigerators (we have a couple of each so we can take advantage of sales).

Even though we're hyper anal and organized, we were amazed at the things we had taking up space that could be donated or sold. Often times we can't bear to part with something, so we pack it away. When enough time passes, we can finally get rid of it. I think of it as a type of reverse layaway. There were a number of "useless" items we packed away months ago that now we had a use for. There were also several items we forgot we had, or knew we had, but weren't quite certain where we had them. There were even a few items we had purchased the day before.

So, we went shopping in our home. With all our new found treasures, we added them to our stock so we won't have to buy them again so soon. We made money on the sale of a number of items and gained a tax benefit for donations (as well as benefitted some of our favorite organizations). We now remember where everything is and, best of all, have extra space. Even if you don't throw away a single thing, reorganizing always gives you extra room because you find a better way to put it all back.

Go clothes shopping in your closet. Go grocery shopping in your cupboards, pantry and freezer. Go shopping in your garage, basement, or storage area. Such shopping won't stimulate the economy, but it WILL stimulate your life!

COMING UP: Tomorrow one of my favorite recipes will be featured on reducefootprints.blogspot.com. This has become one of my favorite blogs with lots of interesting articles on green living.

Make sure you check in the next couple of weeks. I have a ton of books to review and giveaway. The focus next week are a number of great books on relationships in honor of Valentine's Day.

A Great Way to Reduce Waste and Save Money

Yesterday, I mentioned recycling as a great way to reduce household waste. Obviously, an even better method is to find ways not to generate waste, recyclable or not, in the first place. A wonderful product I want to tell you about is the Wrap-N-Mat. It's a reusable sandwich wrap and placemat all in one. Not only will you reduce your household waste (and save the planet), you'll save money on sandwich bags, plastic wrap and/or aluminium foil. I have to admit I was a little skeptical they would really keep a sandwich fresh, but I bought several wrap-n-mats after confirming the 30 day return policy. We frequently make sandwiches a day or two (or three!) in advance and, true to promise, the sandwiches stay fresh. This is a great product which will save you money in the long run, especially if you're not picky about the pattern and buy the ones on sale! You can check out the wrap-n-mat website below.

http://www.wrap-n-mat.com/

How Low Can You Go?

I try to encourage people to make just one green choice at a time. For instance, if you can't commit to a vegan diet, try vegetarian. Can't do vegetarian? Try replacing just one meat meal a week to make a difference. Maybe one meal a week will become two. If so, that's great. If not, it's still better than none! But one you get hooked on a green lifestyle, you'll find yourself doing more and more.

When we moved to Alabama, we recycled the items our neighborhood collection site accepted: cardboard, plastic and aluminum. We were disappointed that glass and steel weren't recycled here as they had been in Wisconsin, but, we threw them away. Then we noticed our co-op in Florida accepts steel and glass, so we started hauling those items over there when we shop. Then, our Messianic synagogue started a recycling program to benefit the youth department. They accepted paper, too, so now we were recycling cardboard, plastic, aluminum, steel, glass and paper. Then I read a tip that you can take your packing peanuts, bubbles and air pillows to UPS and similar shipping stores and they will reuse your packing supplies. So now when I receive items in the mail, if I can't reuse the materials myself, I give them to our Pack & Mail store. I recycle at the office and home. In fact, when we go on vacation or out of town, we bring bags with us and, if necessary, bring our recycling to our home bins. Now I wouldn't think of throwing away a 1" x 2" post-it note; it goes into recycling!

Guess what? My office now disposes of one 13 gallon kitchen bag of garbage a MONTH. The rest of our waste is recycled. Our home disposes of approximately one bag a week.

How low can you go?