Free Christian books, anyone?

I found a terrific deal for people who love to read, and love a great deal, too. Booksneeze offers new releases from Thomas Nelson publishing company free to those who will read them and post reviews on their blog! I just ordered my first one, which looks like it will be a fun & interesting read. I can't wait to see how this works out, as I am slightly leary of 'free' offers. I'm posting a link to Booksneeze on my sidebar, if my tech-savvy daughter will show me how to do it.

We are snowed in at the moment. It would be a perfect day to settle into my favorite reading chair with some hot tea and a couple of cats to keep me warm, but I have to wait for the mailman to show up with the book first.

I hope everyone out there is staying safe and warm!
In His love,
Mary

Christmas wishes

We've already established that I'm not much for publishing my own thoughts, preferring instead to share them in more private settings. So, for my Christmas message to share here, I will choose a more profound writer than myself. This prayer never ceases to give me the chills with it's deeply powerful message. The author was a young African minister, who was martyred for his faith in Jesus Christ. Before he was murdered, he penned the words below on a scrap of paper.

A copy of the original can be found here:
http://www.onthewing.org/user/My%20Face%20is%20Set.pdf

My prayer is that each person who reads this will read it thoughtfully, letting God speak His purpose into each heart.

My Face is Set

I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed.

I have the Holy Spirit power.

The die has been cast.

I have stepped over the line.

The decision has been made-I'm a disciple of His.

I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my presence makes sense, my future is secure.

I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees,

colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, promotions, plaudits, or popularity.

I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded.

I now live by faith, lean in His presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer,

and I labor with power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow,

My way rough, my companions are few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear.

I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice,

hesitate in the presence of the enemy,

pander at the pool of popularity,

or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up

Until I have stayed up, prayed up, paid up, preached up, for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus.

I must go 'til He comes, give 'til I drop, preach 'til all know, work 'til He stops me.

And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me...

My banner will be clear!

Praying that all readers are part of the blessed fellowship of the unashamed,
Mary

Writer's Block

My darling youngest daughter requested that I start a blog. I can't imagine what I will ever have to write; certainly nothing that needs to be said, much less read!

Perhaps this will be a way to stay in touch with my far-away daughter-in-law and son, and other family members, and share photos. Maybe my wonderful daughter-in-law will also post photos and ramblings on a blog of her own, to share with me : ) Now, THAT is an idea I can get behind!

But, for now, for this very first post, I will let my thoughts rest on how proud of me, my daughter who requested this blog will be when she finds I have finally gone ahead and done it. Yay, me!