The Loneliness Solution - A FlyBy Review

This post contains affiliate links - using affiliate links from Just A Second helps supply books and coffee. 

The Loneliness Solution by Jack Eason - Much earlier this year when most countries were "locked down" in some way as a response to a virus, there were popular slogans to encourage us. One of the most popular was something about us being "alone together". Yes, most of us were alone, and since most of the people we knew were also staying home and were alone, we thought we were "alone together" but really . . . we were just . . . alone. And more and more people realized that they were lonely and that they had been lonely for a long time, even when they were together with others. That is one of the paradoxes of our modern world - that we are lonely even though we seem to have so many connections. This book by Jack Eason addresses the epidemic of loneliness, its causes and some practical and compassionate solutions for the problem.

Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty. ~Mother Teresa

Part One opens with this quote, and goes on to describe The Problem of Loneliness. We think we're connected because technology opens so many channels of communication and social networks. Yet many of us only have acquaintances, and not many genuine friends. Eason defines loneliness and discusses the problems that people of all ages face because of loneliness, and the situations that contribute to isolation and loneliness in the first place. Even in these chapters that are describing and presenting the problems, Eason offers a few thoughtful questions and a practical assignment for readers at the end of each chapter.

Part Two focuses on The Loneliness Solution. These chapters present practical and encouraging ways to build relationships in community, church, and family settings. Many of us want to be with others and experience togetherness in a meaningful way, but don't know how to make it happen. Eason's suggestions are great because they are small and incremental steps that inspire courage and growth in relationships. He also addresses the roadblocks to friendship that we need to deal with - things like our selfishness and pride, and being unwilling to forgive. These chapters encourage readers to do things like pray with others, to meet the needs of others, and work with others for a common cause. Adjusting our thinking about friendship and community, and bringing it in line with what the Bible teaches us the church should be. Each of these chapters also ends with questions to think about, and an assignment to put the principles into practice. The book ends with a letter to Christ-followers and some specific encouragement to leaders (who are often especially lonely). 

This is a year when we are seeing the effects of loneliness all around us, and I'd venture to say we all need some of the encouragement, challenge, and accountability to others that true community would offer. And we could all use some help in finding solutions for our own loneliness and offering solutions to those around us.

Here's a short video trailer about the book:

From the Publisher:

You are not alone.

We are lonelier than ever. As countless students travel home for the holidays, many may feel especially isolated and lonely, even while "keeping up" with friends on social media. Social media tricks us into thinking that we are engaged in genuine friendships. Yet instead of intimacy, we get little more than what amounts to digital small talk. But there is a solution.

With plenty of good humor and practical advice, Jack Eason invites you to discover the benefits of doing life together with other brothers and sisters in Christ. Grounding his message in Scripture, Eason helps you:

• learn the obstacles to real community
• reimagine what real friendship looks like
• discover a place of true belonging
• and more

If you're tired of feeling lonely, this encouraging and community-building book is just what you need.

NOW is the time to share this book with parents, students--everyone--to foster a healthy, relational community for all!

Purchase through these websites: The Loneliness Solution on Amazon and The Loneliness Solution

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  

Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing the product/product information. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did/will receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

©2008-2020 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

#LonelinessSolution

Moving Beyond Anxiety - A FlyBy Book Review

This post contains affiliate links - using affiliate links from Just A Second helps supply books and coffee. 

Moving Beyond Anxiety by David Chadwick - This book certainly came out at a time when strategies for dealing with anxiety are greatly needed. Anxiety is a growing problem in our society, and touches almost everyone at some point. This practical book focuses on a response for anxiety based on the truth of Scripture.

Author David Chadwick, who is a pastor with a degree in counseling, opens by explaining the foundation. Anxiety and fear are linked, anxiety is harmful, and at its root anxiety is a battle for our minds. The weapons with which we must that battle are truth and faith, and in the rest of the book Chadwick discusses how to apply Biblical truths to build our faith and overcome fear and anxiety.

There are twelve chapters that focus on how to apply those truths to specific areas of life and thought habits and so overcome anxiety. The chapters are:

• Focus on Faith
• Pray
• Fast
• Cast
• Consider Creation
• Ponder the Prepositions
• Remember
• Sing
• Remember Your Body
• Develop an Eternal Perspective
• Get Good Teammates
• Realize God Did Not Give You a Spirit of Fear

The chapter about prepositions points out that God is with us, before us, behind us, for us, over us, and works through us. I like this reminder that God's power and presence is everywhere around us and we are not left unprotected in any situation. Another chapter I found particularly helpful was about singing. I completely agree with Chadwick that music can change moods and thinking, communicates deeply, and that singing was God's invention in the first place! The Bible has many commands to sing and make music. And when it comes to worry and anxiety, since singing can lift our mood and help us memorize and connect with Scripture, it makes sense that singing and music will help defeat anxiety!

The chapters are short and the book is an easy read overall. Each chapter is full of examples from the Bible as well as modern anecdotes. The Epilogue lists some of the most powerful Scripture passages of reassurance and summarizes each of the twelve strategies. And a very valuable Appendix discusses how to avoid parenting from a place of anxiety, and how to pass on a legacy of faith and courage instead of anxiety. 

While most of the ideas and strategies presented in the book are probably not completely new or unique, all are explained well and based solidly in Scripture, and just having these strategies cataloged in an easy-to-read guidebook is a practical help. And a timely one.

Author David Chadwick graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in communications. He also has graduate degrees in counseling from the University of Florida and a Masters of Divinity and Doctorate of Ministry degrees from Columbia Theological Seminary. He has been a pastor for almost forty years. He presently pastors Moments of Hope Church in Charlotte, NC. Along with a radio ministry, he has written eight books. (Author info from Moments of Hope website) 

From the publisher:

The keys to overcoming your anxiety are found in the person of Jesus. He frequently called his followers to trust rather than give in to fear - be "anxious for nothing" (Matthew 6:25), and to cast all our anxieties on him (1 Peter 5:7).

MOVING BEYOND ANXIETY shares 12 ways you can overcome life's fears and worries - all of which come straight from Scripture and include . . .

• Focusing on faith
• Praying
• Caring for your health
• Remembering
• Developing an eternal perspective
• Finding good teammates

Moving Beyond Anxiety will equip you to defeat worry and fear forever by trusting God and exercising your faith daily. As you immerse yourself in God's truth, you will discover the most powerful antidotes to anxiety.

Find out more at the websites: Moving Beyond Anxiety and Moments of Hope

You can also follow Moments of Hope on Facebook or check out the related Bible reading plan.

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  

Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing the product/product information. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did/will receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

©2008-2020 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

30 Days to Understanding The Bible (A FlyBy Review and Giveaway)

This post contains affiliate links.

30 Days to Understanding The Bible by Max Anders - I was delighted to be able to review this handbook for learning about the Bible. Author Dr. Max Anders simplifies the themes and teachings of the Bible without dumbing them down and presents it all in an easy-to-understand format.

Section 1 gives an overview of the history of Israel told in the Old Testament. The wisdom, poetry, and prophetic books are placed into the historical narrative, making it clear where they fit together. Keeping the chronology of the Old Testament straight is a challenge for a lot of people, so I think this is so helpful! The major figures in the history and the general geography are also covered.

Section 2 does a similar overview of the New Testament, explaining the historical narrative and the letters to the churches, and discussing the geographical settings.

Section 3 provides a concise teaching of the ten great doctrines of the Bible, the "basic body of doctrine that nearly all Christians have historically agreed upon." In addition to the Biblical teaching about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, these doctrines include the reliability of Scripture, the nature and destiny of mankind, sin, salvation, and the church.

Readers are encouraged in Section 5 to master the Bible and its teachings, and to study it so deeply that these powerful words affect every part of life. In other words, as the title says, to "Master the Bible So Well that the Bible Masters You". For those wishing to use the book and gain understanding of the Bible in a group setting, Section 6 provides a Teaching Plan for doing just that. By following the suggestions in the Teaching Plan while meeting once a week, participants in a small group could complete the study over a thirteen week period. There is also a section of bonus content such as a comparison of the four gospels, studies of the parables and miracles in the Bible, and an explanation of how Passover and the Lord's Supper are related.

From the publisher:

Do you want to learn the Bible but don't have a lot of time? Do you need a quick refresher on what you already know? If so, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible is for you. With just fifteen minutes a day, for one month, you'll learn the Bible's key people, events, and doctrines. Using a proven study plan, author Max Anders breaks down the Bible's structure so you can learn and remember the key points of the Bible's text quickly.

30 Days to Understanding the Bible is the straightforward, easy-to-use guide to learning the Bible that's been recommended by Bible teachers and pastors for 30 years.

Dr. Max Anders is the author of over 25 books. He has taught on the college and seminary level and is a veteran pastor. Max was also one of the original team members with Walk Thru the Bible Ministries. He provides resources and discipleship strategies at MaxAnders.com to help people grow spiritually.

Find out more at the website: BibleIn30Days.com

FlyBy Promotions has made it possible for me to offer a giveaway for this book - enter using Rafflecopter form below, and good luck!
(Giveaway is open to residents of the continental US and Canada only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

©2008-2019 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Art Journals from Ellie Claire (Review)

This post contains affiliate links. 

Not long ago, I was given the opportunity to review one of three art journals from Ellie Claire. I figured my daughter would be very interested in having one of these beautiful books, and indeed she was very excited about it. As it turns out, Worthy Publishing sent us all three of the journals for our review!

Illuminate Your Story Journal - This was the one that my daughter chose as her most wanted of the three. It's a beautiful hard cover book with a cloth spine that lays flat, making it easy to write and draw in. There's an elastic pen holder on the spine, and an elastic to keep the book closed, as well as  ribbon bookmark. It's just lovely to look at before you even open it up! 

Inside, there's an introduction page and a brief history of illuminated letters that describes the different periods and styles. Throughout the journal there are step-by-step instructions to draw your own illuminated letters and flourishes in the various styles.

  

There are lots of lined pages for journaling, with inspirational quotes and Scripture sprinkled throughout. And in the back cover, this generous size Keepsakes pocket.

********************

Faith and Lettering Journal - This art journal is a little larger, and features the same lay-flat cloth binding and elastic pen holder. A brief introduction gives some tips on how to use the book to express your creativity. Inside are beautifully lettered full color Scriptures on some pages, examples of creative lettering for you to trace and practice, and lettering examples and practice pages. All are interspersed with grid practice pages and lined journaling pages.

********************

 

The Illustrated Word: An Illuminated Bible Coloring Journal - With the same gorgeous embossed cover and lay flat cloth binding, this is an elegant combination of journal and coloring book. High quality lined pages feature small color reproductions of museum art pieces, along with full page coloring book versions of some of the artwork.

********************

All three of these journals have thick high-quality pages suitable for writing, drawing, and coloring with pencil, watercolor pencils, gel pens, or markers. My daughter did say she wished these journals had a 'practice page' to try different markers or paints to be sure they didn't bleed through or smear. The markers she used did not even shadow on the other side of the page, but I think she's right about wanting an inconspicuous place to test! 

Any of the three would be perfect for personal journaling, sermon notes, story writing, or writing out and illustrating Scripture or other quotes for memorization. And they would also make lovely gifts for the artists and journalists on your Christmas list.

These are available from Amazon: 

Illuminate Your Story Journal

Faith and Lettering Journal

The Illustrated Word

or Barnes & Noble:

Illuminate Your Story Journal

Faith and Lettering Journal

The Illustrated Word

Thanks to FlyBy Promotions for putting me in touch with Worthy Publishing for this review!

©2008-2018 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Adored: 365 Devotions for Young Women (A FlyBy Review and Giveaway)

This post contains affiliate links. 

Adored: 365 Devotions for Young Women from Zondervan - If you are looking for an encouraging gift for a teen girl, this beautiful devotional book might be just the thing. I've been looking through it and plan to pass it along to my daughter, and hope it will be a blessing to her.

The Introduction sets the stage with a discussion of the many ways we use the word love in the English language, and then the bold assurance that God loves each of us. In fact, he adores us and delights in us. As the title indicates, there are a total of 365 one-page devotions in the book. Each has a Scripture, a short devotional, and a space to do a brief journal entry. Although there's a devotional for each day of the year, they don't need to be done in order or on specific days. The topics addressed in the devotions range from truth, God's faithfulness, wisdom, and growing in faith - to tears, friendships, jealousy, and celebrating accomplishments. The devotions are honest and sometimes challenging, but not preachy.



For purchasing information and a free 7-day sample, visit Zondervan - Adored
Adored can also be purchased at Christian Book Distributors and at Amazon.

From the publisher:

In an ever-changing world, we can be certain of one thing: we are beloved by God.  ADORED: 365 Devotions for Young Women tackles the tough topics girls face, from bullying and social media to friendships and dating, all the while showing readers how infinitely precious they are in God's sight.

Each day features an easy-to-read, relevant devotion paired with a scripture verse and journaling space to help readers reflect on the day's message. With honest, poignant, and sometimes humorous text, every page will speak to the pressures and changes girls face, giving them real-world applications to find God in their hearts and in their lives.

Perfect for everyday use, Adored will resonate with girls searching for truth and guidance. Gift givers will love this highly designed book featuring a beautiful, foiled cover, and two-color interior pages.

Suggested for ages 13 and up.

FlyBy Promotions has made it possible for me to offer a giveaway for this book - enter using Rafflecopter below, and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

©2008-2017 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Glory Song by Matt Redman - Review and Giveaway

This post contains affiliate links.

Glory Song by Matt Redman - For the past couple of days I've been listening to the latest CD from singer/songwriter/worship leader Matt Redman. The album is scheduled for release on September 29th, so this was a very special preview opportunity!

Redman is a well-known name in Christian music, having penned many of the worship songs popular in churches over recent years. Songs like 10,000 Reasons, Blessed Be Your Name, and Better Is One Day are among the most familiar. He has been leading worship at Passion Conferences for years, and is a founding member of Passion City Church in Atlanta, Georgia.

With this release, Redman partnered with several other worship leaders who join him on some of the cuts. Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Kierra Sheard, and Kim Walker-Smith provide beautiful harmonies on "Gracefully Broken", "All Glory", and "Place of Praise". Newcomer Madison Cunningham is featured on "Redemption Ground", which is one of my favorites on this CD. And Guvna B contributes a bit of rap to "Gospel Song". Redman's inclusion of the enthusiastic gospel choir providing background vocals, and his choice of contributing artists add gospel R&B flavor to this album on many of the songs. The theme of whole-hearted worship of God is woven throughout, and there are joyful anthems, powerful testimony songs, and several intimate songs of worship.

1. All Glory (featuring Kierra Sheard)
2. Gospel Song (featuring Guvna B)
3. Greatest Hallelujah
4. Gracefully Broken (featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard)
5. One Day (When We All Get to Heaven)
6. Redemption Ground (featuring Madison Cunningham)
7. It Is Finished
8. Questions (You Are Faithful)
9. Still I Will Sing
10. Place of Praise (featuring Kim Walker-Smith)
11. Hope Is Marching On
12. Simple Pursuit/Glory Song
13. Your Ways

The highlights for me include the catchy Gospel Song, which has a much-too-simple melody, but the full gospel choir and celebratory feel makes up for that. Redemption Ground is another favorite that moves from contemplating the "cross of grace" to a bold declaration of praise. One Day combines Redman's verses about the comfort of knowing that one day "we will see Your glory revealed" with a fresh take on the chorus of the familiar camp meeting hymn "When We All Get To Heaven". I absolutely love that one. "Greatest Hallelujah" also vies for a spot on my favorites list with its beautiful simple melody and accompaniment and the lyrical reminder that the greatest praise we can offer the Lord is giving him our lives.

Enjoy a preview of two of the songs from "Glory Song", and then scroll down to enter the giveaway for your own copy of this CD!

Glory Song can be purchased through Amazon or on iTunes.

FlyBy Promotions has made it possible for me to offer a giveaway for this CD - please keep scrolling to the end of this post to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

©2008-2017 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus (Review and Giveaway)

This post contains affiliate links.

Patterns of Evidence: the Exodus is a fascinating DVD that invites viewers along on Director Tim Mahoney's quest to find out if there is archaeological evidence to back up the Bible's account of the Hebrew exodus from Egypt. 

We seem to hear a lot of reports saying the Old Testament stories are not real historical events, that they couldn't be because there's no evidence. Yet if the events recorded in the Bible are only myth and legend, then the foundational principles of both Judaism and Christianity are open to skepticism as well. Personally, I believe that the Bible is the inerrant word of God, and that the events recorded in Biblical history actually took place, and that the Bible's account is accurate and true. So there must be evidence somewhere - especially for something as monumental as the exodus from Egypt.  

Tim Mahoney's documentary explores the questions, with a scientific investigation of archaeology that looks for patterns of evidence that may match the Biblical account. It presents differing viewpoints, but overall the conclusions and evidence presented may challenge conventional thinking on the Egyptian timeline. If one is looking for evidence of a specific event in the wrong time or the wrong place, it won't be found - but if the patterns and evidence do show up, but at a different point on the timeline than historians have been claiming, should we be willing to adjust the dates that have been assigned to these events? 

Along with Mahoney, visit with rabbis, scholars, historians, and other experts about their views on the historical timeline and the meanings of various archaeological finds. See the evidence found in places like Avaris and Jericho, and consider the opinions and interpretations of the scholars as they all explore the evidence. I was fascinated by the presentation of archaeological finds and the logical conclusions that could be drawn.

I heartily recommend this DVD for all viewers interested in exploring the Biblical stories that form the groundwork for our traditions and theology. I'm so glad that FlyBy Promotions has made it possible for me to offer a giveaway for this DVD - please keep scrolling to the end of this post to enter!

Visit the website Patterns of Exodus for more info. When purchasing the DVD through the website's store, you can use the coupon code MK1 for $3 off the price of $19.95.

About the author/filmmaker/producer:

Tim Mahoney founded Mahoney Media Group, Inc. (MMG) in 1989. MMG focused its business on television and video production for regional and national companies. In 2014 Tim founded Thinking Man Films & Media as an international documentary and publishing company with a focus on education and the Bible. Tim produced numerous productions for Christian organizations including the Billy Graham Association, World Wide Pictures, and Compassion International. Tim also served as the President of the board for the International Christian Visual Media Association. Tim's first full feature documentary film, "Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus", released in January 2015. The film took 12 years to develop and takes a scientific approach to investigate the events of the biblical Exodus. The overall vision for his film company is to explore "patterns of evidence" that support the biblical narrative and engages the world in a conversation. The film takes a balanced approach and leaves the audience to decide for themselves if the Bible is real history or myth.

 Won 13 awards on the film festival circuit in 2014, including a Gold Remi Award winner

for Best Director at the Worldfest Houston Intl. Film Festival, the Gold Crown Award for

Best Picture and Best Documentary at ICVM 2014, and Official Selection at the Soho

International Film Festival in New York.

 Supplemental resources associated with the film include a nearly 400-page hardcover

book, small group Bible study, Movie Event kit, youth version (called Young Explorers),

homeschool curriculum and others.

 It includes powerful interviews with some of the top experts in the fields of archaeology

and Egyptology as well as people of influence in the Middle East.

 The film has an objective, fair-minded and balanced approach. It allows viewpoints from

all sides to be heard in a respectful way while asking honest questions of the Bible and

scholars’ views. It does not preach and lets the evidence speak for itself. This allows the

film to be very shareable with those of different viewpoints.

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

©2008-2017 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):   Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

My Mother's Quilts - Win a Friendship Quilt! #MyMothersQuilts #FlyBy

This post contains affiliate links. 

My Mother's Quilts: Devotions from a Legacy of Needlework by Ramona Richards - Lately I've been reading this charming book of devotional thoughts based on the stories behind handmade quilts. There are beautiful photos of these heirloom quilts throughout, and for each quilt story there is a Scripture, a prayer, and a life lesson. Ramona Richards introduces the book with a little background on her mother's love of quilting, and how she had not only made many beautiful quilts herself but had also collected heirloom quilts and the stories behind them. Each devotional tells about a quilt and its pattern, and the personal story behind it, warmly and affectionately told, in a conversational style. The lessons are practical and encouraging, yet thought-provoking as well. For me, the color photos of the quilts were a feast for the eyes, and brought to mind my own experience in appreciating the artistry of quilts made my mother, aunts, and grandmother.

Keep reading for a little more information about the book and the author, and the link to a wonderful contest offer. There are many wonderful prizes up for grabs, including one of the quilts featured in the book!

From the publisher:

A quilt is love that serves a purpose.

Inspired by thirty family heirloom quilts, each devotion depicts the enduring legacy of faith, family and tradition. Rich, personal, sometimes heartbreaking, often funny, each reading provides a lesson and encouragement from the faithful women who crafted the quilts.

Full-color photographs of each quilt show the style and artistry of each beautiful work. The quilts, sewn by several generations over more than one-hundred years, are as unique and lovely as the hands that created them. The oldest was buried during the Civil War to keep it safe and the author's mother created the newest in the last years of her life.

About the author:

Ramona Richards is an award-winning editor, speaker, author of nine books, and a frequent contributor to devotional collections. An avid live music fan, Ramona loves Nashville, which she's called home since she was ten. Sensing her mother was near the end of her life, Ramona documented her mother's stories and lessons behind each family quilt. These stories form the devotions in My Mother's Quilts. Find out more about Ramona and her books by visiting her online at RamonaRichards.com.

Purchase My Mother's Quilts at Amazon or at ShopBetterBooks.com

Now for the Contest!

Win one of the quilts featured in #MyMothersQuilts by Ramona Richards. Also up for grabs: loads of other prizes including quilting hand warmers, coloring books, and 25 signed copies of Ramona's book. Winners will be emailed after the contest ends on June 30, 2016. Click the image to get started! (Or follow this link: Win This Friendship Quilt! Contest Landing Page)

Please note that this contest is hosted by the author/publisher and not by Just A Second. They are overseeing the drawing and assume full responsibility for all aspects of this contest, including prize notification and fulfillment.

©2008-2016 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/