oh, survivor....

boy, do I have some strong feelings about the preview for next week's survivor. cochrane, you had every reason in the world to flip. I have hated that tribe ever since the start. I don't even know the old name, just ozzy, Keith, Jim, and Whitney -i don't like you! every one of them treated cochrane like crap. and whitney, your comment about him disgusting you. girl, you are just like the worst winner in survivor history - Natalie, riding every's coat tails. she so didn't deserve that win. Whitney, you haven't done ANYTHING! at least cochrane made a move. I hate girls on survivor who don't step up. I never thought I would want coach to win, but I really hope he or brandon will take this one. ugh, I need to be in survivor....

i'm here....

i deactivated my facebook account. it causes me too much sadness and drama, so i left. i may go back, but not for a while. something really sad happened yesterday for someone i've never even met, just talked to through facebook. and my heart was broken along with hers, so i felt it was best to just leave. there's too much sadness in the world as it is and i don't want to bring more upon myself. so, in the meantime, i will try to update my blog better and stay connected through here. i do have two book reviews i have to write. been putting them off way too long.

struggles....

i guess everyone has some point in their life where they struggle with what they believe. i'm in that right now. i see so much sadness, so much injustice. people who deserve horrible things flourish. i just don't understand and get it anymore. so i need to work things out with myself.

Women of Faith Imagine 2011

I had the wonderful opportunity this past weekend to attend Women of Faith's Imagine conference in Atlanta thanks to Thomas Nelson Publisher's Book Sneeze program. I really didn't know what to expect, but I was truly blown away. The speakers were absolutely fantastic and touched me so deep. I honestly felt like I wasn't alone anymore on any of the problems I've faced/facing/will face in this life. I had that mentality that no one could know what I was going through. Boy, was I wrong.

It was such a refreshing weekend. Such great speakers and musicians. I don't think I can pick a favorite speaker of the weekend, they were all great. I was really excited to hear Angie Smith as I have followed her blog for quite some time. She was great. She comes off as so approachable. She was funny, real, and just felt like one of your best friends. If you know her story, it's a hard one, but she was so open and honest about everything she felt.

I also really enjoyed Sheila Walsh and Lisa Harper. I started reading one of Lisa's books as soon as I got back. They both spoke such truth and peppered it with great humor. Lisa could put a Biblical story into today's situations like nothing I've ever heard. Sheila was so knowledgeable and funny at the same time. Luci Swindoll, all I can say is wow. I want to live life like her. Fantastic.

Unfortunately, my mama had something come up last minute and she didn't get to come with me, but I know I was deeply touched and felt God's arms around me. I feel so refreshed in my walk with Him after this weekend. I would want every woman I know to experience it. My only complaint was no vegetarian box lunch :P

A Conversation with God for Women

I recently had the opportunity to review A Conversation with God for Women by Marcia Ford. I have to say, I enjoyed this book much more than I anticipated. I really liked the conversational style of writing, switching from God to Jesus to the various other Biblical figures throughout the book. The questions are definitely focused more towards women, and I found myself thinking quite often how many times I have asked God that same question.

The book was a very easy, enjoyable read. It uses everyday language, which it obviously eludes to in the title. But I truly liked the feeling of reading how God or Jesus might answer a question. Ms. Ford bases the answers on Biblical truths and really sheds some light on difficult questions women have. I really liked that she did not try to tackle the "tough questions" in a way that would please people. But rather, she shed light on the possible explanation on why God allows such things as suffering, abuse, and so on. I would recommend this book to anyone struggling with questions on life's problems and road blocks along the way.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

imagine....

I got exciting news yesterday. I was picked as a Book Sneeze blogger to attend the Women of Faith Imagine Conference in Atlanta next month. They are sending me free of charge, and I get to share my experience. I've never been to a Women of Faith conference but have only heard wonderful things about them. My mom is going to join me also. This couldn't have come at a better time. As anybody who knows me or reads this blog, probably knows it's been a rough last few years with hubby in school. God has been working on me. I've been a hard headed child and I stumble terribly, but I can't "Imagine" what He's going to do for me through this conference.

request....

if you read my blog, i'd like to ask you for your prayers. the last few years have been a very difficult struggle for d, he's worked very hard on his education and had no luck finding a job where he can use his talents and abilities. he interviewed for a great job last week. a week ago today to be exact. we haven't heard anything back yet, but we both really hope this one will be the one God's wants for us. so, i just ask for prayers that we will follow His will and know what direction to take. and also for this job. this if it is meant to be, everything will just fall in to place... thanks....