From Me to You ... Video, Photography and Book Reviews

Friday, December 21, 2012

Made the Grade: Shifters Unbound Series, Book 3.5

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 249 KB | Release Date: August 2012 | Publisher: JA / AG Publishing | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Hard Mated" [Shifters Unbound Series, Book 3.5] by Jennifer Ashley (aka Ashley Gardner & Allyson James)

My Book Summary : Eron (Spike), a wildcat Shifter and the champion fighter of Shiftertown, is known as being a "dumb-ass fighter," even though he's not it's just the outwards appearance that he typically portrays for everyone. However, that all suddenly changes when after one of his usual fights a intriguing woman, Myka, tells him he has to meet up with her best friend Jillian (a woman whom Spike slept with about 5 years ago) because Jillian is dying and needs to talk to him. Once Spike gets to Jillian in the hospital he is told that he is the father of Jillian's son, Jordan, and that because of the law and Jillian's life about to end soon Jordan belongs to Spike now.

Nevertheless, because of personal childhood experiences with an abusive stepfather Myka cannot give up the need to keep an eye on Jordan while he is in Spike's care. Therefore, Myka helps out take care of Jordan while Spike deals with his responsibility to Shiftertown and they become very close. So close in fact that soon after their meeting Spike starts to have the mating urge and wants to keep/protect Myka from anyone and anything possible, even if that means protecting her and Jordan from his own clan. But will he be able to protect them from everything when his duty to the clan takes him away from them more often then he'd like; especially when an old enemy starts petitioning Spike to break away from his current clan, and has plans for Spike to do just that by any means possible!

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars. Two lonely people find each other during the most unlikely circumstances!

Okay, to be fair, the only other novel from this series (or by this author) that I've read is "Primal Bonds" (Book 2 in the Shifters Unbound Series). It was an okay book, but what I came to realize when I read that novel (and again when I read "Hard Mated") was that I really don’t like Liam Morrissey--(the leader of Spike's Shiftertown) at all since he just seems to make me mad (I don't completely understand why--he just does)--and the collar thing thoroughly annoys me about the plot (I'll admit it's unique concept--I just don't like the idea of it).

Then why would I read this novella, you ask?

Well because with all of that being said I have been staring at "Hard Mated's" AWESOME cover ever since it was release and has been on my Amazon.com recommended list making me have to find out what the description was all about and it just pulled me in!! And in truth, I am sooo happy I did read this novella! Mostly I'm happy about it because I LOVED Spike/Eron & Myka! They were perfect for one another and their shared stories made this plot that much more thrilling. In addition, I enjoyed how everything turned out!

Therefore, I would recommend this novel to anyone who is a fan of Ms. Ashley, as well as, to anyone who likes unique paranormal/fantasy romances!

Author's Novel Extras : Updates on Hard Mated and everything | Hard Mated at Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Smaswords (print on its way!) | Hard Mated on Bestseller lists and Mate Claimed Excerpt

Author's Series Extras : Series Site | The Humans' Guide to Shifters | Message from Liam Morrissey | Liam Morrissey Wallpaper | TITLE CHANGE: Shifter Lovin' to Primal Bonds | Primal Bonds Cover | More and more updates | Primal Bonds Countdown! and More! | Thanks, Backlist releases, and New Stuff | Shifter Made and Pride Mates | Pride Mates (Shifters Unbound Series) | What's Coming Next | Update on Bodyguard | Bodyguard is OUT! | Wild Cat Release! And other things | Shifters novella in Berkley Anthology

Book Teaser(s) :

He tasted the pain in her and wanted to make it all better. He’d sweep her up and shut out the world, sink into the goodness of her. The curve of her buttocks under his hand beckoned his tongue, her hair warmed his fingers, and she smelled like honey and sugar. If he licked her all over, would she taste as sweet?
The floor creaked upstairs again. Myka jumped in his arms, hands sliding from his shoulders to his chest, trying to push him away.
Spike jerked her closer, hand firming on her ass. Who cared if his grandmother came down and caught them? She was Shifter; she’d understand. She knew what loneliness was.
Lonely. So lonely. Stay with me.
Myka gasped, and Spike broke the kiss.
She was breathing hard, her pupils spreading but her body shaking. His instincts screamed at him to take Myka upstairs, lock her into his room with him, and not let her go until they’d made a couple more cubs to go with Jordan. Nature wanted him to do this, and Spike’s mind wasn’t fighting nature too much. But there was more at stake right now. ~ within Chapter 8

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Jennifer, then please check out her website.

Guest Post :: 99 Authors, 99 Books, 99 Cents‏

These prices are available on Amazon.com ONLY!

For a listing of books offered and to enter to win, CLICK HERE!!

Guest Post :: Quieted in His Presence by Cara Putman | 12 Pearls of Christmas & Giveaway

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!

Merry Christmas from Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.

We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items (books, a gift pack, music CDs) from the contributors! Enter now on Facebook or at the Pearl Girls blog. The winner will announced on January 2, 2013 at the Pearl Girls blog.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of "Mother of Pearl: Luminous Lessons and Iridescent Faith," "Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace" or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls™.

"Quieted in His Presence" by Cara Putman

It's the week after Thanksgiving. We're racing toward Christmas. Even with Thanksgiving occurring a week early, it feels like a race. When did we decide this organized (or not so organized) chaos was restful, relaxing, conducive to a joyful season?

When did the joy of gifting something to one we love become replaced by the pressure to find the perfect gift? When did the amount of the gift matter more than spirit it is gifted in? At times like these I need a reason to remember that God can calm my heart when I feel like I'm spilling in a bazillion different directions.

Grab a mug of tea or cup of coffee. I'll share my peppermint mocha creamer. It's low-sugar. And let's sit together and soak in this truth.

The Lord is with us. With us. Emmanual. The God with us. Savor that. He's with us. Not watching us. With us.

He is mighty to save. He doesn't barely save. He is mightily prepared to save.

He will take great delight in you. Think about a child. Yours or someone else's. Think about the joy that child brings to his parents. That is a pale shadow of the depth of delight God takes in you. Humbled? Thrilled? I am!

He quiets us with His love. He will, if we'll let Him. It is His will to quiet us with love. Like a child who is content and secure in the knowledge of her parents' love. That's how He wants us to rest. To be quiet. In His presence. At His feet.

He will rejoice over us with singing. Think of your favorite artist, group, chorus. Think of how their voices resonate and harmonize. Remember how you are swept away by the beauty of a voice raised in song. Then imagine God singing a special song over you. Then consider that it's a song of rejoicing. Just because you are. A song to you.

Now that you've quieted in His presence, are you ready to go back to preparations. Ready to focus on Him? To find Him in the midst of the Christmas chaos? Because He is the baby in the manager. He is the reason we celebrate. And He's celebrating you!

About the Author :

Cara Putman is an author of fourteen novels and one nonfiction work—plus all the characters and stories still begging to be told. Look for more in the future. She is also a licensed attorney, contract lecturer at a Big Ten University, adjunct faculty at a community college, and active in her church and community. She lives with her family in Indiana.

Find Cara Putman :

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Feasted On: The Vampire King Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 1089 KB | Release Date: December 2, 2012 | Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing | Obtained: Kenya Wright

"Escape" [The Vampire King Series, Book 1] by Kenya Wright

My Book Summary : Brie is a Domina, which is a human woman with special blood that can also give birth to vampire children (some of those children can turn out to be very powerful). However, even though so volunteered to be a Domina to The Quiet King (a vampire king who is ruthless, blind, deaf, and very spiteful) so her family and village would survive; after two years of living in the castle and seeing vampire "prince" babies being unmercifully slaughtered she's decides to escape back to her home to be with her daughters and husband again.

Therefore, to escape, she enlists the help of Samuel a Pathfinder (someone who assists others to escape the King's kingdom) and a full powerful vampire with secrets of his own. However, Samuel doesn't agree with helping Dominas escape for personal reasons so Brie is forced to lie to him when they first meet and hope that her secret won't be found out.

Soon they find that there is an instant bond and attract between them that gets stronger with every touch they share. It leaves Brie second-guessing her commitment to the husband that let her go and her heart. Will she be willing to leave Samuel's side when the time comes? Can she go back to a life that has probably moved on without her? Will she be able to make it on her own now that she's escaped the King and he will be out hunting for her soon?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars, this dynamic novella keeps you on your toes with its captivating writing and intense scenes! I was not expecting to like this novel as much as I did! Also, I am soo pleasantly surprised with the growth that Brie & Samuel go through throughout this story. Right now, this story isn't about a love match, it's about a woman wanting to get herself out of a bad situation and back home to the ones she chose to leave, and in the process finding a man (vampire) who sparks something inside of her that takes hold and doesn't let go. I was intrigued with the passion between Brie & Samuel as well as how they come to learn to trust and like each other throughout this story.

In addition, I will admit that I am more of a fan of reading from both of the main characters POVs. So, when this novella was (and is) mostly from Brie's perspective I was a little disappointed, that is until I got to the very end of it and read the epilogue, which is from Samuel's perspective! It was nice to read because it let you know that they were both on the same page, i.e. they both were excited and scared about this growing attraction between them and not sure what to do about it, which made me like this novella that much more!!

I recommend this novella to anyone who enjoys paranormal vampire romance, especially in unique settings!

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Incubus Hunter

Author's Novel Extras : Blood! Vampires! Fangs! Oh My!! | Escape Cover Reveal by Kenya Wright

Author's Series Extras : About the World and the Two Main Characters | Vampire King Series Sneak Previews

Book Teaser(s) :

The door opened. Light seeped in from the hallway. Samuel stumbled in, closed the door, and ambled to the other side of the bed. He collapsed behind me, making the mattress bounce a little. My body tensed. I kept my back to him.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I shouldn’t have come in the shower. Ambi knows I shouldn’t even be lying in this bed next to you.”
Not knowing how to respond, I remained stiff, pretending to be asleep.
“I know you’re awake. I hear your heart beating fast,” he warned. “And I know how it sounds when you’re asleep. I listened to it the whole time I carried you in the sewer.”
I gritted my teeth. “Fine. I’m awake.”
“Do you mind me sleeping in bed with you?”
“I don’t mind as long as you don’t touch me.”
His laughter filled the space. “A vampire lies next to you and all you’re worried about is him touching you?”
“I’m used to sleeping with a vampire,” I confessed. “Once a month, The Quiet King slept in my bed to help me adjust to him.”
“He never touched you, right?” Samuel’s voice came out in a low growl. ~ within Chapter 6

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Kenya, then please check out her website.

Purchase - Escape : Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | Secret Cravings Publishing

Guest Post :: When God Wraps a Present . . . by Julie Lessman | 12 Pearls of Christmas & Giveaway

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!

"When God Wraps a Present . . ." by Julie Lessman

We’ve all heard the adage “it’s better to give than receive,” but never have I agreed more than the year I was engaged to the love of my life.

It was truly a Christmas to remember—spiced egg nog and snickerdoodles and shimmering presents unwrapped in a circle of love. Of course, we all ooohed and ahhhed over each gift opened, one at a time, reveling in the glow of excitement for giver and recipient alike.

And then it was my turn. Everyone waited while I tore into a small box, anticipation fairly shimmering in my fiancé's eyes.

“Do you like it?” he asked, grinning like a little boy when I unearthed a very pretty silver watch.

No. “It’s beautiful,” I said with a shaky giggle, slipping it on and holding it up for everyone to admire. I quickly gave him a sweet kiss on the lips. “Thank you so much, babe—what a perfect gift!”

Perfectly awful, that is. You see, when you are a twenty-eight-year-old Type A career woman who is very set in her ways, there are just some things you have to buy for herself—books, costume jewelry, purses ... a watch.

All right, yes, I’ll admit it—“high maintenance” is my middle name because heaven knows I’m one of the most particular people on the planet, especially when it comes to watches. They have to be digital, waterproof, have a day and date window, an alarm, chronograph, second hand, both silver and gold metal to wear with either silver or gold jewelry, stretch band skinny enough to fit my wrist . . . and a GPS. Okay, I’m pulling your watch chain on the last one, but you get the picture—NOT easy to find, especially with numbers big enough for someone blind as a bat.

So, yes, I faked it, of course, thanking my soon-to-be husband for the “prettiest watch I had ever owned,” because it was—I just didn’t like it. But did I “fake it” with God? Uh, no. I went straight to His throne in prayer and begged Him to help me love this watch because the man I loved gave it to me and I just flat-out didn’t want to hurt his feelings. I even went so far as to write the prayer request on a piece of paper and put it in my Bible so I could “wrap” it in prayer every single day, which I did.

Until the fateful moment years later when my husband used my Bible one day and found the note.

“You don’t like your watch??” he says, confronting me with hurt in his tone while his eyes flicked to the pretty watch on my wrist.

“What are you talking about?” I asked, somewhat confused.

He held up the note. “You told God you hated it in this note I found in your Bible.”
Uh-oh . . . BUSTED!

“Oh, babe,” I said with my brightest smile and a quick kiss on the lips. “That was then and this is now. It’s perfect for me, just like you, and I absolutely love it.
And you know what? I did!!

About the Author :

Award-winning author of “The Daughters of Boston” and “Winds of Change” series, Julie Lessman was ACFW’s 2009 Debut Author of the Year and voted #1 Romance Author of the year in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards. Winner of 14 RWA awards, she also appeared on Booklist’s 2010 list for Top 10 Inspirational Fiction and has just released her 7th novel, "A Light in the Window: An Irish Christmas Love Story." You can contact Julie at her website, on Facebook, on Twitter at @julielessman, or read excerpts of her favorite romantic and spiritual scenes from each of her books at http://www.julielessman.com/excerpts/.

Find Julie Lessman :

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Feasted On: Masks by Evangeline Anderson

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 151 KB | Release Date: November 2009 | Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Masks" by Evangeline Anderson (aka Emmaline Andrews)

My Book Summary : Chloe's identical twin sister (Zoe) asks her a favor, to switch places once again since Zoe sprained her ankle and Zoe needs Chloe to cover for her at work. However, right after Chloe reluctantly agrees to help out she finds out that her sister's actual job isn't an investment banker like she's told everyone she is actually a dominatrix! Now Chloe (who's really a shy First Grade teacher compared to her twin) has to dress up and pretend to "dominate" a man she has never met before! She is way out of her league, which gets confirmed when Chloe meets Zoe's client, a hunk of a man, who decides he would like to dominate Chloe instead of being dominated.

Thankfully, passion like Chloe has never felt before hits the instant the two of them touch but can she just have fun and enjoy their game of play for one night or will she loose her heart in the process?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! This sizzling novella will hold your attention to the very end!! I loved how Zoe found a way to get her shy twin to open up in the most unexpected way. It turns out to be a very sweet read. And if you are not into reading hot and heavy erotica then this should be just the right amount for you. Since at the beginning it leads you to thinking it will be the typical BDSM read but this was a lot softer then I expected yet I still enjoyed what I read!

My only wish was it was longer and there was more to read about of Chloe and Mark! They made such a cute couple! =0)

I recommend this to anyone wanting to read a unique take on a contemporary romance!

Author's Novel Extras : Read an Excerpt

Book Teaser(s) :

Zoe was balancing a brush, a hot roller, and a kit of exotic and expensive-looking makeup all at once.
Chloe winced as the brush snagged in her hair. “Ouch! Watch it. So this means you’ll come in and substitute for me the next time I want a day off from teaching first grade, right?” She was joking, of course. Her twin and a roomful of kids would be a disastrous combination, she was certain. But Zoe was unperturbed.
“Sure, I’ll sub for you. Don’t forget, I’m good at making people mind.” She winked at her sister in the mirror and Chloe felt her mouth go suddenly dry. Could she really do this? Did she want to? The decision was rapidly being taken out of her hands as Zoe painted and perfumed her and hot-rolled her hair into a luscious tumble of honey-blonde waves that Chloe was certain she never could have achieved herself.
“You look perfect,” Zoe said at last. “You haven’t looked this good since you let me do your makeup and hair for our senior prom.”
“You mean the one where Michael Carlson puked down the front of my gown?” Chloe stared at the exotically beautiful stranger in the mirror.
“Yes, that one.” Zoe grinned at her. “Truly a magical night. Now, just one more thing and you’re ready to go.”
“What’s that?” Chloe looked at her apprehensively. What other accessory could this outfit possibly need? A riding crop? A bullwhip? ~ within Chapter 1

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Evangeline, then please check out her website.

Guest Post :: Year of Adversity Brings Joy by Leslie Gould | 12 Pearls of Christmas & Giveaway

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!

"Year of Adversity Brings Joy" by Leslie Gould

I’ve been writing Amish fiction for nearly three years now—telling stories about non-resistant people who live a simple life. It’s a nice reprieve from my own life.

When my husband, Peter, joined the Army Reserve back in the mid 1980s, I wasn’t thrilled about it. Nor did I believe him when he said he’d probably never see action. Sure, the Cold War was ending and—for a short time—all seemed well in the world, but I had a degree in history. I knew better. I didn’t want to be a controlling wife (as new to the job as I was!) and come out and say he absolutely couldn’t do it. And it did help that he was joining a medical unit. Still I had my reservations.

We’ve been far more fortunate than many military families, but still it’s been quite a ride. The first exciting episode began in 1990 when Peter flew to Germany on Christmas Eve to work in an Army hospital during Desert Storm, leaving me behind with our two young sons. During the next twenty years, Peter went from being a Lt. to being a Col. and commanding a unit. Countless maneuvers and a mobilization occurred during that time, but his Army Reserve career culminated in his deployment to Afghanistan in 2011.

My days throughout last year were an odd combination of hearing the daily news from a war zone via Skype and then writing about the plain life of the Amish. By last December I was working on my third Amish novel of the year while, in contrast, Peter and his field hospital staff had cared for hundreds of NATO soldiers and Afghan nationals, endured ten months of rocket fire, and continued to grieve the killing of one of their own.

Surprisingly, what seemed like it might be our worst Christmas ever, even harder than in 1990, wasn’t. Our four children (one teen and three young adults now) rallied to help make it a memorable day. We counted our blessings—Peter was well, we had all we needed, and God was at work in the life of our family. The result was an underlying joy, deeper than what we’d felt during past Christmases.

In reflection, I wrote: When it started, I thought 2011 might be one of our worst years. But it hasn’t been. Sure, it’s been one of our hardest, but a lot of good has come from it.

That was evident on Christmas morning as we Skyped with Peter. We were so thankful for the good connection and for all of us to be “together” that we hardly noticed we really weren’t.

This December, Peter is back at his civilian job (as a manager for a hospital corporation) and also commanding a nearby Army Reserve unit, which means one weekend a month and plenty of evenings—but no rockets or causalities.
I’m working on a new Amish novel and still enjoying my “time” with those who practice non-resistance, which doesn’t discount the appreciation I have for my husband’s service. I’ve even grown to the place where I’m thankful he joined the military. They’ve served each other well.

Our year of adversity resulted in a deep joy. I’m pretty sure it will carry over to this Christmas as well.

About the Author :

Leslie Gould is the award-winning author of fifteen novels, including the #1 bestseller and Christy Award winner "The Amish Midwife," co-written with Mindy Starns Clark. Her latest release is "Courting Cate," a retelling of the “Taming of the Shrew.” Leslie lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband, Peter, and their four children. www.lesliegould.com

Find Leslie Gould :

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

The Voice's Tribute to the Connecticut Shooting Victims

If you missed The Voice last night then you should see this beautiful tribute to the Connecticut shooting victims with Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah." Please check out the video below.

Made the Grade: Sex with Strings Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 164 KB | Release Date: February 2011 | Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Kissing Phoenix" [Sex with Strings Series, Book 1] by Shona Husk

My Book Summary : Lilith & Aidan have been dating for the past six months and Aidan is ready to propose. However, before he can propose he needs to reveal to her that he is a Vampire ...

Yet, even before he can get his news out Lilith, reveals a secret of her own ... she recently was told that her cancer has come back and she only has about three months left to live.

Now it's a race against time, with Aidan willing to do whatever is possible so Lilith will survive. Even if that means going against the rules of his own "people."

Nevertheless, what are they both willing to give up in order to be together or at the very least to have Lilith survive?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars. A cutely erotic short story. I enjoyed getting to know Aidan & Lilith they were a unique duo. It was also intriguing to read about this version of Vampires & Weres that Ms. Husk came up with, very creative!

The only thing I didn't like about this novella was how rushed it felt going from what seems to be the beginning of wrapping everything up at the end of Chapter 4 to Chapter 5 being a couple of months later (like an epilogue), it all just didn't flow well at the end. =0/

Anyways ... when I purchased this novella it was FREE so, if you can get this as a FREE read too then I do recommend this to anyone who like paranormal romance with a bit of erotica thrown in. However, if it isn't FREE then I would only recommend it if you are a big fan of Ms. Husk.

Author's Novel Extras : Darklight on...Shona Husk: The allure of the novella | 12 months on from the call | Good News Day! | Release Day! | Good News Day! | Magic Thursday Giveaway - Shona Husk: Good Things Come in Threes | Good News Day!

Author's Series Extras : Sex with Strings Series Info | Magic Thursday Giveaway-Tasting Thanatos | Good News Day! | Good News Day!

Book Teaser(s) :

He fixed his gaze back on the road and traffic of the M25. Theo had been happy to squeeze in the appointment. Pity he hadn’t told him the whole truth. His heart contracted hard, making breathing impossible. There was still a bloody massive chance Theo would do nothing and that Aidan would have to take her home and watch her die.
He wasn’t strong enough to do that again. He’d been lost for a decade after Eve had died. This time would be worse. Lil was part of him, now that he’d tasted her blood, as well as part of his life and heart. He’d lain awake half the night wondering if Owen was right—loving a Vampire was easier as everyone got bored before anyone died. He sighed. Immortality was a bitch. ~ within Chapter 3

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Shona, then please check out her website.

Guest Post :: Will They Know What It Cost? by Glynnis Whitwer | 12 Pearls of Christmas & Giveaway

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!

"Will They Know What It Cost?" by Glynnis Whitwer

My daughter Cathrine went on a field trip to the Grand Canyon when she was in fourth grade. As I picked her up upon her return, she couldn’t wait to show me an adorable little stuffed brown bear she’d bought as a gift. She started to say that it was for everyone—meaning her three brothers and sister—but then her words got jumbled. Tears welled in her eyes as she tried to explain how she ran out of money when trying to buy gifts. Her distress was obvious.

To understand fully, it might help to know that Cathrine was born in Africa and experienced deprivation of every sort for the first eleven years of her life. At thirteen years old, she was only in fourth grade. And although she has made remarkable gains, even now she struggles with communication and math—especially money.

Later that night I finally understood what Cathrine was trying to tell me about the bear. She had taken twenty dollars of her own money to buy herself a souvenir. But before buying herself something, she wanted to buy some small gifts. So she started with two of her teachers and bought them each a small ring with the first initial of their last names. I looked at the price on the rings and realized each was $3.99. Times that by two, add tax, and Cathrine would have been left with eleven dollars for other gifts and herself.

I imagine she stood at the gift store counter bewildered by what she had just done. She was probably embarrassed to ask any of her classmates for help. And maybe the teacher wasn't around. There she stood with just over half of her money, and three brothers and a sister left to buy for. She decided to get a group gift, and that’s where the bear came in.

Standing in our kitchen, looking at the three items she purchased, I smiled brightly and told her everyone was going to love their gifts and that she’d made wonderful purchases. She smiled back, and the night ended well.

The next morning as she wrapped up the little rings, I kept thinking about those two teachers who were going to receive a gift that day. All they would see is a little silver ring. I knew they would be very loving and appreciative. But would they truly understand the sacrifice Cathrine made?

Would they understand their gifts cost Cathrine half of what she had? Would they ever know the frustration and worry Cathrine felt as she realized she didn't have enough to buy her family any gifts? Would they treasure those little rings, or would they put them in a drawer with gifts from other students throughout the year?

As I pondered these thoughts, I considered a gift I was given two thousand years ago: Jesus. God sent His Son into the world as a baby, knowing He would die on a cross for me. The cost of this gift staggers me.

As I decorate my tree and shop for my family, I’m reminded of what my freedom cost my Heavenly Father. Do I truly understand the sacrifice of that gift? Do I understand the anguish God the Father must have felt sending His Son? Do I treasure this gift, or do I take it for granted?

Christmas is a time for celebration. But it’s also a time to remember God’s sacrifice. For it is in understanding the cost, that we fully appreciate the gift.

About the Author :

Glynnis Whitwer is an executive director with Proverbs 31 Ministries. She is one of the writers of Encouragement for Today, the Proverbs 31 e-mail devotions, with over 500,000 daily readers. Her newest book, "I Used to be So Organized," was released last fall. Glynnis, her husband Tod, and their five children live in Glendale, Arizona. Visit www.GlynnisWhitwer.com for more information.

Find Glynnis Whitwer :

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