Presents, Presents Everywhere!

The countdown has begun! My children are pulling Hershey Kisses from behind perforated doors on their first Advent calendar! Today we opened door #17. (We're counting backwards.)

Which leaves only two more giveaways! 

This week's winner is Allison Martin, also known as The Budget Maven. Congratulations, Allison! If you could email me your address, I'll get that information right over to Baker Publishing so they can send you My Favorite Bible.

This week, I'm giving away not one, but two prizes! Two winners will receive a copy of Marybeth Whalen's second novel, She Makes it Look Easy. 

While reading Marybeth's blog post today, I was reminded of the theme of this book. How often do we wish we had it as good as the woman next door? Yet, if we step back and look deeper, we might realize that she has her own issues she's dealing with, just like we do. Her yard may be perfect, but her marriage might be a mess. Her house may be large enough to hold two of your family, but her wallet might be small, and she might be swimming in a pool of debt, about to lose that home. Her kids may be well-dressed and proper, but their hearts might bear scars from the turmoil that exists behind the closed doors of their home. 

In She Makes it Look Easy, Ariel Baxter moves into her dream house in her dream neighborhood. Ariel becomes disappointed when she realizes that the loneliness and chaos of motherhood and domestic life aren't solved by her new residence. Until she meets her neighbor, Justine Miller. Justine appears to have it all. Order in her home. The ability to bake amazing cupcakes for her kids' birthdays. An incredible husband. But does she? Or is she carrying around secrets under that facade of perfection?

It's a great read, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I did. To win your copy, simply leave a comment. Two winners will be chosen by Hershey Kiss-covered hands next Thursday!  

Book Review - The Names of God Bible

Something inside of me jumped when I was offered the opportunity to review The Names of God Bible. I have both of Ann Spangler's Praying the Names of... books, and I love getting to know Jesus and God by getting to know the meaning behind their many names.

The Names of God Bible has some great features:

Introductions to the books of the Bible: These are some of the best introductions I've ever read. I love the authors' conversational language. I don't feel like I'm reading a textbook on the particular book, but a true introduction to it. Each introduction ends by listing the key names of God or Jesus in each particular book. 

Name Pages: These identify one name of God or Jesus and introduce the reader to that aspect of God's character. The definition of each name is given and expounded upon. I found incredible encouragement when reading through these. I was reminded of God's endearing love for His creation and His people. Each name page also includes a devotion, key scriptures, and a prayer. 

Calling God by Name Sidebars: These notes are about people from Scripture, a brief description of who they were, and a couple of the names they used when referring to God.

I really enjoyed having the opportunity to experience The Names of God Bible. Reading the Word of God is a highly important part of my daily life, as I find myself experiencing a much deeper relationship with Go'el (my Redeemer & Defender) and Yeshua (my Savior) when I do so frequently.

Although reading His Word is one way to remain close to Him, praying is equally important. To develop a closer relationship with your Savior, consider adding this wonderful resource and Ann's books to your Christmas wish list. You won't be disappointed. You'll only go deeper.

Ann Spangler is an award-winning writer whose fascination with the Bible has resulted in books that have opened the Bible to a wide range of readers. She is the author or coauthor of several bestselling books, including Praying the Names of God, Praying the Names of Jesus, Women of the Bible, and Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus. Together, her books have sold nearly 3 million copies. She has held senior positions at two Christian publishing houses and lives with her two daughters in Michigan.

Please note: I received a copy of this Bible from the publisher for review. However, I am under no obligation to provide a positive review. But I do, because I admire the incredible work that went into this project and the amazing quality of the item that was produced as a result of that work. I also simply love exploring the names of God. Because I love Him.

Presents, Presents Everywhere!

We have a new winner! And, another winner! Surprise! I received an autographed copy of A Pheromone Affair while visiting my parents at Thanksgiving, so I am also giving away the copy I'd purchased when we found out the book had been released. 

The first autographed copy goes to (drum roll, please)...VONDA SKELTON! Woo Hoo!
The second, non-autographed copy goes to...Don!

Please email your address to amoralescmc@yahoo.com and I'll get those out to you this weekend. Thanks for entering!

For this week's giveaway, Baker Publishing Company has blessed me with the opportunity to offer My Favorite Bible by Rondi DeBoer and Christine Tangvald. 

With the vibrant illustrations and engaging text in this Bible storybook, you can enjoy sharing the best-loved stories of the Bible with the children in your life and encourage a life-long love for the Word of God. My Favorite Bible is a book of exciting Bible stories and activity pages that guide children through the foundational truths of Scripture.

Each story is fully illustrated and includes a simple narrative full of things kids love: repetition, rhythm, and energy, along with a key biblical theme, a key Bible verse, and discussion questions to help adults introduce children to the Bible.

The colorful illustrations will capture the imaginations of children ages 4–8, and the stories will help adults to pass along the most important truth in life—the Gospel. Families will cherish this time as they read, listen, learn, and love, growing closer to one another even as they grow closer to God.

By clicking on the book cover or title, you can get to amazon, where there's a place for you to see inside the book. This isn't a Bible, but a wonderful book of Bible stories. Each selection includes activities, discussion, and a find-the-butterfly search for you to do with your children. It also includes praying together, which is so important in building our childrens' faith.

For an opportunity to win this wonderful book, please leave a comment on this post. I'll choose the winner next Wednesday evening and announce it on Thursday morning. Baker Publishing is sending this book out to my winner after December 15th. 

God bless you every one!

Presents, Presents Everywhere!

I apologize for posting this late. I've been busy, busy, busy this week!

Our first Christmas giveaway winner is...Glenda Parker!!! Glenda, please contact me with your address. My email is: amoralescmc@yahoo.com. Congratulations! I'll get that in the mail to you right after the Thanksgiving holiday.

My second gift to one lucky reader is...

An autographed copy of A Pheromone Affair. This book is near and dear to my heart for two reasons. One, my dad wrote it. Two, he hired me to edit it.

Audrey Leclaire is on vacation in Israel when her trip is interrupted by a telegram from her grandfather.

While Audrey's grandfather breathes his last breath, disclosing a family secret that's been kept for his lifetime, George Gorman is diligently working on a pheromone which he intends to use to answer the Jewish Question.

Audrey must head back to Israel on a mission to resolve her grandfather's honor. Will she be able to stop a madman and save a nation before the pheromone is released or those who want her dead succeed?

If you would love to check out this exciting read, please leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing what you think of it!!!

Just a Reminder...

I just wanted to post a brief reminder. Every Thursday between now and Christmas, there will be an opportunity to win a free gift here on my blog. It's my way of saying "Thank You" to my readers and offering a blessing in return.

All you need to do is comment on the Thursday blog post for a chance to win each week. I will select the winner each Wednesday night and post the result Thursday morning with the new opportunity to win. You can comment up until 7:00 PM EST each Wednesday.

I look forward to blessing you! Thank you for your continued readership. I love sharing with you as God speaks to me.

Christmas is Coming! It's Present Time!

Are you aware that there are only 46 more days until Christmas???

Photo Copyright 2007 Alycia W. Morales

Since it's getting so close, I thought I'd bless my readers with an opportunity to receive a gift each week until the holiday arrives!

So, starting this week, watch for posts offering these opportunities. What's in store? How about a few of my favorite novels? I have four in stock right now! I also have some handmade crook-style and paperclip-style bookmarks. How about some handmade jewelry? Earrings, anyone? (Please be aware they are for pierced ears.) Maybe a necklace? Bracelet?

In order to enter to win, you simply need to leave a comment on the blog post. Please do not leave comments via Networked blogs, on Facebook, or in my email inbox. If you're having trouble logging in, and it won't work after following the steps below, by all means send me an email or Facebook message. But, please try the following steps first:

1. Follow this link: www.amoralesthinks.blogspot.com
2. Click on the comments link under the post. (1 comment)
3. It may ask you to sign in. Usually, you can sign in via: 
    a) Google (if you have a Blogspot blog yourself, or if you have a g-mail or Google + account) 
    b) your Open ID (Wordpress, AIM, etc.)
    c) your name and URL (usually an email address or your website) 
    d) as "anonymous" (just remember to leave your name and a place I can contact you, 
        such as your email or facebook ID)
4. Leave your comment.
5. Fill in the box with the word verification.
6. Click Publish Your Comment.


Following these steps will enter you to win one of these fantastic presents! Keep it for yourself or gift it to a friend or family member. Most importantly, though, don't forget to pause during your crazy hectic holiday season to remember the true reason we celebrate this season. Say a thank You to God for sending His gift, our Savior, Jesus Christ.