"FLASH" in REVIEW and GIVEAWAY

What more can I say to express the pure delight to read and so enjoy  "Flash the Homeless Donkey who Taught Me about Life, Faith and Second Chances" by Rachel Anne Ridge than I am "... looking at my life in a fresh way and seeing that the "donkeys" that show up are actually extraordinary gifts in disguise." (which is what Rachel Anne Ridge hoped we might gain and wrote as a response to a question  she answered about the core story of Flash from her perspective) I've gained so much through her heart warming "donkey" tales in these 13 chapters.

And "Flash" indeed is an extraordinary Gift!

Rachel Anne Ridge has carefully taken the ordinary and woven them into extraordinary tales learned in lessons from "Flash" and applied them to her life and ours, both in the spiritual and relational aspects. She captures our hearts as she journals how "Flash" came into her family's life and became family, making us almost want to go out to rescue and get us a donkey ourselves to experience this firsthand. Rachel Anne has a gift of writing humorously and interestingly, illustrating with words each scene so we can clearly imagine them, among her other gifts of artistic nature and beyond. She inspires us to look and "find God in everyday moments" (a webcast that she, Priscilla Shirer and Flash shared) and relates to us honestly "wearing her donkey heart on her sleeve". Rachel is real (bar none) and doesn't hold back.

I laughed out loud at her vivid descriptions of Flash's antics and wiped away tears welling up in my eyes as I identify with the lessons that Rachel stirs up that strikes a chord deep within me too. In retrospect through each of the 11 lessons depicted in the 13 chapters of this book, I no longer can select just one because it's the composite of ALL of these that make "Flash" all he is and all we can be by grabbing on to his spot-on lessons that Rachel has craftily assembled as we read: knowing whose we are, knowing where to find refuge and finding our sanctuary in God alone, pursuing excellence to conquer fear, finding our passion which leads to purpose, becoming a trail blazer with persistence making pathways for grace to follow, living a well lived life as an authentic life, choosing gratitude by standing where the fruit is falling to learn the secret of abundance, serving others in love, embracing change and moving forward fearlessly, making the most of each chance to make things right through forgiving, accepting and loving, making our life journey not about fixing our "donkey" problems but being transformed by them (my paraphrases of Flash's 11 Lessons). Of course, every "unexpected guest" in our life was chosen to pass through our life for a reason in each season, if we carefully examine God's plan and listen carefully to the lesson. I'm not focusing so much on the arrival of this "unexpected guest" as the book descriptions tell about instead I am leaning in closer to God's heart and voice through Flash and Rachel, with the my departure being what I take away and make mine. How can a wounded, abandoned donkey change me?

The book's description fills us in adequately on the background of this shaggy, wounded, lost donkey's arrival showing up on the Ridge's driveway yet more importantly accepted in their hearts and lives but no description can ever complete better what the author has vividly depicted in living color of the impact of "entertaining angels unaware" as in Hebrews 13:2 of strangers that just show up. Not that I'm comparing "Flash" to an angel, but he still is a "messenger", a gift given by God, at just the right inconvenient time, to convey some much needed messages and perhaps entangle the Ridge's life with some unnecessary "messes" as Rachel has penned for us in the lessons that even we can take to heart. Like or unlike Biblical and other donkeys, Flash comes into our lives, through Rachel, with a unique purpose through these messages. Maybe "Flash" isn't the glorious "angel" aware or unaware, but because of Rachel, God has met me in the pages of their book through Flash and her words, her message, her gift ... a "Flash" of God's!

Reading all the well deserved accolades and endorsements from other more 'famous' people than I, certainly speaks well for Rachel and Flash, with each one giving an accurate truth of this entertaining and purposeful addition to your reading collection of books, so "Flash" and Rachel did not need me or my review, as much as I needed them. "Flash" is easy, endearing and enjoyable to read, making it so hard to put down (so of course, I had to read straight through to the end and still want more). Although I read "Flash" as a digital copy, I loved the photos and glossy cover of "Flash" front and back, but in between while reading, I was amused with two of these ^^ to break between tales (tails) --- no, they're not tails, they are representative of those silly, long ears (I think) that mark this sweet 'adopted' donkey not as an art fixture in their family's acreage but truly as a warm part of their life and hearts. Rachel (Tom and family) have a gift and make an impression upon us to last a lifetime (not just artistically or literally but spiritually) in the way they open their hearts and life to an "unexpected guest" showing us that interruptions can become opportunities ... inconveniences most certainly can be used by God and insignificant moments might be a chance to see the simple things of life as miracles in the making!

Personally for me, this is the most delightful book I've just totally enjoyed in quite a while.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for an honest review. Also for being a part of the "Flash mob" with Rachel Anne Ridge, I have a hard complimentary copy of the book back home in MN.  I'd like to express my "Thanks to Tyndale and Rachel!"

Tyndale Book Description

I truthfully sought out this book and being part of the famous FLASH mob after stumbling across Rachel's blog "Home Sanctuary" looking for 'The Beauty of Grace' and I have come away with so much more!
How could I not dedicate this first week of this exciting book release to FLASH and Rachel Anne,  Tom and Ridge family They truly have made their Home a Sanctuary! {against all odds in the tough seasons of their life and Flash's}
This has been such a blessing for me! Yee haw Texas! Peggy
* Last day to enter the a Rafflecopter giveaway GIVEAWAY  of this book May 9th, 2015
I'll announce the winner perhaps  on May 10th which here in Mexico is always  Mother's Day but this year it just happens to also be the same day for USA too
just had to add this new video of Flash here MORE RESOURCES:  a few other Flash video links because the one that I had on my blog won't be there forever Rachel Anne Introduces Flash Meet Flash the Donkey of course, I want to save and treasure FLASH forever Rachel Anne Ridge's You Tube Channel Blog: Home Sanctuary;  Facebook Flash, the Donkey; Facebook

"DISCOVER GOD'S HEART..."

NIV DEVOTIONAL BIBLE
"... Explore the King's Love for His People ..." "... on a cover-to cover journey through the Bible"
I definitely hoped to review this NIV Devotional Bible before the holidays are upon us so that if you are looking for a new reading plan or a perfect gift for someone, "whether they are a seasoned traveler or just starting out on their first steps" in God's story through the Bible, you would consider this one. 
There are 6 Reading Plans made available right within this Bible; of course, the devotional part is the reason that I chose this for my new reading plan to discover God's heart by opening my eyes to His good heart as I hear Him by reading His Word and experience Him more intimately as I "walk thru the Bible." In fact, this Zondervan/HarperCollins NIV Bible is in partnership with "Walk Thru the Bible". This cover-to-cover journey is beautifully done!
Although I would much rather be holding the actual print version of this Bible in my hands, I have the ebook version. Just looking at the cover of this book, drew me in to wanting this one. Its "medieval castle door" look with a bronze trim and a carved keyhole gazing in to a path leading straight into the Light and the heart of God. I was so intrigued by the cover of this Bible, I knew that the 365 devotions, indexed beautifully, would engage me better in what I was reading. I downloaded the sample, well ahead of the release or when BookLook Bloggers made it available to choose to review. 
I never thought I would ever be reviewing a Bible, but this is one that I could not pass up! This is my first Bible review. So I took the book description at its word that this NIV would "help me through the tough spots such as Numbers and Leviticus while giving them me deeper understanding of the Scriptures and connecting them me with the heart of its Author." That as a "Readers (I) will experience rich insights into the original contexts of Scripture, and God's heart will be unveiled in new ways." This became my motivation to put this to the test and read specifically those books, one of the major prophets and a sample of the New Testament to give my honest opinion in my review of whether this is true and does help me. I considered doing one of the 30 day reading plans but then I decided that I wanted to save those for later. {Trust me, I will be using and sharing much more from this Bible here on my site.} I also considered trying the 90 day tour but that would only postpone me getting this review out. I am not one to readily challenge a publisher's description, but considering myself a "seasoned" NIV Bible reader after 50+ years, this was one that I was ready and glad for the opportunity to do. 
This "NIV Discover God's Heart Devotional Bible..." continues with, what I call a "medieval golden door frame" inside the cover for each devotion and opening introduction of each of the 66 books of the Bible, easily distinguishing those pages from the rest. I found this new read through format to be divided into manageable portions for the most part. I love the indexes and found the introduction instructions (especially for an ebook) to be extremely helpful to be able to refer to or have available to ease the access to reading. 
Each devotion includes 3 parts: a summary section of the Scripture passage ("God's Story"), an application section that reveals God's good heart ("The King's Heart"), and an "Insight" section that ties each passage into the rest of God's great story. As I paged through the Days in each book and the "titles", I began to journal the 365 days index and titles to take visual note of how this is woven together and I clearly could see the "divine fingerprints" of God relating each story together from beginning to end. I enjoyed the experience of detailing the imprint knowing that as I take time each day in God's Word that I actually will encounter Him and His heart in a much deeper and fuller way. I have no doubt that I will be "exploring the King's love" by "discovering God's heart" in these devotions and pages of God's Love Letter to us that I will treasure anew.
I anxiously await the 2015 new year to begin this reading plan with a new passion in this lifelong pursuit of God and His Word and you will also. If you don't believe me, download a sample and see for yourself or better yet get a copy for you and/or someone that may need God's Kingly and Fatherly love in their heart by getting to know His heart. Clearly, you can tell that I highly recommend this NIV version so that you, too can "discover God's heart" afresh.
This review is really done at this point however, I'd like to entice you to come along and take this journey cover-to-cover, at least for a minute longer here and then with God and this NIV Bible. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. 
Here is a glimpse of one, through this keyhole into God's heart ... and the introduction to each book is just as concise and understandable, giving you the author and dates covered (whenever possible), the audience, and Theme (which connects each book to the concept of "discovering God's heart" and ties together surveying the entire plot line of God's story with His Heart for us). {I really wish that I could do my white "box" here like the keyhole this Bible has ... and as authentic as an opening to see God's Light reflected in Jesus} My choice was made for this season: Jesus' birth

"Matthew 1 – 4 God’s Human Family Tree God’s story Finally God unveils the masterful story-plan he has been crafting for centuries. The Redeemer he has been pointing to and promising is none other than his own Son. Audacity of audacities, God has stepped into a single cell in the womb of a woman — to become the God-Man. Deity has a human family tree. God’s Spirit visits a young woman, Mary, who is soon pregnant with God’s Son. God sends an angel to Mary’s fiancé, Joseph, to explain the incredible thing he has done. Soon God’s Son is born. He is Immanuel, “God with us.” Following the angel’s instructions, Joseph names the baby Jesus — “Yahweh saves.” Following the star God has positioned in the sky, scholarly magi from the east come to Bethlehem. Through their visit, Herod, the evil Roman-appointed king of Judea, hears about Jesus and orders an infant massacre. God leads his Son’s family to safety. Years pass and Jesus’ relative John begins to prepare the people for Jesus, challenging them to change their lives and baptizing them in the Jordan River. Jesus comes to be baptized too, and God declares how deeply He loves His Son. The Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness to fast. After 40 days Satan comes to tempt Him — perhaps he can cause the Son to sin. Jesus clings to the truths He knows about His Father. Beaten, Satan leaves. John is imprisoned and Jesus calls his first disciples — it is a changing of the spiritual guard. The King’s heart It’s a story line so astounding that God had to reveal it in pieces over centuries: God the Creator became one of His creations. Most of the religious leaders never were able to wrap their heads around it. But it was God’s plan all along. God could have arrived on earth at any point. Instead he chose to cultivate a family tree over centuries, to graft himself into the story of His people and then to graft us in too. Perhaps God knew that if He just arrived on earth without preparing us, no one would have believed Him. It is just too audacious. But since His goal was to convince His people of His love, God came slowly — loving long. God chose that the way He would save us would be personal, working through people. It declares God’s sole heart-intention: “I want to be close to you.” Insight The book of Matthew arranges Jesus’ genealogy into three groups of 14 men — or six groups of seven men. Seven was a highly significant number to God’s people. Jesus being born as the seventh group of seven made it clear — God was doing something wonderful. For your next reading, go to page 1147. "

Disclosure of material connection: I received this book free from the publisher Thomas P. Nelson/Zondervan through the BookLookBloggers.com book review blogger's 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