Eat the Cookie ... Buy the Shoes GIVEAWAY

CONTEST HAS ENDED

EAT THE COOKIE ... BUY THE SHOES

Giving Yourself Permission to Lighten Up

By Joyce Meyer

I was given this book just in the nick of time, I think! Now, I'm not one who doesn't believe in self-indulgence. My figure will tell you that I eat more than my fair share of cookies, and my closet has quite a few shoes and purses. But, I am not very good about purposeful rest and celebration; there is sometimes a bit too much task and maybe I will occasionally over-commit my time.

Joyce Meyer really touched my heart with this baby. Her simple advice, "My suggestion to avoid bitterness, resentment, and perhaps a mild nervous breakdown is to take time between the spring cleaning and all the rest of the things on your schedule and do something that you really enjoy that would qualify as a celebration ...... If you don't take the time to recharge your batteries, then you are probably headed for some version of sinking emotions -- discouragement, depression, despair, anger, resentment, or self-pity." THAT WAS ME. My life was so hectic for a few weeks -- LONG intense days at work, family commitments, and taking a couple of evening and weekend classes -- that I was feeling edgy, tired, and on the brink of martyrdom. Put that TOM in the middle, and it's a recipe for disaster.

As I worked through Joyce's book, I've slowly felt my raveled edges bind up and my energies restored. I'm forever telling the kids to "love the one you're with" when they whip out cell phones to text others during a dinner or other get-together. I realized that I can do that too, space out with my mind on work or other tasks instead of enjoying and just being with my family or even in church. She reminds us that Matthew 11:28 says, "Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me .. and you will find rest for your souls." If we stay yoked to Jesus and submit to his authority, He will help us balance out our load in life and we will learn how He responds to every situation.

Sweet Valerie at Hachette Book Group has agreed to send out copies of this delightful book to THREE WINNERS.

*Contest Rules*

PLEASE NO PO BOXES, US and Canada only.

+1 Entry for following my blog and leaving a comment

~YOU MUST LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN YOUR COMMENT OR YOUR ENTRY WILL NOT COUNT! (YOURNAME AT DOMAIN DOT COM)~

Bonus Entry: +1 Entry for telling me your favorite Joyce Meyer book and why

2nd Bonus Entry: +1 Entry for following my apron swap blog at http://flirtyapronswap.blogspot.com and leave a comment here

3rd Bonus Entry: +1 Entry for blogging about this giveaway and linking back here (leave a separate comment with link to your post/twitter)

4th Bonus Entry: +1 Entry if you vote for this blog in Top Mommy Blogs (link on the right sidebar) and leave a comment back here

So, five chances to win and there will be five winners. Good luck!!

Contest Ends: May 1

Shawnee's Rating: 5 out of a possible 5

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Hachette Book Group as part of their Blogger Review 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 Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."