Updated 3/17/09 – To see the list of winners: CLICK HERE for the 3/17/09 Post!
Amazing! As I wrote in my “God Always Gives Us The Right Verse For Each Day, Mommy“ post, He’s done it again. Today, in my March 11th reading in the NIV One Year Chronological Bible, I am in Numbers 33 where it records the stages in Israel’s journey to The Promised Land. I found it so interesting that 40 places in their journey were recorded. 40! A significant Biblical number. This record of their journey demonstrates God’s faithfulness and deliverance to the Israelites and His generous lovingkindness in His great gift to them of the land of Canaan.
This verse from Numbers was perfect for today for our 100th blog post because, for my husband and me, that is what Joy In The Truth has become to us…a record of the stages of our journey with the Lord through life. Our blog records some of the wonderful ways He is showing us His faithfulness, perfect unconditional love and provision. We pray this little blog in cyber space brings Him magnificent glory in some small way.
Originally, I was inspired to start blogging by reading my friend Heather’s beautiful family blog. Serendipitously, I have made some friends in Bloggityville, like Jill, Kelly, and Susan. Jill’s family even had Heather’s family and my family over for dinner last year! (Jill happens to live less than an hour away.) Kelly and I are planning a trip to New York City in the future to be in the studio audience of “Live! With Regis & Kelly”! (That is a fun girly trip I take via train at least once a year and invite a few girlfriends along.) And Susan’s energy and enthusiasm literally come through the computer screen to me!
For this 100th Blog Post Celebration, hubs and I will be giving away 7 books that get you into God’s Word. Just leave a comment to enter to win. The winner will be announced on Tuesday 3/17/09, which happens to be my birthday (and St. Patrick’s Day!)! “…remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 20:35
Here are the books we are giving away. If you already have one of these books, please just note that in your comment. Each winner will also receive one “Philadelphia treat” – see below.
“Holiest of All” by Andrew Murray Thank you, Jill, for introducing me to this book. It is a treasure of a study on the book of Hebrews.
“Jesus Calling Devotional” by Sarah Young One of my very favorite devotionals first given to me by my friend Nancy, and now available at P31.
“A Woman’s Secret To A Balanced Life” by Lysa TerKeurst and Sharon Jaynes My friend Laura S. gave me this book as a gift, and I’ll never forget that day. The Lord used this book mightily in my life when I was a sleep-deprived new mom. He ministered His love and truth to me through this book and got me back into His Book daily. He is our sustenance and portion forever. Lysa has become a friend as the Lord has gently woven some rare but precious threads of our lives together in some amazing ways.
“Mining for Gold in The Heart of Your Child” – CD and character chart by Renee Swope Have you met Renee? She is passionate about raising children in the ways of the Lord and according to His Word! This is a wonderful resource for parents.
“Out of the Mouths of Babes (Learning God’s Precepts From My Preschooler)” by Wendy Pope Wendy Pope loves God’s Word. She is currently hosting hundreds (thousands?) of women (and a few men) in reading through the Bible in a year. God is doing a mighty work as she invited others to join her…the response was amazing (click here to read the story)! Wendy has been such an encourager to me as I desire to walk in obedience to and dependence on the Lord.
“Hidden Joy In A Dark Corner” by Wendy Blight This recently-released book is next up on my reading list. Wendy shares her testimony of God’s faithfulness to her through a very dark time. I respect and admire Wendy for sharing this part of her life as she brings glory to God for His perfect love for her. (And Wendy turned me on to a really “cool” clothing place!)
“Wise Words for Moms” by Ginger Plowman This is a great resource for applying specific scripture while raising children to honor Him. I have had this since our cherubs were just little tots, yet it applies to people of all ages.
In addition to the book, each winner will receive one of the following treats (I have given them away before and they were a real hit…especially to those who have never had them before!) — Tastykakes or Peanut Chews, two companies based nearby in Philadelphia! Just indicate which you would prefer when you leave a comment.
Thanks for stopping by! Leave a comment and check back on 3/17/09 for the list of winners! 🙂
Psalm 100
Worship the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.
Sweet Sister— what a fun party. I just linked to you.
Big hugs for your big day.
I would say I’d stand on my chair and do a little celebration dance but then I’d probably wind up in the ER and who has time for that today.
So, I’ll just do a little dance in my heart and thank God for you!!!
How you have the time to do all that you do just baffles me. Perhaps you could pass along the cliff notes to me:)
I agree with Lysa — Thank God for you, it makes me giggle when you speak of others energy and encouragement because that is how I would describe you!
Blessings for a fun bloggy 100th post!! So thankful to call you sister and friend.
Love,
Heather
Hi friend! I join you in celebrating all that God has done since you started blogging. You have blessed us all immensely. Your wise words, your wonderful insights, and your great stories brighten our days!!
Enjoy this beautiful day and thank you for inviting us to join in your celebration!
Love,
Wendy
Sweet Friend
Tell “hubs” to give you a BIG hug from me. (He can give you one from himself, too.) Thank you for encouraging so many with Joy in the Truth. His truth is you life. It is obvious to all who know you.
You are loved and we are blessed by knowing you.
Have a great day!
Thank you so much for the encouragment that you have provided me and many others through Joy in the Truth! Blessings to you!
I’ve recently added your blog to my favorites list-I have so enjoyed reading your comments and was especially excited when I discovered you live in my neck of the woods (I’m in Lancaster County). I didn’t put it together until you mentioned Tastycakes, they are a definite weakness for me. YUMMMM.
Congratulations for posting 100. May you rejoice in your celebration and may God bless your heart for your kindness. blessings of joy today!
Celebrating with the King
Willnette
Congrats on your 100th! I’m still trying to figure out how to go about setting up a blog… meanwhile I just drop in and visit others 🙂
Any of the books will do for me – I’m out of the child-rearing stage, but I have a daughter with a 17 month old… “pass down from generation to generation…”
Blessings,
Susan
Congrats on the 100th blog post. It seems to be taking me a loooong time to get there myself. Thanks for giving some good stuff away!
Great words! I appreciate the journey comments – as I approach an unexpected turn on my walk it was the reminder I need. Thanks!
Blessings,
Jill
thanks for doing what you do. i just recently found your blog through Lysa TerKeurst’s blog. I look forward to what God has to share through your blog.
God bless,
Amy James
Sharon – blessings and praises to the KING OF KINGS for all that He continues to do in and through your life!
I was blessed meeting you in person and we hope to have more time together in the future. I know your life and ours is full – praying it will be soon!
I am touched by your love and all that you are sharing with your friends here!
Please do NOT enter me in the give-away I just want to cheer you on for another wonder 100 blog posts filled with His love and promises for us!
I agree with Heather – you have more energy than two of us – LOL!
Hugs and blessings to your very sweet and caring family!
Jill
Congrats on your 100th day!! Just popped over from Lysa’s blog. I would love to win any of the books – I’m not much of a reader, but they all sound like something I could really use!!! Thank you for committing your life to obedience – even by a blog – it makes a difference in the lives of so many. God bless!!!
Tonya
What a treat! I love this post! Happy 100th post!
I don’t have any of the books you have listed, and if I win, you can pick out the candy for me! 🙂
Have a great day!
Rebecca
tiggerdaisy@gmail.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hello, I just found your blog thru Lysa. Looks like a great inspiration site! And as for the tasty treats I’ve never had either. So I’d take either. God Bless you in your ministry!
Tammy
Congratulations on your 100th post! That is so very exciting. I found your blog through Chatty Kelly’s. You have a sweet blog home here.
God Bless!
Sonya Lee
Wow! You really are doing a BIG give away. Yay!! I have enjoyed your blog and would love to be considered for your give away- I haven’t read any of the books and those tateycakes look sinful. Have a great 100th day!!
Hi, found you from Kelly’s blog! (Nice to meet you, lol.) Those books sound really good; even if I don’t win, I’ll have to check them out, especially the one about the study of Hebrews. That sounds really fun!
Wow Sharon, since meeting you just a short year ago I’ve been blessed 100 times over through the words on your blog that clearly come from a life spent before God’s throne. Thank you for your faithfulness to our Jesus! Happy 100th!! Love, Samantha
p.s. I think the peanut chews sound tasty
Hi Sharon – congrats on your bloggy milestone! Enjoy your special day!
Congrats on your 100th post! What an awesome accomplishment! All for God! Wonderful!
I have a very long list of books I would like to read and at least three of them are on the list you giving away! I guess I test my luck! Anything witht the word tasty in it must be good!
Happy early birthday! What a fun day for a birthday!
God bless and congrats on the 100th post!
THANK YOU!!! I dont have any of those books, and I am not a mom, and you can send me a tasty cake please!!
I found your blog from Lysa TerKeurst’s site. I started reading her blog after hearing a conference in which she spoke. I look forward to reading your blog and have added it to my favorites.
If I win, the Peanut Chews sound tasty. May God bless you and your family and I hope you have a wonderful Birthday next week.
Aww great giveaway. My middle child, Ally will turn “sweet sixteen” on the 17th. So Happy Birthday to you and her !
God bless you.
I don’t have any of the books mentioned. I’m not picky on the yummy snacks.
Looks like you’ve got lots of folks celebrating with you today! Be blessed!
So glad we met through blogging, and thanks for the shout out!
Sharon, I was blessed to win your Salty Give Away so many months ago. What a blessing it was (not to mention totally addicted to the salt and peper chips).
Once again you manage to give abundantly–there is not a more vivid picture of our Father than that.
I know whoever wins this contest will be blessed beyond measure. And I pray you too would recieve back 100 fold for ALL you give away.
Love,
Elaine
What an awesome giveaway. I just found your blog through Lysa’s and I have poked my head around so glad I did. I will be reading more often. 🙂
Growing up in Ohio I have had tastykakes and they are tasty and it has been awhile since I had them.
Happy 100th post!
Cake is good.
Melanie@Bella~Mella
Happy Birthday a little early! 100 posts…goodness, not sure if I will get there!
Shannon
Happy Anniversary and congratulations on 100 posts!! Sharon, your words have lead me and so many others into a sweet place of worship and filled out hungry hearts with God’s Word. I love how He speaks through you each time and brings joy through His truth!!!
You are such an abundant giver of God-things!!! I’ll be adding a link to your blog on mine today so even more hearts can be blessed by your words and your wonderful give-aways!
Love you!
Renee
Congrats! Lysa sent me over. These are great books. I can’t indulge in the tasty treats because of an allergy. Thanks for spreading the JOY!
Congrats on the 100th post! I found your blog via Lysa’s–I love checking out new ones and will come back again to read up on your encouagement I find here! I’ve never had either of those snacks so either would be fine. I’m from Central Illinois and I don’t think we have those here? If so I’ve just never seen them. Blessings to you my bloggy friend.
Marie
The tasty cakes look mighty good 😉 I don’t have any of those books but I love Lysa’s blog! happy blog day 😉 xoxo melzie
Congratulations on your 100th blog! Your words have been inspirational. Here’s to 100 more soon:)
Just discovered your blog through Lisa TerKeurst’s this morning, and regardless of whether I win, I’ll be a regular now…Thanks for sharing!!!
dmarierainbolt@gmail.com
You are just precious!!! Thank you for mentioning my name, you sweet little friend!!! It’s your blog that brightens my day and blesses me in so many ways! Congratulations on your 100th post!!Woohoo! That’s awesome! And, your b’day is easy to remember…that’s my wedding anniversary!!
I do have the first 3 books that you are giving away–awesome books by the way! Especially since you were the sweet one who suggested them to me! I just love them!
Enjoy this day! I hope that one day, we can meet in realville instead of bloggy land!!! Let me know if you’re traveling down south..maybe to She Speaks???
Love you!
Susan
Congratulations on your journey! I just discovered your blog and look forward to seeing what God is doing through you.
Blessings-
You don’t have to enter me in your contest but I wanted to tell you how inspiring and precious your blog is!
God Bless You and Yours. 😀
Nancy J Locke
Congratulations on your 100th post! I just discovered your blog and look forward to visiting often.
Congrats go out to you! All of the books look like great reading!!! I may have to get them even if i dont win! The tastycakes are my absolute favorite – I had forgotten about them since we cant get them here in Florida! God Bless you and keep on blogging!
I’m teaching a bible study for moms of boys this summer, so andy of the mom books would be great resources I’m sure! And those snacks, I’ve never had either. I’m a midwestern girl. We don’t have those around our parts 🙂
Hi! I am checking out your blog for the first time because when I went to checkout Wendy Blight’s website for the first time it said to checkout your blog today 🙂
Your blog looks great and is so inspirational!
May God continue to bless your work!
Stephanie Nester
Congrats on the 100th post! I came your way from Renee's blog. I would take any book that will help me raise a 16, 4, & 3 year old. I've never had any of those goodies, so surprise me:)
Glad to find your blog with Lysa’s help. I have now added you to my favorites. I would love to be entered in your big giveaway. thanks, so much, Angie
I just found your sight through Lysa TerKeurst’s and am glad that I did. I will be coming back!
Thanks for the chance to win one of the books. Either of the extra goodies sound great to me. I actually looked at them online and might have to order some on my own! Yum!
Kim
What a great idea! Congratulations on your 100th post, and God bless you for sharing wisdom with other women. You’re an inspiration!
-Michelle
I forgot, about choosing the treat, maybe the Tasty cakes, but either one would be fine.
I just found your blog and your doing a giveaway! Wow. I don’t have any of those books. I hope I win.
Congratulations on your 100 posts and the way God is using you to bless others.
What a great give-away! Count me in please.
Rich blessings to you!!
Awesome job on 100 posts. I barely made it past 5. And the tastycakes look fabulous!
Blessings to you!
I love that you have chosen this song. Whenever my children and I hear it, I always say, “Our song is on,” because it is so uplifting and they love it. Blessings, Tracy
The tastycakes look great, and as the mother of a 4-year-old, twin 2-year-olds and a 2-week-old, any of the books would be an encouragement!
Tina
egl4031 @earthlink.net
What fun! I’m so glad you’ve connected with fellow bloggers and began blogging. I have really enjoyed it! Note: I don’t have kids but I am praying to win the Andrew Murray book. 🙂
Happy “Early” Birthday from Montgomery, Alabama. I’m on a mission with my boys to raise them up to be God-fearing men of God… I have some issues going on that I’d just love to have “Mining for Gold in the Heart of Your Child”, but I love reading books that inspire, teach and push me towards greater things in God, so any of these I would love to have. Tastycakes for me! 🙂
Congrats on the 100th Blog post AND Happy Birthday! I have a friend with the same St. Patrick’s Day Birthday!!
Congratulations! What an accomplishment! 100 posts woohoo!
I’m another Lysa link-up and I enjoyed your post. I actually have Lysa’s book you mention although I wouldn’t argue with a second copy – I have plenty of women with whom to share. You sent me off dreaming of Philly, though…I soooo miss it. I haven’t been back since 2000 (grew up in Marlton, NJ) and I’m dyin’ for some REAL strombolli… ah, well – someday! Blessings.
Congratulations on you 100th blog! God is sooooooo GOOD!!!
Melissa
mggb75@gmail.com
Congratulations on your 100th blog entry-thank you for your dedication! Your words and thoughts minister to so many of us. I have added you to my favorites and wish you many hundred more entries!
God bless!
Emily
Happy 100th and Happy Birthday! May God continue to bless you and your family.
Wendy Lee
Hi, This is my first comment but I have been subscribing to Devotionals for a month. Thank you for your encouragements you give to all us women, young and elder (I’m 67)…If I’m one of the winners, any book but the Baby one…my departed husband was born in Phila, Pa…and I’d like to try peanut chews. I’m near Annapolis…boat country,,also crabs. I hope to get acquainted with more blessed Christian women thru the internet and at a conference I hope to be able to attend,
God Bless
Ann Brown
Congratulations on your 100th day!!! Happy early Birthday also. Would love to read those books and peanut chews are my absolute favorite!!! Have a wonderful and blessed rest of the day!
Happy Birthday and congratulations on your 100th day!!! Peanut Chews are my absolute favorite-and those books would be awesome too!
Hi Sharon!
Congratulations on your 100th post! Truly amazing!
I am so encouraged by you and all the P31 ladies! I am a new mom to be and do truly appreciate all the advice and encouragement all of you so freely give!
Thank you!
Melissa M.
This is my first visit! Happy Birthday and Happy Blogging. I haven’t read any of those books and the Peanut Chews sound scrumptious. A pleasure to meet you!
Wow – God is SO good to me! I just "found" your site; or rather God sent it to me by Divine Appointment. I am encouraged by your praise to Him. I have been pursuing the Lord and hungering after His Word – I am in a "season of seeking" and I have been extremely blessed by Him during this journey! I am experiencing God in whole new, joyful ways! I can't thank Him or praise Him enough. I am glad for you, and that you have created this way for us all to share our stories of His presence in our lives. I have a teenaged son who is in a rebellious mode, and I have previously been raising him from a worldly perspective as I am a relatively new "Believer" but I now am aware that I need to change that. I struggle daily with my flesh which wants to MAKE him obedient, and my spirit which knows that ONLY God can turn him around. I want to "lead" him, without breaking his strong, God-gifted spirit, which I believe will be used greatly for God's glory, in God's time – when He calls him to be the Godly man he was ordained to be – there is a "calling" on his life and likely his strong spirit is necessary to deal with the particular trials he will face in his yet-discovered ministry. Please pray for me to remain obedient&submitted to God changing me, and showing me how to parent him according to God's will not my own. And pray for my son RJ that his eyes of understanding will be opened, and he will no longer view me as the enemy or see obedience as distasteful, but rather as the "peacekeeper" it truly is. May God continue to richly bless you and your family and your ministry work. Barbara-Ann D'Aguilar 2578 Alexix Rd., Windsor, Ontario Canada N8W 3Z7
Congratulations on your 100th blog post. May God give you inspiration for many, many, more!
Celebrating with you Sharon.
I don’t know if Canadian’s can enter your contest…but…just in case :o)
I have most of the books you’ve mentioned in your give-away, but I would LOVE Wendy Blights book “Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner”. Getting food across the border could also be tricky, so IF I was to win, give my Philadelphia treats to someone else :o)
Happy blog-aversary!
Blessings,
Joy
Hi Sharon, congratulations on your 100th post.
I came over from reading Lysa’s post and have been truly blessed by your words.
I love reading and would be thrilled to to enter in your giveaway.
I am also a great fan on peanut chews 🙂
Blessings,
Vickie
Congrats on your 100th post (and your coming birthday!)
And as a nearly life-long west coaster, I’ve never seen a Tasty-Cake in real life. It would be a treat to try them.
aaaaahhhhh! I initially posted this in the wrong place!!! (new to blog posting) please forgive the repeat…What a wonderful and encouraging blog! It is so nice to have encouragement from Christian moms even when they’re miles away. I was directed to your blog by Renee Swopes’ blog. My friend Pepper directed me to Renee’s blog because of the Mining for Gold in a child’s heart CD (which I do not have yet. I find great comfort in all the encouragement! I have a really easy little boy, and maybe because he’s so easy to get along with I tend to let the digging deeper (for ALL his gifts) fall to the wayside. Thank you for taking time out of your busy MOM life to encourage all of us!
Fondly,
Suz
What a great giveaway! Congrats on your 100th post! I found your blog through Lysa’s. I think I’ll do a little looking around. It looks awesome!
Jessica
Hi and Happy 100th. I am stopping by because I read about your “blogaversary” through Susan’s blog.
I grew up in NJ so I have had Tastykakes. Yum! So I think I would like to try the Peanut Chews.
Thank you for the encouragement through God’s Word. Blessings.
Carol
carol_busse(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi Sharon,
Happy 100th blogday!
Thank you so much for the time spent preparing and sharing through your blog. You are a great encouragment!
God Bless you and yours.
Any book or treat will do.
Hi Sharon…..
Congratulations!Glad God has brought you thus far in your journey with Him.
I am Sheena from Malaysia.If you remember clearly, you posted on my blog on having friends from Malaysia too.
Well, I am gonna be honest.. I would really really really really love to have the book from Wendy Blight.Been thinking of saving money for that as it in usd and here we use ringgit.Getting it as a gift would be a blessing but as the Lord leads ya.
I enjoy your blog.Continue to be a blessing wherever and whatever you do.
Hi Sharon,
I am visiting from Renee Swope’s blog – congratulations on your 100th post!
What a fun give-away! I don’t have any of these books, and would love to try Tasty Cakes! They sound so “tasty”! 🙂
Congratulations on your 100th post and approaching birthday! What great giveaways. I have not read any of the books you have listed and would be honored to win any and as far as the treats…we would love either. I have two sons one is almost six and one newly four. Thank you for being a blessing!
Caroline
thegrossmans at carolina.rr.com
Happy 100th post! Happy almost Birthday!
Thanks for doing this giveaway. All of the books sound fantastic! 🙂
Blessings to you and your hubs!
Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday early! I don’t have any of those books.
Congratulations on the 100th blog! We share St.Patty’s Day birthdays- so Happy Birthday!
Happy early birthday and happy 100th post! I pray that if I win, God would lead you to select a book to help me be a better mommy and teach my children to walk with our Lord. Thanks to you and your husband for such generosity. I am adding you to my google reader now. As for a Philly treat, I’ve never had either and am intrigued…
I'm a regular subscriber to Lysa's blog. Glad she posted the link to your blog OR I may have never found you! Thanks for sharing your devotional insights & stages of your journey! I love that.
Please send me your favorite – either the tastycakes or peanut chews. (that is, if i win the giveaway). Hopin' I do 'cause I love me some books. When I finish them I'll donate them to our church library. Blessing!
Lou Ann
Congrats on the 100th post!!! I came across your blog through Renee Swope’s blog, I believe. I’ll be visiting often now.