{ The Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving by Wendy Speake - TLC Book Tour }

 

About A Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving: 30 Days of Rejoicing in God’s Goodness

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication date: September 1, 2026

When life is bright and blessings abound, are you quick to feel grateful and lift a song of thanks to God? What about the seasons when heartache and hopelessness overwhelm, and deep soul-sadness threatens? When life feels awful, do you find it awfully hard to persevere in praise and rejoice in God’s goodness? Discover strength and renewal in times when praise feels more like a sacrifice than a natural overflow of the heart.

God’s Word is clear: we are to bless Him at all times! But it can be difficult when we don’t feel blessed—or are simply distracted by all of our blessings. A Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving will help readers:

• Come honestly to the Lord regardless of life’s circumstances.
• Witness the power of praise to break through spiritual barriers.
• Rejoice in trials, knowing that they produce endurance, character, and hope.
• Maintain a steadfast heart of worship when life feels unsteady.
• Thank God for His character, even when we don’t understand His ways.

In the first half of this uplifting 30-day devotional, you will explore the profound gift that praising and thanking God is to you! Then, as you progress, you will shift your focus from those personal benefits to the One who is simply worthy of your worship.

Wendy Speake, bestselling author of The 40-Day Sugar Fast and The 40-Day Social Media Fast, invites you to consider “fasting from asking” along this journey. Yes, that’s right: For 30 days you’ll turn your petitions into praise as you lift your eyes from yourself and your circumstances to the praiseworthy and thankworthy One! This 30-day “ask fast” will teach you to give God your praise and thanks at all times, every day, even when it feels like a sacrificial offering.

About the Author

Whether on the stage or on the page, Wendy Speake ministers to women’s hearts through storytelling and biblical life application. With a background in Hollywood as a trained actress, she couples the power of God’s Word with personal testimony. Known for the uncanny way she meets women in their most common struggles, from sugar-addiction and mommy-anger to deep soul-sadness, Wendy uses every opportunity to point readers to the transforming power of God’s Word and the faithful nearness of His Holy Spirit.

Wendy is the author of multiple books, including The 40-Day Sugar Fast, The 40-Day Social Media Fast, and The 40-Day Feast. She’s also coauthor of the popular parenting books Triggers, Parenting Scripts, and Life Creative.

Though originally a California girl, Wendy now lives in the great state of Texas. When she isn’t ministering to others, Wendy enjoys gardening, taking walks in her neighborhood, and fixing meals for family and friends.

My Thoughts:

 

I have really enjoyed reading through this devotional daily.  I can't give a full review because I'm not yet completely done with it, but I have been following each daily prompt.

 

The premise of the devotional is one that I never thought of before.  Appearing before God with just Thanksgiving and not asking for anything.  He knows our heart and knows what we need, and sometimes it's ok to not ask for anything but merely praise Him and thank Him.

 

Really love this idea! 

 

 

Thank you to TLC Book tours and Thomas Nelson for providing me with a review copy. 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 09/21/2026 }

Good morning my dear friends and a very happy Fall to you 🩷

 

We did it, we made it to the very first day of Fall and I could not be happier, well, I could if we had cooler temperatures and falling leaves already, but we can't have it all at the same time right?  We have to learn to count our blessings,.  

 

I have had a busy month, there have has been so much going on, from my brother's surgery, to my stepmom being here and showing her around.  I am tired, physically, emotionally and I am ready for the BER months slowness to kick in.   She leaves next week Tuesday, so I still have a full week of hosting, and though I may be at the point where I feel I'm dragging my feet around, I know we will get through this.

 

I apologize for the lack of posts, but hopefully once she leaves and I can get back into our normal routine, we can get right into the coziness of the year and crank out a few more posts weekly.

 

Right, for now, let's get on with our day, let's start our week.  Have a blessed week friends and thank you for sticking by me through the craziness that is my life.  

 

God bless,

Sandra

xoxoxo 

♥♥ The Weather ♥♥
I don't like weather apps, they often lie and get your hopes up for something that doesn't happen.  Looking at it yesterday, we had a full week of 80 degrees and rain daily.  I was beyond thrilled, then by late last night, that all disappeared.  I'm hoping it was a fluke and when I check the weather this morning, I'll be back to the beautiful Fall weather, let's take a look.      

 

Monday - Mostly Sunny, 94
Tuesday - Partly cloudy, 91
Wednesday - Partly cloudy, 92
Thursday - Partly cloudy, 93
Friday - Mostly cloudy, 93
Saturday - Partly cloudy, 94
Sunday - Partly cloudy, 94


♥♥ As I look outside my window ♥♥
It is still very dark outside, but we just fed the stray cats and as usual, there are some skunks and raccoons that come up to eat as well.  It always amazes me watching all of these animals, all eating, all happily sitting together.    

 

 
♥♥ Right now I am ♥♥
Drinking my coffee, watching (rather listening) to a YouTube video and typing up this post.      

 

♥♥ Thinking and pondering ♥♥
Nothing in particular, just trying to figure out what to do this weekend for the family.  We are having everyone over again to say goodbye to Nela.  I am not sure what to make, I don't want to sit in the kitchen all day preparing so if you have an idea, please let me know.  

 

♥♥ How am I feeling ♥♥
Tired, overwhelmed and needing my space back.  I don't know if any of you feel that way when you have family visiting for a month.  I love having them here, but when I get to about 3 weeks in, I start getting antsy, I start needing my routine back, the eating, the sleeping, the normalness of life.  Does that make sense? 

 

 
♥♥ On the breakfast plate ♥♥
For now just a cup of coffee with Pumpkin Pie Spice.  I am not sure what I'll do for breakfast, I am not hungry.  

 

♥♥ On the lunch plate ♥♥
Salad.  As always when family visits, we tend to over eat, and I have especially been eating all the carbs and sweets that I am not used to anymore.  I hate how it makes me feel after the fact.  Can not wait to get back to healthy eating.  But for today, I will have a salad to flush out all the nasty stuff I ingested yesterday.  

 

♥♥ On the dinner plate ♥♥
Chicken Curry and Rice, Homemade Garlic Naan .      


♥♥ What I'm wearing ♥♥
Summer nightgown.  Not sure what I'll put on later.     

 

♥♥ On my reading pile ♥♥
Still in 1 Samuel in the Bible.   I have been neglecting my reading, and that's one of the things that I am needing back in my life.

 

Still reading A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham.  

 

I can't wait to get back to my reading, and I also have those bible studies I purchased from Daily Grace, that I really want to start next week.

 

♥♥ On my TV this week ♥♥
Just Portuguese TV with my stepmom.  I'm over it as well.  Hahahah

 

My word I am just over it all aren't I?  I'm such a creature of habit that when I get pulled from my normal routine, I start freaking out.  

  

♥♥ On the menu ♥♥

Will start working on the new meal plan today.

 

Monday - Chicken Curry and Rice, Homemade Garlic Naan  

Tuesday -  
Wednesday - Spaghetti Bolognese, Salad
Thursday - 

Friday - 
Saturday - 
Sunday - 

♥♥ Looking around the house ♥♥
It is very dark and quiet at the moment.  It is just 5:30 am and everyone is asleep, except for me and Elliott.     

♥♥ To Do List for the week ♥♥
- Grocery shopping

- Last minute gift shopping to send back home

- Figure out what I'm doing for Saturday 

♥♥ What I am creating ♥♥

I am itching to get back to my crochet blanket.  I can't wait.    

♥♥ Something fun to share ♥♥
If you ever find yourself bored and what something fun to do, or a cool website to explore, check out Bored.  They have so many fun websites all categorized.  You will definitely find something fun to look at.  

BORED

 

♥♥ From the camera ♥♥

I have not been taking photos with my camera.  You know I love my phone and it takes amazing photos but it takes away the magic of an actual camera.  I miss that for sure.  

 
 

♥♥ Prayers, Devotional ♥♥ 

Continuing to pray for my brother Paul.  He was sent home last week Friday, and is recovering well.    

 

{ The Heart of the Maker by Jake Weidman - TLC Book Tour }

 About The Heart of the Maker: How to Put Your Passion to Work

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication date: September 1, 2026

Unlock the transformation of your passion with the keys of purpose-driven work in The Heart of the Maker. Whether you’re an artist or entrepreneur, writer, weekend warrior or looking for a way to activate your calling, this book serves as a blueprint for turning creativity into meaningful action.

With hard-won lessons and a deep connection to the spiritual roots of creativity, this maker’s guide equips you with the tools to face uncertainty and emerge confidently into your creative calling.

Jake Weidmann, renowned self-taught artist and the youngest Master Penman in the world, wants to show you how to:

• balance the sacred and the sellable in the business of soulful creation;
• embrace your gift in less-than-ideal times and spaces for your making;
• grow your skill while balancing the books, working with your spouse, dealing with stress, and fighting burnout;
• discover the importance of faith, family, and relationships as the foundation for great art and a meaningful life;
• grow closer to God by connecting with the spiritual roots of creativity;
• see your challenges as a way to stretch your ingenuity; and
• overcome self-doubt by trusting in God’s plan and stepping boldly into your unique creative purpose.

But this is more than a guide—it’s a call to action for anyone ready to leave behind the ordinary and make a lasting impact in their work and their life. With The Heart of the Maker, readers will learn how to view their creativity not just as a skill but as a gift, meant to be cultivated and shared to glorify God and bless others.

About the Author

Jake Weidmann – Jake is a professional artist and certified as one of nine Master Penmen in the world. Jake was certified through IAMPETH (International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers, and Teachers of Handwriting) in July 2011. He holds the title as the youngest Master Penman by three decades and the youngest to ever attain the title. His journey into calligraphy has been the “special sauce” for everything he now creates, incorporating the traditional calligraphic flourishing into his fine art. Jake is self-taught in each of his disciplines (calligraphy, painting, drawing, woodworking, and engraving). While he typically works with private clients, Jake has worked with Apple, Inc., Crossway Books, and Biola University, and has spoken from countless stages including TEDx and Q, and was featured on the PBS series, A Craftsman’s Legacy.

 

My Thoughts:

If you've ever wondered what your purpose is in life, and why God gave you a specific talent, this book touches on that and attempts to put into words, what to do with your gifts, and how to use them to glorify God.

 

I won't say I particularly enjoyed the book, and to be honest, it's not because there is something wrong with book itself, it is my own issue with certain books or how they are written.

 

I am not one to enjoy self help books or how to's, it's just never been a genre I particularly enjoy or grab to read.

 

But putting that aside, it was a very well written book, littered with faith very well organized.  I will probably come back to it in the future some time, because I would love to hone into my God given talents and learn to use them for His glory.

 

 

Thank you to TLC Book Tours and Thomas Nelson for providing me with a review copy.  

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 09/14/2026 }

Good morning my friends, welcome back to my blog :) .

 

First I would like to start by thanking you for all the prayers for my brother Paul, and give you a quick update as well.  As a family we are absolutely stunned at his recovery so far, the doctors are stunned and so happy too.  But as Christians and a God loving and fearing family, we are overjoyed and thrilled to see God moving in the way that He has.

 

Paul had open heart surgery and triple bypass, last week Thursday.  Today is he is sitting on a chair, walking on his own, drinking and eating on his own, his drains have been removed, all the tubes and lines have been removed, and he is off the morphine drip.  It is an incredible recovery after such a serious operation.  Praise God and thank you all so much for the prayers, we have felt them 💓

 

Now, let's get on with our post for today.  

 

God bless,

Sandra

xoxoxo 

♥♥ The Weather ♥♥
Still ridiculously hot, we are still having temperatures of 107 and 108 in the middle of September.    

 

Monday - Mostly Sunny, 103
Tuesday - Sunny, 103
Wednesday - Mostly Sunny, 102
Thursday - Mostly Sunny, 100
Friday - Mostly Sunny, 99
Saturday - Partly cloudy, 98
Sunday - Partly cloudy, 96


♥♥ As I look outside my window ♥♥
I am sitting in my den/dining room, on the couch near the big window.  Outside I have 4 stray cats currently eating their breakfast, and a raccoon as well running around.  It's so strange how they all sit together and eat together like they're the best of friends.  

 

 
♥♥ Right now I am ♥♥
Just fed the stray cats and got my coffee, I'm working on this post and watching a YouTube video.      

 

♥♥ Thinking and pondering ♥♥
God's amazing grace, kindness and love, and how He has lifted my brother and the entire family through this horrible journey.  It's been so hard.  

 

♥♥ How am I feeling ♥♥
I am feeling blessed and so happy at the moment.  I actually got to speak to my brother today, he got his phone back and being able to speak directly to him, not through someone else was such a huge relief.  

 

♥♥ On the breakfast plate ♥♥
I'm having a cup of coffee, haven't had any breakfast yet as it's not even 6am.  I'm not sure what I'll have this morning, because I'm not particularly hungry or craving anything.  

 

♥♥ On the lunch plate ♥♥
No clue, might just do Greek Honey Vanilla Yogurt with a little granola and frozen blueberries.   However, my sweet daughter Jasmine came over Saturday for dinner, and decided to cook us all a roast which turned out phenomenal.  We have leftover roast and garlic mashed potatoes in the fridge that need to be used up, so may have that. 

 

♥♥ On the dinner plate ♥♥
Roast chicken, marry me butter beans, garlic spaghetti and a salad.      


♥♥ What I'm wearing ♥♥
Summer pajamas, pants and top, grey with tiny pink flowers and a lace edging.  Will change into a dress later.   

 

♥♥ On my reading pile ♥♥
Still in 1 Samuel in the Bible. 

 

Still reading A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham.  Haven't done much reading this month yet with everything going on.  I have been reading two devotionals for review though. 

♥♥ On my TV this week ♥♥
Been watching some Portuguese soaps with my stepmom but other than that, I am so behind on my YouTube videos.  

♥♥ On the menu ♥♥

 

Monday - Roast chicken, marry me butter beans, garlic spaghetti and a salad  

Tuesday - Beef Stew, Sauteed Kabocha Squash 
Wednesday - Chicken Curry and Rice, Homemade Garlic Naan
Thursday - Beef Enchiladas, Leftover Rice, Beans

Friday - Lasagna, Garlic Bread, Salad
Saturday - Spending the day in Oklahoma
Sunday - Leftovers, Sandwiches

♥♥ Looking around the house ♥♥
It is very quiet right now, everyone is still asleep.  I love being up early before everyone else, it gives me a chance to pray in silence, to do what I want to do, or try to catch up on some videos etc.    

♥♥ To Do List for the week ♥♥
- Usual homemaking chores 

♥♥ What I am creating ♥♥

This one won't be changing for a while, specially through the month of September while my stepmom is visiting.  

♥♥ Something fun to share ♥♥
I recently found Literature Map which is a website that allows you to put in your favorite book author and it creates a cloud of authors that are similar in style.  It's a great way to find new book authors to read.   

 

Literature Map   

 

♥♥ From the camera ♥♥

My amazing brother Paul.  Please continue to keep him in your prayers ♥ 

 

 

♥♥ Prayers, Devotional ♥♥ 

For my brother and his continued recovery.  

 

There are so many on my prayer list, I can't even list everyone and everything that I'm praying for.   If you yourself need prayers, please leave them down below and I'll be sure to add you to my Prayer List.   

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 09/07/2026 }

Good morning everyone, 

 

I am not going to take much time today, my brain is just not right at the moment.  Last week my stepmom arrived, and the very next day, my older brother asked to do a video call with me, our other brother and my stepmom.   He informed us that he had a mild heart attack and that after he was rushed to the hospital and they did an angiogram, he is going for a triple bypass on Thursday.  Unfortunately, with the emotion of having to tell us what was happening and the fear of it all, he passed out on camera.  We got the fright of our lives.  

 

Anyway, it's been extremely difficult to deal with this with us being here in the States and him being in South Africa in ICU.  I am all over the place, I am stressed and sad and scared and all the feelings.  Please pray for my brother's surgery and for all of us who are just basically on automatic, not knowing what to do or how to get through this.

 

Ok, let's get this post up, I've been sitting here for two hours staring at the screen and not being able to form a cohesive thought.  

 

I hope you are all doing well and having a wonderful Labor Day weekend.  

 

God bless,

Sandra

xoxoxo 

♥♥ The Weather ♥♥
Still hot but starting to cool down, thankfully.  

 

Monday - Mostly Sunny, 104
Tuesday - Mostly Sunny, 104
Wednesday - Mostly Sunny, 104
Thursday - Partly cloudy, 99
Friday - Mostly Sunny, 103
Saturday - Partly cloudy, 103
Sunday - Mostly Sunny, 101


♥♥ As I look outside my window ♥♥
It is sunny outside, and at this moment I am sitting at the living room couch and from my window I can see deer in my front yard, just walking around.  

 

 
♥♥ Right now I am ♥♥
Sitting on the couch, chatting with my brother while he's in hospital, and trying to get this post up.    

 

♥♥ Thinking and pondering ♥♥
My brother's surgery on Thursday.  It is the only thing on my mind, and his well being until then.   

 

♥♥ How am I feeling ♥♥
I'm not well, and to be perfectly honest, I am struggling, a lot.  I feel like I am out of sorts, I don't know how to explain it.  Maybe one of you will understand, but physically I am ok, and spiritually I am ok, I feel peace and am not outwardly stressed, but I can tell that I am stressed and emotional and my family can tell that I am not well.  I can't seem to focus, I can't think straight, I say stupid things and do stupid things, and lose focus and it's really hard right now.  

 

♥♥ On the breakfast plate ♥♥
I've just had two cups of coffee, some eggs and a piece of toast.  

 

♥♥ On the lunch plate ♥♥
Not sure, I haven't been very hungry. 

 

♥♥ On the dinner plate ♥♥
We had a barbecue with the family yesterday and have a lot of leftovers so will be eating that.   


♥♥ What I'm wearing ♥♥
Almost 9am and I am still in my nightgown.  I do need to go change soon and will definitely be putting on a very comfy dress.  

 

♥♥ On my reading pile ♥♥
Finishing off 1 Samuel in the Bible. 

 

A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham. 

 

 

A Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving: 30 Days of rejoicing in God's goodness by Wendy Speake,   

 

♥♥ On my TV this week ♥♥
Haven't watched anything in days, not sure if I will today either, just don't feel like it. 

♥♥ On the menu ♥♥

 

Monday - Leftover barbecue  

Tuesday - Chicken Strogonoff, Mashed Potatoes, Roast Vegetables 
Wednesday - Pork Cebolada, Rice, Salad
Thursday - Beef Enchiladas, Leftover Rice, Beans, Sauteed Greens

Friday - Leftover Night or homemade pizzaDinosaur Museum so will eat out
Saturday - Lasagna, Garlic Bread, Salad
Sunday - 

♥♥ Looking around the house ♥♥
I have to give it a good clean today, and we're staying home today to rest, so it will be good to have a full day of calm homemaking.  I need it.   

♥♥ To Do List for the week ♥♥
- Grocery shopping on Wednesday 

- Carpet clean, vacuum, dust

- Normal daily cleaning, kitchen, bathroom, living spaces

♥♥ What I am creating ♥♥

Still working on the Universe in Bloom Blanket, I may need to grab it this week to keep calm during my brother's open heart surgery.   

♥♥ Something fun to share ♥♥
I honestly have nothing to share today, I apologize.    

 

♥♥ From the camera ♥♥

Didn't take any new photos, so apologies as well.  

 

♥♥ Prayers, Devotional ♥♥ 

My prayers are for many, but right now I am in full focus mode with my brother Paul.

 

If you remember me mentioning my brother was here in December of last year, with my sister in law and niece.  

 

On Thursday, he will be having open heart surgery for a triple bypass.  Please keep him in your prayers, and also the rest of the family.  This is so difficult to go through and deal with.  We are all struggling, all just here not really living but on automatic.  I know that God has this, I know that God will see us all through, I know that God will be present during the surgery and that it will go well.  But the flesh tends to take over the spirit and push in that fear and worry.  I refuse to let it in, but it's a daily, minute to minute, hour to hour battle, and that is what I need prayer for.