tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54947522023672308122024-02-18T18:12:06.984-08:00a heart surrenderedAmyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700571387595220885noreply@blogger.comBlogger247125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494752202367230812.post-22648890169386248992015-08-13T13:12:00.002-07:002015-08-13T13:12:18.034-07:00we've moved!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A Heart Surrendered has moved! Check out the latest post <a href="http://aheartsurrendered.com/2015/08/13/when-your-heart-is-sore-broken-chariot-wheels/">HERE</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>"<span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">You long for the day that</span><span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">life stops hurting</strong><span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">. When it’s no longer</span><span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">laborious to breathe</strong><span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">. When</span><span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">making it through the day</strong><span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">isn’t a great accomplishment. When you can</span><span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">finally ‘get it together.’</strong></i></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<i>It’s fleeting and we <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">fight its despair every moment</strong>…but why does it seem that when it looms, it looms <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">overwhelming</strong>?" <a href="http://aheartsurrendered.com/2015/08/13/when-your-heart-is-sore-broken-chariot-wheels/">Read more</a>.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://aheartsurrendered.com/2015/08/13/when-your-heart-is-sore-broken-chariot-wheels/"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkr3flFrNvTdNNxvuO9MWelgqyV2J63cuUTyXFP6jfRabMMlGKBc1oCycPAmlRMatDG0-NjpaGljtQUaLyTBXbNZqno7HbqBdKIr6ZkYNOl43MhSfmTX9SIoXLR-gAnOUyy7XtqdZ4BJU/s640/IMG_4957.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D5494752202367230812%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dheader&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Dvqr8vQmUoo%2FVcz5qz3jPcI%2FAAAAAAAAEfc%2FN3QFNHVYAtk%2Fs640%2FIMG_4957.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=JjZYKHhosxGH&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 212px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D5494752202367230812%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dheader&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Dvqr8vQmUoo%2FVcz5qz3jPcI%2FAAAAAAAAEfc%2FN3QFNHVYAtk%2Fs640%2FIMG_4957.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=JjZYKHhosxGH&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 212px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>AmyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700571387595220885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494752202367230812.post-15051316724346946672015-07-18T09:11:00.003-07:002015-07-18T09:11:58.157-07:00to capture her heart {book review}<a href="http://amzn.to/1VerO0g" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdS_7aZ-M96wAbFar-78Chjevflhc86Jnm3UZgtAsMASnx0zMvTOwgrJ9DgOe4Khw2FDSQCeDqv4Wy46KmoFu6Atusf89rtdU7IrLit8hx5K01UFWfSC6rCdMGZBsVQ7vUfUAkIAgwXk/s1600/51cUdtr3rdL._SY344_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">//title: <a href="http://amzn.to/1VerO0g">to capture her heart</a>//</span></b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></b></i></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">//<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRebeccaDeMarino?fref=ts">facebook</a>//</span></span></b></i></span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></b></i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">//author: <a href="http://www.rebeccademarino.com/">rebecca demarino</a>//</span></b></i></span></span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></b></i></span><i><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">//series: book 2, southold chronicles//</span></span></b></i><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></b></i></span><i><b><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">//genre: <a href="http://aheartsurrenderedblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Christian%20Fiction" style="color: #61e5e5; text-decoration: none;">christian fiction</a>//</span></span></b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></b></i></span>
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">It is 1653 and Heather Flower, a princess of the Montauk tribe, is enjoying her wedding feast when her groom is killed and she is kidnapped by a rival tribe and held for ransom. Though her ransom is paid by an Englishman, she is nonetheless left to die in a Connecticut forest--until she finds herself rescued by handsome Dutch Lieutenant Dirk Van Buren. Torn between her affection for Dirk and her long friendship with family friend Benjamin Horton, Heather Flower must make a difficult choice--stay true to her friend or follow her heart.</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Exploring a unique slice of history, Rebecca DeMarino transports readers to the wild land that would eventually become Long Island, New York. Her attention to detail and her captivating storytelling bring the New World to vivid life.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">I will begin by saying that this book was not my cup of tea. I enjoy historical fiction, but the era isn't one I tend to enjoy. That being said, I may be a little biased on my opinion.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">The deep point of view from which the story was written was excellently done. I really appreciated how even nicknames were changed according to each characters' point of view! Flawlessly done.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">I had a difficult time getting into the story; I was having a hard time finding the plot line. I understand now the underlying plot of Heather Flower's hurting heart finding healing, but it was so difficult to pinpoint the plot that I almost didn't even finish the book. In fact, I probably wouldn't have if not for the sake of this review. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">I had a hard time connecting with the characters because there were so many points of view. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">However, I will grant that the characters were real and relatable. But I kept waiting for the story to get deeper than the love triangle...</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Another thing that bugged me was that some of the dialogue seemed just awkward. At one point, one of the men after Heather Flower's heart says, "I can't let her marry the wrong man." Implying that he, himself, is the right man. And a few of the things that the other characters say that if said in real life would just seem a bit strange...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Also, the couple gets engaged before Heather Flower becomes a Christian...I just thought that was kind of interesting.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">The author did a great job with the way that she wove together the story with the history of the time period. All of the historical and cultural practices that were portrayed were very interesting; rich with education!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">But all in all, this book wasn't for me. I'm sure that someone in love with this era would find it very interesting, but I had a hard time getting into it.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><i>Thanks to Baker Publishing Group for providing me a copy of this book for my honest review.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span></span>AmyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700571387595220885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494752202367230812.post-17216768176943534132015-07-08T03:30:00.000-07:002015-07-18T12:59:32.669-07:00gone without a trace {book review}<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><span style="color: #333333;">//title: </span><a href="http://amzn.to/1H5hbTW">gone without a trace</a><span style="color: #333333;">//</span></span></b></i></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="color: #333333;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1Rhe05u" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2lIEzVv9Trd-3R8FnVziaT0Uro9ndcNSi_-nSbGsw8mMc4A1PvTQ1fZQopPuMo8mKxLrpKdaUhY7CMe-PBNWaAr3icmvgD0TpGJE3hwcamRzdir8Z-sXMDZfT4WkUU6xzOOEYbAl-1U/s320/9780800722821.jpg" width="207" /></a></span></b></i></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></b></i></span><i><b><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">//<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Patricia-Bradley-Author/310231559090148">facebook</a>//</span></span></b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></b></i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">//author: <a href="http://ptbradley.com/">patricia bradley</a>//</span></b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></b></i></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">//series: book 3, logan point//</span></b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></b></i></span><i><b><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">//genre: <a href="http://aheartsurrenderedblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Christian%20Fiction" style="color: #61e5e5; text-decoration: none;">christian fiction</a>//</span></span></b></i></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">It's been more than two years since homicide detective Livy Reynolds's cousin disappeared from Logan Point. Unlike most people in her hometown, Livy has never believed that Robyn left voluntarily. When Dallas private investigator Alex Jennings contacts Livy concerning a missing senator's daughter who was last seen in Logan Point, she notices eerie similarities between the two disappearances. But with self-doubt plaguing her and an almost instant dislike of Jennings, Livy is finding this investigation an uphill battle. With her future in law enforcement on the line, can she find a way to work with a man who is her polar opposite?</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Award-winning author Patricia Bradley keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they anticipate the outcome of the case--and the relationship between Livy and Alex--which is anything but certain.</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Fast paced, three-dimensional characters, an interesting concept--not to mention another mystery crime novel, I really enjoyed reading <i>Gone Without a Trace</i>. I was drawn in by the concepts of Livy's troubled season and Alex's familial conflicts--both of which made them great relatable characters and smooth subplots!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">I was, however, disappointed in the prose. I found the writing to be more elementary and 'telling' instead of 'showing'. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">There were a few points in the beginning that it seemed like the story dragged. I actually took a while to get through it because I wasn't hooked for the first half. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">I was also a little disappointed in the solution to the mystery. Sure, it made some sense, but there was quite a bit that still felt a little fuzzy and a tad bit unbelievable.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Once I got to about halfway through the book that I was hooked and </span><i style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">had to know</i><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> how it ended! I finished it very quickly and really did enjoy it. The romance was sweet and clean, the relationships and characters relatable, the suspense and point of view well done. All in all, despite the less than poetic prose, I found <i>Gone Without a Trace</i> to be a great enjoyable, clean, easy read for any mystery lover!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><i>Thanks so much to Revell Reads for proving my a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.</i></span></span></span>AmyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700571387595220885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494752202367230812.post-83008612188084263922015-06-22T12:20:00.003-07:002015-06-22T12:24:07.320-07:00the pharaoh's daughter {book review}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgq7bTCluuZ1fXaF-2x2otRMBCgm1Ym6ETqwqPZ_A5kVb1Ai33_A0cDgJOEtNr9ecIqtUoZ6RXE1sInTeaMaoyv4bMmkNmmi76t4SW5VpB_2af-xF6yTaacis8xnKoPrJaJkdh2XgQMzk/s1600/9781601425997-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgq7bTCluuZ1fXaF-2x2otRMBCgm1Ym6ETqwqPZ_A5kVb1Ai33_A0cDgJOEtNr9ecIqtUoZ6RXE1sInTeaMaoyv4bMmkNmmi76t4SW5VpB_2af-xF6yTaacis8xnKoPrJaJkdh2XgQMzk/s320/9781601425997-2.jpeg" width="213" /><i><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> </span></b></i></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">//title: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MesuAndrews?fref=ts">the pharaoh's daughter</a>//</span></b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></b></i></span><i><b><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">//<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MesuAndrews?fref=ts">facebook</a>//</span></span></b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></b></i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">//author: mesu andrews//</span></b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></b></i></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">//series: book 1, treasures of the nile//</span></b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></b></i></span><i><b><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">//genre: <a href="http://aheartsurrenderedblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Christian%20Fiction">christian fiction</a>//</span></span></b></i></span><br />
<i><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">“You will be called Anippe, daughter of the Nile. Do you like it?” Without waiting for a reply, she pulls me into her squishy, round tummy for a hug. </span><br style="color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">I’m trying not to cry. Pharaoh’s daughters don’t cry.</span><br style="color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">When we make our way down the tiled hall, I try to stop at ummi Kiya’s chamber. I know her spirit has flown yet I long for one more moment. Amenia pushes me past so I keep walking and don’t look back. </span><br style="color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span></b></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><b>Like the waters of the Nile, I will flow.</b></span><br style="color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> </span><br style="color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Anippe has grown up in the shadows of Egypt’s good god Pharaoh, aware that Anubis, god of the afterlife, may take her or her siblings at any moment. She watched him snatch her mother and infant brother during childbirth, a moment which awakens in her a terrible dread of ever bearing a child. Now she is to be become the bride of Sebak, a kind but quick-tempered Captain of Pharaoh Tut’s army. In order to provide Sebak the heir he deserves and yet protect herself from the underworld gods, Anippe must launch a series of deceptions, even involving the Hebrew midwives—women ordered by Tut to drown the sons of their own people in the Nile. </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br style="color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> When she finds a baby floating in a basket on the great river, Anippe believes Egypt’s gods have answered her pleas, entrenching her more deeply in deception and placing her and her son Mehy, whom handmaiden Miriam calls Moses, in mortal danger.</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br style="color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> As bloodshed and savage politics shift the balance of power in Egypt, the gods reveal their fickle natures and Anippe wonders if her son, a boy of Hebrew blood, could one day become king. Or does the god of her Hebrew servants, the one they call El Shaddai, have a different plan—for them all?</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></i>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I <i>adore</i> biblical fiction, so when I saw the synopsis for <i><a href="http://A man can never fill the longing for my one true God">The Pharaoh's Daughter</a></i>, I HAD to read it!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">When I began reading, I was immediately drawn into the history, politics, and drama of Ancient Egypt. I was captivated by the religious culture and the ramifications on its people--particularly its royal daughters. The author spun the tale of a frightened little girl as she grows up, becoming the wife of a powerful soldier, fiercely dedicated to the gods of her people; living a life of secrecy as she covers up her fear of childbirth with the discovery of the baby Hebrew, once destined for destruction...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">I was fascinated at how well the pieces of history were all tied together and founded with the solid truth of God's word. I loved the pages at the end in which the author explains how she 'found' Pharaoh's daughter in the pages of history, and how she used the various historical figures to explain and tell the true story of Moses...a fictional rendering, yes, but so well researched that I would not be surprised if it was closer to the truth than we might think!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">The prose of the story was beautiful and </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">fluid, the characters were real and relatable, the plot moved at the perfect pace, lingering enough to fall in love with the characters, but swift enough to span the 20 some years that make up the story. I loved the two most dominant lessons of trusting the Lord and overcoming fear! I found Miriam's love and satisfaction in her Lord especially inspiring. Such a beautiful picture of the Hebrews in ancient Egypt--content in their God. I'm looking forward to reading more of Miriam's story in book 2, coming out next year!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><i>Because of some of the romantic elements in the story, I wouldn't recommend the book for anyone under 16.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">All in all, such a beautiful story--creative and inspiring, based on solid truths. Well worth the read!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I received this </span><span class="il" style="color: #222222;">book</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> from </span><a href="http://www.bloggingforbooks.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Blogging for <span class="il">Books</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> for this review</span></span>AmyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700571387595220885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494752202367230812.post-15516363532150294232015-06-17T06:30:00.000-07:002015-06-22T11:45:24.386-07:00desperate measures {book review}<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1AmiW1c"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfM-lR8Evb6s0VTIaA4Mo3XtyTD2SU5HyAG8t73vjr6RmpAx52BZESytjrDSyIFEnViRXH6oYUvlZx2QPOsrQ2szQyGq_GCkVbn7Y1QZlKKR-pFesnDefapPuWUdcrPdfhZWocYM6Netw/s320/51pq6WgkB8L.SX316.jpg" width="207" /></a><i></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h2>
<i><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">//title: <a href="http://amzn.to/1AmiW1c">desperate measures</a>//</span></i></i></h2>
<h2>
<i><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">//series: book 3, <a href="http://amzn.to/1ILQ99o">port aster secrets</a>//</span></i></i></h2>
<h2>
<i><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">//author: sandra orchard//</span></i></i></h2>
<h2>
<i><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">//<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SandraOrchard?fref=ts">facebook</a>//</span></i></i></h2>
<h2>
<i><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">//genre: <a href="http://aheartsurrenderedblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Christian%20Fiction">christian fiction</a>//</span></i></i></h2>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong style="color: #505050; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;"><br /></strong>
<i><strong style="color: #505050; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">Kate won't be safe until all of Port Aster's secrets are revealed</strong><br style="color: #505050; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><br style="color: #505050; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">Researcher Kate Adams has finally pinpointed the supposed "miracle plant" that tore apart her family years ago. She's certain that discovering its secrets is her only hope of solving the mystery surrounding her father's disappearance. She's willing to risk anything to find the truth, including her relationship with Detective Tom Parker. But with so many people in pursuit of the plant, going it alone might be a fatal mistake.</span><br style="color: #505050; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><br style="color: #505050; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">Award-winning author Sandra Orchard pulls out all the stops in this breakneck and breathtaking conclusion to the Port Aster Secrets series.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I was immediately drawn into the action and intrigue of this book. The plot was very interesting, the suspense definitely kept me turning pages! I appreciated the depth of Kate's character and faith. Spunky with a mind of her own, but gracious and optimistic--but scarred. Ms. Orchard did an excellent job of fashioning the main characters of this book with heroic, admirable traits, and most importantly the type of flaws that make them relatable and real.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I was disappointed in some of the disjointed writing, however. I noticed much of the dialogue felt too-obvious and strained. Also, some of the situations felt unrealistic and pushed--like the first time</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">(*SPOILER*)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">that Tom and Kate kiss is because he is covering her mouth with his own to keep her quiet because she doesn't hear someone sneaking up on them? I thought that was pushing it. That was just one of the many instances that I felt were a bit awkward and out of place...trying to push the story along instead of it flowing naturally. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I read this book stand-alone from the first two in the series. I appreciated how the author did an excellent job of giving enough of the details from the first two books woven throughout the story to help you understand the beginning without giving too much to bore the reader of the first two. While some of the details did lose me a little as a result of not having read the first two, I was still drawn in and truly enjoyed the climactic ending!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Thanks to Revell Books for providing a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
AmyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700571387595220885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494752202367230812.post-78067023480997331212015-06-13T10:45:00.003-07:002015-06-13T10:49:47.457-07:00drawing fire {book review}<h2 style="font-size: 36px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; position: relative;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9s7hH2QfIqP1aUcCY54qN7jIMiZc_qKveyPN0nsDbKaCsW5X96gzztlOM2_IXxEUJfll7HsBt81DMYgOxvW_GhExNpZpLkMdkhrNMBrMzRteYaJwnIU3zi-rGX4jjofq1Tn4NJ9giuIc/s1600/51BGvfGwoEL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9s7hH2QfIqP1aUcCY54qN7jIMiZc_qKveyPN0nsDbKaCsW5X96gzztlOM2_IXxEUJfll7HsBt81DMYgOxvW_GhExNpZpLkMdkhrNMBrMzRteYaJwnIU3zi-rGX4jjofq1Tn4NJ9giuIc/s320/51BGvfGwoEL.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">//title: <a href="http://amzn.to/1QvBQdz">drawing fire</a>//</i></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">//author: <a href="http://www.janicecantore.com/">janice cantore</a>//</i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><br /></i></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">//<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JaniceCantore">facebook</a>//</i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><br /></i></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">//genre: <a href="http://aheartsurrenderedblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Christian%20Fiction">christian fiction</a>//</i></span></h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">One case from her past defines homicide detective Abby Hart.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">With a possible serial killer stalking elderly women in Long Beach, California, Abby’s best lead is Luke Murphy, an irritating private investigator who saw a suspect flee the scene of the latest homicide. When Abby discovers that the most recent victim is related to the governor, she’s anxious to talk to him about a cold case that’s personal to her―one Luke is interested in as well.</span></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><i>As she learns more about the restaurant fire that took her parents’ lives years ago, Abby discovers why Luke is so invested in finding the ones responsible. The more they uncover, though, the more questions they have. Can Abby find peace without having all the answers?</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Confession: I have a thing for crime investigation novels. There's something about the suspense and mystery of them. I'm always drawn to stories: books and movies alike that portray the quest for justice. When I saw the synopsis for <i><a href="http://amzn.to/1QvBQdz">Drawing Fire</a>, </i>I <i>had</i> to read it! ;)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">It took me a little while to be drawn into the plot, but once I began to understand Abby's background and history, I found myself truly empathizing with her. Her struggles in trying to balance justice with vengeful feelings was intriguing...I loved how the author incorporated Abby's Christian beliefs and worldview in her work without making the book 'preachy'. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">All of the characters were beautifully three-dimensional. Real hearts and real struggles, and diverse personalities! As the book switched points of view (excellently well done, I might add) I loved seeing how the other characters view each other. Luke, the extroverted, enthusiastic guy, quick witted, but also hot tempered. And Abby, the introverted, more solemn and thoughtful woman, tactful but also closed off. Excellent diversity of character voicing!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">I will say though, I didn't like Abby's relationship with her </span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">fiancé...which seemed barely existent. The way that it was portrayed, I kept wondering how they ever got engaged in the first place. Also, as I previously mentioned, it took me a little while to 'get into' the book. At first, it felt like too many moving parts at a time--I got a little confused. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">All in all, it was a great read. An easy read, but definitely interesting and one to leave you thinking.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">I found the end to be unsatisfying to say the least, BUT...in a good way. I appreciated how it left the reader wanting more, causing more thought about the story itself. What would you do if you were Abby? It also left an empty stage, curtain ready to be drawn for book two, which I am eager to read!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Special thanks to Tyndale Blog Network for providing me with a complementary copy of <i>Drawing Fire</i> in exchange for this honest review.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span>AmyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700571387595220885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494752202367230812.post-59426451288882552652015-06-11T10:35:00.002-07:002015-06-11T10:40:43.391-07:00too messy people<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ58e_C6XekImhS0IS0PTf1q2Qscx0J3CuQ1EQcp2WkGT7zsqCGZ1oK3gPptuoGDxeDbw1O6Aw3HWuJlRc_tzEHkjTd4BdzvLKjU4S7_ZEsdbn5lFnLhYDVfFsxwzuxX5i_BhdZ9sFx6Y/s1600/29320bb8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ58e_C6XekImhS0IS0PTf1q2Qscx0J3CuQ1EQcp2WkGT7zsqCGZ1oK3gPptuoGDxeDbw1O6Aw3HWuJlRc_tzEHkjTd4BdzvLKjU4S7_ZEsdbn5lFnLhYDVfFsxwzuxX5i_BhdZ9sFx6Y/s640/29320bb8.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: start;">Messy people. Messy people everywhere.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We talk about how God takes our messiness and by grace turns it into something beautiful. He exchanges beauty for ashes, wholeness for brokenness. Right?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In fact, it's hip to be messy right now. So hip, that an artificial lens of 'socially acceptable' messiness covers our lives.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We talk about being 'real'. We laugh and joke with each other about our little 'messes'. Keyword: little. The ones that we <i>know</i> nobody will judge us for. The harmless imperfections.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Socially accepted messes. In light of them, nobody wants to talk about their <i>real</i> messes. They look way <i>too</i> real. Scary close. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"If <i>that</i> is considered socially messy, there's <i>no way</i> I'll willingly bring <i>this mess</i> to light."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And if we're honest, we <i>don't want to hear</i> about the <i>real</i> messes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Once somebody's true messiness begins to show through, we shrink back in horror. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">She struggles with that?</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i>
<i>He believes that?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i>
<i>She said that?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i>
<i>He did that?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i>
<i>She wants that?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i>
<i>He still does that?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i>
The <i>real </i>struggles. The ones that are <i>actually hard to love. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I hear about a mess. A real mess. A disgusting, deplorable mess that makes me angry. It makes me rise up in righteous indignation, so I think. I go on and on, judging. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Until I it hits me. Fast, hard, and true.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Their mess is no better than mine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There <i>are no</i> socially acceptable messes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We all fail in the eyes of God.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We all need His relentless love.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">They will know that we are Christians by our love for one another...until we find out just how messed up each of us really are. Until we let each other down. Until we fail each other. Betray each other. Hurt each other. Until we see each others messiness...and shrink back in horror. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But it's just a mirror.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">God looks at each of us and sees our messiness equally. We all need grace. We all need His mercy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh, His amazing grace, unfathomable mercy, relentless love!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If He should give so much to each one of us, how dare we judge one another?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Daily, God sees just how messed up our hearts are. Moment by moment we let Him down. Barely a breath goes by before we fail Him again. The number of times we've betrayed Him makes a thousand look small. We hurt Him deeply with a single thought.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This is <i>real</i> messiness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And yet, He still loves.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">His hands still stretch out, willing to give us beauty for our deplorable ashes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">He is willing to turn this mess, this socially acceptable and unacceptable mess, into a beautiful mess.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And I have no excuse.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We have no excuse.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There should be no need for socially acceptable messes. There should be no fear of sharing our <i>real</i> struggles with one another. Heart burdens, flesh struggles, soul questions. These things should never be shoved away. Doubts, fears, <i>hard questions</i>. These things should be brought to light.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Instead, because they are looked down upon, they fester in the darkness. They grow. They thrive hidden away. They loom over the life of their owner. Sometimes they take over the heart, squeezing the life for every drop of faith.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My beloved readers, may we foster such a camaraderie within the church that this ceases to occur. May we open our arms. May we love the <i>unlovable.</i> May we love so hard, our hearts break with fullness. May we make burden sharing irresistible, that healing may begin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">May we support each other. May we love each other in spite of betrayal. In spite of hurt. In spite of the past. May we know each others weakness, because we know <i>our own</i> weakness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">May we forgive each other. Extend the beauty that was given to us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Love one another as Jesus does.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i>"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." ~John 13:35</i></span></div>
AmyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700571387595220885noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494752202367230812.post-52249967521410750422015-06-08T11:01:00.000-07:002015-06-13T10:50:34.745-07:00the sound of diamonds {book review & giveaway}<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">My dear readers, I am so excited about today's review! About a year ago, I was 'introduced' to Rachelle Rea through the <a href="http://goteenwriters.blogspot.com/">Go Teen Writers</a> community. I conversed with her a bit and loved talking to her! When I heard that she was getting ready to publish her debut novel, I could not WAIT to read it! And boy, I was not disappointed...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<br />
<h2>
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">//title: <a href="http://amzn.to/1KkZswu">the sound of diamonds</a>//</i></h2>
<h2>
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">{Releasing June 15, 2015!}</i></h2>
<h2>
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">//author: <a href="http://rachellerea.com/">rachelle rea</a>//</i></h2>
<h2>
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">//<a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiringDaring?fref=ts">facebook</a>/</span><span style="font-size: small;">/</span></i></h2>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><i>Her only chance of getting home is trusting the man she hates. </i></span><br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; margin-bottom: 14px; padding: 0px;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/1KkZswu" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_l-zhDssTvLBE_FX14mGQMUtUp1k7DK8UFEvYWJeR8P7EWVbSK2SPfcM98rIvR-djz4doBTcPVavb2SZVYmgIB80f-r3ojXkV6_oyZdjydYQDGxu65hqThSFCWLggchkepYEmd70wRE/s320/91KxBYArBvL.jpg" width="213" /></a><i></i><i>With the protestant Elizabeth on the throne of England and her family in shambles, Catholic maiden Gwyneth seeks refuge in the Low Countries of Holland, hoping to soothe her aching soul. But when the Iconoclastic Fury descends and bloodshed overtakes her haven, she has no choice but to trust the rogue who arrives, promising to see her safely home to her uncle's castle. She doesn't dare to trust him...and yet doesn't dare to refuse her one chance to preserve her own life and those of the nuns she rescues from the burning convent. </i></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
<i>Dirk Godfrey is determined to restore his honor at whatever cost. Running from a tortured past, Dirk knows he has only one chance at redemption, and it lies with the lovely Gwyneth, who hates him for the crimes she thinks he committed. He must see her to safety, prove to the world that he is innocent, prove that her poor eyesight is not the only thing that has blinded her but what is he to do when those goals clash? </i></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
<i>The home Gwyneth knew is not what she once thought. When a dark secret and a twisted plot for power collide in a castle masquerading as a haven, the saint and the sinner must either dare to hold to hope...or be overcome.</i></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
Overall, I loved it! Mystery, romance, truth searching, full of surprises, rich with history, this book has it all. I had a difficult time ever putting it down, and when I <i>did</i>, I was anxious to get back to it. Which doesn't happen with many books!</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
I <i>loved</i> the characters. So rich, complex, so full of history and heart. Gwyn's spiritual struggle during her journey--her weaknesses and faults made her relatable and real, but her courage and passion for God made her beautiful and honorable. Dirk's character was strong and admirable, but the cracks in his strength--his weakness for Gwyn made him oh so lovable and real. I could go on and on, but my favorite part about this book was the intricacy of the characters--so beautifully crafted!</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
This historically rich tale is written from a first-person perspective from two characters' points of view. The prose was elegant, richly giving off a flavor of the historical era in which the story took place. This made the book a bit harder to read--completely enjoyable, having to read a tad slower to savor it, but a little more difficult to understand nonetheless. At a few points in the story, I found myself a little lost, unable to build an image of the scene in my mind. I went back a few lines, reread and was able to craft a picture, filling in some of the 'understood' blanks. But because of this I wouldn't define this book as an 'easy read'.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
All in all, I <i>loved</i> the book. The intricate characters and plot, the inner spiritual struggle, the idea of portraying the heart of a Catholic girl with poor eyesight in the world of flowering Protestantism was sheerly brilliant! As I was going through the book, I found myself telling my sisters, "It's books like this that make me fall in love with reading all over again!" Driving home from work the other night, I was anxious to get back to it...only to finish it in the wee hours of the morning.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
Brava to Rachelle for such an excellently crafted debut! I am so much looking forward to the next books in the Steadfast Love series.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<h2>
<b>About the Author</b></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEnTSYRcr0yTz93UlskQhBJqzDT0JyMidYM_XyttPYUivj3Fxc3iJu0mY9d5vF-GCxI_5MfJNxuBqmLJI_zcQ7Y1MGhd7Pyq5MClYtLV7H4EtXRJLaGz-uNv5E1uOIt_xUFkNPrWaQMI/s1600/blog-photo1-500x477.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEnTSYRcr0yTz93UlskQhBJqzDT0JyMidYM_XyttPYUivj3Fxc3iJu0mY9d5vF-GCxI_5MfJNxuBqmLJI_zcQ7Y1MGhd7Pyq5MClYtLV7H4EtXRJLaGz-uNv5E1uOIt_xUFkNPrWaQMI/s200/blog-photo1-500x477.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<i><b>Rachelle Rea </b>plots her novels while driving around the little town she’s lived in all her life in her dream car, a pick-up truck. As a freelance editor, she enjoys mentoring fellow authors in the craft. A homeschool graduate and retired gymnast, she wrote the Sound of Diamonds the summer after her sophomore year of college.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i></div>
<h2>
Further links:</h2>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<b>Website</b>: <a href="http://rachellerea.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://rachellerea.com/</a></div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<b>Blog</b>: <a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Frachellerea.com%2Fblog%2F&h=aAQGfgCuP&s=1" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://rachellerea.com/blog/</a></div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<b>Facebook</b>: <a href="http://facebook.com/inspiringdaring" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">http://facebook.com/inspiringdaring</a></div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<b>Twitter</b>: <a href="https://twitter.com/RachelleRea" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/RachelleRea</a></div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<b>Pinterest</b>: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/rachellerea/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.pinterest.com/rachellerea/</a></div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<b>Amazon Author Page</b>: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rachelle-Rea/e/B00RZHIL1Q" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Rachelle-Rea/e/B00RZHIL1Q</a></div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<b>Goodreads</b>: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24348955-the-sound-of-diamonds" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24348955-the-sound-of-diamonds</a></div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
I'll bet you're dying to read it now, aren't you? Well, good news! Rachelle is hosting a giveaway where you can win a copy of <i>The Sound of Diamonds</i> AND a $20 Amazon gift card! Enter below for your chance to win!</div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5494752202367230812" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5494752202367230812" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>
<a data-raflid="e8cfa9563" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e8cfa9563/" id="rcwidget_nqitw2xg" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>AmyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700571387595220885noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494752202367230812.post-73476479123305388502015-05-21T06:00:00.000-07:002015-06-13T10:50:43.186-07:00the choosing {book review}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1496402243/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1496402243&linkCode=as2&tag=aheasur-20&linkId=BQQRFL73NCKQV3AI" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjrOzqa4DSiwQdEEMShOoJU9oArBw3HV_9E7GGYPr6IQJBzCvlB421uaiBO86Y_LYo6KRHlqWib4Ti2CYqkxqdEY3H6K1gItMNewc_XiMINC0ulTk_XlGLDC82Gi8AeGXvNhVHQLTWWk/s320/978-1-4964-0225-7.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><i>//title: <a href="http://amzn.to/1H7pZIk" target="_blank">the choosing</a>//</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><i>//author: rachelle dekker//</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><i>//<a href="https://www.facebook.com/rachelledekkerauthor?fref=ts" target="_blank">facebook</a>//</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><i>//<a href="https://instagram.com/rachelle_dekker/" target="_blank">instagram</a>//</i></span></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 16px;">"Like all citizens since the Ruining, Carrington Hale knows the importance of this day. But she never expected the moment she’d spent a lifetime preparing for—her Choosing ceremony—to end in disaster. Ripped from her family, she’ll spend her days serving as a Lint, the lowest level of society. She knows it’s her duty to follow the true way of the Authority.</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></i>
<br />
<div>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 16px;">But as Carrington begins this nightmare, rumors of rebellion rattle her beliefs. Though the whispers contradict everything she’s been told, they resonate deep within.</span><br style="color: #666666; line-height: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 16px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 16px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then Carrington is offered an unprecedented chance at the life she’s always dreamed of, yet she can’t shake the feeling that it may be an illusion. With a killer targeting Lints and corruption threatening the highest levels of the Authority, Carrington must uncover the truth before it destroys her." </span></i></span><br />
<br />
I am a pretty big fan of several of Ted Dekker's novels, so my curiosity was definitely piqued when I saw his daughter had written a debut novel. I was not disappointed!<br />
<br />
It usually takes me a little time and perseverance to <i>really</i> get into a book. Not so with <i><a href="http://amzn.to/1H7pZIk" target="_blank">The Choosing</a>.</i> I received and read this book in a matter of a short few days. I was immediately drawn into the world of Carrington Hale. I saw the world through her eyes, my heart aching in her despair, my stomach twisting in the anguish of what looked like her hopeless future...then my chest growing warm when I felt the love she had found. I was sucked right in! <br />
<br />
I can't really think of a negative thing to say about the book. The balance between description and action was absolutely perfect. The inner turmoil and outer movement of the story was fluid; perfect. The characters and the dialogue were believable, raw, personal. <br />
<br />
Some were worried about this book being just another <i>Divergent </i>or <i>Hunger Games</i>. Just another futuristic dystopian book, right? <i>Wrong. </i>Nothing could be further from the truth! <br />
<br />
This is the story of a identity. Of beauty. Of hope. <br />
<br />
This is the story of a True Love between a girl and her Father. And how she learns what it really means to be loved and to be called beautiful.<br />
<br />
I would recommend this book specifically for teen girls struggling with their identity and worth. While I believe it is an excellently written story suitable for anyone (aged 13 and up), teen girls will be able to relate to Carrington's struggle of identity, and will be encouraged in her journey of finding her ultimate worth in the loving arms of her Savior.<br />
<br />
I can't wait to share this book with my family and friends--and I'm anxious for the next in the series!<br />
<br />
Thanks so much to Tyndale for providing me with a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review as a part of <i><a href="http://amzn.to/1H7pZIk" target="_blank">The Choosing</a></i> blog tour.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria,Bold'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><b>About the Author </b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTKZhan6EEH3GZkNtRNtzPfnJRD4qSMa8-dwVsJZabxZr4lYgLZyU9iymONyYC8CVb9fyZzy5lOqtEpofxccTOXu3ntxCM3mvImutNnWdc6sQ2nMTMxIAZJCQfEqJisZ9lxjy7DF9Phg/s1600/9884202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTKZhan6EEH3GZkNtRNtzPfnJRD4qSMa8-dwVsJZabxZr4lYgLZyU9iymONyYC8CVb9fyZzy5lOqtEpofxccTOXu3ntxCM3mvImutNnWdc6sQ2nMTMxIAZJCQfEqJisZ9lxjy7DF9Phg/s1600/9884202.jpg" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">The oldest daughter of </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria,Italic'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">New York
Times </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">bestselling author Ted Dekker, </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria,Bold'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Rachelle
Dekker </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">was inspired early on to discover truth
through storytelling. She graduated with a degree in
communications and spent several years in marketing
and corporate recruiting before making the transition
to write full-time. She lives in Nashville with her
husband, Daniel, and their diva cat, Blair. Visit her
online at rachelledekker.com. </span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"><b><i>A snippet of Q&A:</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Cambria,Bold'; font-size: 11pt;">How did you come up with the story for </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria,BoldItalic'; font-size: 11pt;"><i><a href="http://amzn.to/1H7pZIk" target="_blank">The Choosing</a></i></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria,Bold'; font-size: 11pt;">?
</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria,Bold'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">This is a hard question because it has many answers. I wanted to write a
theme-based novel about identity. I wanted to write a dystopian novel. I
wanted to write in a world that was familiar, but in a setting where I could
change the way the world worked. It actually is several ideas </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">I’d been toying
</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">with pulled into one story</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">. Once I landed on Carrington’</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">s core revelation and
story arc, I simply fell in love with her as a character and drew the rest of the
</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">story around her. That’s usually how it works for m</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">e. I come up with a
character, good or bad, and create the story from there.
</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria,Bold'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><b>You based your main character, Carrington, off of your younger
sister. In what ways is Carrington like her?
</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria,Bold'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">It’s more the beliefs that Carrington struggles with that remi</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">nd me of my sister. The idea of
</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">worth, of not feeling like you’re enough, or questioning whether anyone would cho</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">ose you.
Carrington came about as I spent time with my sister and her college-age friends and saw
that a large majority of them were searching for significance, searching for worth</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">—</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">none
more than my sister at the time.
</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria,Bold'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><b>Throughout the book, Carrington struggles with understanding her identity and
worth and what is true. Why did you decide to write about the theme of identity?
</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria,Bold'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Someone once asked me, If you could leave one message for your younger sisters, what
would it be? The answer was always the same: I would pray they knew what they were
</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">worth. Identity is everything. There isn’t a theme that doesn’t start with identity, or circle
</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">back to identity. Knowing who you </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria,Italic'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">truly </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">are is the greatest journey we face. Am I enough; </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">am I worth it? I believe everyone faces these questions, and I sought out to explore them
through this story.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria,Bold'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><b>Do you think women tend to struggle with identity more than men?
</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria,Bold'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">I don’t think women struggle with identity more then men. Not at all. I just think we </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">struggle
differently. As a woman I understand the identity struggle from a female perspective more,
</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">but I think most men wonder if they’re en</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">ough just as much as women do. We are all the
same at our core, really. We are on this earth for a short time, trying to figure out our
purpose and worth. Searching for recognition, usually in all the wrong places. The truth I am
discovering is that there is no need for searching. The truth already resides inside of us. The
Father has already marked us as </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">chosen, worth it; He has already given us a purpose. It’s
</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">only a matter of looking inward to the soul and to the Creator of that soul to find our worth. </span></i></div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
AmyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700571387595220885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494752202367230812.post-66824024120595103422015-05-11T13:01:00.002-07:002015-05-11T13:01:34.563-07:00when i just want to do big things<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">What is the purpose of life?</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">What do I want to be known for?</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">What will people say about me when I die?</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The profound, philosophical questions of life. The ones that stop us in our tracks. They cause us to second guess our next steps. To look behind to find wisdom for what is ahead.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I find myself wrapped up in the culture screaming "BIG".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTJdCI9X7NaS8zdhF29L4V2gCDbkPtVtaDv-kfw_4O4CdycfBFuC1dEi-76iwQSJWy9JcQUwb8JTS21eIpEbDzrwVgHvO1KPNPZ8ULoQrFhcRShWgEJCU-YKRIiHfwSa2ArX_1Gr61eg/s1600/photo-1421986527537-888d998adb74.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTJdCI9X7NaS8zdhF29L4V2gCDbkPtVtaDv-kfw_4O4CdycfBFuC1dEi-76iwQSJWy9JcQUwb8JTS21eIpEbDzrwVgHvO1KPNPZ8ULoQrFhcRShWgEJCU-YKRIiHfwSa2ArX_1Gr61eg/s640/photo-1421986527537-888d998adb74.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I want to do something BIG. I want to be something BIG. I want BIG accomplishments on my resume. I want people to talk about all the BIG stuff I've done. The BIG amounts that I spent on the good of the world. Money, time, whatever. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I just want to be BIG!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">....and then I stop...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Why do I want to be big?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I argue: "Well, God is glorified when I do big stuff! It makes people notice how big HE is!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Then, a still *small* voice reminds me that...I don't need to remind people how big He is. He's already big. And people know it. And He doesn't need me to prove it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So why? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It would seem to me, that my generation has been brought up on the idea to do big things for God. To dream big, to pursue big, to work hard, to accomplish grandiose.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I found pride in this idea. Listening to the S. M. Davis talk, "What to Expect from a 12-Year-Old" at the tender age of 12, I found myself cheering and whooping. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It's about time people stopped underestimating us! I'm gonna blow their minds.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I stoked my pride as I pushed and shoved and worked and read and studied and worked and read and...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Soon, I found myself lost.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I stood on the brink of adulthood, with no vision or dream. <i>But I wanted one so badly!</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">What's wrong, Lord? You know that if you give me a vision, nothing can stop me from getting it done! <b>Nothing!</b> Why haven't you given me a calling or a dream? Why don't I have something <b>big</b> to work towards? How do You expect me to change the world if You don't tell me what to do?</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So I took it into my own hands. I kept working and reading and studying. Hoping the answers would come. My pride kept driving me. <i>One day, I'll do something big and make God proud.</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I failed to realize.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">He's already proud of me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I found myself standing face to face with what I felt was my boring, mundane life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The one where I wake up every morning and put a load of laundry in before I start the coffee.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The one where my routine is that of learning how to roll with not having much of one.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The one where I go to work to smile at people and help them with their crafty needs.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The one where I read late into the night. Or stay up late with my sisters, watching old TV shows, eating popcorn and sour gummy bears.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The one where I have unfinished craft projects every where...but the most important ones always get done.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The one where I love on my brothers and sisters, planting kisses on their foreheads and cheeks as we pass in the hall.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My life. My simple, boring, mundane, beautiful life.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You see, my beloved reader, what I missed was the very essence of what I thought I was working so hard for from the beginning:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Grace</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">By grace I have been saved. By grace do I breathe. By grace do I worship. By grace do I <i>live this life I've been given</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I am <i>nothing</i>. If it weren't for Him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It's only <i>because of Him</i> that I can even wake up in the morning, much less <i>do</i> anything! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I stop, I bow my head. My pride failing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">What makes me think that I am so worthy to do big things for Him? What makes me think that I have anything to give <i>Him?</i> Why do I think I deserve a place to do anything 'bigger' or 'better' than to live this seemingly boring life?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Besides, who am I to determine what is small or big? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My calling is to be faithful. Stop looking for the big things. To stop shoving. To stop trying.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To wake up in the morning and smile as I pour soap into the washing machine. <i>Faithful</i>. This is where He has me. This is my obedience. This is my joy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This is His glory manifested in me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">He doesn't need my help being glorified to the world. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If He chooses to use me in the spotlight, doing 'big things, that's up to Him. But if He wants me behind the scenes, cleaning everybody's laundry, cooking the meals, cleaning the bathrooms, it is still a position more worthy than I deserve.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Does this mean that we should stop dreaming of 'big' things? That we should stop working towards doing grand things for His glory?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">By no means! But don't be discouraged if you don't have a dream right now. Don't be sorry if you aren't making a 'big' impact on the world right <i>now</i>. Don't be afraid that you're disappointing God by not doing something 'great'.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Be faithful in where He has you <i>right now</i> and leave the rest up to Him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">He must increase, but I must decrease."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">~John 3:30</span></span>AmyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700571387595220885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494752202367230812.post-2963484357227117552015-05-04T14:09:00.004-07:002015-05-04T14:12:56.431-07:00may the 4th be with you<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Hello, my lovely readers!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Just wanted to let you know that, in celebration of today, May the 4th, also known as Star Wars day, I have a series of giveaways going on over at my online mag, <a href="http://belovedgirlmag.com/2015/05/01/star-wars-party-86-level-st-design-giveaway/" target="_blank">Beloved Girl</a>!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://belovedgirlmag.com/2015/05/01/star-wars-party-86-level-st-design-giveaway/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1.wp.com/belovedgirlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/starwarsgiveaway.png?zoom=2&resize=670%2C482" height="460" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">//<a href="http://belovedgirlmag.com/2015/05/01/star-wars-party-86-level-st-design-giveaway/" target="_blank">may the 4th giveaway</a>//</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Check it out and enter for a chance to win one of these gorgeous prizes:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://i2.wp.com/belovedgirlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IMG_7468-copy.jpg?zoom=2&resize=603%2C402" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.wp.com/belovedgirlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IMG_7468-copy.jpg?zoom=2&resize=603%2C402" height="425" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">(<a href="http://wp.me/p5XOBu-7v" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #f16382; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;">PicMeAlways Designs giveaway</a>)</span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://i2.wp.com/belovedgirlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IMG_7468-copy.jpg?zoom=2&resize=603%2C402" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://i1.wp.com/belovedgirlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IMG_4279.jpg?zoom=2&w=820" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1.wp.com/belovedgirlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IMG_4279.jpg?zoom=2&w=820" height="640" width="480" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://belovedgirlmag.com/2015/05/01/star-wars-party-86-level-st-design-giveaway/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">86 level st design</span></span> giveaway</a><span style="color: #989fa8; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #989fa8; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://i1.wp.com/belovedgirlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/il_570xN.697204897_9vdi.jpg?zoom=2&w=820" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1.wp.com/belovedgirlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/il_570xN.697204897_9vdi.jpg?zoom=2&w=820" height="640" width="426" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://wp.me/p5XOBu-7t" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #f16382; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;">nerdy girl gifts giveaway</a><span style="color: #989fa8; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #989fa8; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">...and more! ;)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Check out the giveaways <a href="http://belovedgirlmag.com/2015/05/01/star-wars-party-86-level-st-design-giveaway/" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Or, check out each of them individually:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #989fa8; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">//<a href="http://wp.me/p5XOBu-6D" style="background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #f16382; text-decoration: none;">fictional & whimsical giveaway</a>//</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #989fa8; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">//<a href="http://wp.me/p5XOBu-7v" style="background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #f16382; text-decoration: none;">PicMeAlways Designs giveaway</a>//</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #989fa8; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">//<a href="http://wp.me/p5XOBu-7t" style="background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #f16382; text-decoration: none;">nerdy girl gifts giveaway</a>//</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #989fa8; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">//<a href="http://belovedgirlmag.com/2015/05/01/star-wars-party-crystal-trends-designs-giveaway/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f16382;"><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">crystal trends designs</span></span> giveaway</a>//</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #989fa8; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">//<a href="http://belovedgirlmag.com/2015/05/01/star-wars-party-86-level-st-design-giveaway/" target="_blank">86 level st design giveaway</a>//</span></div>
<br />AmyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700571387595220885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494752202367230812.post-46614889494442754922015-04-27T05:06:00.000-07:002015-04-27T05:06:17.604-07:00the real meaning of 'carpe diem'<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I write lists.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I make check boxes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I schedule.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I watch the clock.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I squeeze every moment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I fill the day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And I look up at the end. What have I done? I am tired and dry. My brain hurts. My mind in knots. I am useless by the time the sun sets. I've filled my day with <i>stuff.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFF_gNe04JfF5v_DcaDPA4ZhU47tDPLOoUE9_ni3_41xvacnC_wRJ-ZUAEV18TovXSv9qDK9CGJfLNxeq14Knul_EWoaFyYpFZeNs16RQ7ZR7bAsremXFKrKfJ8fr142As_RBrC7mZxA/s1600/photo-1429032021766-c6a53949594f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFF_gNe04JfF5v_DcaDPA4ZhU47tDPLOoUE9_ni3_41xvacnC_wRJ-ZUAEV18TovXSv9qDK9CGJfLNxeq14Knul_EWoaFyYpFZeNs16RQ7ZR7bAsremXFKrKfJ8fr142As_RBrC7mZxA/s1600/photo-1429032021766-c6a53949594f.jpeg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I forget to breathe.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm folding laundry, I slow down and think. Look down at the hand-towel in my hands. I take a deep breath. <i>God gave that to me</i>. I smile and breathe again. I look up and see life slow. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This is a day. This is an hour. This is a moment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This is a gift. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I close my eyes and let it fill me. Let it run over me as I contemplate the holiness, the beauty, the sacred grace of my heartbeat. This 24 hour cycle in which we humans craft our lives, each one is new, a snapshot in the midst of eternity. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Seize the day. Live every day as it is your last.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I misunderstood and thought it meant to do all that you could in the day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I thought it meant utilizing every moment for 'getting stuff done'.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I was blinded by the lie of rushing, scurrying to prove oneself as worthy through accomplishment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When all it really meant was <i>live</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Breathe. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Touch. Smell. Taste. See. Hear.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The goodness of the Lord. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Every day is a <i>grace</i>, not another assignment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It is a <i>gift</i> to be cherished, not to be used up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When the last comes and you look back...what will you remember?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm slowly learning to <i>stop filling the day </i>with my own ideas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm learning to breathe. And let the day <i>fill me</i> with its graces. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30267B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30267B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">the Father of lights </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30267C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30267C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">//James 1:17//</span></i></span>AmyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700571387595220885noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494752202367230812.post-78812526325792094912015-04-24T04:23:00.000-07:002015-04-24T04:23:27.199-07:00the keeper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacjXeZaK8JtwUTViZhXm71UPFU62-vt7VV3qXlPTJo3v60bUzPWLZbF3UZrqU9nOBtAA3dtRWvwacsUJhOCaaaBjuOw-V3eVpx8cPXrXJX6304Nc5MqQI2mK_Vl1EOTPZqwVWDihyphenhypheno9I/s1600/photo-1428342392503-dde50e242e6a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacjXeZaK8JtwUTViZhXm71UPFU62-vt7VV3qXlPTJo3v60bUzPWLZbF3UZrqU9nOBtAA3dtRWvwacsUJhOCaaaBjuOw-V3eVpx8cPXrXJX6304Nc5MqQI2mK_Vl1EOTPZqwVWDihyphenhypheno9I/s1600/photo-1428342392503-dde50e242e6a.jpeg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<em style="color: #333333; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></em>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em style="color: #333333; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I will lift up my eyes <b>to the mountains</b>;</span></em></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><em style="color: #333333; line-height: 24px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<em>From <b>where shall my help</b> come?</em></div>
</em><em style="color: #333333; line-height: 24px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<em>My help comes <b>from the Lord</b>,</em></div>
</em><em style="color: #333333; line-height: 24px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<em>Who <b>made heaven</b> and earth.</em></div>
</em><em style="color: #333333; line-height: 24px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<em>He will <b>not allow your foot to slip</b>;</em></div>
</em><em style="color: #333333; line-height: 24px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><b>He who keeps you</b> will not slumber...</i><em> </em></div>
</em></span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">Psalm 121:1-2 </i> </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">
<i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sometimes I wonder where God is. Those dry seasons come. You know the ones: the dark, scary seasons. The kind where you wonder if everything really <em>is</em> going to be okay. Well? Is it?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br data-mce-bogus="1" /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The words of this Psalm wash over my heart as I contemplate. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"<em>He who keeps you..."</em></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">
<em><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></em></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The realization comes slowly and settles deep: He is my keeper.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">He holds me in His hands. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Through all the seasons.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Every dark season has to get through His glowing hands to get to me.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Every lonely time, it's in His heavenly embrace I'm walking through.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When I don't think it's going to turn out okay, He knows the end from the beginning.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">He is my keeper.</span></i></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">No wonder I am commanded to rejoice always! He is holding me, <i>through everything</i>. Nothing can get through His hands without His permission. No pain is unnecessary. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And the best part: He loves me.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">He loves me and protects me. There is nothing I go through that He has not foreseen. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There is no battle I face that He has not given me the strength to win.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There is no hurt that I can have that He can't heal.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There is no mountain I can't climb, because He will show me the way.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And keep my feet from stumbling.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">He is my keeper.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And He loves me.</span></div>
AmyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700571387595220885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494752202367230812.post-78639413106950614372015-04-10T08:44:00.002-07:002015-04-10T08:44:42.720-07:00giveaway on Beloved Girl<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello, all! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Guess what? I'm having a <a href="http://belovedgirlmag.com/2015/04/10/just-because-giveaway-coffee-date/" target="_blank">surprise giveaway</a> over at <a href="http://belovedgirlmag.com/" target="_blank">Beloved Girl Mag</a> through April 16! </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://belovedgirlmag.com/2015/04/10/just-because-giveaway-coffee-date/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i0.wp.com/belovedgirlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/0d33e6e6cdeb4e6996eef3d00beb5316-e1428671014245.jpg?zoom=2&w=820" height="220" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>(Hint, the prize has something to do with coffee ;) )</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://belovedgirlmag.com/2015/04/10/just-because-giveaway-coffee-date/" target="_blank">Check it out</a> and enter NOW!</b></div>
AmyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700571387595220885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494752202367230812.post-91793289137948539612015-04-07T08:10:00.004-07:002015-04-07T08:12:49.680-07:00beloved girl online magazine<div style="text-align: center;">
So I've been working on a project lately...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://belovedgirlmag.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://belovedgirlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/belovedgirlpng.png" height="112" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
//<a href="http://belovedgirlmag.com/" target="_blank">link</a>//</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
You got it! An online magazine for Christian teen girls.<br />
<br />
Beloved Girl Mag will feature faith-based articles to provide encouragement, as well as practical articles on all the things girls love: fashion, beauty, health, movies, books, and more!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I would be much obliged if you would check it out, feel free to like it on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/belovedgirlonlinemag" target="_blank">Facebook</a>!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(Oh, and here's a hint--be on the lookout for some awesome new giveaways on the site!)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
AmyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700571387595220885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494752202367230812.post-36871555716369622952015-04-07T04:37:00.002-07:002015-04-07T04:40:30.597-07:00like stars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtelGDT694kLbWR4crUZge-bS6qm75kWzhbgp0HTpMS9YVT9NVnI6Z06JUjkU90jgu7aqwE2pYRHiRsqvPp4tzjhTuRp9dBp-ns6tjqE2FgvUsgnvL4sBMSSzogCjLXMq9HC0yxMw1nQw/s1600/stars-661030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtelGDT694kLbWR4crUZge-bS6qm75kWzhbgp0HTpMS9YVT9NVnI6Z06JUjkU90jgu7aqwE2pYRHiRsqvPp4tzjhTuRp9dBp-ns6tjqE2FgvUsgnvL4sBMSSzogCjLXMq9HC0yxMw1nQw/s1600/stars-661030.jpg" height="460" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">I find myself asking the age old question. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">The cliche word that seems to be married to a question mark, so often he finds himself with her. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">The one-word sentence that has it's own universal sign language.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">A fist. In the air. Shaking.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">"Why?"</span></i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Then the rest spills out. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">"Why did You let this happen?"</span></i><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">I can't help it. My heart aches. I wonder. I hurt. I look for the redemption and come up empty.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">It's dark. It's just so dark.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">I grope. I cry. I flail. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Until I see a pin hole of light. Oh, that glorious light. I cradle it in the darkness. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Like the stars in the night sky that shine all the brighter for the backdrop of blackness behind them, so the simple blessings of my life are radiant against the backdrop of my pain.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">The Lord is faithful, like He always is. As He shows up, His glory shines, magnifies, multiplies against the inky blackness of this hurt. I treasure the pinholes that He makes, by His <i>grace alone,</i> in this thick blanket of darkness over me. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">He could have left me here, struggling to survive. It would have been well within His rights.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">But He <i>didn't</i>. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">But He also didn't take the darkness away from me. He didn't remove it all from me. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Is this why I ask <i>"why"</i>?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">I begin to understand; He knows better. He knows my heart.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">He knows I need the darkness to see the Light. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>"<span style="text-align: center;">And its funny how you find</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">You enjoy your life</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">When you're happy to be alive"</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">~<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Relient-K/e/B000APOYLG/digital/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&sn=d&tag=confeofthebel-20&linkId=C2LPQV7ANI3P7LXK" target="_blank">Relient K</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=confeofthebel-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D0RFLYU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00D0RFLYU&linkCode=as2&tag=confeofthebel-20&linkId=WHPCYQZ2O7QJRYNN">High of 75</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=confeofthebel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00D0RFLYU" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
from the album <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D0RFLMC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00D0RFLMC&linkCode=as2&tag=confeofthebel-20&linkId=NQZI7LOLJF2K23YS">Mmhmm</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=confeofthebel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00D0RFLMC" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</span></div>
AmyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700571387595220885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494752202367230812.post-78581006817897536842015-03-17T03:58:00.000-07:002015-03-17T04:15:32.301-07:00you're doing it wrong (again)<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"I'm just terrible with relationships." </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I read the text. I shake my head. If they only knew.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">What is the old adage? If it weren't for people, we'd be perfect people? Something like that. The way it goes, as long as you have people in your life, you're bound to make mistakes in the way that you treat them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It's just wired into us, selfish, sinful humans. We want to look good. We want to feel good. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So, in our relationships, we do what we can to manipulate to make things work out better for us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Most of the time, as Christians, we do this subconsciously. We want our relationships to be Christ centered, we want to glorify God in our relationships! But there's always that sinful flesh, pulling, yanking, dragging. It screams, "ME!!!" It manipulates, even twists our best efforts--taking that with which we would glorify God, turning it around and making it into something that can benefit our flesh <i>too.</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Win-win, right?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You're doing it wrong. Or at least I know I am.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Feels like everywhere I turn, every time I turn around, I'm doing it wrong. Someone is telling me that I'm doing something else wrong. I need to fix this in my relationship. I need to not do that, but do this. I need to avoid that, but make sure there's plenty of this.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I hang my head. I'm just terrible at relationships. Why can't I get it right?!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I could turn this into an article on relationships and how to always get it right. But the truth is, we'll never always get it right. We'll always be doing something wrong. Because it's wired into us. This flesh, until we die and are released from it, will always be fighting our sanctified spirit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So what, then? We just sit back and suffer as our relationships are continually strained, cloudy, confused? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Of course not! Take godly council and advice, pray hard, evaluate the relationship and your in it part biblically ad prayerfully--get back in the saddle and make it right! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But be honest with yourself: it's not an instant forever fix.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The truth is, though we will never get it always right, God always uses the times we get it wrong for His glory. The key is to not despair in the wrong; always remember that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Every time I get it wrong, He<i> promises</i> to use it to make something else right.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Most of the time, I don't see the right coming out of it for a long time. I grow to despair, I get frustrated--<i>why can't I ever get it right? I'm just terrible with relationships!</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Then, down the road, I see another little girl, struggling...right where I was. I put my arm around her and tell her <i>it's all gonna be okay</i>. <i>This what I did, and here's how <b>God</b> can make it better for you.</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">God uses our times of 'getting it wrong' to glorify Him in discipling those that come after us. As He refines us, though it be painful, we use those painful experiences to deliver aid to those younger than us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">He promises that all the experiences that we go through--those that love Him and are called by Him--that they WILL turn out for the greater good and for His glory. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It's hard. It's really hard. It's painful. It's messy. It's ugly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In those moments when I want to give up. I feel worthless. I feel frustrated. I feel like I just can't do this anymore.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Then I get a phone call from a friend, or a text, or an email, "Amy, I've been dealing with..."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">...and He whispers. He guides. He reassures. My pain is not in vain. My hurts aren't to be scoffed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My scars are badges. Marks from the thorns of the paths that I've chosen myself, and chosen badly. But I wear them because they are also reminders of all the times that He never left me. I wear them because they're only scars. Those paths should have killed me. But I am alive and breathing--with scars on my arms. Because in spite of my mistakes, He had grace on me and carried me through.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Relationships can be redeemed by the fact that, though in some we may make such mistakes, discipleship and love is worth every moment of pain. Through the hurts we are stronger. And being vulnerable means the world to those younger. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When they look up and see a broken girl, who's made a million mistakes, they smile, relieved; they're not alone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><i>Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, </i></span></span><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16px;">who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be a</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16px;">ble to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5 ESV)</span></i><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">And we know that for those who love God all things work together </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28129A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28129A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">for good,</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">for </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28129B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28129B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 ESV)</span></i></span></span>AmyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700571387595220885noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494752202367230812.post-83914426931597588022015-03-02T04:46:00.002-08:002015-03-02T04:46:51.143-08:00fearless<span style="font-family: inherit;">We all know it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That deep, dark, paralyzing feeling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That emotion that keeps us up at night. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It has the power to twist our insides. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To cause us to not be able to breathe. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It moves us to physically shake.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This seemingly over-powerful emotion?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Fear.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We all know it, I far too well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Overthinker I am, I consider all possibilities for all situations...my fear kicks in, punching me in the stomach, knocking me to my knees with my hands in the air. I'm too afraid to keep moving. I'm too afraid to press on. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZYkYzWVp20ZPPxyITovxIKQz6kvIE7kLaHHnVNdg-lLUmB7oFxiS4DmvqLE1GXsifv4YrhXLV_6DfhTvlrurL9lisMRuxYfs48DvlnG2y7Or8BWbDPqKUAAs-83uUsjG-EMsV1l__Wk/s1600/photo-1414542913159-4cf30e490373.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZYkYzWVp20ZPPxyITovxIKQz6kvIE7kLaHHnVNdg-lLUmB7oFxiS4DmvqLE1GXsifv4YrhXLV_6DfhTvlrurL9lisMRuxYfs48DvlnG2y7Or8BWbDPqKUAAs-83uUsjG-EMsV1l__Wk/s1600/photo-1414542913159-4cf30e490373.png" height="242" width="640" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Because so many things could go wrong</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">If I stay right here, nothing can go wrong.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nothing can hurt me.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If I take another step, there's a possibility I could trip.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But I forget the King of the Universe standing next to me. And He's never left.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He's always there; constant in my walk. On this journey, He's seen every stumble, every misstep, every fall. But He's also watched me run. And it's only because of Him that I <i>have the strength to take the next step</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He whispers to me, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'" ~Isaiah 41:10</span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Again, He whispers, comforts, calls me to cast all my anxiety on Him. He surrounds me on every side, commands me to be strong, for He is with me. He knows me better than I know myself.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">As my heart quivers, He whispers gently to let Him bear the burden of fear. <i>Do I trust Him?</i></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Do I trust the King of the Universe to take my burdens?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">I do I trust the Maker of all things to protect my steps?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;"><i>Do I truly desire His glory?</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><i><b><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;">And am I willing to lay my fear aside </span><span style="line-height: 20px;">enough to relentlessly pursue it?</span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Because I <i>believe </i>that in His holy sovereignty, God will make good on His promises. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">He promises to always be with me.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">He promises to help me. (Imagine, the King of the Universe, reaching down to help <i>me?</i>)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">He promises to <i>love</i> me.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">He will never allow me to under go a single <i>moment</i> in time that is more than I can handle with Him by my side, helping and loving me. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">The King of Heaven is calling me forward. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">He calls me to be bold; to be fearless; to be His fierce daughter, who knows that her Daddy is standing there, </span><i style="line-height: 20px;">never</i><span style="line-height: 20px;"> wishing her to under go any unnecessary pain. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><i style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><i style="line-height: 20px;">Never</i><span style="line-height: 20px;"> going to allow her to walk through anything that would crush her. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><i style="line-height: 20px;">Never</i><span style="line-height: 20px;"> allowing anything to destroy her. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">He calls her to </span><i style="line-height: 20px;">trust Him</i><span style="line-height: 20px;"> and </span><i style="line-height: 20px;">cling to Him</i><span style="line-height: 20px;"> for constant strength and she will not be moved.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">My beloved readers, whatever fears may be staring you down today, I encourage you to face them head on. Call them out for what they are: distractions from the Lord's glory. The fears that keep us from moving forward for His glory; call them out, and cling to your Father's hand.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Trust in His sovereignty. Be bold and take the next step.</span></span></div>
AmyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700571387595220885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494752202367230812.post-41839438183996832142015-02-03T21:36:00.000-08:002015-02-03T21:36:02.558-08:00the gift {a short story}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7zDPy0bDM2S4IyiW8fj32gHRF_qmbhgiSy_AfRHGDBsaiSLTEnpTvIPCzO-9LUwkU1dhG8r9340fWEje272i_9A4C9BP7gmyucbBh3VKNFJBm3YhnS_3FKMDbPyqZY8ndYY2PIPRv4o/s1600/photo-1416431168657-a6c4184348ab.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7zDPy0bDM2S4IyiW8fj32gHRF_qmbhgiSy_AfRHGDBsaiSLTEnpTvIPCzO-9LUwkU1dhG8r9340fWEje272i_9A4C9BP7gmyucbBh3VKNFJBm3YhnS_3FKMDbPyqZY8ndYY2PIPRv4o/s1600/photo-1416431168657-a6c4184348ab.png" height="274" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The majestic wings of the angel flexed in the glittering golden light before the throne. One would have called them white, but before the purity with which they were beheld, their light was dim.</span></span><br />
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Holy, holy, holy is The Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!" The angel cried with a loud voice, singing with all of his might and fervor. Into his outstretched hands lifted in honor and worship was placed a vial made of the most perfect diamond. Within the vial was a deep red liquid, a single drop protected by the thick layer of the most precious stone. The words were not spoken, they were felt, "A gift to man," the angels head was bowed as the power rushed through his arms, the words infused into his very being, "breath by the mercy of the precious blood of the Lamb." </span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A breath. The scarlet liquid within the vial held the precious blood, the gift of mercy by a single breath. This was his mission.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Th angel gripped the vial, ran his fingers over the golden chain and hung it about his neck. He bowed low before the throne, flexed his wings and set about accomplishing the will of the Father.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As he made his way to earth, he pondered the gift hung about his neck. So many were delivered all the time, he had never had the privilege of delivering this kind of gift. He had delivered many gifts, but none so as precious as this. This was that which kept man alive. This was the substance that the Father had given to the very first man that made him different from the rest of creation-- it was the breath of the Father Himself, it was what made man His most precious creation, man carried His own breath in their lungs. And He gave each breath as a gift. The angel had wondered at one time, how the Father was able to give such a gift to that which had broken His law. It was forbidden for man to associate with the Father, the Father was and is holy. It was then that the angel was shown the gift; in the form of a vial with a single drop of blood-- the blood of the Lamb. It was the only way. The precious blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God, was the only way that God the Father could grant breath to the fallen creatures. They chose to fall, but He chose love-- the outflow of His love resulting in the blood of His Son poured out to grant these creatures life, both on earth, and life eternal if they should so choose it.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The angel touched the vial with his finger and felt the warmth. Love. It radiated with the love of God. The angel looked down and saw a soft glow surrounding the vial. He knew that the closer he came to whom the gift was intended, the more radiant the gift would become. As he navigated the dirty streets of earth, he glanced at the vial and noticed it glowing brighter. He saw other angels about, gifting other humans with their next breaths.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He recognized his friend, a vial hung about his neck as well, only his shone so brightly that one could barely see the structure of the vial itself. "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!" Declared his friend as he knelt over the figure of a man in a dirty alley way. The man was filthy, covered in soot and grime, he had just clumsily slammed a bottle down with his hand and retched. The angels friend poured the contents of he vial about his neck over the head of the man. "Receive the gift of your next breath, by the grace and mercy given to you, only by the precious blood of the Lamb of God." The man inhaled and cursed the Name before falling into a deep sleep.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The angels heart broke. The gift! The man has just used this precious gift to curse the name of the One who had given it to him? The One Whose very blood had been poured out upon his head to grant him such? The angels sorrow was almost too much to bear, but he knew that he had his own gift to deliver. He mourned, but moved on.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">.........................</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She had been tied to stake, the flames licked higher and higher. Deny Him. They told her. Deny Him and we'll let you go free. Just say the word and you will live. She knew that wasn't living, she couldn't deny Him. He was her life. Her hands tied behind her back they had taunted her. They had tortured her, beat her, spit on her. She refused to deny Him. He was too precious. She began to sing. A song of praise lifted from her lips, every breath an exclamation of adoration for Him. Her Jesus. Now, the flames had already engulfed her clothes, they licked her face as they consumed her hair. She felt the skin of her face shriveling in the heat. Her fingers were scorched to ashes, her body had lost all other feeling. She continued to sing, but the smoke was overcoming her. Her lungs were filled with the toxic fumes. Jesus, one last breath, please! Suddenly, a warmth was poured over her head, a supernatural power enshrouded her being, filling her lungs with this last gift. Her scorched lips had cracked, dripping with blood they cried out, "Father, forgive them-- they know not what they do!" </span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The angel rejoiced as he watched the Father receive the spirit of the girl into the kingdom. How precious to her was that last breath...</span></div>
AmyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700571387595220885noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494752202367230812.post-24966508444781539642015-01-21T04:36:00.001-08:002015-01-21T04:39:38.019-08:0010 powerful truths when your heart needs reminding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3W3LusqeFzXF03uhGP8CWzXx0bqEK0mAXAJTb40hel7gtMRm8Bw29gTl-IhmyQQUV0QtRvMgzgo41Gs_YXPDpeqeJsqmKnS6j1GN96SY17_jUyxfpoI-WpZ6yjILth8Mr5gbPPHG9ev8/s1600/photo-1417024321782-1375735f8987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3W3LusqeFzXF03uhGP8CWzXx0bqEK0mAXAJTb40hel7gtMRm8Bw29gTl-IhmyQQUV0QtRvMgzgo41Gs_YXPDpeqeJsqmKnS6j1GN96SY17_jUyxfpoI-WpZ6yjILth8Mr5gbPPHG9ev8/s1600/photo-1417024321782-1375735f8987.jpg" height="336" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...for the days that you need a reminder, here are 10 powerful truths of the goodness of our Lord and Savior, and the weakness of ourselves:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040609784348/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYD5wpvBA-kVQN0HOsX4PALRuv9raCvmJ-Or-Or6jPC4QrDxNEArI9OPTwC4067omy3tvvYpiGDr_xucoMbXa2l1HBH9Raeny6AMKEXOrtCYUUc1aJluVUOuAgoIN_wIhZ5uQpZqiVPc/s1600/cc58fe07db6dcad8d9e2be7ad55d32f3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040609784348/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610291017/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-eNA2af-4EPhMFgJc-OsDTERPwjVoXHOYtNhrS5KLCbM2X3kVFlQD9zl1Cm2iV3V7g5LA0fiBxNnPowC3azUNvotWvB__Y5VNJIaIjUDA8emv723Qq58qfy5nkP4NIRPVCiEKBLDUOCc/s1600/5d179334df0723bab65698818285c81c.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610291017/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610291017/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdNY5IButx50obGG8vG6i8GQN2z8_iy84qKGPQLOg6h0XBijeHmBoF9s4fiO2ZHeaxZsOVl7Yg8oMRvGZtVTHfP2O76uMKszfz13dIfFGxGLpK2CnYAhtw-PTjNj_Rqpxk1oScX8-SHI/s1600/70057a222e5050a7028a5781149275e3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610291017/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040609832896/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6acDTvZ9dM5Tb7AJ2vFxARQ8EcbIuxrR7MwENrQ4KPGd8Jm2n4uId6_9wnyuyzCYd7ki89EwKMAy34FsvcuDup-tdF6L9NRDK4eYShKhxlYXvLA_PtlBfNuYtpYrHVEaAwedIAhbJ1k/s1600/180450d694ab624d0c4db7413de6553e.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040609832896/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040609517470/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41wpg0vWUdH3S_ubltMv9ZDX-JyUWGTNlZbJhlK01D45eFRjqQH_ntNSFMFiLGW4zrssCLzWOn8PYGDDzW1y9X-bcvUc6njr2D8WUVBfcngDqHM_pQDTrvHacbhWpuvXkyLk4zzPW05A/s1600/502344b84418edea42f8b770e115cb1c.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040609517470/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040609463021/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKUHsmVe1saoGdHQkL-KsmxsQleBHNaYu-qZZsu5X6hJqQE0_TKVuD8fz_Clz5QoZjHYGV8sLBf21im9cy0VID5a2jtg-nfxoqsjtpIYdVQCHh_TaNYymFq_ZfscyEAXGcg3AXhHpRG8/s1600/be898376a083b14415585b0e6e6c0a42.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040609463021/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040609120277/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4WhWE69ts6pmq7psb88uKWBOv_DLP2b8-zVMwX1A02GM90EgdxcK1FMmw2j5AEiunE_R0EOHOWX4DBhoQQZOaeaHKw2j5l02YulW7uiqMWclqHKWleHYDvfLQkkjd8-LU-d-6jgFHbw/s1600/4ae0e5f6438d34bf0bef309c339bee5f.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040609120277/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040609068020/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnM257JsUCN326NKIL515AbDNf1RFvytrEvH-ktTFc9ooL-Y_Nji8G1JKylyW5Xv9rRInMadtzErUaK7cqCb9K8M8J1luoUSCIRM1fy_20z04_WC8zlke1g8X4uZGS1v_gj5T87Vola2o/s1600/a37202018f9b6d95171c9acc0bec0f84.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040609068020/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040609068020/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1H_ov1yKij0CYOTgNz43RQYxV41k4dYfubFmDarSvB7NOOfTSZoSEGxIaArsAbQAQjtFSlLZNNFi1a8EccDnRsl3F4aykP5cwQAmkwqSTz7sXcowH-Jq3UfF4dDFw9Mnj70PepGBI1s/s1600/d71fdb64c2c1f01d261f40d3abfef1d9.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040609068020/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040609795138/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxpNt9xeLsXOfDdhubr0GlxHRZNSoeLcNz8iY3l-9Y4pch5qZ5kjyDPQvi8ON267uXXxpWcqFXBhVPSFN0TSeZeI-zHotKH0dIB4i7cswemVy3eNFjJ_kgvFZGbE6A9P8UJxxiOkqA9Y/s1600/cc6f15a967451e69b01a76ddb14d5f4a.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040609795138/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do you have a favorite go-to quote or verse that reminds you of His grace? I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to share in the comments below.</div>
AmyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700571387595220885noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494752202367230812.post-84657382815844995232015-01-20T08:51:00.000-08:002015-01-20T08:51:21.235-08:00when life doesn't go as planned<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love schedules.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love efficiency.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love planning.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes, the things I write on this blog--learning them are pure torture for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Grace? Slow? Quiet?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yeah, most of the time, I forget...I lose focus...I don't get it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I want everything planned.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, especially when it feels like everybody else's got it figured out. I want to have it all figured out too!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbB1DzVBNi5UNECs-BcCeRDfiiN4c6xnktu4VcmHPDYE4_wEWdv93rbaUuT6uttiDKX-01bvcbgRuSi7W6eZNgQCHo0ikPFMmdjN3CaI16JbIkn6bEJQ35Q5iYxlxN2OgvDqnIVOc0UU/s1600/118H+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbB1DzVBNi5UNECs-BcCeRDfiiN4c6xnktu4VcmHPDYE4_wEWdv93rbaUuT6uttiDKX-01bvcbgRuSi7W6eZNgQCHo0ikPFMmdjN3CaI16JbIkn6bEJQ35Q5iYxlxN2OgvDqnIVOc0UU/s1600/118H+copy.jpg" height="310" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So from childhood, I've had these plans. These ideas as to how <i>I</i> think life is gonna go. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Sure, I'll grow up, and turn 18, then this will happen, and I'll do this, and this, and this..."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And I even fool myself into thinking...<i>that my way is what will glorify God most.</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So as I grow up. I turn 18. I turn 21. Life comes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And it's not what I expected. It's not what I had planned. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But I can't do anything to change it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And I even continue the foolery, thinking that if life had gone <i>my way</i> that God would have been glorified more than where I am right now. Oh, the illusion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then I read about Joseph. A promising boy, 17 years old...sold into slavery by his own brothers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What about his plans? What about those vital years of his youth? He had a vision too!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But Joseph spent a combination of 13 years either in slavery or in prison. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">13. Years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">156 months.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">676 weeks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4,745 days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">113,880 hours.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6,832,800 minutes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">409,968,000 seconds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wasted.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Or was it?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">As for you, </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-1527A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-1527A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">you meant evil against me, </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">but</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> God meant it for good in order to bring about </span></i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><i>this present result, to preserve many people alive."</i> ~Genesis 50:20</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Joseph recognized that the change in plans in his life, though it was painful, though it was long, was used for the ultimate glory of God in a way that he could not have ever even imagined. But the thing was, he had to wait.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And he had to be faithful where he was.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">He never would have been so trusted by </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">Pharaoh if he had not continued faithful devotion to the Lord, which enabled him to interpret Pharoah's dreams. And if he had been a rowdy prisoner, or a slacker in his duties in Potiphar's household--would he have even stood a chance in standing before Pharaoh? </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Many, many years later, as he sits in prison, another faithful man pens these words, </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 24px;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><i>"</i></span><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-29374AC" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29374AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">have turned out for the greater progress of the </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-29374AD" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29374AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><i>gospel..." </i>~Philippians 1:12</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Apostle Paul knew that God's glory was beyond him. It was beyond his plans, beyond anything that he could ever comprehend. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So as he sat in jail, he could have been thinking, "I could be talking to so many people about Jesus right now...I could be so much more effective if I wasn't in prison!"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">No. He embraces it, and realizes that God's plan is for <i>His own glory</i>. God <i>never</i> compromises on His glory. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Where He has you and me <i>right now</i> is the very best place in the universe that we can <i>ever</i> be used for His glory. He knows the beginning and the end. It's <i>His</i> job to guide us to where we can glorify Him most.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ours is to follow His lead. And when we're sitting in prison. Or stuck in one place. Or working a job we feel stagnant in. Or feel like we're spinning our wheels on relationships.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wherever we are, to be faithful and continue seeking His face.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To trust that where we are <i>right now</i> is the absolute perfect place.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The place that we can bring Him the most glory out of all the places in the universe.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Because it's where He has us. Today. Right now.</span></span></span>AmyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700571387595220885noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494752202367230812.post-13984796612617557382015-01-16T07:34:00.003-08:002015-01-16T07:35:25.002-08:00i heart friday: beyond me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfhjNb4fisn2vNk8XN1wIXnM4ZMGaxxhr3OKSQTTK9SkiDcdQH52t2plUNy2MM2t1AdtwQE_Lbs7IVd-J9oC_SswVMJX2gggkPLYJ0g9BLBFDz_XICZZ64M_DGg4F2Fv0eVUjWvCu8DM/s1600/I+heart+friday.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfhjNb4fisn2vNk8XN1wIXnM4ZMGaxxhr3OKSQTTK9SkiDcdQH52t2plUNy2MM2t1AdtwQE_Lbs7IVd-J9oC_SswVMJX2gggkPLYJ0g9BLBFDz_XICZZ64M_DGg4F2Fv0eVUjWvCu8DM/s1600/I+heart+friday.png" height="266" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This verse spoke to my heart this week. I know I have referenced it over and over on this little blog, but my heart seems to forget so quickly...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i><span class="text 2Cor-12-9" id="en-NASB-29032" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">"And He has said to me, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“<b>My grace is sufficient for you, for <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-29032A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29032A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>power is perfected in weakness.</b>”</span> Most gladly, therefore, I will rather <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-29032B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29032B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><b>boast about my weaknesses</b>, so that the <b>power of Christ may dwell in me</b>.</span><span class="text 2Cor-12-10" id="en-NASB-29033" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Therefore <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-29033C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29033C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>I am well <b>content with weaknesses</b>, with insults, with <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-29033D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29033D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>distresses, with <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-29033E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29033E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>persecutions, with <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-29033F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29033F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>difficulties, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-29033G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29033G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><b>for Christ’s sake</b>; for <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-29033H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29033H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>when I am weak, <b>then I am strong</b>." ~</span></i>2 Corinthians 12:9-10</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">//</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I got a text coming out of work: "<i>Have you heard TobyMac's new song, 'Beyond Me'?</i>"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Such a beautiful reminder...</span><br />
<i><span class="text 2Cor-12-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></i>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/iFPq9p559II?rel=0&showinfo=0" width="560"></iframe> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">//</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ohmygoodnessgracious...this looks amazing. I just might have to try a batch today. ;)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610270198/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaxf7QV09-IuhICz285TsPX8anwp-sPqw0KyxTXb9lCZBmR_5yWIXwE0BEhacHUvIA8epbh6VH8HUUreP6M5InBf4Fs8vu4aRAdhx4BWNP_Sn0IKwmsDWEPzqlhLCCPPgNRYD7UHGvTk/s1600/0dd4f5975d3614815be45b7a98899052.jpg" height="640" width="427" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610270198/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">//</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Isn't this ADORABLE?! If you have a nerdy family (*cough*maybelikemine*cough*), why leave the littles out? I would looooove to make one of these for the boys...</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610237337/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg544tiL7OzZzNU-SPg0dMxhULXeaE-EGtwWWSIbFC3XnZXM26X7HIXsOUYAjPSHnr1Hc9QdadlbKkjGHAOoSx4lymRsiYxskebAY6mIFVF1VU7dYR2XeBDbJ_fitRF4uFsCFwdBUfWK-Y/s1600/3316e242ab04f8826165d62caa74bdca.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610237337/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">//</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This reminder...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610256673/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGouTioWLYlEY-PbOv6sJArYFAIEW8SuOoCoHa9lLboMwS1KUvbDyYekY7ivbSf58kMGCBSvn_BJrW-O0JwdRvX4aTo8yCAc_z56TOiiKp25K85oGKQv6oo9wlf0cMeTKkVS-Uu99rUYc/s1600/6004deb56021aea265f374026e152255.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610256673/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">//</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love imagination.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This just warmed my heart.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610271291/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLPh7l6rpOpmo-kUEpPU60KIKef94jlzejHu3nA8lKbGpuoMSXLNfYAxH78GBkk8kQRCYVXlYxBTzdPWHBesCjqlEwmbmIJDei-ddX2ipfjBu7hUbcLq-fxwlvnOu-UXJnq0PjWLC_p4/s1600/79e0a5b9e077093036cbda28e61847eb.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610271291/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">//</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This just makes me happy...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610259148/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IS3XF-4ANFIggmcjyU4VL006F5ua-LO75J1e5S_aYP-KsIFs4tLJ-3GvMMt8eMBjTv8BiXd3qRHmRjcXk3dtBJhZHrobStpY33JXKhqfqCdH9bVptuH-8BHfDV82C2PrDi3q8DrK1Pk/s1600/53087a2cb707ac9f1da674cdcf6d8d8e.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610259148/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">//</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Okay, now this was just funny...but I wouldn't mind if somebody wanted to get it for me ;)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXK2Y6umTebLe-p2aiYdMed39XbSRuovkh-ndr4VhT2_AxRLOJIYaJ3DxzYq2uhgsIHhEz9dtQ9pxY_n7GCvCmxHTqYdLMFB23tWz1Rhyphenhyphenv25SAy0gDxoiyQvp7E1wutIO2fvCzExX7ruQ/s1600/3c2a8916c1268501f500e60dc960ebde.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXK2Y6umTebLe-p2aiYdMed39XbSRuovkh-ndr4VhT2_AxRLOJIYaJ3DxzYq2uhgsIHhEz9dtQ9pxY_n7GCvCmxHTqYdLMFB23tWz1Rhyphenhyphenv25SAy0gDxoiyQvp7E1wutIO2fvCzExX7ruQ/s1600/3c2a8916c1268501f500e60dc960ebde.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610260552/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">//</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/446067538067532971/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Three Reasons Why The Giver is the Best Christian Movie Since 'Narnia"</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6yk65HcWQE7XDa7q30Qdxn5XQA-FZDh0mhMMGBGF3xDqIgTuMNwXXMN3x_QmMqgeHVbJ-nK7BfWVBqHuh54XdjoiJgRrpxDRIeFns8tlWaUsSxmaLwVLu1mfdPOFoPZVfvJT5vJMkfA/s1600/9a95ec64fcea5418fabab2480f6cf049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6yk65HcWQE7XDa7q30Qdxn5XQA-FZDh0mhMMGBGF3xDqIgTuMNwXXMN3x_QmMqgeHVbJ-nK7BfWVBqHuh54XdjoiJgRrpxDRIeFns8tlWaUsSxmaLwVLu1mfdPOFoPZVfvJT5vJMkfA/s1600/9a95ec64fcea5418fabab2480f6cf049.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thought provoking article...loved The Giver!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/446067538067532971/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">//</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And did you get a chance to check out this week's two other posts?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://aheartsurrenderedblog.blogspot.com/2015/01/when-youre-tired-of-just-surviving.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8AhTrMoKIrdw6MFRP2ZkxSzYbkvJV8sUx5OVUQ-Q-HcQ-K4i48zCcLXbcRuk5ZRFoxdhKu4bmX2_ebWlFJmzb2MxDrfzUU-Q97d5dWdNjJ7I0wTrdmc-MsBh4semfxfK4Knrot9g49M/s1600/survival.png" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Check it out <a href="http://aheartsurrenderedblog.blogspot.com/2015/01/when-youre-tired-of-just-surviving.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://aheartsurrenderedblog.blogspot.com/2015/01/10-songs-for-weary-heart.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOvlT2tGlY6Mz0RFFtzSWn2nunJv5VolxhgYvLsh2UU1v692LWAnEsz1wFQcF7lxT5ELdbyqrkgD1N1A3HmgOJ02nuRaLR2DgO-EEZQHETyjt3lPJEwGvFdtaiNa_2hZ1f_wDUnwbeSI/s1600/10songs.png" height="320" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Read this post <a href="http://aheartsurrenderedblog.blogspot.com/2015/01/10-songs-for-weary-heart.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hope you have an amazing weekend!</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">What were some of your favorite things from this week? Please share, I'd love to hear!</span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
AmyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700571387595220885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494752202367230812.post-17717904010527346782015-01-14T05:30:00.002-08:002015-01-14T11:58:25.160-08:0010 songs for the weary heart<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Music has a way of speaking to the heart when words fail.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Why is it that music has such a powerful impact on one's mind and soul? I find that a song can be playing in the background, and the words and ideas about the words will fill my mind--even though I am not even really *trying* to listen to the song!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Deeply rooted from our longing to join in the heavenly, eternal song of "Holy, holy, holy..." I believe that God has given us the gift of music here on earth to give us a tiny glimpse of the beautiful gift that reigns over all of heaven. The gift of song...the art, the worship.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Today, I have 10 of my favorite songs to share with you for when your heart is feeling worn and weary.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">10 songs to lift you up, to remind you of the goodness of God, the power of God, and His overwhelming love.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">10 songs, prayers, cries out to the Lord...to remind us that <i>we're not alone.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwaUJE-wjeW58NLbIcCEW72DE84u-HgkDV07yP5XBSSN-4Gu3GfQHdwy_77DgCEkdEZYQ1AQRLiK7bfEzwglNWYZjG6Ky1xICscGkU_uWoMj8Ax_yg4Gz_Mkdl4iBIvrqchPf3xL_tDY/s1600/10songs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwaUJE-wjeW58NLbIcCEW72DE84u-HgkDV07yP5XBSSN-4Gu3GfQHdwy_77DgCEkdEZYQ1AQRLiK7bfEzwglNWYZjG6Ky1xICscGkU_uWoMj8Ax_yg4Gz_Mkdl4iBIvrqchPf3xL_tDY/s1600/10songs.png" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00122OIJE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00122OIJE&linkCode=as2&tag=confeofthebel-20&linkId=WDTKS6JJFXPMPIIT" target="_blank">Never Alone</a>, by BarlowGirl</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>"<span style="text-align: center;">I cried out with no reply</span></i></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="text-align: center;">And I can't feel You by my side</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">So I'll hold tight to what I know</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">You're here and I"m never alone..."</span></i></span><br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C5ZMMVI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00C5ZMMVI&linkCode=as2&tag=confeofthebel-20&linkId=2KWU7JVAASRL6UM3" target="_blank">Broken Hallelujah</a>, by The Afters</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>"<span style="text-align: center;">I've seen joy and I've seen pain.</span></i></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="text-align: center;">On my knees, I call Your name.</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">Here's my broken hallelujah.</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">With nothing left to hold onto,</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">I raise these empty hands to You.</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">Here's my broken hallelujah."</span></i></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00136LVY4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00136LVY4&linkCode=as2&tag=confeofthebel-20&linkId=FCGHWDICAHMLSOLG" target="_blank">Hold Me, Jesus</a>, by Rich Mullins</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>"<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 1.24;">Well sometimes my life just don't make sense at all</span></i></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; line-height: 1.24; margin-bottom: 13px;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>When the mountains look so big<br />And my faith just seems so small</i></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; line-height: 1.24; margin-bottom: 13px;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>So hold me Jesus 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf<br />You have been King of my glory<br />Won't You be my Prince of Peace"</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>4. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009ZRZKRW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009ZRZKRW&linkCode=as2&tag=confeofthebel-20&linkId=475N4CZA5OYDNDTG" target="_blank">Promises</a>, by Sanctus Real</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>"<span style="text-align: center;">Sometimes it's hard to keep believing in what you can't see</span></i></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="text-align: center;">That everything happens for a reason even the worst life brings</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">If you're reaching for an answer and you don't know what to pray</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">Just open up the pages, let His Word be your strength..."</span></i></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>5. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004NXV2UM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004NXV2UM&linkCode=as2&tag=confeofthebel-20&linkId=4MVBHFWUZJ7XFUIS" target="_blank">Lord, I Need You</a>, by Chris Tomlin</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>"<span style="text-align: center;">Lord, I come, I confess</span></i></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="text-align: center;">Bowing here I find my rest</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">Without You I fall apart</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">You're the One that guides my heart</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">Lord, I need You, oh, I need You</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">Every hour I need You..."</span></i></span><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>6. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00750JGK8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00750JGK8&linkCode=as2&tag=confeofthebel-20&linkId=R3DZJ5ZREK3LJKR5" target="_blank">For the Moments I Feel Faint</a>, by Relient K</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>"<span style="line-height: 16px;">Never underestimate my Jesus</span></i></span></div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>You're tellin' me that there's no hope<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I'm tellin' you, you're wrong<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Never underestimate my Jesus<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />When the world around you crumbles<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />He will be strong, He will be strong..."</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>7. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EL3RMTY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EL3RMTY&linkCode=as2&tag=confeofthebel-20&linkId=VAFQWS34JDKZQ4DG" target="_blank">Never Left Your Side</a>, by Stellar Kart</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>"<span style="text-align: center;">So you feel another midnight on the way</span></i></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="text-align: center;">Can’t see the road ahead</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">Though you’re wide awake</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">All the voices in your head begin to say</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">You’re alone, you’re alone</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">The sun’s still shining through the night</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">The stars still burn in the daylight</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">Sometimes you just can’t trust your eyes</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">I never left your side..."</span></i></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>8. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FZFMEEK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00FZFMEEK&linkCode=as2&tag=confeofthebel-20&linkId=U5KXHEQ6O34QAZL7" target="_blank">5 Minutes at a Time</a>, Superchick</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>"<span style="text-align: center;">Life is hard, but it's been a little harder than usual lately</span></i></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="text-align: center;">I wish I knew why I am struggling through this</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">What makes it harder is the lack of understanding on my part</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">Could I have changed this, why am I fighting life so hard?"</span></i></span><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>9. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N23Z7OQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00N23Z7OQ&linkCode=as2&tag=confeofthebel-20&linkId=Q2BKVJT635HQYPVP" target="_blank">It's Not Over Yet</a>, by for King and Country</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>"<span style="text-align: center;">They are inside your head</span></i></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="text-align: center;">You got a voice that says</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">You won't get past this one</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">You won't win your freedom</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">It's like a constant war</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">And you want to settle that score</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">But you're bruised and beaten</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">And you feel defeated</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">This goes out to the heaviest heart..."</span></i></span><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>10. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BA5CURK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BA5CURK&linkCode=as2&tag=confeofthebel-20&linkId=7N5HLKVXS26YTFHE" target="_blank">Still That Girl</a>, by Britt Nicole</b></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>"<span style="text-align: center;">Dreams, they come</span></i></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="text-align: center;">Plans, they change</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">Yea, we're gonna break</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">Yea, we're gonna break</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">Things we face make us who we are</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">Baby, you're a star shining in the dark</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">Let's go back to the summer, summer when</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">We dreamed in love, let's go back again</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">Let's go back again</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">Yeah, back again, my friend..."</span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center;"><b>What songs speak to your heart and lift you up? I'd love to hear!</b></span></span>AmyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700571387595220885noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494752202367230812.post-21779383590718251592015-01-13T03:58:00.001-08:002015-01-13T03:58:36.276-08:00when you're tired of just surviving<span style="font-family: inherit;">Survival mode.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Everybody has experienced it at one point or another.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For some, it's a season that comes and goes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For some, it's every day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lately, it's felt like every day for me. It's like I'm trying to fit everything in. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bn_eL_rXQGYeTEOAtrwD3HnDD7r8-S3Dbr5_VEBHfr6reZW4yiY-UlyWs4Fr8YM35ESYL9JIp7HrTsIKpUid7wKyJfXrPS8JbcmJcAgyE121G1GWfnEVrsdKykmDc-dQYIBHWH4OKXI/s1600/survival.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bn_eL_rXQGYeTEOAtrwD3HnDD7r8-S3Dbr5_VEBHfr6reZW4yiY-UlyWs4Fr8YM35ESYL9JIp7HrTsIKpUid7wKyJfXrPS8JbcmJcAgyE121G1GWfnEVrsdKykmDc-dQYIBHWH4OKXI/s1600/survival.png" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I wake up, and the rush begins. Every moment spent just trying to get through the day. Just trying to make it to evening. Just. Trying. To. Make. It. Through.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Survival mode. I know it all too well. I sit here and feel sorry for myself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">I want to thrive! I'm tired of merely making it through the day. I want to MAKE each day something special.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I sag as I continue my survival charade, this dance that I know the steps all too well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Until it hits me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, it's all survival mode.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Because my very survival is hinged on the grace found in every moment.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My year's word comes to mind: breathe. As I realize, YES--this is survival mode. But every day is for everyone else is, too. It's how I choose to SEE. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I fold laundry a few minutes before I need to rush out the door, my shoulders sag. <i>If only I could get this done faster! Have time to do <b>better</b> things!</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And I forget the ordinance of God. <i>That my very survival depends upon His grace--and every moment that I spend breathing His grace is ordained by Him.</i> I forget that He ordained that I would be folding that laundry. That I would run out the door in those few moments. That I would spend all that time in the car driving. That I would go work a few hour or a long hour shift. That I would have to eat a PB&J on my dinner break, because I didn't have time to make anything else. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And my perspective begins to change, as I ponder. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And I begin to SEE... from God's perspective, He's given me all I need to thrive! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">From my human perspective, I have a hard time grasping...because it's not what <i>I</i> think I need to thrive. I want more. Of course! More.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But He whispers gently, <i>"<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">My grace is sufficient for you, for </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-29032A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29032A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">power is perfected in weakness."</span></i></span><br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></i>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He always gives me enough to thrive. He is enough. Even when it looks like I'm in survival mode, it's what He has given me to thrive, what am I going to do with it? How am I going to make the most of this grace that He has afforded me?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While I fold, I can pray and sing.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I'm sitting in the car, driving, I can listen to sermons.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I can be God's love to everyone that I meet on my shift, short or long.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I happen to love PB&Js.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Survival mode is enough to thrive. His grace is sufficient for me.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Grace is enough.</span></span>AmyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700571387595220885noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494752202367230812.post-40664153558593765362015-01-09T11:46:00.004-08:002015-01-09T11:50:29.327-08:00i heart fridaySome of my favorite things around the web this week, thought I'd share them with you!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGaOik0cxGtVNtwi9rDP-O4BFEqY2tUk8bMSLGlxyDyRrVHqMGo63ILbBhuVa4zYNNMVb_wVfOljDqdm-HhYcH6k3R29EVTebmIoABeAlBIqr1af6mXrhRVVnZucZtmshTejFuA-MRX-o/s1600/I+heart+friday.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGaOik0cxGtVNtwi9rDP-O4BFEqY2tUk8bMSLGlxyDyRrVHqMGo63ILbBhuVa4zYNNMVb_wVfOljDqdm-HhYcH6k3R29EVTebmIoABeAlBIqr1af6mXrhRVVnZucZtmshTejFuA-MRX-o/s1600/I+heart+friday.png" height="266" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
//<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Loved this...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SeanAstinPublic/posts/944789425542180:0" target="_blank">48.6 Miles in 4 Days, Sean Astin on the Walt Disney World Marathon 2015</a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_wzZvgUBge4UD4vA3YBYZPsE8oDKOkDU3aqDG61CQlmtXCC0XFS9RPLOZAXaF25RCtBn0P515ZQObdQLPCZsUc-4w7ouPtLMwtb2pK9pCv7j_A75jKbbIoNfpZSiYc5FpcD0KsJiRVs/s1600/10420076_947220305299092_4426388404855873893_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_wzZvgUBge4UD4vA3YBYZPsE8oDKOkDU3aqDG61CQlmtXCC0XFS9RPLOZAXaF25RCtBn0P515ZQObdQLPCZsUc-4w7ouPtLMwtb2pK9pCv7j_A75jKbbIoNfpZSiYc5FpcD0KsJiRVs/s1600/10420076_947220305299092_4426388404855873893_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>"<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I’m 43 years old for one more month and my passion for running has morphed into a full blown obsession...</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I want to push my body and my mind. I want to test my spirit. I want to see what's possible. Mostly, I'm looking to go beyond the limits placed on me, mostly by custom. I’ve set many lofty goals and failed at many. Well, failed so far. I am actually not freaked out about this coming behemoth of a task. I'm totally stoked. Flex leg, deep breath in my airplane seat. It'll probably hold up.</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> </span></i><br />
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<i>I’m 43 years old for one more month and my passion for running is a full blown obsession.</i></div>
<div style="color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-top: 6px;">
<i>Walt Disney World Marathon 2015<br />The Dopey Challenge -- 48.6 Miles in 4 Days"</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
So inspiring. To push one's body and mind. To press the boundaries, to see what is really possible...<br />
<br />
//<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mind blowing:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/316237205059720782/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LPsTC7dWuR6mAmZDeMPL9gttjT50Mc8vx2SjR0_cAqbww6gtvlHV3CnkHsmRZCpP6d5cd5xkft4HGYqaL8gwm2JdmYaTuiHv2dhQGvg-Rk6Qo76REMNGhlN1trtq7X-7yPmFis-JIJo/s1600/a6da1696107cfb7e6628776188b31d99.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/316237205059720782/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>"The heavens declare the glory of God..." </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The earth and universe echo with the sound of His voice, the touch of His fingerprints.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
This will probably not be the last time that you see the Pevensies on here...but this picture just absolutely gets me. One of my favorite characters in all literature (and film, for that matter) is Peter Pevensie.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/461407924298192284/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiBJIH-Bz-ETqu1yutuOlFPL6vym-meE57jCEWaE72cT_8MPr8dsxikh0R1QQyJjqcvB2lIImqZusj-aatUKJNmFZnyXBMpH9hWhXggcpll8IRjx9YaH4IKiKclrlh6kjwrKOGqmqPiY/s1600/e18e796e423fb0c9b5d46ab0a5d17e77.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/461407924298192284/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
His devotion to looking after his siblings, his steadfast heart, his bravery...and as they so beautifully depicted in the film, his humility. His loyalty to Aslan and his siblings by always putting them first, but yet, we all know that he's broken, he's got a little bit of a temper, and he might not be quite as brave as he wants everyone to think. But that's another one of the reasons that I love him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To follow up, I did find this little gem this week as well:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610200436/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-Kw0Okh6-kGzOwuwWHP36crhe_hCzoi0HY8gnS9LIpj_aMiBB8OxufHxsPWo0G2TQ-j2QGm1Hyqz71zx91xE1dyq7qOlD5Db3-0BuiDHpbygnter-Mg3AvNUzap5TLDxDLXfp-bskIA/s1600/ff6ccb1c65ab2b037eaec909fb6f7540.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610200436/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Isn't that the cutest?!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I was looking up some Disney costume ideas for the little sisters, and I came across these...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610191143/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_mcG5mWJ56oHhfHzWNGJERi1hglPwBb_LSQbAfCrYeSO9JpdFjngAOWMDfof5QYcaEHrVZtCWMHiEmPnBunZBM9djezf9gUBhT9gEM4Rukhbo3ZrnppfHY7TmBlRV2M3x9TzwlV-r1I/s1600/e43cec74fb99836e122cdf9e3b12c287.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610191143/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aren't they adorable?? I want to make them so badly!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Story inspiration:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610183164/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICtjjFjcbEJO4FelxnkNEotfJf8LsGc3RPJVRg5Eb1vX7YjM3ILtoeXH4tR7pYYzeVy9Gi31aTQHKzOcBU2jiGk7sYaHHkI5bYOv6sZxgoYThKH-mMEQFQ92Hgik1HfoXlLjU_aWTbLU/s1600/dcbf526aab426ea4e0aa8f5d698e2fcc.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610183164/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What comes to your mind?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What a great printable! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610189758/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_dB5LodrLoMFjOUXIot8-I4YzPh-8q44VoJf063Vy8yUf90hkR6-SFHQ4TgPbdmhiragYiLqxXbMOCoNpenqJxxjIyS2Tus5U1MaCTgCmWMFXMlxWdUPADyIQzgYknbLiJACh3Vjml8/s1600/5c691282f08f4911c0598c2115bd2f17.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610189758/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What better way to start your year than with a goal of hiding 50 of His most prominent passages in your heart?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Don't ever forget who you are...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610160021/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38ZZ2O-uPiVxpeMSXQqmPbse3KV7ylqT68_HWnrcLEk1gWNVydGL9hIhkwyvYLeOoAhtB13bhsZDoEpiDhoE_uBb8MlcnI1-MZUe-pk_9_fKAiNa5fKuNOyhRGqa67afVQcSQ0u7n1Z8/s1600/168582796fa51204bfea74beec2d6ce0.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610160021/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Does this not look amazing???</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610183153/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVYVmYt2hg9YC_EmQQDop6CnofvSi-2D23GuZzvBrqdsulff1L3mSfA-DKMlCXiiA8l4f5EeNJ9yA2IvqXzLZTCp36n2QIzixCLowgT4xW_SiBiEuqa1YHunjYbsJOFreyXqc5JRrAxw/s1600/cc012223f74559ab8c5b96e9aec8d465.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610183153/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think I may add some recipe goals to my list! :P</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This gorgeous Etsy print:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610160016/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HnPg3K26inKMd6XSrN3E7pqLNAnN8S8VBrfpVvF84QAqWBsfIIRJpJ2pbs5s91AsLzKp2rAxBJNtPIDdOAun15ahe2ROmINSxyUWgdW-3YyMJFmjXxS09NZIJIgFkIStHYwUtZzxev8/s1600/2d55c9a7e1c4bc05b865e8778cee9e3e.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610160016/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Echo the words from one of my favorite songs...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Found this; made me laugh...hard. :D</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/9WS3oGJuOIM?rel=0&showinfo=0" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Doesn't it feel good to laugh? No wonder it is called medicine for the soul...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
//</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
And last but not least...</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This week I was able to get some AHS gear out there! What do you think?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610190108/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflkBG6EthQeOrVEBB9aVTDVn5mofceghnVCBHnTY-C0LizRq5KesySCT1Db0r0IKbwlYCYf1t_N56DbmAcSpBRFckc3bbIuAmyoo0SHImDtZ_LAKuSI6aLWJXueYueqt7o2GtorqRm1A/s1600/5141135861721ca184d5a9fdd3624332.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610190108/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610190344/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBDk6PxqkHCEMXOUTUswomYreF05eO5hA8EQ23fhXnsdcxrSrsVqhNhhA2W6fWHKC35dLPBf_ZGk4Km71akoA8t8teAzHPYjPQ_ca9GipFjJ0UJQDlc-urrRzQiEKcxRwkV46DPwn4gM/s1600/db5fdc0aaa6d9a0936dd1e2d8bda3a41.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
//<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188729040610190344/" target="_blank">pinterest source</a>//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And that wraps up this first week of <a href="http://aheartsurrenderedblog.blogspot.com/search/label/i%20heart%20friday" target="_blank">i heart friday</a>! Hope you enjoyed it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>Do you have some favorite picks from the week? Let me know in the comments, or better yet, blog about it, and post the link below for everyone else to see too!</b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Be blessed, my dear readers! I hope you have a wonderful Friday and a peaceful weekend! <3<br />
<br />AmyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700571387595220885noreply@blogger.com0