2012 I Made It! Welcome 2013…

Wow… I made it through the year. A post everyday making a total of 366 post (remember this was a leap year). I want to thank you all for following me. Thank you for the kind comments and thank you for the new friendships. It was a fun adventure, but I couldn’t have done it on my own.

2012 was a challenging year. One I was grateful for and yet I look forward to leaving it behind me. A new year always brings new hope, yet this year seems to start off a bit bleak. Not to be a downer and I’m not depressed, just sharing what I see.

Our world, our nation, is getting crazier every day. I have a feeling times might get a bit tougher in the coming years. One thing I know for sure though is that God is constant. His love never fails and we need to remember that. No matter what happens we are in His hands and we are here for a purpose.

Just because some crazy stuff is happening around us, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look forward to next year. I look forward to a lot of things in the coming year.

One is something that is dear to my heart. I want to take a whole new look at “Love”… I plan on starting a series of post here on what I want to call a Love Revolution. It won’t be a post every day, but I was thinking a post once a week on a certain day like Wednesday. What do you think? Also, you can be a part of this! Actually I WANT you to be a part of this.

Another is my book The Realm of Hearts. I really need to crack down on it. It’s been a while and I think people are starting to give up on me. Haha I can’t blame ya. Writing a novel really isn’t easy and does take time, yet I have had plenty of time.  If I really follow the recent timeline I’ve made, perhaps I’ll have good news by the end of the year. Feel free to push me on it.

Those are just two things I look forward to… there is more, but I won’t bore you. What are some good things you are looking forward to? Please share with me!

So, to all my blogging friends, thank you again and may you have a blessed New Year. Remember who you are and who is beside you. We are not alone. No not one bit. See you all on a new adventure next year.

One Day More...

I saw the new Les Miserables today. What a beautiful story! I highly recommend seeing it. This wasn't my favorite song from Les Miserables, but I thought it was fitting... only One Day More for this year. Enjoy~

All Your Heart...

Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. -Jeremiah 29:13

Passing to the Next Generation...

 

 

“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children— Deuteronomy ...4:9

What are we passing to the next generation? The Word tells us not to forget what we have seen, and pass these things along to our children. God’s miracles happen every day. Are we noting them, pointing them out, showing the next generation the faithful, goodness of our Lord? An easy way to start is with a “grateful journal.” Consider starting one as we begin the new year.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

Praise the Lord
Mary

Above All Else...

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. -Proverbs 4:23 ♥

Contain Much More...

Words are wonderful, but when you walk in love, your commitment must contain much more than just words.
Little children, let us not love [merely] in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity). -1 John 3:18 ♥

The GREATEST Gift and Merry Christmas...

The giving of gifts is not something man invented. God started the giving spree when he gave a gift beyond words, the unspeakable gift of His Son.- Robert Flatt

I am so very blessed! Thank you God for your Love. For your BEAUTIFUL Son. For my family and so much more. Happy Birthday to the greatest gift I have ever received and will ever know.
#MerryChristmas ♥

Adore Him... :-)

“Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.” John 4:24 ♥
Oh Come Let Us Adore Him, Christ the Lord! Happy Birthday Jesus, I adore you! Merry Christmas friends and family! May your day be very blessed and may you remember to true reason for the season. :-) Love you all. ♥

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Ecstatic Joy...

When they saw the star, they were thrilled with ecstatic joy. -Matthew 2:10

Praise You In This Strom...

I ♥ acoustic versions. This is one of my favs by Casting Crowns and sort of bittersweet for all the heartache that has happened this month. Let us not turn cold from the foolish news and politics. Let us hold dear that we are indeed never alone and that light is shining through... I am so touched by God's great love in such horrific tragedy. #BeautyFromPain

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Disappointments and Love...

People will disappoint you and let you down, but God never will. ♥ When my soul fainted upon me [crushing me], I earnestly and seriously remembered the Lord; and my prayer came to You, into Your holy temple. -Jonah 2:7 ♥ So thankful for my great God's love in such a confused world. :-) #withoutHimIwouldbesolost

Devoted In Love...

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. ~Romans 12:9-21 ♥

Turn Us Aside From...

No half-heartedness and no worldly fear must turn us aside from following the light unflinchingly. -J.R.R Tolkien ♥

Baby Boy...

Endless hope and relentless joy started with a Baby Boy... ♥ LOVE this new song ♥ Enjoy and may you be blessed by these magnificent lyrics. Made my ♥ :-)

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Waters Fail Not...

And the Lord shall guide you continually and satisfy you in drought and in dry places and make strong your bones. And you shall be like a watered garden and like a spring of water whose waters fail not. -Isaiah 58:11

A Very Touching Poem and Picture...

twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38 when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate. their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air. they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there. they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say. they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day. "where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse. "this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house." when what to their wondering eyes did appear, but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near. He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same. then He opened His arms and He called them by name. and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring those children all flew into the arms of their King and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace, one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face. and as if He could read all the questions she had He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad." then He looked down on earth, the world far below He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand, "Let My power and presence re-enter this land!" "may this country be delivered from the hands of fools" "I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!" then He and the children stood up without a sound. "come now my children, let me show you around." excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran. all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can. and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight, "in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT." 
Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

 

Even in the Shadowlands...

God does reach us in our broken and desperate times. Even in the shadowlands, He is there. Yesterday’s tragedy won’t leave my mind… I don’t think it ever well. The heartache of it all seems unbearable. Evil swept through cutting a wound so deep and ugly. Yet, God, our loving God is shining through in this dark state of despair. He has not left, nor forsaken anyone. Thank you God for your love and for your hope. Thank you for giving us comfort in this sorrow and not leaving us in despair.

Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.
- Psalm 23:4 ♥


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The Brokenhearted...

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [curing their pains and their sorrows].-Psalm 147:3 ♥

Mary Did You Know...

I'm not a CeeLo Green fan, but I have to say he did a really good job singing this. It's a favorite of mine and the video moved me to tears, it's so beautiful... Jesus is the reason for the season and my precious Lord and Savior! Enjoy! I can't wait to see this!

(Remember to pause my purple music box, located on the right sidebar.... below My Blog Archive. The bottom middle button will pause it)

Returning and a Revolution...

Here I am blogger friends! Yes, I am still alive. I’m trying to get back into the world of blogging. My blog has sort of been “not so personal” and I’m sorry about that. I cannot believe that 2012 is almost over.  Wow, has this year flown by. Thank you new and old friends for following me in this challenge of posting every day.

I know more people read my blog than I am aware of. I have had a lot of touching comments here, and messages from strangers through Facebook. Love how you never know whom you may touch. I never thought my little blog would actually make an impression on someone.

I’ve been thinking a lot about love lately. True love that is.

It doesn't take much to find out who your real friends are. I find it rather sad on how poorly we can treat each other sometimes… especially fellow Christians.  I have been treated way more poorly by Christians, than none Christians. That is pretty pathetic, isn’t it?  No wonder why none believes flee from us sometimes. We are carriers of the Light and yet we often don’t shine it. We let our own emotions cover His glory.

So I have this GREAT thing I really want to do in 2013 and I would love to do it with others. Let’s make 2013 a Love Revolution. I mean truly transform the word “love” to its true meaning. Would you like to join me in this? I’ll be sharing more plans on this soon.

Thank you for reading and enjoy this beautiful season.

Mary’s Song...

 

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed” -Luke 1:46-48

Mary’s words, aren’t they remarkable. This very... young woman accepted the words of the angel Gabriel without question, and replied “I am the Lord’s servant, may it be to me as you have said.” She did not doubt the ability of the Lord, or the statement of the angel. In her there was no unbelief. Isn’t that admirable…and shouldn’t it be our own heart’s desire.

Thank you Lord!
(Sister of Christ)

Yes I Have...

The Lord appeared from of old to me [Israel], saying, Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you. -Jeremiah 31:3

The Hole...

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). -John 10:10

No Concern... :-)

One of the greatest freedoms is truly not caring what everyone else thinks of you. As long as you are worried about what others think of you, you are owned by them. Only when you require no approval from outside yourself, can you own yourself. - M. Hack God's Truth about how He sees us is the only opinion we need to believe. We are His children, His sons and daughters and we are loved!!! What others think about us is of no concern at all!!! God's opinion is truly the only one that matters. #Godislove

Day 342: Even...

For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith. -1 John 5:4 ♥

N2AEA Has Launched!...

We’ve finally launched our store on etsy! We are very excited for you all to take a look around our shop and let us know what you think. All our jewelry, is unique and truly one of a kind. Just like our name says, No Two Are Exactly Alike. http://www.etsy.com/shop/N2AEA?ref=top_trail


Please join our fan page here on facebook and share it with others! We will be giving away a set of beautiful earrings after the first 50 likes! Like our fan page and share it with a friend, or two! We'll do a random drawing after 50 likes and someone will win some really pretty earrings! Got to be in the top 50 to be entered in the drawing, so like us now! :) http://www.facebook.com/n2aea

 

More beautiful pieces at our store http://www.etsy.com/shop/N2AEA?ref=top_trail

Day 340: Deliver You From All Fear...

If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of [the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.
Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (...

no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind. For truly, let not such a person imagine that he will receive anything [he asks for] from the Lord,[For being as he is] a man of two minds (hesitating, dubious, irresolute), [he is] unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything [he thinks, feels, decides]. ~James 1:5-8 ♥ Thank you for that friendly and truthful smack ;-) I needed to hear this!

See More

Day 339:Without...

Without having seen Him, you love Him; though you do not [even] now see Him, you believe in Him and exult and thrill with inexpressible and glorious (triumphant, heavenly) joy.[At the same time] you receive the result (outcome, consummation) of your faith, the salvation of your souls. -1 Peter 1:8-9 ♥

Day 338: Not...

Indeed! ♥

Check Out This Awesome Giveaway For Dreamlander...

K.M. Weiland is having a great giveaway for her newest book Dreamlander. Be sure to check it out. Dreamlander looks and sounds like an awesome tale!

 

http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/

 

 

What if it were possible to live two very different lives in two separate worlds?

What if the dreams you awaken from are the fading memories of that second life?

What if one day you woke up in the wrong world?

Only one person in a generation may cross the barrier of dreams to reach the other world - a world of war-scarred countries and fallen faiths. When a Chicago-born journalist finds himself on the far side of his dreams, he must hurl himself into battle to save a princess from her own people, two worlds from annihilation, and himself from a dream come way too true.                               

 

To Purchase the paperback version of Dreamlander click here

Kindle and Nook ebook versions are .99 cents this week only!

Buying any version will earn you points in the giveaway. Just be sure to email her your receipt.

 

A Small Testimony of Mine...

For as long as I can remember I have always had God in my home. My parents have been Christian for many years and taught me about God’s gracious love. So thankful for their loving guidance, yet like everyone I had to truly find Him myself.

The first time I really felt God was when I was six. I went with a school friend to a vacation Bible school. I remember looking around a beautiful stained glass church, singing When the Saints Come Marching In, and I just had an overwhelming sense He had to be real.

I remember asking Jesus into my heart at a young age. My mom guided me on what to say and together I asked Him to be my Savior. The greatest thing I have ever done.

God has truly changed my life. I couldn’t imagine going through some of the challenges that life gives without Him. He makes those tough times better and those great times greater.

 I am set free because of His love. I hope my words have blessed somebody. Thank you. To God be all the glory!

Teaser on N2AEA...

My mom and I are still working HARD to get everything up and running smoothly for that business I told you all about in the past... Exciting news coming very, very soon! :D

Meanwhile here's a tease!
This necklace has a beautiful agate pendant and if you like green, or maybe have green eyes this ones for you! Let us know what you think?? #N2AEA

Day 333: Why Then...

“I feel in myself the future of life. I am like a forest once cut down: the new shoots are stronger and livelier than ever. I am rising, I know, toward the sky. The sunshine is on my head. The earth gives me its generous sap, but heaven lights me with the reflection of unknown worlds. You say the soul is nothing but the resultant of bodily powers. Why, then, is my soul more luminous when my bodily powers begin to fail? Winter is on my head, but the eternal spring is in my heart."
- Victor Hugo

Day 232: Who...

Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits— Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy; Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle’s [strong, overcoming, soaring]!  -Psalm 103:2-5

Day 231: Be...

Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer. -Romans 12:12

Day 330: Need You Now...

Was blessed by this song. May it bless you too. :-)

 

 



Day 329: My God Is Greater...

What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?] -Romans 8:31 ♥

Day 328: Teach and Lead Me...

Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good Spirit lead me into a level country and into the land of uprightness. -Psalm 143:10

Day 327: Not An Exception...

Not the exception. “I do not deserve to die for the crime of my father. I am NOT an exception.” One crime doesn't justify another. Choose life. Amen. ♥

Day 326: Thanksgiving...

 

Giving thanks for my family, good friends, another Thanksgiving, life, and my Great Savior. Without you I wouldn’t have much to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving friends and family, far and near! May your day be filled with reflections of... God's goodness and faithfulness in your life. For those of you who are lonely or heavy hearted, I pray that the kindness of the Lord would lift your soul as He carries you through this holiday season. He is so generous and you are SO loved.

Day 325: From You...

 

 

“Protect me, Lord God! I run to you for safety, and I have said, “Only you are my Lord! Every good thing I have is a gift from you.” Psalm 16:1-2

Day 324: Shine Your Light On Me...

 

 

Father in Heaven, shine Your light on me. Light the path ahead of me so I'll know where to place my feet. Bring clarity to my thoughts so I'll think rightly about You and about my life. Shine Your light in my heart so I'll love others the way You love them. And shine brightly in the dark corners of my life so that enemy will have nothing on me, nothing in me, and nowhere to hide. I belong to You! Amen.
 -Susie Larson

Day 323: He Makes...

Though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines, [though] the product of the olive fails and the fields yield no food, though the flock is cut off from the fold and there are no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the [victorious] God of my salvation! The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]! -Habakkuk 3:17-19

Day 322: Receive His Blessings...

Love this! :-)
Sow for yourselves according to righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God); reap according to mercy and loving-kindness. Break up your uncultivated ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, to inquire for and of Him, and to require His favor, till He comes and teaches you righteousness and rains His righteous gift of salvation upon you. -Hosea 10:12

Day 321: Age to Age...

"His glory appears like the light from the sun. Age to age He shines"

Day 320: Mind of Hope...

 

"This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope." Lamentations 3:21

 

Your state of happiness is controlled more by your head than your circumstances. A mind that replays every dark moment of the past and magnifies each gray feature of the day will despair. A mind that recalls the light of the past and sees the potential in each day will be filled with hope. Memory is a tool that can either constrict or comfort. It simply depends on where you decide to place your focus. -©AnnWilds2012

Day 320: Be Not Afraid...

‎
But even in case you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, [you are] blessed (happy, to be envied). Do not dread or be afraid of their threats, nor be disturbed [by their opposition].  But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully.[And see to it that] your conscience is entirely clear (unimpaired), so that, when you are falsely accused as evildoers, those who threaten you abusively and revile your right behavior in Christ may come to be ashamed [of slandering your good lives]. -1 Peter 3:14-16

Day 319: He Will Provide...

And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:19

Day 318: Nothing...

Alas, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too hard or too wonderful for You—. Jeremiah 32:17

Day 317: Overcome...

Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good. ~Romans 12:21

Day 316: Remember...

Tonight, I'm praying that you remember that He is faithful to complete the good work He started in you, that He never wastes a hurt, He is all-knowing, all-powerful, and unchanging. We have to keep our minds focused on Him and His goodness or we will never step into the life that He has in store for us...I pray that you remember that we serve a God of I am's and not what if's, we can't live in the what if's of tomorrow but in the I am's of today, I am your strongtower, I am your refuge, I am your provider, I am going before you to prepare the way, I am the King of Kings and Lord of Lords...keep your eyes on that and remember HE has never failed you before, He won't start today. Rest in Him

~Jennifer (Sister's In Christ)

Day 315: Whom Shall I Fear...

The Lord is my Light and my Salvation—whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? ~Psalm 27:1

Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord. ~Psalm 27:14

(Remember to pause my purple music box, located on the right sidebar.... below My Blog Archive. The bottom middle button will pause it)

Day 314: Fitted With The Armor...

 

 

When fitted with the armor of God, we will not be blindsided by the fiery darts of the Enemy. Past failures lose their power, for they have been dealt with. Present thoughts will not overrun me, for I am in command of my thoughts and I make...the final decision on what I believe. The opinions of others do not bombard me, for I have decided to believe what God says about who I am--regardless of what I or anyone else thinks.

~Dennis Jernigan, This Is My Destiny

Day 313: Let Us Pray...

Here is a great post I read this morning. It touched my heart…

Dear Friends,
It was 54 years after Jesus had risen to His throne of grace, that the emperor Nero had also risen to power in Rome. It was the best of times and it was the worst of times. But because Nero was a persecutor of the church, the world never looked so bleak. Amazingly, the Apostle Peter erected a billboard in those times saying; “Honor all men, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.” 1 Peter 2:17

If 1st century Christians found a way to show honor to Nero (when persecuted), then surely we can find peace and fullness in obeying God, by honoring our President regardless of his differences with the Christian faith and values. Let’s pray for our leaders, as we are commanded to do in 1 Timothy 2:1-2: “I urge that…prayers and… thanksgivings be made…for kings and all who are in authority…This is good and acceptable in the sight of God.”

Never has it been more clear in my mind, that I am “Not Of This World”, and that the times are ripe for the harvest. While God’s judgment may be on this country, our gracious Lord is coming soon, and a revival is here! The times are perfect for looking to God, for loving each other, praying for our leaders, and reaching out to those who do not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. More than ever before, we need to move onward and upward looking to and praising Jesus, our real hope!!! “Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder…” Romans 12:11-13
In His Grace,
Aurelio F. Barreto III, FOUNDER & CEO of Not of this World and C28

Day 312: I Will Exalt Him...

The Lord is my Strength and my Song, and He has become my Salvation; this is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him. ~Exodus 15:2

Day 311: He Will...

Like birds hovering, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem; He will protect and deliver it, He will pass over and spare and preserve it. Isaiah 31:5

Day 310: I Will Vote For...

Yes, You are my Rock and my Fortress; therefore for Your name’s sake lead me and guide me.
~Psalm 31:3

Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action)
~2 Timothy 3:16

I will vote for the most pro-life candidate, because God hates the shedding of innocent blood (Prov.6:17).

I will vote for the most pro-Israel candidate, because God blesses those who bless Israel & curses those who don't (Gen.12:3).

I will vote for the most pro-debt reduction candidate, because the borrower is servant to the lender (Prov.22:7).

I will vote for the most pro-work candidate because God says if a man does not work, let him not eat. (2Thess.3:10)

I will vote for the most pro-marriage candidate, because God is for marriage as defined in (Genesis 2:24).

I will vote for the candidate who most closely believes government's purpose is to reward the good and punish the evil (Romans 13).

I will vote based as close as I can on God's Word (2Tim.3:16).

Don't forget to vote! #MittRomney/PaulRyan :-)

I'm Twenty-Three...

 

 

Where you go I'll go, where you stay I'll stay. ~Ruth 1:16

I can’t believe I’m twenty-three… wow! My twenty-second year went by fast. It was a challenging year of new growth and good things. I feel a bit closer to God and perhaps a bit smarter ;-) Haha… every year brings something new. Good and bad, yet always a blessing. I’m looking forward to what twenty-three will bring. Thank you God Almighty for another year, may my twenty-third be a great adventure together.

Day 308: Always...

As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. ~Psalm 71:14

Day 307: Enemies...

 

 

"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you, and persecute you" Matthew 5:44.

It is easy to pray for those we love and those we deem worthy o...

f our prayers. Let us pray for those who hurt us and/or irritate us. I bet they hurt and irritate others too. What if they have no one praying for them? What if no one ever prayed for you? Hurtful people are hurting people and they need prayers too. ♥ ~ Debbie

Day 306: He Wants...

God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus. – Max Lucado

Day 305: Have No Anxiety...

An unpeaceful mind cannot operate normally. Hence the Apostle teaches us to “have no anxiety [stress] about anything” (Phil. 4:6). Deliver all anxious thoughts to God as soon as they arise. Let the peace of God maintain your heart and mind (v. 7).” ~Watchman Nee ♥

Day 304: You Are Still...

"All of my life, in every season, You are still God." ~Hillsong

Day 303: Light...

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.

Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.
~Matthew 5:14-16

Day 302: Whatever...

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. ~ Philippians 4:8

Day 301: My Redeemer is Strong...

May you step out of the hurriedness of the day and step into a pace that allows for face to face conversation with those you love. May you tighten your belt of truth and let go of the lie that says you carry your burden... alone. May you set your face like flint and trust God's promise to carry and establish you. And may you enjoy deep healing sleep tonight and precious Sabbath rest tomorrow. Your Redeemer is strong.
 ~Susie Larson

Day 300: He Only...

He only is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be moved. ~Psalm 62:6

Day 299: Wonderful...

For You did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well.

My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret [and] intricately and curiously wrought [as if embroidered with various colors] in the depths of the earth [a region of darkness and mystery].
Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book all the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them.
How precious and weighty also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
Psalm 139:13-17

Day 298: May You...

May you have the presence of mind to cherish every second with the ones you love. May you make time for fun, for rest, and for reflection. May you plan time in your schedule not to have plans, and see what happens. May you come to know--on a whole new level--that much more rests on God shoulders than on yours. And may you learn to enjoy the journey because His yoke is easy and His burden is light. And He's crazy in love with you. Sleep well tonight. ~Susie Larson

Day 299: Reveal...

As in water face reflects face, So a man’s heart reveals the man. ~Proverbs 27:19 ♥

Day 298: Guide Me...

Yes, You are my Rock and my Fortress; therefore for Your name’s sake lead me and guide me.~Psalm 31:3

Day 297: Made For...

"If I discover within myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world” ~C.S. Lewis

Day 296: Worn...

♥ the lyrics... "Worn" is a tender ballad that acknowledges our human frailty and the rest that's awaits in our heavenly Father's arms.

Day 295: Always Have Hope...

Always remember, no matter what is going on, you always have hope in Christ. ~Joyce Meyer

Day 294: Ten Promises...

But now [in spite of past judgments for Israel’s sins], thus says the Lord, He Who created you, O Jacob, and He Who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you [ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives]; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt [to the Babylonians] for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba [a province of Ethiopia] in exchange [for your release]. 4 Because you are precious in My sight and honored, and because I love you, I will give men in return for you and peoples in exchange for your life. 5 Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east [where they are dispersed] and gather you from the west.~ ISAIAH 43:1-5 Ten Promises Within These Verses http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/ten-promises-from-isaiah-431-5-tony-abram-sermon-on-gods-love-97514.asp

Day293: Refreshes and Restores...

A Psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack. 2 He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters. 3 He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him—not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake. 4 Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with [a] oil; my [brimming] cup runs over. 6 Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.

Day 292: Love...

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is (springs) from God; and he who loves [his fellowmen] is begotten (born) of God and is coming [progressively] to know and understand God [to perceive and recognize and get a better and clearer knowledge of Him].~ 1 John 4:7

Teen Novel Team: The New Recruit by Jill Williamson...

About the book:
Name: The Mission League
Book One: The New Recruit
Author:  Jill Williamson
Gera: Adventure/ Action/ Spy-Thriller/ Speculative/ Christian
Page Count: 399
Age Range: 14+ (Has a few mentions of drugs in it (shown in a bad way of course). More geared towards boys, teens, and young adults.
Publisher: Marcher Lord Press

Forced to choose between military school and a Christian spy organization, skeptic Spencer Garmond signs on with the Bible geeks. But before he even boards the plane for Moscow, Spencer realizes this is no Bible club.

These guys mean business.

Stumbling onto a case involving a gang of homeless boys, a chilling tattoo, and the always beautiful Anya Vseveloda, Spencer struggles to find the faith needed to save the Mission League from enemy infiltration.

My Review
Wonderful humor written throughout and great messages woven within. Jill Williamson has become a favorite author of mine.

Jill Williamson is one talented writer! She inspires me to try new steps in my writing. I am surprised over her ability to write so smoothly in different genre’s ( fantasy, Sci-Fi, Spy-adventure, and soon to be dystopian ). It’s something I don’t often see in writers. She still holds her special style/touch within them too

I know I have used “ fun” to describe her books in the past, but I can’t help but say it again. The New Recruit was fun!  I wish there was a real  Mission League. What a neat idea she has created. A Christian spy organization... so, so cool!

Jill Williamson truly knows the heart of guys and has a huge heart for our youth. It shines in her books (especially  Replication and The New Recruit). Spencer struggles with things that I’ve seen a lot of our youth struggle with. He had so many layers of realness sometimes you forget he’s fictional  ;-)

There are quite a few characters in The New Recruit, but Mrs. Williamson does a grand job at giving them all a distinct personality which makes them rememberable to the reader. My favorite character was Gabe. He was a great friend to Spencer and I could kinda relate to him sometimes… his prayer situation with Spencer later on in the book was something I got. It’s hard having non-Christian friends, especially when you greatly care and love them. It’s painful to see their struggles and know a way that can ease their hearts and comfort their mind... if only they seek it.

The book cover is a perfect fitting for the book. That is exactly how I would picture Spencer and it has a wonderful “spy” feel to it with the fiery bullet hole and the palace of Russia. In the beginning of each chapter there is a lovely cross logo with a rather witty idea of having each chapter title written out like a  report. I loved it! Brilliant! There is also a cool page of face drawings of most of the characters located in the front of the book… helped me picture and remember them better. A neat map of Russia done by the talented Nichole White, towards the middle of the book, and a character and Russian language guild located in the back… that really came in handy sometimes. Hey, I now know Russian… nyet, ya ne ponimayu. ;-)

The only bad thing I can say about this book is… it ends on a fast cliff hanger and you’ll have to wait to find out all the fun twist and turns in her plot in the next three books (I heard it’s a four book series). I look forward to finding out all the answers and joining in more adventures with Spencer and his friends.

Also there are a few typos, but I find that’s in any book. I’m sure there’s a typo or two within my review. ;-)

I would HIGHLY recommend The New Recruit, especially to teen boys 14+. The book is geared more to Christians but I think it would be a neat thing to give to a non-believer. I don’t know if everyone would agree with me on that.  My younger sister, who despises reading is wanting to read this book… how cool is that. ;-)

To purchase the paperback book follow this link Amazon
or this one Marcher Lord Press

Ebook fan...
Kindle
Nook

Check out the author's awesome website (she does free book contest every month) Also tons of writing tips http://www.jillwilliamson.com/

Be sure to look at the book series webpage and become a spy in this fun contest.
 http://themissionleague.com/

“Like” Facebook pages.
The Mission League series Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/TheMissionLeague

Spencer Garmond’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spencer-Garmond/254361318000507
 

Day 290: Jesus in Disguise...

(Remember to pause my purple music box, located on the right sidebar.... below My Blog Archive. The bottom middle button will pause it)

I love this song! Enjoy :-)

Day 289: Bestowed Upon Us..

3 For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [ [d] full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue). 4 By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature. 5 For this very reason, [e] adding your diligence [to the divine promises], employ every effort in [f] exercising your faith to develop virtue (excellence, resolution, Christian energy), and in [exercising] virtue [develop] knowledge (intelligence), 6 And in [exercising] knowledge [develop] self-control, and in [exercising] self-control [develop] steadfastness (patience, endurance), and in [exercising] steadfastness [develop] godliness (piety), 7 And in [exercising] godliness [develop] brotherly affection, and in [exercising] brotherly affection [develop] Christian love. 8 For as these qualities are yours and increasingly abound in you, they will keep [you] from being idle or unfruitful unto the [ [g] full personal] knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is blind, [ [h] spiritually] shortsighted, [i] seeing only what is near to him, and has become oblivious [to the fact] that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10 Because of this, brethren, be all the more solicitous and eager to make sure (to ratify, to strengthen, to make steadfast) your calling and election; for if you do this, you will never stumble or fall. 2 Peter 1:3-10

Day288: We Do Not Belong...

For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to darkness. ~1 Thessalonians 5:5

Day 287: Made Us Free...

In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off]. ~Galatians 5:1

Day 286: High Rock...

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.

From the end of the earth will I cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed and fainting; lead me to the rock that is higher than I [yes, a rock that is too high for me]. ~Psalm 61:1-2

Day 285: Do It All...

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. ~1 Corinthians 10:31

Day 284: Be Strong and Immovable...

When you have no idea what to do and you’re too weak to fight the good fight, just be still and know He is God. Let Him fight for you. All you need to do is stand. What I mean by “stand” is to avoid making any decisions while you’re in the ...

heat of emotion. Instead, take time to seek wise counsel and to allow your heart to calm down. Stand; don’t walk away. God will walk you through this, and when you follow Him, you will find you’re still standing once the crisis has passed.

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
1 Corinthians 15:58

Sheri Rose Shepherd

Day 283: Victory...

May you roll today's burden off your shoulders and receive a fresh outpouring of grace from above. May you release your worries to God and receive His word of truth deep in your soul. May you stomp on your fears and raise high the banner of faith that declares "Overwhelming victory is MINE because I am HIS!
 ~Susie Larson

Day 282: The Truth...

Many of us have experienced spiritual identity theft. We’ve lost our confidence in who we are in Christ, and we feel worthless or wounded by someone’s words. Others of us hold in our hearts a false identity. We believe a lie about ourselves..., and that lie defines us.
You do not have to let others’ hurtful words define you anymore. Those who spoke them did not give their lives, as Jesus did, to prove your worth...the truth is you are a treasure of the King!!!!


You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
 -John 8:32

~Sheri Rose Shepherd

Day 281: Always There...

It is the Lord Who goes before you; He will [march] with you; He will not fail you or let you go or forsake you; [let there be no cowardice or flinching, but] fear not, neither become broken [in spirit—depressed, dismayed, and unnerved with alarm]. ~Deuteronomy 31:8

Day 280: A Servant...

"A servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them." ~ John 13:16-17 

The highest positions in the universe are the positions of service to the King. ~ Anne Graham Lotz