My Favorite Post For May...

Here are my five personal favorite post I did for this month... Thanks to all who followed me this month and left kind words here and on Facebook. Really means a lot :-)

Day 122: Letting Each Other Go... Too Easily

Day 125: One of My Healing Miracles

 Day 137: Already There

Day 145: True Lies

Day 149: A Day of Remembering

What were your favorites this month? (All post can easily be found on the right hand sidebar) See you all tomorrow. Have a blessed June~

My Favorite Blog/Website of May...

Today I would like to share one of my favorite blog/website's. I will be doing this every month on the second to last day. Here were my favorite site(s) for January,  February,  March, and April.

I really want you to visit the sites I share and I'll be doing this at the end of every month...

This months favorite blog/website is...
 Greenwood Shadows

Adele, is a good friend of mine. She comes from a really talented family and has many talents herself.
 She has been working really hard on a book called, Wolf's Bard. The name alone makes you want to read it... right? Last year I had the honor of reading it... be sure to check out the teaser first chapter on her blog. And sign up to her email list to stay up to date on it.
Adele, is also a gifted singer. Her and her family have a band called Wren Song. If you like Celtic melodies, you'll enjoy their lovely music. And some of you might recognized Adele from a few book trailers (yes she's an actress too) and she made all the costumes! Aren't they neat?!
Among all her awesomeness, Adele is a loving heart and a great friend. Truly blessed by her.

And one last thing... tomorrow is her Birthday, so wish her a happy day.

Day 150: The Firefighter Challenge... Have You Taken The Challenge?

I wrote about this a little over a month ago and I'm wondering if any of you have done it? Also maybe some of you haven't seen it... there is still a few more days to join in on this wonderful and not at all hard challenge.

 First of all, check out about this awesome challenge Lisa made over at her blog... http://reflections-lisa.blogspot.com/2012/04/firefighter-challenge.html

It's a pretty great challenge! I sure do appreciate my firefighters. Living in a big beautiful mountain forest has it's danger of natural fires every year and this year might be a tough one. They work hard on keeping us and our homes safe... in so many different ways.

I''m writing my thank you today and I hope you join in. Writing a thank you isn't hard and doesn't cost anything, but means so much.

Let me know if you take the challenge and for sure let Lisa know. :-)

Day 149: A Day of Remembering...

 

Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed annually in the United States on the last Monday of May. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died in all wars. It typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end.

I was a military brat for eleven years. My dad gave fifteen years of service as a U.S. Marine. Military life was hard, but rewarding at the same time. I remember my dad being gone for six straight months, to only return for a short time and then again for another six months. Letters and a very special phone call, were our only way of contact. (This was before all the awesome internet access we have now and before their tours went up to a year or more at a time).

Please remember and hold dear that Memorial Day is not just a fun three day weekend, for the kickoff of Summer, it is a holiday of remembrance and thanks to our men and woman that have and are serving in the military. It is to remember the ultimate sacrifice, that so many brave souls have done for you and I.

Instead of remembering and thanking these brave men and woman on just one day of the year, please think of their sacrifice often and whenever you have the opportunity to thank one... do. It really means more to them than you know. Walk up to them, shake their hand, and say, “Thank you.” That’s not too hard... right? :-)

Have a blessed summer everyone and thank you for reading.~

Here is a very touching video my sister made a few years ago. It's one that will never make you forget. I apologize if I bring tears to anyone. I promise it's worth watching.

"I just wanted to put together a special tribute to the men and women that have served, and are serving our country. I hope it helps us to remember the huge sacrifices they have made and are making for us each and ever day, because it's so easy for us to forget just what they and there families have gone through and are going through to help keep our country safe.

When the first song finishes playing and the bagpipes begin to play every soldier you see has paid the ultimate sacrifice with their live. They are the faces of our brave men and women that wont be coming home to their loved ones. So please, remember to say THANK YOU to our veterans, and our service men, and women, and remember to always lift them up in prayer."
  
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Day 148: Broken Glass...

This is done by a very talented friend of mine. We all hide behind a mask at times. All of us have some broken pieces in our lives and some of us might even be shattered.

God is the ultimate healer and the only one that can mend our broken glass, and make us our true original authentic selves. Without Him I would be a broken mess.

Very nicely done Brad. Keep shining! May God guild you in your dreams.

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 "It is human nature to only show our best, but what happens when put to the test?" 

Broken Glass is a thought provoking short film which presents an anti suicide message along with the goal to motivate people to be their true self and take off the metaphorical mask in which many people hide underneath.

Prayer Request...

My sister Hayley, hasn't been feeling too well :( If you can spare any prayers, please left her up. Her body doesn’t adapt well to pain. She’s been fighting some nasty Asthma and had some booster shots on Thursday, that has made her sick and her left arm very sore.

 Last night my fam and I stayed up with her throughout the night. She was really sick! Today, I watched movies and took care of her, while my mom and dad went to town for a few things. Hayley ran a fever off and on, and is still fighting nausea . Food scares her to eat and drinking most things is making her tummy hurt more. This is not fun, one bit!

We believe Hayley has had an allergic reaction to her shots. There is a nasty flu going around in my area, but the timing we believe has to be her shots, and none of us are sick... yet.

Please pray that she feels better soon. That she is able to eat things and that it settles on her tummy easy. That she has a very restful sleep tonight and has a better day tomorrow

With all my heart, thank you!

Day 146: Becca's Adventure Has Come To An End...

Becca's New Adventure in Haiti was one of my favorite blogs of January. This young ladies great nine month adventure at a Haitian orphanage ended two days ago. I highly recommend reading her blog... her post are covered with beautiful and thought provoking thoughts.

She wrote this last Friday and I can't help but share it. It's very touching and worth reading...
 http://beccasnewadventureinhaiti.blogspot.com/2012/05/i-am-feeling-relieved.html#comment-form

When one adventure ends, another one always begins. Blessings to you Becca as you start a new adventure.

Day 145: True Lies...

Look well to yourself [to your own personality] and to [your] teaching; persevere in these things [hold to them], for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.~1 Timothy 4:16

 

Something has been bothering me really bad lately and I can’t get my mind away from it. A few days ago I was called a bigot, one minded, and other shocking names, for standing against something that is constantly being thrown in my face. I was kind about it, but the reaction from others blew my mind. I won’t name what it was, because honestly my mind is solid on it, and I rather not cause a war here on my blog.

The thing that has hurt me the most of all, is that I see it flooding into my “Christian” brothers and sisters. Evil is now looking good and Good is now looking bad. We are creating our own religion, and ignoring the truth, that The Almighty has freely set before us.

My heart cries over no longer feeling like we all share the same truth. We are conforming to what the world says is right. Falling one by one into the lies, and separating into different forms. You’re wrong, I’m right. I’m wrong, you’re right. Who’s right? Oh ya, God!

Stand strong and take a good hard look at what you are following! Do not be afraid to stand up for truth, no matter if you seem to be the only one. Study God’s word for yourself, don’t follow someone who seems to know it all. Guess what pastors and leaders are not always right, some are dead wrong! God has given each and everyone of you a brain and if you are reading this post, you have the gift of reading.  If you are in a country like America, you are free to read the Bible and can find it in many places.

READ. READ. READ. God has given you all the answers you need in his word.  They are clear as day, that a child could easily understand. Read and see...

STUDY. STUDY. STUDY. To learn about anything you need to study. Don’t just read a little and stop. The Bible is full of so many epic stories and every page is different. You’ll gain wisdom and so much more...

PRAY. PRAY. PRAY. God aches for you to talk to him. Yes, he answers, just not always the way you would expect. Like any friendship, you need to also try. God never pulls back, nor stops trying...

Please take what I say to heart. I’m not here to offend anyone, nor call out anyone. I am here to stand for the truth that is God's Holy Word and I hope you will join me.

CSFF Blog Tour: Beckon by Tom Pawlik...

About the book:
Author: Tom Pawlik
Genre: Fiction/Suspense /SciFi/Christian/
Reader Age Range: 16+ (Just my opinion)
Page Count:402
Publisher:Tyndale

Some things weren’t meant to be discovered.  But once they’re unleashed, there’s no turning back.
Beneath the town of Beckon, a terror hides, lurking in the darkness.  Waiting.
Three people are drawn to the small Wyoming town for very different reasons.  Anthropologist Jack Kendrick comes looking for clues to his father’s disappearance.  Police officer Elina Gutierrez arrives in the near-deserted town on the trail of her missing cousin.  And George Wilcox is lured by the promise of a cure for his wife’s illness.
All are looking for answers.  But as they draw closer to discovering the town’s chilling secret, the real question becomes. . .
Will their quest uncover a miracle, or release an unspeakable evil?

My Review:
Now I haven’t completely finished this book, so I can’t give it, nor you a fair review. But I can tell you what I think of it so far.

Beckon is a story I normally wouldn’t read, due to it oddness, but at the same time it intrigued me. The story line is interesting, in a way unique, and not quite what you would expect. The characters are likable enough, and each are different, but none were really any favorites.

I usually read before going to bed... it helps wind down my busy mind. Beckon kinda freaked me out and kept me awake. The book just had a creepy feel about it... something I really didn't like. Also because of what the characters were going through. Haha... my sister Hayley works in a cave and I sort of hate it. They are just creepy, gloomy, and dark. I must say I'm glad to be born above ground. I only went below ground when my sister somehow persuaded me to go on a five hour spelunking adventure with her... what was I thinking. Thank you God I will never do that again ;-) Mr. Pawlik describes caves very, very, well... I wonder if he enjoys spelunking?

The book itself is nice looking. The cover art is simple, but fits the book well. Tyndale makes neat feeling books (I know this sounds odd, but feel one of their books and you will get my point). The font was a really nice size and I liked the gray image and quotes at the beginning of each part, within the book.

Do I recommend this book... I’m not quite sure. I haven’t finished it all yet and it’s not a book that I’ve loved. So why don’t you check out a few of the other tour members and make that choice yourself.

Here is a few that I stopped by that you might enjoy...

Becky Miller wrote an excellent post on others “different” opinions on Beckon... be sure to check it out...

Julie Bihn wrote a very detailed review... be sure to take a look. Her blog is lovely too!

Theresa Dunlap wrote a nice review. Not too long, but filled with good information on the book.

Jason Joyner also wrote a great review on reasons why he didn't like Beckon...


Here is the authors website and link to the Beckon page (He has a pretty cool book trailer there) ---> http://www.tompawlik.com/beckon.cfm

Here is a link to purchase Beckon http://www.amazon.com/Beckon-Tom-Pawlik/dp/1414338732/

Be sure to check out the what the other tour member for this month are saying about Beckon...
 http://noahsreads.blogspot.com/"> Noah Arsenault
http://kinynchronicles.blogspot.com/"> Julie Bihn
http://www.oerkenleaves.blogspot.com/"> Thomas Clayton Booher
Thomas Fletcher Booher
http://rbclibrary.wordpress.com/"> Beckie Burnham
http://kittycrochettwo.blogspot.com"> Brenda Castro
http://tweezlereads.blogspot.com/"> Theresa Dunlap
http://www.thehahnhuntinglodge.com/"> Nikole Hahn
http://realmofhearts.blogspot.com/"> Ryan Heart
http://www.brucehennigan.com/"> Bruce Hennigan
http://thequietpen.wordpress.com/"> Janeen Ippolito
http://jessebecky.wordpress.com/"> Becky Jesse
http://www.spoiledfortheordinary.blogspot.com/"> Jason Joyner
http://carolkeen.blogspot.com/"> Carol Keen
http://www.slygames.net/"> Leighton
http://blackanddarknight.wordpress.com/"> Rebekah Loper
http://www.katie-mccurdy.blogspot.com/"> Katie McCurdy
http://www.shannonmcdermott.com/?page_id=189"> Shannon McDermott
http://www.domesticdissident.blogspot.com"> Karen McSpadden
http://rebeccaluellamiller.wordpress.com/"> Rebecca LuElla Miller
http://linalamont.blogspot.com/"> Nissa
http://www.bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/"> Joan Nienhuis
http://labornotinvain.blogspot.com/"> Faye Oygard
http://justanotherbookbag.blogspot.com/"> Crista Richey
http://reviewsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/"> Kathleen Smith
http://jessicathomasink.com/blog/"> Jessica Thomas
http://christiansf.blogspot.com/"> Steve Trower
http://frederation.wordpress.com"> Fred Warren
http://www.shanewerlinger.com/"> Shane Werlinger

 In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.  I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you Tyndale!

Day 143: End Of The Day Blessing...

I love these, "End of the day Blessings" my mom shares. They truly lift and touch your soul. I hope you too are blessed by it, and have a grand day...

 End of the day Blessing ~ May you stand strong in the face of your fears and stronger still when it comes to your faith. May you bow low when you'd rather exalt yourself and bow lower still in the presence of God. May you accept grace for your own missteps and offer more grace still when someone steps on you. God is your Defender, Protector, Healer and Provider... Sleep well~

Day 142: Worth Every Falling Tear

I have been looking for this song, ever since I heard it, but didn't know who sung it. I really like Matt Hammitt! I didn't know he came out with a cd of his own (he is from Sanctus Real) The lyrics of this song is very touching, especially when you know the story behind it.

Watch and enjoy the song and then read the story behind it, below...

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It is as much true today as it was in the Old Testament: “God has set a time for the punishment of the exiles; when that set time is completed, He will return to them with His gracious promise. Judgment is not the last word God proclaims to the sinners. With His grace he reaches out to them to give them a hope and a future. This promise is, however, conditional. In order to enjoy the benefits of God's grace, sinners must call upon Him, and seek Him with all their heart.” (The preceding was from Asbury’s Bible commentary.)

According to God’s Word in Jeremiah 29:13, we need to search for God with all of our heart. Then, we will find Him when we seek Him will all of our heart. In our fast-paced society, how often are we dedicating our whole heart to God? Do we offer up half-hearted prayers or do we seek Him with all of our heart? As a father and husband, this song challenges me to think about how well I’m showing love for God, my family and people. We all matter to God.

God’s prophetic Word is a great companion to go with the message of Matt Hammitt’s autobiographical new song, “All Of Me.” His son, Bowen, just celebrated his first birthday on September 9, 2011. Bowen, which means "small victorious one," was born with a serious heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). You can read all about him at http://bowensheart.com/.

I had the great opportunity to interview Sanctus Real’s lead singer Matt Hammitt about his compelling new song “All Of Me” from his solo worship album Every Falling Tear.

Please tell me the personal story behind writing this song.

Last summer, from April to September, my wife was pregnant with Bowen and we were just waiting to see what God was going to do with our son’s life and our lives. We knew since April that he had a heart defect and he’d most likely make it to full term, but once he was born they didn’t know what would happen. Some of the odds didn’t look good on paper. Obviously we don’t trust odds on paper, but we just spent time in prayer and trusted in God. It was an exercise in relying on God’s promise and faithfulness in the past to carry us through the future.

It was really close to the time before Bowen was born and I had written a lot of the words for the song “All of Me,” but I didn’t have music or the song completed. I went down to visit my friend Bernie Herms, who is one of the most prolific piano players that I know. He started writing the music with me and it was the pinnacle of this feeling for me of uncertainty that my son was about to be born and I was reserving some of my excitement and love for this boy because I was afraid of what would happen and I was afraid to get hurt. I was building walls around my heart to protect myself in case things didn’t go well.

What do you consider to be the takeaway message for listeners?

In those moments that I was hearing Bernie play that music and I was singing those words, “Afraid to love, Something that could break, Could I move on, If you were torn away”--which were the first words I wrote in my journal--I more and more realized that I had to give myself completely to this boy and to the Lord’s will. I knew I needed to fully trust God in what He was going to do in our son’s life and our lives. To be able to walk through that situation and give God all that I have--allow God to do His will and to learn to love and to trust in Him completely.

In terms of a passage about giving our entire hearts to God, David is described as a man after God’s own heart. In spite of our weaknesses and our flaws, God still wants our whole hearts. The end of this song confesses that “Heaven brought you to this moment.” Even though this seemed like a terrible situation, God uses these moments to reveal His glory. He wants to use the darkness of human circumstances to redeem us with His light. He wants to use those moments in our lives to work through us and reveal Himself. God knit Bowen together in my wife’s womb. He brought us to this place so that we could understand redemption and His grace. A picture of someone who is broken being brought to wholeness. That is the innate yearning that we all have for our future home. Love God with all our hearts while we’re being crafted into the redeemed. Only by His Spirit does He give us the ability to love Him back.

Thanks to NewReleaseTuesday for the story behind this beautiful song.

Please be sure to check out Matt Hammitt's website for his son http://bowensheart.com/.

And it you enjoyed this song, you'll be sure to enjoy the rest of his cd Every falling tear

Day 141: Come Seek The Stars...

Do you like entering contest? How about a contest that has some CRAZY huge prizes? How about one that is a ton of fun?

The great Wayne Thomas Batson, is having an EPIC contest in celebration of the release of The Errant King book two of his Dark Sea Annals. The prizes are grand and earning points is a ton of fun. It started in November, but doesn't end until June 26, 2012.  There is still time to join in.


For more information and complete rules visit, Wayne Thomas Batson post on it here Contest Info and Rules

Or check out the Forum to see how it's played Starseekers Enclave

Some of the rules have changed, but nothing too big :-) The team constellation that I am in is "Starfire" and we could use a few more players. He just released the last quest and it's for new members to join.  If this sounds fun to you and if you have some spare time for it... I know life is crazy, come join us.

This contest is not only a fun thing for it's players, but also a big thing for the author. Please remember that, if you are thinking about joining.

For more information on the great Wayne Thomas Batson, visit his blog

And if you haven't already check out his books... there is many more, but today I'm only going to share with you the contest books/series. Type up his name and you'll see the others :-)

Sword in the Stars: Book One of The Dark Sea Annals

The Errant King: Book Two of The Dark Sea Annals

Day 140: Great Wonders All Around Us and The Ring Of Fire...

We need to all take time to remember God’s beautiful world. Sometimes we walk right past the most amazing things God has created without even a blink of an eye. God loves us. He wants us to be happy and successful. He wants us to have eternal life. The things around us that He created should be constant reminders from Him to love Him, trust Him and be obedient to Him. Today remember God’s love, remember God’s blessings, and remember God’s promise. May all that we see around us today be a reminder to thank God for all He has done.

2 Peter 1:4 “And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.” (NLT)

Lord, help us to remember You today in all we do. You are so great and love us so much. Thank You for this world we live in and help us to give You all the glory today. In Jesus’ name. Amen. ~Frances
 
I find it so sad when people wonder where God could be. Take a look around and you’ll see his fingerprints... everywhere.

Tomorrow the first annular solar eclipse “Ring of Fire” will occur in the United States in nearly 18 years. It will be best visible for us west of the Mississippi River (from what I understand...) I remember last seeing a solar eclipse when I was younger... it was truly spectacular!

This is just one of the Great Creators wonders. If you are within range of it, be sure to take a look at  it (with special glasses of course) Google it up if you don't know what I mean by that. If you are not within range of this special wonder, be sure to check the internet. My colored words above will take you to a great link with a few links to live telescope feeds.
 

What great wonders do you see God in?

Day 139: Love Song and A Prayer Request...

My day went by way too fast and I'm getting ready to leave for some fam time at our local fair... my post is going to be very short and not the post I had promised yesterday.

I'm going to be doing something crazy tomorrow, prayers would be greatly  appreciated for my dad and I. It's a crazy dream and goal I've had for a few years and I'm really nervous about it. If all goes well, I'll share it with you all tomorrow, but I can't today...

Here is another wonderful song I recently found... I guess Switchfoot is starting to grow on me. :-) Enjoy and I'll see you all tomorrow

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Day 138: Coming Alive Part One...

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I have a really good post that I worked on, but can’t quite finish it the way I want to... perhaps tomorrow I’ll know how to end it right.

Here is one of the songs that inspired me on this post... I'm not a huge Switchfoot fan, but I do really like this song... especially the chorus.  I'm not waiting... how about you?

Come back tomorrow and I’ll give you my full post on this...

Day 137: Already There...

Life is truly something beautiful, yet every now and then we get struck with something heartbreaking. Life can get complicated at times. Sometimes there are things put in our path that we just can't understand, no matter how hard we try.

In the last seven months two people that have crossed my path in the last couple of years, were taken from cancer. I didn't know these people very well, yet their lives and their families had greatly touched me.

Both were such huge inspirations in my small community. Both had touched and changed so many people. I know many lives were changed for good, because of their amazing hearts.

God makes a plan and a path in every heartache. I don't believe God gave these two people cancer, that is not something he created, yet he used them and it, in a beautiful way. He had a plan and a purpose through it all. He shined a bright light in something that was so dark. He made something that was so ugly... beautiful.

The thing that touched me most was that they knew God was there.

I love this song by Casting Crowns. The lyrics are touching and fitting for each and everyone of us. Please take the time to meditate and listen/read the words. If your life seems out of control, be blessed in knowing that God is already there and your life is His masterpiece. It is a mystery, and a grand one indeed.

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Already There

by

Casting Crowns

From where I'm standing
Lord it's so hard for me to see
Where this is going
And where You're leading me
I wish I knew how
All my fears and all my questions
Are gonna play out
In a world I can't control

Oh, oh

When I'm lost in the mystery
To You my future is a memory
Cause You're already there
You're already there
Standing at the end of my life
Waiting on the other side
And You're already there
You're already there

Oh, oh, oh, oh

From where You're standing
Lord, You see a grand design
That You imagined
When You breathed me into life
And all the chaos
Comes together in Your hands
Like a masterpiece
Of Your picture perfect plan

When I'm lost in the mystery
To You my future is a memory
Cause You're already there
You're already there
Standing at the end of my life
Waiting on the other side
And You're already there
You're already there

One day I'll stand before You
And look back on the life I've lived
I can't wait to enjoy the view
And see how all the pieces fit (x2)

One day I'll stand before You
And look back on the life I've lived
Cause You're already there
You're already there
When I'm lost in the mystery
To You my future is a memory
Cause You're already there
You're already there
Standing at the end of my life
Waiting on the other side
And You're already there
You're already there

You are already there

Day 136: Magpie Eclectic Press...

I'm advertising for a friend...Please be sure to check this out, especially if you have a book, poem, or short story, you're looking to get published. This is more of a Christian publishing company, but they are also open to secular.

Nichole White is a very friendly and talented young lady. I'm excited to see Magpie Eclectic Press grow. You go Nichole and blessings to you on this adventure.

 http://www.magpie-eclectic-press.com/

Day 135: Under His Wings...

You, God, are my God,
earnestly I seek you;

I thirst for you,
my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
where there is no water.

I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.
Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.
I cling to you;
your right hand upholds me.
~Psalm 63:1-8

Day 134: Thank You to All You Moms...

Mom's are truly a thing of wonder and awe. No scientist or human being can explain the love of a mother for her child. In a way it's like magic.

I would like to thank my mom. I am very blessed! My mom has done so much for me. She has beautifully taught me a lot. From taking up the challenge of homeschooling and teaching me much wisdom in God. I can count on her for anything and talk her ears off about anything (... really I mean that. I'm sure I drive her a little loco with my writings and other geekesh things, yet she never complains.) She has always made our home comfortable and beautiful. She is a killer cook and baker. She just ROCKETHS! I love you mom and greatly thank God for you.

Please remember to thank your mom today... actually thank her often. Sadly I know some of us don't have a real mom... that's okay. Thank the one woman strongest in your life, whether it be your grandma that is raising you, your aunt, your foster mom, step mom etc. Moms come in many different ways and it doesn't make them less special.

Day 133: The Unraveling of Wentwater by C. S. Lakin

About the book:
Author: C. S. Lakin
Genre: /Youth /Fantasy/Christian/ Fiction
Series: The Gates of Heaven: Book Four
Reader Age Range: 14 and up
Page Count: 325
Publisher: Living Ink Books AMG

When the simple, backward village of Wentwater begins disappearing one word at a time, no one can figure out how to stop it. Not the learned men living up in the Heights nor the superstitious leaders of the village. But those who had attended the baby naming ceremony seventeen years earlier remember the words of the marsh witch, and her pronouncement that the babe would one day cause the unraveling of Wentwater. In their fear, the villagers banish the parents and set their cottage on fire, and the babe was thought to have perished in the flames. But . . . did she?

Teralyn lives in the Heights and wants nothing more than to create beautiful music on her lap harp. When she comes down to the village for a festival, she falls in love with a villager named Fromer, much to the fury of Fromer’s brother, Justyn. Justyn’s jealousy moves him to make a deal with the witch, and when Wentwater vanishes due to a backfiring spell, it leaves Teralyn, the only person left in the kingdom, with a terrible choice. She must leave her life and forget Wentwater, or she can spend seven long years restoring everything back to the way it was, by spinning nettle into thread and stitching the world back . . . one word at a time.

The Unraveling of Wentwater explores love, jealousy, mercy, and judgment. It spins a tale about the power and magic of words, and as the marsh witch, who keeps words in a jar, warns, “Be careful with your words, they have consequences!” Secrets and superstitions abound in the kingdom, but only a water creature who lives at the bottom of the lake and guards the sacred site knows the truth and can help Teralyn restore all.

In this fourth installment of The Gates of Heaven fantasy series, readers will learn of the fourth of seven sacred sites heaven set up on earth to prevent evil from gaining a stronghold over the hearts of men. Inspired by the traditional fairy tale Sleeping Beauty, readers will be taken on a journey that will leave them, in a word . . . speechless.


My Review

All in all this book was good... not one of my favorites, but I did enjoy it and I won't forget it. The characters were real enough and likable, even a certain bad one (which I won't name, due to maybe spoiling it). There wasn't really a big Christian message in it, but the message that it did have was nicely done and a great one to think hard about. Choose your words carefully. They mean a lot and are way more powerful than you can comprehend. Think about it... your words can hurt and heal.  

There are those who speak rashly, like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. ~Proverbs 12:18

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. ~Proverbs 18:21

C. S. Lakin's writing is beautiful and is very poetic. You will fall in love with the way she uses her words. I also enjoyed her humor. She did a great job with all the silly superstitions the town of Wentwater believed and followed. I really loved the way she wrote about music and  I am now really wanting to learn the lap harp. Be sure to look for The Unraveling of Wentwater  coming out in July. It's worth reading!

I received a free ARC and was not required to write a positive review. Thank you Susanne Lakin and AMG for this lovely opportunity

To find out more about this book and the author, be sure to visit her website-  http://www.cslakin.com/

Day 132: Want to be a Heroic 100?...

Want to be a Heroic 100? How about helping a loving family grow the Kingdom of God in Upper New York. You only need $5 to be a Heroic 100. That's something we all can spare and it's pretty easy to give. Also it feels really great :-) Follow this link to find out more ---> The Heroic 100 <---

Day 131: My newest creation...

Then one of the elders [of the heavenly Sanhedrin] said to me, Stop weeping! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root (Source) of David, has won (has overcome and conquered)! He can open the scroll and break its seven seals! ~Revelation 5:5

This one took me a couple of days to do and I kinda rushed his mane, due to wanting to make it in time to enter it into my local fair. All in all I’m pretty happy with it.  Originally I was going to name it something Aslan like from Narnia, but my mom came up with a better idea... Judah. I like that much better! How about you?

18x24 With prismacolor pencils. As usual it is much better looking in person. I really need to learn how to take better pictures. Any tips on that? Edited it just a little bit in Picasa, to make the colors show brighter and better.

Take a better look at it on my DeviantART...

Day 130: Happy Birthday To The Greatest Woman I Know...

The mother of the child said, As the Lord lives and as my soul lives, I will not leave you. And he arose and followed her. 
~2 Kings 4:30


Happy Birthday Mommy! I hope your day was wonderful. I would like to thank you for all you do. I can count on you for anything and I greatly look up to you. You are a very beautiful and special person... I really don't think you truly know how awesome you are. You rocketh ;-) Love you tons and I pray that this year has something great in store for you.

Day 129: Choose Happiness

 

All those who take refuge in Him are happy.~ Psalm 2:12

It's important to be happy...
We can't live on an emotional high all the time, of course, nor should we. Not even our Lord did that, for on one occasion He wept, on another He said His soul was troubled, and on another He cried, "My God, My God, why...?
Still, the "default setting" for the Christian's attitude should be one of deeply contented joy, and it's very unbiblical to go around all the time with an unhappy attitude. Our happiness is as deep as His care and as perpetual as His peace. It comes from taking refuge in Him.
No matter what may happen to me day by day, I'm safe in His hands, and He is working all for good. Based on that, I choose happiness. This is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it!
 

A person is about as happy as they make up their mind to be.
~ Abraham Lincoln 

A man is as unhappy as he has convinced himself he is. 

~ Seneca 

(Thanks for posting this on fb mom.)

Come Get Some Willow House...

"We believe strongly in a philosophy of simply good design for our extensive product line. A well-designed product is something that will last, passing from one generation to the next. And it should make you happy each time you use it — in fact, each time you look at it. Good design should be accessible and affordable, because the days of fussy and overpriced products are gone forever."
~Willow House


Hey EVERYONE :D My lovely mom Autumn Howard has started a new business called, Willow House. Willow House sells beautiful stuff for your home, yard, and hosting parties with friends and family. Everyone loves a pretty home inside and out. And who doesn't like to entertain every now and then? Willow House items makes lovely gifts too. A lot of their items are hand done, from their hand blown glass, to their hand casted iron work. Everything is exclusive just through them (meaning nowhere else will you see these items) One awesome thing that they are in the process of doing, is going all American, helping America get jobs back with there products. Within a couple of months nothing will be foreign made, even though I love the items from Portugal, but I'm pretty happy to see this!

Don't live near me you say... No worries, all items will be directly shipped to you when you make an order online.

So if you would like to or if you are looking for a gift for someone, please be sure to check out my mom's website http://autumnleigh.willowhouse.com/
There is a really awesome deal called the Design Your Own special! Order $39.96 worth of items & get a regularly priced item up to $39.96 at half off!! And if you are interested in hosting a party, because the host deals are just way too awesome, you can do an online party through facebook and/or emails. Just contact my mom through the little envelope on her website page on the middle right hand side.

Follow this link to the WEEKLY DEALS... Stuff that is discounted just for this week. New Items go up every Monday http://autumnleigh.store.willowhouse.com/category.aspx?zcid=289
ALSO if you click on OUTLET located on the top right corner it will open and show a ton more DEALS... remember to click the green arrow to see the next page or click the show 8 and make it show all (There is over a hundred items at a GREAT discounts... something for everyone.)

And remember the Design Your Own special!


Please feel free to pass the word.
My mom and our entire family thank you! 

Day 127: No Good Christian Fantasy Books?...

I've been hearing too many complaints on not being able to find good
Christian Fantasy lately... I'm wondering, where are you looking? I know a ton of epic Christian Fantasy book/series. I'm also wondering why in the world are we talking about wanting CF to turn more secular. Honestly, I don't think that is possible! This conversation that I keep seeing fb and other blogs is sort of bugging me, so yes I'm ranting a little.

Here is just one of the great CF series I have come across and I'm going to be lazy today and tell you to go check it out yourself ...--->Key of Living Fire<---   See the pretty book cover over there --->
That right there makes me want to read it, but the story itself is really, really good. I recommend reading book one and especially book two, first.

Boys and girls will enjoy it, but I recommend being 14+ to read it... lots of battles, sweet romance, and some things that might bore a younger audience. ( Just my opinion) There is a Christian theme nicely woven in and Mr. Appleton has written some of the best female characters I have come across. I mean this in a really good way.

This is just one of many awesome epic Christian Fantasy series out there. Quit your complaining and go check it out! I don't want to hear how Christian Fantasy sucks anymore and I especially don't want to hear how it needs to turn more secular! That's just wrong...

Oh and Scott Appleton's blog was my favorite blog/ website of April...

Day 126: Maiden Flight... New e-book by Bryan Davis...

For those of you that are huge fans of Bryan Davis, you will love his newest e-book, Maiden Flight. If you know others who would love this, please pass the word, because if this goes well, he'll write more "lost" chapters like this. But he needs your help by sharing about it with others... So spread the word :-)

"This is a chapter-length story about Bonnie's first flight, what might be called a "lost" chapter that would fit between chapters 8 and 9 in part 3 of Eye of the Oracle, which is book #1 in the Oracles of Fire series. It doesn't appear in any of the books in that story world"

To purchase it follow this link  http://www.amazon.com/Maiden-Flight-ebook/dp/B008097ZT2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&amp%3Bqid=1336181493&amp%3Bsr=8-3

Day 125: One of My Healing Miracles...

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed  you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior
~Isaiah 43:1-3

When I was 12 years old I developed a lump on my throat. It started off kinda small, but quickly grew to the size of a soft ball. I lost a ton of weight and was already a string bean (tall, skinny, and going through that funny age of sort of looking funny.)

My parents took me to the doctors, where they did a few exams (blood test, x-rays, and the last one an ultrasound) Our family doctor thought is was a cyst and told us it would be an easy thing to take care of. She thought is was unusual for a 12 year old to have, especially with no family history of it, but wasn’t too worried about it.

About two weeks later when all the results come back from the test and exams, the news shocked my family and I. It was not a cyst, but a tumor.

I was scheduled for surgery a month later (I live in a small area with only one doctor who specialized in this) I was scared and confused. Why did I have a tumor? Do I have cancer? What happens if I do? How is surgery going to be? Am I going to die?

So many unanswered questions ran through my mind. I was old enough to understand what was going on and old enough to know that this was indeed serious. I prayed everyday for the tumor to disappear, until the day my surgery came. I begged God to not let me go through this scary situation.

When surgery day came, I remember the most painful thing being the IV... I really hate those things. Being put under for surgery is such an odd thing and kinda hard to put into words. I remember it was very cold, odd (80's music playing), and a really kind nurse. My hearing went hollow and then I woke up in a different room. All that wait of worry and it was that fast... for me. (My surgery was over four hours long, but felt like a few minutes to me.)

It was over... so I thought. The doctor told my parents and I that the tumor was unusual and needed to go to a special lab to make sure it wasn’t cancerous. We had God’s loving peace over us and just knew no matter what, everything would be okay.

Two weeks later a phone call came in and I was cancer free.

No, God didn’t exactly heal me the way I had prayed for and wanted, but He did perform a miracle...

Imagine if I didn’t live in a time with the technology our doctors are blessed with. Imagine if I didn’t live in a place with medical (like certain places in Africa and India)

God didn’t make the tumor disappear, but he did make it go away and with it I was given a great gift. I learned that I hold courage, especially when I drew near to him and I learned how to pray... something I didn’t comprehend. I learned to trust God and understand that He is always near.

I am grateful for the tumor and the reminder of the scar I hold... (People always assume I was in a bad car accident. I tease them and say if was from a shark and then tell them the truth... it helps ease the seriousness of it all.)

God performs healing miracles everyday... we just need to open our eyes and see it. Open our ears and hear it. Open our hearts and receive it. Sometimes it’s in a different way than we expect it.

“Just because God doesn't answer your prayers the way you want Him to, doesn't mean He doesn't care about you.”   

What is one of your healing miracles? I know you know one, either from yourself, a friend, or a family member... perhaps even a stranger? Feel free to share your story in the comments below.

Day 124: Choose Life...?

Here is a beautiful video done by my very talented sister Hayley, a few years ago. The video tells it all, but I will post a more heartfelt post on this soon. I think it is something we need to talk more about...

Choose Life...?

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

If you enjoyed this, check out her youtube page

at

JesusLightsOurWay

and leave her a comment.

Tomorrow I'll share one of my healing miracles, like I said I would in yesterdays post. :-)

Day 123: How do we forget so easily?...

This is such a good post, that I feel I should share it with you all. I know I have shared his post a few times (he's quite good at writing really great post), but this one really touched me, due to some sad things that has happened in my area lately.

I especially love some of the comments left on this post... miracles truly come out of everything, even in the worst situations. Sometimes we need to sit back and look at the entire picture. And we truly need to write down the miracles we see to be reminded of them... how forgetful us humans are.

God is not hidden in our world. He does not hide his face. His image is everywhere...

Everyone of us have had a healing miracle in our lives. Think about it... I can name off quite a few actually, some I have sadly forgotten about until this lovely reminder today.

I ask you what was or is your healing miracle(s)? Tomorrow I'll share mine...  For now please check out this beautiful post and feel free to share your reply to my question below.

Why Doesn’t God Heal People Anymore? by Christopher Hopper

Day 122: Letting Each Other Go... Too Easily...

If your brother wrongs you, go and show him his fault, between you and him privately. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother. ~Matthew 18:15

Recently I had a dear friend who begin to become very distant and different with me. At first I let it slide, thinking everyone has a bad day every now and then. But when I talked to her again twice during a two week period, her attitude became worse and more distant.

I begun to wonder, did I do something wrong? My mind ran over and over on what I could of done? What I could of said? Even what I could of written? I searched and wondered hard, but nothing came to my mind.  I started to become paranoid (Paranoia will truly destroy ya!)
I sat on it for awhile and even got sad thinking I had lost another friend over something I had no clue on (High School Drama... again.) Girls are truly the cruelest at times and I had gone through that too much, but this friend was different, she was truly one of the greatest friends I have had, so what in the world went wrong?.

I didn’t want to lose this friend, she was too dear to me, to not know the reason why our friendship had change? So I sucked up the courage and ask her. Something that wasn’t easy for me to do, but I felt I had to. I needed to know.

It turns out that she had, had a really bad month and was tired and hurt from a ton of bad news. She had no clue I was feeling this way and was unaware of her hurt towards me. It greatly hurt her to know about this, but we both were happy to know everything actually was okay.

What a relief this was, but how sad all of it could of turned out. I will admit that I started to get upset. I might have even  gotten to the point of avoiding her and eventually losing her all together.

I think too often we do this. We assume the worse, when in reality it’s something very different. We don’t realize what the other person is thinking. It’s not always about you and we let each other go, too easily, when two simple words can settle your problem and mend back your friendship, that truly was never gone.

My lesson today is...DON’T be afraid to ask, What’s wrong? It’s so worth it!

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! ~Psalm 133 :1