Welcome to The Realm of Hearts

Day 33: Serving Love...

2012-02-02T17:03:00.000-08:00

For you, brethren, were [indeed] called to freedom; only [do not let your] freedom be an incentive to your flesh and an opportunity or excuse [for selfishness], but through love you should serve one another.

Is there someone in your life that you just can't stand to be around. An annoying coworker, that peer that never says nice things to you, or perhaps a neighbor that never smiles your way? With every chance you get, you avoid them. You see we have been giving something special, something that must be shared, not hidden.
Invite that annoying coworker to lunch, say something nice to that mean peer, and give a smile to your neighbor.
Don't be afraid to reach out. Serving others in love is never a tiny task, nor is it always easy, but it's so wroth it! Give it a try...

Day32: The Mark of 100 and Enduring Love...

2012-02-01T18:17:00.000-08:00

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
~ Psalm 100

This is my 100th post! I know 100 is not really a big number considering how many years I've had this blog, but I'm still proud to hit this mark.

This month I would like to reflect on the Love of God. In a month that is mostly known for and greatly celebrates "Love" I think it fits pretty well to talk a lot about it.

God's Love is so much different than the love we think we know. Love is a big, BIG word and much deeper than a lot of us have touched. In a culture that tosses it out like it's nothing, it's easy to see it as nothing. Love is not something that was meant to last and be felt for a short "happy" time. True love, is eternal as our God of Love so greatly shows.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever.

I made it to 31 days...

2012-01-31T20:11:00.000-08:00

For those of you that have been following my blog, I didn't explain something very well at the beginning of this year. I told everyone on Facebook, but didn't tell anyone here... silly me. One of my new year resolutions was to write a blog post everyday.... mostly and hopefully inspirational ones.

Yesterday I blogged about five of my favorite blogs... the second to last day of every month, I will do that.
Today I am going to share my personal five favorite blog post of this month... at the end of every month I will do this too.
Thank you to everyone that has kindly followed me this month and has left kind words on my blog and facebook. It means more than you know :-)
Here are my five favorite blog post for January

Day 4: God's Healing Power

Day 9: Fear Not

Day 13: The Beauty of Bliss.

Day 22: My Knight in Shining Armor.

Day 26: Still Small Voice..

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

Day 30: A few of my favorite blogs...

2012-01-30T19:59:00.000-08:00

Today I would like to share with you a few of my favorite blogs. These blogs always bless me, their post are always inspirational, thought provoking, and fun. Please take a look at these wonderful blogs and may you be blessed by them as I am.

A Christian Worldview of Fiction
http://rebeccaluellamiller.wordpress.com/
Becky Miller writes a wide variety of post, from book writing tips, Christian authors, and inspirational. She is also a talented lady and an awesome editor.

Taylor J. Beisler

http://impossiblewriter.wordpress.com/

This is a beautiful blog of thought provoking post and a very talented young lady. She published her first book at the age of seventeen and it's pretty dang good!

Becca's New Adventure in Haiti:

http://beccasnewadventureinhaiti.blogspot.com/

This is a pretty neat blog of one special young ladies nine mouth adventure in Haiti. This girl has a big heart!

A Christian Fantasy Blog of Faerie and Faith:

http://siennanorth.blogspot.com/

An fun insightful blog with great writing tips for Christian Fantasy writers.

Christopher Hopper:

http://www.christopherhopper.com/

His blog is currently going through some changes. His post always make you smile and think. A lot of his post are about his beautiful family, with a wonderful thought provoking story. He's also an author to one of my favorite series, The White Lion Chronicles.

Day 29: The Dark Sea Annals, and a Contest...

2012-01-29T17:44:00.000-08:00

About THE DARK SEA ANNALS series:
A noble king discovers what happens when he leaves a door open for evil. The disastrous consequences impact generations, leaving the throne of Anglinore to a wicked despot, the kingdom in ruins, and Aravel's son Loch in exile. To throw down the vile new authority, Loch will need to find the fabled Halfainin and raise a new army from a world of reluctant citizens. Together with his archer friend Ariana, Loch will face adventures that span the world of Myriad, creatures that defy imagination, and choices great and terrible—all these recorded in The Dark Sea Annals.

Series: The Dark Sea Annals: Book One, Sword in the Stars
Author: Wayne Thomas Batson
Genre: Young Adult/Fiction/Fantasy/Christian
Page Count: 426 pages
Publisher: AMG Publishers

Haunted by memories of a violent past, Alastair Coldhollow wagers his life on the hope that a sword will appear in the stars and the foretold Halfainin, the Pathwalker, would come. Meanwhile, tensions simmer between Anglinore and the murderous Gorrack Nation, threatening war on a cataclysmic scale. The fate of all could rest on an abandoned child and the decisions of those who desperately seek to identify him. Sword in the Stars is the first release in The Dark Sea Annals series.
About the The Dark Sea Annals series: A noble king discovers what happens when he leaves a door open for evil. The disastrous consequences impact generations, leaving the throne of Anglinore to a wicked despot, the kingdom in ruins, and Aravels son Loch in exile. To throw down the vile new authority, Loch will need to find the fabled Halfainin and raise a new army from a world of reluctant citizens. Together with his archer friend Ariana, Loch will face adventures that span the world of Myriad, creatures that defy imagination, and choices great and terrible all these recorded in The Dark Sea Annals.

My Review:
The first chapter pulls you in right away and won't let you go!
The great Wayne Thomas Batson, has done it again! This is one talented author who tells great tales, with a deep message, that cuts straight to the heart. Sword in the Stars, is very different from his other books, by what I mean different is that it is for a much older reader. In my opinion 14+ . It had quite a few characters and things that went far into the dark side, and lots of gory, very detailed scenes of death... that would be a bit disturbing for a younger reader.
The Christian message woven throughout his book made it into an unforgettable read and one you want to continue to read.
The characters are extremely lovable and real. I greatly enjoyed Alastair's story and heart. I have never read, nor seen greater villains than what Mr. Batson has created in this book.
This book does have a few typos in it, but it doesn't ruin the book... one of them makes you think a little hard, but you soon realize it was unfortunately an editing mishap... and I recently found out that they lived. You'll understand this when you read it.
Don't miss out on this great book of what I'm sure to be an epic series.

To purchase, Sword in the Stars.

Book Two came out two months ago... I have yet to read it all...
Series: The Dark Sea Annals: Book Two, The Errant King
Author: Wayne Thomas Batson
Genre: Young Adult/Fiction/Fantasy/Christian
Page Count: 507 pages
Publisher: AMG Publishers

Deep in the caves of the distant Hinderlands, an ancient menace stirs. Townsfolk shudder at violent memories of The Red Queen and even dare to whisper the name Raudrim. At the same time, word comes to Alastair that Cythraul has at last resurfaced, seeking a devastating weapon in the ruins of Grayvalon. Blood-soaked clues lead Alastair into a confrontation from which only one warrior will return alive. Meanwhile in Anglinore, young Lochlan Stormgarden, the new High King of Myriad, leaves the pomp and politics of the throne once too often. While blending in with the people of his kingdom, Loch suddenly realizes that he's put them all at risk. The fate of his new found love Arianna, his best friend Telwyn, his family, and indeed the world of Myriad all depend on the decisions of the errant king.

To purchase, The Errant King

Right now Wayne Thomas Batson, is having a EPIC contest in celebration of the release of book two, The Errant King. The prizes are grand and earning points is a ton of fun. It started in November, but doesn't end until June 26, 2012. It's for sure not too late to join in. For more information and complete rules visit, Wayne Thomas Batson post on it http://enterthedoorwithin.blogspot.com/2011/11/seek-stars-contest-is-here.html
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, that is if it sounds fun to you and you have some spare time for it. 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

Day 28: Choose Life...

2012-01-28T20:39:00.000-08:00

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts,God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you. ~Psalm 139:1-18

This is one of my favorite Psalms... what touching words David penned. With a new election for a new leader coming at the end of this year, I believe with all my heart that it is critical to vote for someone that follows and believes those words up above.We are falling every day for a lie. A lie that is covered in murder and innocent blood. Everyday thousands of innocent lives are murdered in our own country. Many are blind to it and many disagree that they are indeed lives. Yes, I am talking about abortion.
The movie below is life changing. This movie had me in shock, angry over how blind so many of us are, and in tears. Please take the time to watch and if you feel lead, share. I promise you won't regret it. If you do believe in the sanctity of life, this movie is still a good one for you to watch. He gives a wonderful way on how to talk to others on changing their way of looking at abortion. (Remember to pause my purple music player on the right sidebar. The pause button is the bottom middle button.)

If you don't have time to watch the movie right now, here are 15 reasons to NOT have an abortion. This was written by John Piper

1. Existing fetal homicide laws make a man guilty of manslaughter if he kills the baby in a mother's womb (except in the case of abortion).

2. Fetal surgery is performed on babies in the womb to save them while another child the same age is being legally destroyed.

3. Babies can sometimes survive on their own at 23 or 24 weeks, but abortion is still legal beyond this limit.

4. Living on its own is not the criterion of human personhood, as we know from the use of respirators and dialysis.

5. Size is irrelevant to human personhood, as we know from the difference between a one-week-old and a six-year-old.

6. Developed reasoning powers are not the criterion of personhood, as we know from the capacities of three-month-old babies.

7. Infants in the womb are human beings scientifically by virtue of their genetic make up.

8. Ultrasounds have given a stunning window on the womb that shows the unborn at eight weeks sucking his thumb, recoiling from pricking, and responding to sound. All the organs are present, the brain is functioning, the heart is pumping, the liver is making blood cells, the kidneys are cleaning fluids, and there is a fingerprint. Virtually all abortions happen later than this date.

9. Justice dictates that when two legitimate rights conflict, the limitation of rights that does the least harm is the most just. Bearing a child for adoption does less harm than killing him.

10. Justice dictates that when either of two people must be inconvenienced or hurt to alleviate their united predicament, the one who bore the greater responsibility for the predicament should bear more of the inconvenience or hurt to alleviate it.

11. Justice dictates that a person may not coerce harm on another person by threatening voluntary harm on themselves.

12. The outcast, the disadvantaged, and the exploited are to be cared for in a special way, especially those with no voice of their own.

13. What is happening in the womb is the unique person-nurturing work of God, who alone has the right to give and take life.

14. There are countless clinics that offer life and hope to both mother and child (and father and parents), with care of every kind lovingly provided by people who will meet every need they can.

15. Jesus Christ can forgive all sins and will give all who trust in him the help they need to do everything that life requires.

What do you stand for now? Do you choose to stand for life or do you choose to continue to follow this ugly lie. Please think on this...

http://180movie.com/

http://www.prolife.com/

Day 27: Through The Fog...

2012-01-27T20:08:00.000-08:00

We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!1 ~Corinthians 13:12

The last few days we finally got some heavy rain and light snow. Usually my area doesn't get fog, but today in the early morning on our two hour drive to Sacramento, we had heavy eerie fog.

Sometimes we go through a fog and see things so blurry. I don't understand why hard things happen, but I do know that God sees it differently. With our tears He brings courage and strength. Death doesn't hurt Him, because death itself has been conquered through Him.
Heartache has touched everyone one of us. Some of us have had greater heartache than others. The saddest thing in all of this is that too many of us hold tightly onto our heartaches, pushing the healing away. We lean on it, eat it, and let it control us...We live our lives in a fog. This is not what God intended!

Take off the extra fog that drags you down, hand it over to the one that will freely clear it away and give you some sunshine.

Day 26: Still Small Voice...

2012-01-26T21:56:00.000-08:00

And He said, Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord. And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire [a sound of gentle stillness and] a still, small voice. ~1 Kings 19:11-13

I try to talk to God throughout the day, some days I'm better at it than others. Something that I sometimes lack at is good prayer. I say a prayer before bed, but sadly often find myself asleep before I say Amen. I feel horrible when I do this... imagine doing that to one of your dear friends. God talks to us everyday, but a lot of times we ignore Him or push Him to the side. The beautiful verses above tells how God doesn't speak in a loud "here I am" voice, yet a gentle, still, small voice. God longs for us to talk to Him and what a privilege it is to speak to the King of Kings.
Have some quiet time with the King of Kings. Talk to Him about anything and listen to His still, small voice...

Day 25: An Act of Kindness...

2012-01-25T22:00:00.000-08:00

And as for you, brethren, do not become weary or lose heart in doing right [but continue in well-doing without weakening].~ 2 Thessalonians 3:13

This is a touching video of one mans final act of kindness. You never know when your last day on earth may be. Kindness. It's one of the greatest things we can give.

The Greek definition for Kindness is: The grace which pervades the whole nature, mellowing all which would be harsh and austere. A tender heart and a nurturing spirit. An impossible goal in our own strength, yet attainable--but not automatic-- graces for the true believer when yielded to the Holy Spirit. ~Beth Moore

(Remember to pause my music player on the right sidebar. The pause button is on the bottom middle)

Watch Christian Videos and Read the Online Bible at GodVine.com

Day 24: Something New...

2012-01-24T20:54:00.000-08:00

He has filled them with wisdom of heart and ability to do all manner of craftsmanship, of the engraver, of the skillful workman, of the embroiderer in blue, purple, and scarlet [stuff] and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of those who do or design any skilled work. ~Exodus 35:35

I love being creative. One of my favorite quiet times is drawing. Something special fills my heart during these times... something I can't explain. I always feel more connected to God when I draw.

Today I tried sewing. I've done a little sewing when I was younger, but never really got into it. Sewing takes a lot of patience, yet everything new does. No one is great at the beginning of doing something new. It takes time to learn a skill and art. I heard someone say it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert on something. 10,000 hours... that's a lot of time to put into something! There is only 24 hours in a day and a portion of that we sleep.

Don't let this scare you into trying something new. Many of us say, how we wish we would of done blah blah blah. Stop wishing it and do it. If it's something healthy and good and has been tugging at you to give it a try, go for it. It might be hard at first, after all you have to put 10,000 hours into it to become an expert on it... haha. Maybe God is laying something creative on your heart for a reason...

Day 23: Prayer, Googling, and Dog Whispering...

2012-01-23T19:55:00.000-08:00

I WILL lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip or to be moved; He Who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand [the side not carrying a shield]. The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night.The Lord will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
~Psalm 121:1-2

In a few of my post I have talked about our puppy, Wyatt. I love him dearly, but have been having a lot of problems with him, one being fear. A couple of weeks ago he aggressively bit my hand when I went to take a roll of painters tape away from him. He gave me a good gash and shook me up. I've never had any fear over any of my pets, nor had I ever been really hurt by one. Wyatt would either listen to my commands or completely ignore me. He would always give me a little growl if I picked him up(I honesty thought I was hurting him, now I know I wasn't) and he would growl at me if I went to pet him on his bed. I was so tired of his actions and disposition with me. I told my family that I was through trying with him and wanted nothing to do with him. Will that was kinda hard when he is so cute... it only lasted a day before I caved into his cuteness.

I've been praying and asking God why he acts the way he acts? I had a deep ache of Wyatt ending in sorrow. He wasn't just bad acting towards me, but my whole family. In my mind I kept thinking it was just his breed, being so full of energy, he couldn't help it, and he has a very stubborn streak, making it a bad mix. My mom and I were pulling our hair out, because everything had to revolve around him. So many days wasted having to revolve around him. He would demand your attention and if you didn't give it to him enough he would go berserk like a child having a tantrum.

Will yesterday I decided to Google a few of his behaviors and came across a wonderful website of a lady who had the same exact problems. Oh God...THANK YOU! You answered my prayer through Google... huh.

Wyatt was trying to become the Alpha leader. He was fighting hard for it. Yelling and a slap in the behind was indeed making matters worst, because in his mind it set him off to want it more. He considered me to be below him, which made him think he could get away with growling and biting me that one day. He demanded attention because he wanted my mom to be below him too. This wonderful website gave a ladies story on her struggle with an alpha fighting dog. She was told by her vet to euthanize her puppy or return him to the breeders, because of his problems. Like anyone who loves their pets she was attached to the dog, so she searched on what to do and found the Dog Whisper, Cesar Millan. I remembered him from a few years ago on Animal Planet. He's a little guy who could get any mean dog to listen to him. He saved so many pets from being euthanized and made them into good family pets. One of his tips was to stand tall, show no fear or anger, stare deep into the dogs eyes with a frown, and in a calm, strong voice command them. My mom gave it a try last night and it was pretty amazing to watch... I wish I would of taped it. Wyatt is night and day from what he was yesterday. We still have a long road to go down with him, but there is hope, as long as we stay with it.

Sometime we get attacked by things close to us. This is when it hurts the most. We feel as though God has given victory to Satan and shut His ears to our prayers. God will not let Satan win over you. He will not let the battle be lost. Don’t give up on a loved one, dear friend, or even a beloved pet. Prayer is one of our greatest and strongest weapons. Satan can not stand against it and God has a plan in everything, even when we are at a lost. God is in control.

Day 22: My Knight in Shining Armor...

2012-01-22T19:45:00.000-08:00

I love you, God— you make me strong. God is bedrock under my feet, the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight. ~Psalm 18:1

I am a huge fantasy and fairy tale fan (yes, I still heartily believe paranormal/urban fantasy isn't good... this isn't the fantasy I will be talking about). I've always been drawn to the stories of princesses and knights... What little girl hasn't been? These stories are filled with a twist of romance, great adventure, and always the main character finds out who, they truly are. Think about it... Cinderella found out that she was indeed worth so much more, than her evil stepmother told her. Snow White's gentle and kind heart, won over the evil queens. Love broke the dark curse over Beauty and the Beast, and good... good eventually always triumphs the darkness... no matter what.

I don't know if any of you are watching the new show called, One Upon a Time on abc. All in all it's a pretty clean show and written really well. It has a lot of new twist to all the fairy tales, yet still holds the true beauty on why so many of us love them... and I must say, I like their new twist better.

Fairy tales are indeed fake, yet I think they hold something valuable in them. Something we all go through, hold close, and yearn for. Though there is heartache, beauty will rise. When you least expect it, something wonderful happens and love... love truly always wins.

Do you know the One True Knight in shining armor? The one that will come to the rescue. The one that will save everything. The great handsome King. This character is indeed real... He came not too long ago and rescued the broken, condemned, and lost. He gave the greatest treasure anyone could ever have and had enough of it, for every one. My knight in shining armor is Jesus Christ and he is no fairy tale, yet always the hero.Thank you for saving me. Because of your love, my story has the greatest Happy Ending. Now I am a princess and you Lord, will forever be my King.

Day 21: The Best Medicine...

2012-01-21T19:49:00.000-08:00

Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” ~Psalm 126:2
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter [Job] and your lips with joyful shouting. ~ Job 8:21

A week and an half ago, I blogged about the benefits of smiling. Today I would like to tell you the benefits of laughter. Have you ever seen the Disney movie, Monster's Inc? It's a really cute movie about bedtime monsters having to scare children in order for their world to survive(I know this doesn't sound nice... haha) Will one day a child slips through into their world and laughs over the sight of one of them. Laughter ended up giving their world so much more than the screams did. Do you kinda get where I'm going in this? If not read below and hopefully you will get it.
(I did not write this, but got it off of a medical website...)
Is there anything better than a contagious giggle that you absolutely can’t control? (Ok, maybe not so good in school or church.) Laughter works wonderfully well in the moment, but it also has some surprising long-term health benefits. In the book A Better Brain at Any Age: The Holistic Way to Improve Your Memory, Reduce Stress, and Sharpen Your Wits, author Sondra Kornblatt explores how laughter can truly make you feel better.
She writes that the new field of gelotology is exploring the benefits of laughter. It was brought to the public’s awareness in Norman Cousins’ memoir Anatomy of an Illness. Cousins found that comedies, like those of the Marx Brothers, helped him feel better and get some pain-free sleep. That’s because laughter helps the pituitary gland release its own pain-suppressing opiates.
What can laughter do?:

Lower blood pressure
Increase vascular blood flow and oxygenation of the blood
Give a workout to the diaphragm and abdominal, respiratory, facial, leg, and back muscles
Reduce certain stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline
Increase the response of tumor- and disease-killing cells such as Gamma-interferon and T-cells
Defend against respiratory infections–even reducing the frequency of colds–by immunoglobulon in saliva.
Increase memory and learning; in a study at Johns Hopkins University Medical School, humor during instruction led to increased test scores

Improve alertness, creativity, and memory

Humor and creativity work in similar ways, says humor guru William Fry, M.D., of Stanford University–by creating relationships between two disconnected items, you engage the whole brain.
Humor works quickly. Less than a half-second after exposure to something funny, and electrical wave moves through the higher brain functions of the cerebral cortex. The left hemisphere analyzes the words and structures of the joke; the right hemisphere “gets” the joke; the visual sensory area of the occipital lobe creates images; the limbic (emotional) system makes you happier; and the motor sections make you smile or laugh.

So let’s laugh more. A lot of us are way too serious at times, the world needs our laughter more than you could ever know... and so do you.

Day 20: All Who Are Thirsty...

2012-01-20T22:41:00.000-08:00

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. ~Psalm 42:1
I spread forth my hands to You; my soul thirsts after You like a thirsty land [for water]. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! ~Psalm 143:6

Finally winter has shown it's face. Rain poured all day today, soaking the dry ground and drenching the thirsty trees.
Have you ever gone through a drought? Not the one that you might be thinking... a soul drought? Your soul feels like a desert, dry and empty. You try to fill it, but fail. All of us have or have had a soul drought. It's the deepest part of our heart crying for something more, something that was always meant to fill it.
I don't want to sound pushy, but Jesus Christ is the only one that will make you thirst no more. Your soul will never stop crying, until it has found this water. Are you tired of a thirsty soul? Are you aching for something more? Come to the one that will fill all your needs and give you something you could never dream of. All you have to do is ask Him.... It's the easiest and greatest thing, you will ever do.

Jesus answered her, All who drink of this water will be thirsty again. But whoever takes a drink of the water that I will give him shall never, no never, be thirsty any more. But the water that I will give him shall become a spring of water welling up (flowing, bubbling) [continually] within him unto (into, for) eternal life.
~John 4:13-14

Day 19: Encourage...

2012-01-19T20:57:00.000-08:00

A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones. ~Proverbs 14:30

Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it. ~Ephesians 4:29

Have you ever had a dream? Something that you so wanted to do... but this something seems to be so big and almost... impossible. How in the world would you be able to accomplish it. Why did you even dream of doing it? Many have called you crazy, yet many have cheered you on. Cheering others is such a beautiful thing. Too often we tear each other down, because of envy. Envy is an ugly thing and one that will destroy the ones around you and yourself. Say something positive to others, give a kind comment ( you won't look dumb), and encourage each other (unless it's something very harmful.) If you cheer and encourage them you just might be part of something... pretty big. You never know how many you may touch, just by giving a loving cheer.

But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
~James 3:14-16

Day 18: Good Things Come...To Those Who Wait...

2012-01-18T21:58:00.000-08:00

For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day. ~Habakkuk 2:3

Patience is a virtue! Patience can be so hard at times. What a huge learning curve it can be. Lately our four-month old puppy has been teaching me some patience. Every time I enter the kitchen (a place he is not allowed to enter) he expects a treat when I exit out of the kitchen. He is pretty smart at knowing that the kitchen is the place that holds his treats. In the beginning he would jump up at you, demanding it. I could of just have given it to him then and there, but what good would come out of that... Wyatt would get a treat whenever "he" wanted it. Instead we have taught him to sit and lay down in order to get a treat. Of course he didn't want to do it in the beginning, he just wanted his treat, nothing else, but he learned in order to get it, he must wait, sit, and lay down.

Lately I've been rewriting and editing my book, The Realm of Hearts. I heard many writers say that they hate this part or they love it. Currently I'm not enjoy it. I told my mom this morning, how I wish I could blink and it would all be done and written perfectly. Her reply back to me was a good one, "What fun would come out of that? What adventure would you gain in it all? Enjoy the ride, while you have it."

Patience is a virtue and one that in the end will always give you something... extraordinary. Wait and see...

Is there something that you have been waiting for? Like learning an instrument, stepping up into a new job, or not understanding what God is doing with your life? Pray, reach out, and wait. Patience is hard to learn, but not impossible!

Day 17: A Treasure Like No Other...

2012-01-17T21:06:00.000-08:00

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.~Proverbs 27:17
A friend loves at all times, and is born, as is a brother, for adversity. ~Proverbs 17:17

We all have a special friend, and some of us are blessed to have more than one.The last three years God has greatly blessed my life with some special people. Some are ones I've never met in-person, yet they have touched me and enriched my life. These kind of friends teach you so many grand things... they inspire you to be a better person, fill you with much joy, and hold an unique bond to your heart. Thank you to all my special friends, my life is even more beautiful because of you.

Cherish those around you and hold close those special friends. Their are truly a rare find and a treasure like no other!

"A friend is one who strengthens you with prayers, blesses you with love and encourages you with hope."

Day 16: The Motions...

2012-01-16T22:14:00.000-08:00

He who has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls.
~Proverbs 25:28
Then [Ezra] told them, Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. And be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold. ~Nehemiah 8:10

We've all gone through the motions. Sometimes is hard to feel like worshiping. One day you can be on fire and next you can only be filled with a spark. Sometimes the world around you seems to suck, when all you need to do is change your attitude. I see and hear way too many people saying that they are depressed... and what hurts me the most, is that a lot who I hear this from, are way too blessed to be going through this. Don't waste a day on a lousy feeling, embrace the day, you'll never get it back. Ask Jesus to show you His ways and nothing, but sheer joy will fill your heart. Watch this wonderful video by an awesome singer, who went through something pretty hard, yet embraced it. (You will have to pause my music player on the right side. The bottom middle button should do it.)

Feelings are not evil but neither are they holy. They just "are." You don't have to be led and directed by them. The more you follow your feelings, the stronger they will become. Make the decision today to say "yes" to God and "no" to feelings. ~Joyce Meyer

Day 15: Handwritten love...

2012-01-15T21:06:00.000-08:00

And let us consider and giveattentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities,
~Hebrews 10:24-25

I have a crazy, silly, thing of being very attracted to pretty stationary, notebooks, and cards. Every time I'm in TJ Max (a super fun store) I bring home one of those items. The art of giving hand written letters, notes, and cards is becoming a lost thing. Emails and social websites have taken their place... I see nothing wrong with these things, but I find it sort of sad, that many of us don't take the time to send one another handwritten notes, or cards, or letters. There is something so special about holding a handwritten letter from someone... I greatly cherish it, when I receive one. I love getting little sweet notes from loving people and always enjoy cards. How about you? Don't you enjoy it too?

Go write a little note to someone... tell someone something special about them... let them know you are thinking about them. It doesn't have to be anything big or long. I guarantee you will bring joy to that person and even more to you.

Day 14: Leap of Faith...

2012-01-14T19:14:00.000-08:00

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. ~Hebrews 11:1

Do you have something God has been pressing on your heart to do for awhile? He keeps whispering to your heart about it, but you keep pushing it away. I'll do it later... I don't know about that God... Get someone else to do it. Or you try to do it a little and it ends up being too much work, so you give up.
I've been pushed to do things in my life, things I normally wouldn't step up and voluntary do, without that loving push from another person, telling me, I can do it. Of course you drag your heels, yell are you crazy, and highly doubt "you" can do it. Every time I've been through this, I have succeeded and gained something I didn't expect.
God has BIG plans for us all. If He has sit a crazy dream for you (like writing a book), pulled at your heart to talk to that stranger you see everyday at school or work, or called for you to mission in a foreign country... do it! Take that leap of faith... you can't imagine what will happen.

Day 13: The Beauty of Bliss...

2012-01-13T20:00:00.000-08:00

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.
~Psalm 139:7-10

Today our families puppy Wyatt had surgery... it was neuter day. Yesterday, he was happy, rambunctious, and blissfully unaware of what was going to happen to him. We all felt a little sad for poor Wyatt, knowing he was about to go through something not so fun, yet something that would end up to be very good for him. He'll be a better and healthier dog. This will also help add years to his life.
Scary things come when we least expect it, yet could you imagine if we knew when every bad thing was coming. Imagine what kind of life we would live... not a very happy one.

The beginning of December started off really bad... we were blissfully unaware what December 1st held for us. A very large Ponderosa pine fell (due to a crazy heavy wind storm) over our house and our what was going to be eventually guest house. I and Wyatt were also outside, right in it's path when it fell... life is precious! This beast of a tree totally destroyed the roof on our guest house, knocked it off it's foundation a little, and buckled a lot of it's siding. Now this house for sure wasn't in perfect shape before all of this, it needed some work, but we didn't have any extra money to spend on it. My mom had been praying to be able to save some extra money for it... and for wood... haha, yeah that's not funny.

At the time we didn't see anything good in this mess at all, but now we have a different and grander picture of it all. Our "guest house" is being completely fixed through our home owners insurance and being turned into something we couldn't dream of having and that beast of a tree that fell, will it's going to sit us up pretty good for warmth next year. Good praying mamma and nicely done God.

In every tragic, horrific, and ugly, situation we go through, God will always give some grand blessing at the end. Something that couldn't have been given or seen without the battle. Something good... very good! Remember God is a loving God, He will not leave, nor forsake you. He will guild you, mold you, and use every situation, in a beautiful way. Do not forget this when hard times come. Rise over that mountain and look upon the beautiful dawn and live life. Enjoy the beauty of “bliss.” Sometimes it’s the way our Loving Father shields us with His mercy.

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 12: The Wonder of it All...

2012-01-12T19:21:00.000-08:00

Praise the LORD.Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. ~Psalm 150:1-2

Have you ever dwelt on how this big planet we live on, is spinning in this huge ginormous thing called Space? Have you ever looked up into the sky at night and counted the stars? Have you ever thought on how we started off smaller than a dot? Have you ever taken a look around you and seen God's great fingerprint? Everywhere you turn it's there...
There is so much, that our eyes haven't seen, so much to be found. His reflection is not hidden from our sight... He's right there don't you see it? He's in all the flowers, His great shadow lies in the mountains, He holds His power in the sea, and His smile is in the sun. His gentleness sits on the wing of a butterfly, His strength is heard in the roar of a lion, and His love... covers our soul. Do you see Him now?
Did you know that every single grain of sand, every single snowflake, every single star, and every single sunrise and sunset, is unique... No two are alike, nor has ever been the same.

God's finger print can be found anywhere you look... This world is full of His touch, His reflection, and His love. Take a look around and see for yourself or better yet look in the mirror. He created you in His image.

Day 11: With All Your Might...

2012-01-11T20:28:00.000-08:00

Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah).
~Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, ~Ecclesiastes 9:10

Today my mom and I painted One-hundred and fifteen wooden pieces of house siding... crazy huh. I wouldn't necessarily call this extreme hard work, but it for sure wasn't easy work. These boards were heavy and were carried all over the place, due to not having enough painting areas. Today was sunny, but really cold if you weren't directly under the sun. My hands are a little sore, my arms a bit tender, and my face surprisingly got sun burned. I'm going to sleep like a baby tonight.
Hard work truly feels good. It's rewarding to see what you have built when the job is done and it's something special to know that you did it. Us humans are naturally lazy, and our mind fights to not do work, we are always trying to find a shortcut in all the jobs we do. I admit, I do it from time to time... who doesn't?
Does any of this sound familiar?
"My room is clean mom." but my closet is a mess (due to shoving everything into it) nobodies going to look in there, after all it's hidden with a door.
I don't need to rinse off the dishes, that's the dishwashers job... hmmm I wonder why the dishes didn't come out so clean?
So this is something I would like to challenge you and I with...Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might! What do I mean by this...everything you do, do it to the best of your ability. No slacking, no shortcuts(unless they are really good ones) and never not finishing. No matter the job, small or big, do your very best. I promise you'll feel pretty good about it.

Day Ten: Wake Up...

2012-01-10T18:29:00.000-08:00

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
"Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
~Ephesians 5:8-14

We all know and hear about the crazy vampire, zombie, and paranormal craze. These crazes have become very popular, to a variety of age ranges and seemed to have gotten more popular throughout the last few years. This is something that personally saddens me and I must admit, angers me. Yes, vampires, zombies, and ghost don't exist, but the dark one does and he is using all of this for his pleasure. All these things have death in them, nothing holy or good.
Zombies, are rotting, walking, dead, that survive by killing and turning others into rotting, walking dead.
Vampires, are children of the night, not the Light like we are. They flee from light and are given eternal life and youth by drinking blood and doing other disgusting horrible things. Jesus Christ, the holy and pure lamb, shed his pure blood for our sins, so that we can have eternal life.
Ghost are spirits that are trapped between time. They aren't able to reach Heaven or Hell, so they wonder around in our world, waiting to be released, or something like that. Now I don't really see, nor believe ghost exist, but I do know demons do and I believe they have a hay day with all of this. Ghost Hunting, something that can seem so silly, is a dangerous thing to play with.
Does any of this really seem good to any of you?
Currently I am reading a book called Howl Sage by Brock Eastman. It's a book more for a younger reader, but I am enjoying it and love what Mr. Eastman is trying to do. I always read the authors notes in books. At the end of his, he writes the reason for his book. This is what he has to say and he wrote it beautifully... " I feel that too often we make light of things that, if real, would truly be nothing short of demonic... say werewolves, vampires, and zombies. These are not heroes, and because of the elements that make up these fictional species, they can never be."
What truth is his words...
I must say I am proud and happy to see a few Christian Fantasy authors standing against it, instead of folding to it. Folding into something that everyone seems to love, is an easy thing to do, standing against something can be very hard. I give Mr. Eastman a huge wave of gratitude and will give a deeper review of his book once I finish it all.

So for any of my fellow readers that love vampires, zombies, and all things to do with ghost, did I perhaps change your mind on it? Has God been pressing on your heart over any of this or have you been pushing it away and have become numb over His whisper of, "This isn't good, my child."

I give you a warning, these are dangerous things to put in your mind and heart. A slippery path down to darkness's foothold and one that will bring you no good.
We need to be more aware, guard our hearts, and stand firm in the truth.

Day Nine: Fear Not....

2012-01-09T18:48:00.000-08:00

For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. ~Isaiah 41:13
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.. ~2 Timothy 1:7

Fear... such an ugly word that we all know. Just the mention of it's name, brings it's horrible thoughts, that tangle our heart and leave us breathless.
I have a silly fear over spiders. In my opinion they are hideous and creepy. After all they have eight legs and creepy eyes that follow your every move. In reality I am an almost six foot tall human, where they are the size of a dot to a silver dollar( those are the ones I hate the most) I admit it spiders have made me hyperventilate, scream as if my head is on fire, and curse some words I normally wouldn't say, such as, Oh crap.
Now my fear of spiders isn't a harmful fear, nor one that will turn into something worse.
Okay, please know I am not a Star Wars fan, but I do remember a quote in one of the movies, that I thought was a really good one “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”
When trouble comes, fear follows right behind and this kind of fear can lead to anger which could turn to hate.
These kind of harmful fears can be from financial stresses, work stress, or the worst, family stress. Times are so hard right now. Our economy isn't getting better, our country is changing, job lost is at it's lowest and there are more families torn apart than there are whole ones. Fear seems to be sitting at our doorstep, ready to enter.

One of my all time favorite verses that first inspired me to write my book, The Realm of Hearts, is...
There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love's complete perfection]. ~1 John 4:18

Love, what a powerful thing it is. Love can conquer anything, no matter how big it may seem. Love can only be found from God, after all he is the creator of it. When fear comes creeping up at you, snuff it out by praying. Crush it by singing praises to the king of kings. Destroy it by daily talking to your Heavenly Father, and putting your fears at his feet.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

Don't let fear win over you today... you have been given the power to overcome it. Lift your fears to the one called Love. The peace maker of our hearts. The one that has overcome the greatest fear of all.

Day Eight: Take Heart...

2012-01-08T21:18:00.000-08:00

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,
~Luke 18:1

Have you ever lost hope in something? A dream, yourself, or someone you love. Today I cleaned up some pumpkins we had forgotten about in our yard. These pumpkins had been sitting there since Thanksgiving and as you must be thinking, there were indeed pretty rotten. When we lose hope, it can sometimes turn us rotten, or make a part of us feel rotten. Losing hope is a dangerous thing! Losing hope gives pleasure to our greatest enemy.
That broken dream you have, isn't the end of the world, it just might not be the right time for that dream to come or God has a greater plan for you, but you are blind to it because you have lost hope.
Losing hope in yourself, because of something you are ashamed of is a horrible feeling. God is a forgiving and loving God. We all have done things we are ashamed of, God gave us a way out of that... His son.
Losing hope in someone you love, can bring much pain. God will not give up on this person, so don't lose heart on them. Everything takes time and usually longer than we want. If you pray and continue to left this person up, God will continue to tug at this person's heart.

If you are struggling with losing hope on something, sit down right now and have some quiet time with your Heavenly Father. He knows your, hopes, dreams, and needs. Wait and hear his loving voice, let him renew your heart, and give you strength to hope again. Take heart... He is there.

But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.
~Isaiah 40:31

Day Seven: A New You...

2012-01-07T20:22:00.000-08:00

Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come! ~2 Corinthians 5:17

Today my mom and I painted our soon to be guest house and art studio. This house hasn't been painted in decades. We haven't been able to redo it, until recently. This house was hideous looking and has needed a ton of work. It ate up the paint and is truly starting to transform into something beautiful.

Many of us are like this house, desperate for a new look, a new beginning, a new life. So many of us don't know where to search and some of us forget, the promise that was given to us.

Have you ever looked at the different seasons of a tree? In the summer time they're green, beautiful, and full. In the Autumn time most of them turn a glories vibrate color. In the winter time most become bare, yet strong and sturdy, for the harsh cold weather. In the Spring their beauty returns... but in a new way.

God has given us all a special beauty... one that can be found from no one else. God has given us all a new beginning... one that is for anyone, no matter your past. God has given us a new life... one that was always chosen for us, but had to be freely asked by us.

Are you a dried up house or a bare tree? Come or return to the one that makes all things new... the one that has a grand plan for you.

Day Six: Smile, it's good for you...

2012-01-06T18:09:00.000-08:00

So the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.” ~Nehemiah 2:2
A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.~ Proverbs 17:22

I recently watched a silly show, where a family did New Year Resolutions for each other. One of the family members received a resolution to smile more. This guy was a nice person, yet smiling was a huge effort for him.
Did you know that is takes more muscles to frown that it does to smile? So in reality it is more effort to frown, than it is to smile. Did you know smiling is good for you, I mean really good for you? I found this off of a health website... take a look at the ten reasons to smile.

1. Smiling Makes Us Attractive
We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor. We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away -- but a smile draws them in

2. Smiling Changes Our Mood
Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There's a good chance you mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.

3. Smiling Is Contagious
When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them.

4. Smiling Relieves Stress
Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you'll be better able to take action.

5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System
Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the flu and colds by smiling.

6. Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure
When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference?

7. Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin
Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.

8. Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger
The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don't go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day -- you'll look younger and feel better.

9. Smiling Makes You Seem Successful
Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.

10. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive
Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It's hard. When we smile our body is sending the rest of us a message that "Life is Good!" Stay away from depression, stress and worry by smiling.

So in this hurting, hard, cold, world were so many frowns live, will you join with me in all these reason to smile today?

You can make a huge difference just with your smile! Remember we are lights of our Heavenly Father and our smile is perhaps our greatest shine.

Day Five: Give Another Chance...

2012-01-05T20:34:00.000-08:00

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. ~1 John 4:7
This is My commandment: that you love one another [just] as I have loved you. ~John 15:12
Since by your obedience to the Truth through the [Holy ] Spirit you have purified your hearts for the sincere affection of the brethren, [see that you] love one another fervently from a pure heart .~1 Peter 1:22

Now we all have heard and perhaps said the phrase, "First impressions are a lasting impression." You do usually remember the first time meeting someone. You remember if they were nice, rude, grumpy, ect. First impressions are important, but they shouldn't be the last impression.

I know without a doubt that I've given bad first impressions of myself. Through the majority of my teenage years, I was painfully shy. I'm sure I gave the impression of being snotty, when in reality I was very self-conscious of myself.
Have you ever seen the movie, Pride and Prejudice? A pretty good movie on first impressions. There is a character in it called, Mr Darcy. When you are first introduced to him, you right away dislike him, but by the end of the movie, you love him. Don't lose the chance of really getting to know someone because they gave a poor first impression of themselves.
I once had a job interview that I had to do online. After giving all my information and past history I had to take a one hundred question psych test... I guess the grocery store really didn't want to hire any crazy people. Knowing that I should hear back in a few short days for an in person interview, I waited, believing I would be called. A week and a half went by, so I gave them a call, thinking my application didn't go through. To my surprise they informed me that I failed the psych test and did not qualify for an in person interview. Looking at this now it's kinda funny that a silly test would judge and tell who I am... I wonder how many questions I was allowed to fail. I wasn't really given a chance to show who I truly was. Sometimes like this test we quickly judge others and pass them up. Everyone is worth a try... even if they fail a psych test ;-)

Is there someone you should give another chance?

Is there someone you would like to give another impression of yourself to?

Day Four: God's Healing Power...

2012-01-04T17:41:00.000-08:00

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not faint or grow weary; there is no searching of His understanding.
He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound]. ~Isaiah 40:28-29
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [curing their pains and their sorrows].
He determines and counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by their names.
Great is our Lord and of great power; His understanding is inexhaustible and boundless. ~Psalm 147:3_5

Have you ever had a really bad day, one that you can't wait to end? Oh yes, we all have. These kind of days suck. How about a bad week, or a bad month? What about a hard year? Now this is a different story. I remember one year that seemed to be filled with nothing, but heartache. Three people that I personally knew and was close to, died in just a few months apart. I had never had any one die before, this was such a painful shock. They all had so much more life in front of them.
I couldn't help, but look at God differently that year. I felt like I and the people around me, were being punished for something and I couldn't understand why. Why would God, who is love, allow good people to die? I was mad and hurt.
I know now we weren't being punished and God did not cause, nor want any of this heartache for us, but at the time it was hard to see.
God sees things differently than us humans, He sees the whole picture, where we only see, a little of it. He sees how it will end and when we ask, He will bring beauty from the pain. Sometimes it takes longer than when we want and sometimes we have to open our eyes to see it, but it will be there...no doubt.
Heartache is inevitable, but God has many special band aids to heal those hurts. The greatest of His healing powers... love.

Are you ready to have your heart healed?

Are you tired of feeling weary and weak?

Bring all you hurts to God, healer of broken hearts and renewer of those weak and faint.
His loving hand will guide you through the battle and raise you to victory.

Day Three: So Blessed Are We...

2012-01-03T18:59:00.000-08:00

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise! Be thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name! ~ Psalms 100:4

Let there be no filthiness (obscenity, indecency) nor foolish and sinful (silly and corrupt) talk, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting or becoming; but instead voice your thankfulness [to God].~ Ephesians 5:4

Today my mom and I went grocery shopping. I usually hate to go grocery shopping... it's a bit boring and sometimes a pain to go do. Oh I do enjoy getting a coffee at Starbucks and of course having more food in the house.

Here is some food for thought, something I need to remind myself on. Less than 200 hundred years ago we didn't have the "grocery store" we have now. There was no easy convenient way of buying fresh prepared meat, any kind of fruit and veggie you want, and caned goods that can last you for years. What a HUGE blessing this all is! I don't have to raise and kill my own livestock... thank God. I can have and try practically any kind of fruit or vegetable of my hearts desire... think about that! I am blessed beyond words and It's not just from the grocery store...

Take a look at this. I don't know who wrote it, but they did a wonderful job. Thank you mom for posting this on your fb... made me stop and think. Us Americans and first world countries are so blessed!
If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep...
you are richer than 75% of the world's population...Think about that for a second or two. You are among the top 25% that means.

If you have a little money in the bank or spare change in a dish someplace...
you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy....I may not have much money in the bank, BUT it doesn't say how much you have to have in the bank it just say IF you have any at all, even just a few bucks, you are among the top 8% of the worlds wealthy. So stop whining if you're not among the top 1% you CRAZY "Occupy Wall Street" NUTS!! You're still among the top 8%!!

If you can drink from your kitchen faucet whenever you want...
you are more fortunate by far than 1.5 billion people who have no access to clean water at all...That's billion with a "B"!!

If you can attend a church or a political rally without fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death...you have the kind of freedom denied to more than three billion people in the world...I'll go a step further here and say if you have a Bible in you house you are more blessed then those three billion people, so why don't you count your blessings and open it up and take a look inside sometime??

If you can read this message, you are more blessed than two billion people who cannot read at all...Two BILLION people can't even read this!

If you are an woman reading this and you were blessed to born an American, think for a minute or two about all the other women in other parts of our world who were born into country's where women are still treated like someones property. Think about how blessed you are to be able to pick and chose what you want to do with your life and if you have daughters think how blessed they are as will to have been born with our kind of freedom...

If your everyday problems are weighing you down, there are millions, no BILLIONS, of people on Earth who would gladly trade places with you right now--problems and all--and feel they have been royally blessed.

Remember: "From those to whom much is given, much is expected."

What are you grateful for?

Is there a way for you to bless others less fortunate?

Day Two: Live for today.

2012-01-02T14:03:00.000-08:00

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
~Psalm 118:24

Last month I had a near death experience... no joke! I am blessed to be alive and breathing at this very moment. Through this scary incident it woke me up to something we all truly need to act on. We never know what each day may bring... tomorrow is never promised. To often we live in our yesterdays or our tomorrows, making us miss what today is really about!

Love your family. There is no greater lost, than never saying, "I love you." Hearing it is better than believing, 'they should know it.' Saying it as often as possible, is better than saying it too few of times.

Cherish your friends. Good friends are a treasure. When you find one, always treat them well.

Care for yourself. You are more precious than you will ever know. Special and unique beyond words.

Bond with your Heavenly Father. He likes it when you talk to him throughout the day. Most of the time he doesn't reply back in the normal way, but you will start to see and hear His voice in other ways. Oh and you can talk to him about anything.

Live for today. Not yesterday. Live in the now. Not tomorrow.

Is there something holding you back from living for today?

What can you do to help you enjoy today?

Day One:The everlasting resolution.

2012-01-01T18:09:00.000-08:00

It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness ~Lamentations 3:22-23

I love the beginning of a new year. Another fresh year filled with new growing, new blessings, and new challenges.
Most of us look at the new year as a fresh start to a new beginning. A start to fix something bad or start something good. I will admit it, I make resolutions every year and a lot of times, I fail at them. It can feel pretty disappointing to fail or not fix something you so intended to. You loose heart when you fail and it’s hard to start again, after all there is always next year... right.
God’s mercies are new every morning, not just every new year. You may find them and ask for them anywhere and anytime. It's a guarantee non- fail! How's that for a New Year resolution?

What are you looking forward to this year?

What newness do you want or seek for your life?

CSFF Blog Tour: Corus the Champion by D. Barkley Briggs

2011-12-07T18:26:00.000-08:00

Hey fellow bloggers, this month for the CSFF blog tour we are touring on a book called, Corus the Champion by D. Barkley Briggs. It is book two of the epic, Legends of Karac Tor series.

He was once the greatest champion in the land.
Then he disappeared.

With Nemesia's defeat, the Barlows have helped turn the tide in the Hidden Lands. But the victory is short-lived. An even greater evil stirs in the north with a fierce new army bent on destruction. As the twins, Gabe and Garret, discover their own special powers, a thin thread of hope emerges: long ago, a fabled king was rescued from death on our world and hidden on Karac Tor. Who is he?

Each brother has their part to play. Hadyn must travel north to warn the land barons, which leaves Ewan with a bitter choice. Will he sacrifice what is most precious to discover whether Corus lives? Even more important, if Corus is alive, can he wake the Sleeping King of legend...before it's too late?

~About the Author
Dean Barkley Briggs is an author, father of eight, and prone to twisting his ankle playing basketball. He grew up reading J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lews, Patricia McKillip, Guy Gavriel Kay, Stephen R. Donaldson, Ursila K. Leguin, Susan Cooper, Madeline L'Engle, Terry Brooks, Andre Norton and Lloyd Alexander (just to name a few)...and generally thinks most fantasy fiction pales in comparison. (Yes, he dabbled in sci-fi, too. Most notably Bradbury, Burroughs and Heinlein).

After losing his wife of 16 years, Briggs decided to tell a tale his four sons could relate to in their own journey through loss. Thus was born The Legends of Karac Tor, a sweeping adventure of four brothers who become enmeshed in the crisis of another world and along the way, must find their courage, battle overwhelming odds, face their pain, and never quit searching for home.

In God's timing, beauty and joy arose in the real world, too. Briggs remarried a lovely redhead named Jeanie, who previously lost her husband in an auto accident. Together with her four children, their hands are quite full, and they spend each day grateful for their eight blessings.

~My Review
Now I haven't read all of this epic book... so crazy busy around the holidays and this past week has been rather hard for me... I didn't finish it like I planned on. I can tell you though, that I have highly enjoyed what I have read. I'm not going to do my full review until I finish the whole book... it for sure deserves it! (My next post in a few days will be a full review) For now I'll say great characters, unique epic story line... a different blend and twist to the story of King Arthur, and the author's style of writing is nice... I haven't read book one, but I definitely plan on getting it. I think I would enjoy this even more if I had read book one first... I knew the story line and all, but I know I missed out on a few things.The book itself is rather cool too! AMG publishing keeps getting better with their covers. The books name, along with the authors name are lifted, giving it a nice feel. The swords hilt is also popped out and the spine looks pretty in your book shelf. Ha, ha, I know don't judge a book by it's cover. ;-)

Since my review is short here is something some of you might enjoy.
Below is a great post from the author himself from his wonderful blog http://deanbriggs.com it gives you a total different understanding to his fun names in his book series. I love creating my characters names :-)

WriterTips: A Primer on Names in LoKT (Legends of Karac Tor)

By D. Barkley Briggs

For any novelist, many factors go into choosing a good name for each character, including: Culture or ethnicity, Physical appearance, Personality, Temperament, History, and Rank within the story. These comprise the broad swath of identity which a name is meant to convey. Sometimes, an author will want to run counter to stereotype with a name that intentionally defies the conventions. Even so, the character “Maximus” is unlikely to be a shy, effeminate pacifist of eastern origins, with nothing but a small role in the latter part of the story. Rather, he’s likely to be the brawny warrior/general from an imperialistic nation who’s probably stern, short-tempered, has two broken bones at any given time, and is perpetually threatening to take over the whole story.
As a linguist and scholar of ancient languages, Tolkien was unmatched in name selection, creating evocative new words that imprinted so deeply in the reader’s mind it soon seemed hard to imagine that character being called by any other name. I generally determine names in one of two ways: phonetically or visually. They must strike the right tone and have the right texture or nuance, either to pronounce or to read, though preferably both. There must be balance and meter between syllables or words. One word or two? Or three? If there is an ethnic implication, the tone must suggest something larger than the name itself. This applies to place names, given names, object names, etc. Let me give you some examples from The Legends of Karac Tor:
Faielyn is a city of romance and charm. Dinglet is not. The former, with extra vowels and lack of hard consonants, has an air of sophistication and mystery. Dinglet sounds trivial by comparison. Likewise, Aventhorn is a fortress of classic strength, while Stobnotter is more appropriate to a remote village. Rake Hightower runs the risk of caricature, I’ll admit, but it sure beats Mort Frogswallow as the arrogant High Constable of the King’s army, unless of course the constable was not heroic, but sniveling and political. And what do you do when you need to name a new monster? Choices abound, but orcs, trolls and vampires are a bit used up. Care must be given to creating a totally new class of monster. Choosing a new word that sounds like an old word can help. What about Goths? For those who remember 8th Grade History, you might recall that the Visigoths and Ostrogoths were fierce Germanic hordes that swept across Europe as part of the destruction of Rome. Such a term, bearing history within itself, may already trigger an image in the mind of the reader, even if they don’t know why. By association, my Goths benefit, as brutal marauders. There’s a connection for non-history buffs, too. Drawing on the term “gothic,” I’m able to borrow something familiar from our language–suggestive of graveyards and creepy medieval architecture. By extension, a Goth is something fearful. Nobody would fear the Pinklets. I don’t care how large their army or sharp their teeth, it won’t sell. The name is too disconnected from the thing it is meant to embody. Name and identity should have synergy, so that every time the name is read, it reinforces principle character attributes without having to restate them. Flogg makes a good gnome name, as might Worr and Wurt and Gorker. But for my taste, Dag Boneswallow or Hali Throckmorton start to try too hard, become too cumbersome. And Tubby just doesn’t work at all, unless the story is told with a winking sense of humor! Finally, there’s Nemesia, the witch who is stealing the memory and identity of an entire generation. Can you identify her name? It’s a combination anagram: Amnesia (forgetfulness) and Nemesis (enemy). Pretty cool!
Over the course of five epic books, The Legends of Karac Tor unfolds the story of four brothers—based on my own sons—thrust into the crisis of another world in the wake of their mother’s untimely death. It is thoughtful, gritty, magical fiction. If you read it, let me know what you think. But here I must part with the Bard. While “a rose by any other name” would smell as sweet, would you want to smell it—would you even give it a chance—if it it were named Scumleaf?

To purchase, Corus the Champion, go to - http://www.amazon.com/Corus-Champion-Legends-Karac-Tor/dp/0899578640/

Check out the author's fun website - http://hiddenlands.net/index.php?Itemid=49&id=19&option=com_content&task=view

To find out more about this great book and author, check out the other tour members for this months tour.
http://ofbattlesdragonsandswordsofadamant.blogspot.com/ Gillian Adams
http://noahsreads.blogspot.com/"> Noah Arsenault
http://rbclibrary.wordpress.com/"> Beckie Burnham
http://morganlbusse.wordpress.com"> Morgan L. Busse
http://csffblogtour.com/"> CSFF Blog Tour
http://carolcollett.wordpress.com/"> Carol Bruce Collett
<http://tweezlereads.blogspot.com/"> Theresa Dunlap
http://projectinga.blogspot.com/"> April Erwin
http://vicsmediaroom.wordpress.com/"> Victor Gentile
http://www.thehahnhuntinglodge.com/"> Nikole Hahn
http://realmofhearts.blogspot.com/"> Ryan Heart
http://www.brucehennigan.com/"> Bruce Hennigan
http://www.christopherhopper.com/"> Christopher Hopper
http://www.spoiledfortheordinary.blogspot.com/"> Jason Joyner (He is doing a giveaway for book three)
http://www.molcotw.blogspot.com/"> Julie
http://carolkeen.blogspot.com/"> Carol Keen
http://krystisbooks.blogspot.com/"> Krystine Kercher
http://mharvireads.blogspot.com/"> Marzabeth
http://www.shannonmcdermott.com/?page_id=189"> Shannon McDermott
http://rebeccaluellamiller.wordpress.com/"> Rebecca LuElla Miller
http://www.questwriter.blogspot.com/"> Eve Nielsen
http://www.sarahsawyer.com/blog"> Sarah Sawye
http://reviewsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/"> Kathleen Smith
http://www.mindsinger.com/"> Donna Swanson
http://www.rachelstarrthomson.com/inklings/"> Rachel Starr Thomson
http://christiansf.blogspot.com/"> Steve Trower
http://frederation.wordpress.com"> Fred Warren

http://christian-fantasy-book-reviews.com/blog/"> Phyllis Wheeler
http://www.theravenquill.blogspot.com/"> Nicole White
http://finishedthebook.blogspot.com/"> Rachel Wyant

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 AMG.

Having it all = Heartache? My thankful post.

2011-11-23T19:45:00.000-08:00

This year a famous singer named Amy Winehouse, died. This 27 year old lady died from a drug overdose. Now I was not a fan of Amy Winehouse, but I did know who she was. Her sad song "Rehab" played like crazy on the radio and even TV. This lady had a known problem with heavy alcohol and drugs. Okay, so where am I going in all of this? Will this lady had fame, talent, money, and a whole lot of life in front of her, yet she was abounding in misery. How can you seem to have it all yet, be so... unhappy? The truth is she didn't really have anything at all. She had everything this world could offer, but she didn't have, nor want what truly mattered. Loved ones, loving friends, and most of all a savior. I don't know if any of you that are reading this post doesn't know who the loving savior is? I must tell you He and He alone is the only one that will ever make you feel whole and be happy. Fame and money might make you pretty happy for a time, but in the end you will want more. Think... do most of the famous people you see seem happy to you? They are human just like you and I... with the same feelings and in need of the same thing.

Times are hard right now. With a bad economy and a world sort of falling apart, yet there is still so much to be thankful for! Look around you and think hard about it. BIG things and little things. Mine is my savior who has made me whole and opened my heart to what truly matters. My beautiful family, loving friends, and the air I breath.

What is it that greatly matters in your life?

What truly makes you happy?

What are you thankful for?

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. ~Psalm 37:4
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ~Jeremiah 29:13
For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.~ Matthew 7:8

~*~Happy Thanksgiving~*~

A killer game...

2011-11-15T18:18:00.000-08:00

Do like winning things? How about killing threads? Check out this fun game over at this beautiful blog http://theravenquill.blogspot.com/2011/11/big-seven-zero-and-gory-murder-but-no.html
It's fun and the prizes are great! May the odds be ever in your favor ;-)

Blog Update and Book Review on, Rise of the Dibor, by Christopher Hopper.

2011-11-11T16:28:00.000-08:00

I updated my blog and gave it a whole new look... what do you all think of it? There is still a few areas that I will be updating such as my art and book page. I'm also going to start posting a few times a week, so please feel free to stop by every now and then.
Today I would like to share with you all my review on a wonderful book called, Rise of the Dibor by Christopher Hopper. This is book one to the epic trilogy, The White Lion Chronicles. My most popular blog post on my blog is my first review on, The White Lion Chronicles, back in 2009. This review is going to be a little different because Christopher Hopper just self published with his new company along with several other big authors at www.spearheadbooks.com a second edition of Rise of the Dibor. It's much greater than the first edition, with better editing, all new material such as a great character guild, an Author Page on his journey of writing his book, and a new map. It also has a different page layout, which gives it a neat feel. Rise of the Dibor, is a beautiful story and will always be one of my all time favorites. It's very unique, moving and a tale to not be forgotten. His characters are lovely and detailed, even though he has many, you bond to every one. His story is passionate and very touching... this book is fiction, but you will be greatly moved by the spiritual themes. If you crave a book full of heart, with lots of adventure, characters that you can feel and love, and a deep message, then I guarantee you will greatly enjoy, Rise of the Dibor.

About the book... now tell me this doesn't make you want to read it ;-)
Read the story that turned children into warriors, and warriors into legends. The Dairne-Reih haven’t been seen in Dionia for generations—their kind and their king, Morgui, banished long ago from haunting paradise. But when creation shows signs of deterioration, the kings of the seven realms converge in the sacred Gvindollion gathering to arrive at one inexplicable conclusion: Morgui has returned. In the hopes of entrusting Dionia’s brave history and perilous future to a generation that has never known war, the kings decide to raise up their young sons as an elite group of warriors, known only as the Dibor. Gorn, legendary hero of the First Battle, is commissioned to teach the Dibor the art of war, leading them on a four-year adventure on the Isle of Kirstell. It is Luik, son of Lair, who soon emerges as the warband’s spirited front man. But he is not the only one of his peers to grow in power; his dear friend Fane discovers hidden abilities among the Mosfar under the mentorship of Li-Saide of Ot, while Princess Anorra finds that her lifelong tutor knows as much about combat as he does about etiquette. There is little time for the Dibor to enjoy the satisfaction of graduation, however, as a sinister plot is discovered to dethrone Dionia’s kings and flatten the capital city of Adriel. The Dibor are summoned to war, along with the rest of Dionia’s fighting men. It is before the gates of Adriel Palace that Luik and his army face Morgui's prince, Valdenil, as well as the unending ranks of the Dairne-Reih.

About the Author:
Christopher Hopper is a true modern-day renaissance man. A published author and co-author of numerous novels, he is also a recording artist, pastor, visual designer, and restaurateur. His prolific writings in both book and blog form have captured the imaginations of loyal readers around the world. He is a founding member of Spearhead Books, and lives with his wife, Jennifer, and their four children in the 1,000 Islands Region of northern New York. Find out more at www.christopherhopper.com facebook.com/christopherhopper and follow him on Twitter: @find_ch

To purchase the new editon of Rise of the Dibor go to https://www.createspace.com/3618531
or http://www.amazon.com/Rise-Dibor-White-Lion-Chronicles/dp/1463519664/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1320678027&sr=8-2

It will be available on Kindle within a few weeks

Book Two The Lion Vrie, will be out soon, and the very anticipated epic final Athera's Dawn, will hopefully be out for Black Friday.

Having a puppy is a lot like having a baby...

2011-11-08T18:31:00.000-08:00

My family and I haven’t had a dog in the last seven years and wow did I forget the joy they give and how much energy you must give back... especially with a puppy. Having a puppy is a lot like having a baby... at least that’s what I imagine it to be, though I have no children of my own. You are constantly having to watch them, because the world is new to them and they want to check everything out. Their minds are like a sponge, constantly learning something new and processing it through their growing brain. They sleep, eat a lot, and go just as much. When they are awake you must give them your full attention or they’ll let you know by cries of look at me and play with me. They trust you, depend on you, and automatically love you. A whole bunch of responsibility, but well worth it.
This is our new Australian Shepherd puppy, Wyatt. Welcome to my family, I believe you are going to be a great companion. Hope we have many years of fun.

CSFF Blog Tour: The Bone House by Stephen R. Lawhead

2011-10-24T18:52:00.000-07:00

This months CSFF Blog Tour is on a book called, "The Bone House" By Stephen R. Lawhead.

One piece of the skin map has been found. Now the race to unravel the future of the future turns deadly.

An avenue of Egyptian sphinxes, an Etruscan tufa tomb, a Bohemian coffee shop, and a Stone Age landscape where universes collide …

Kit Livingstone met his great grandfather Cosimo in a rainy alley in London where he discovered the reality of alternate realities.

Now he's on the run - and on a quest, trying to understand the impossible mission he inherited from Cosimo: to restore a map that charts the hidden dimensions of the multiverse while staying one step ahead of the savage Burley Men.

The key is the Skin Map - but where it leads and what it means, Kit has no idea. The pieces have been scattered throughout this universe and beyond.

Mina, from her outpost in seventeenth-century Prague, is quickly gaining both the experience and the means to succeed in the quest. Yet so are those with evil intent, who from the shadows are manipulating great minds of history for their own malign purposes.

Across time and space, through manifest and hidden worlds, those who know how to use ley lines to travel through astral planes have left their own world behind in this, the second quest: to unlock the mystery of The Bone House.

My Review~
A lot of people are huge fans of this author... one of my favorite authors greatly admires him. I haven’t heard too many dislikes for this author, mostly praise. I must admit I haven’t read too much of Stephen R. Lawhead, just his King Raven Trilogy, which I did not like, but that was probably because at the time I was a HUGE fan of the BBC Robin Hood. I absolutely loved how they portrayed the story of Robin Hood and I couldn’t at all really bond with the way he portrayed it. I own the first two books of The Dragon King Trilogy, but have never given them a chance, due to my disappointment in the King Raven Trilogy ( I know I really should try to read them again... now that BBC’s Robin Hood has been over and my bias mind can think differently:) I wasn’t expecting The Bone House to be great, but I was intrigued by the premise of it. Wow was I surprised! Now I did not read The Skin Map, so I was a little lost on all the characters in the beginning, but it didn’t ruin the book... though I recommend it would probably be better to read it first. The story is original, and fun. To me it has the feel of Indiana Jones and Doctor Who mixed together, yet unique... yes, I know that made since. I truly enjoyed the characters, which is important to me. I hate reading a book that has a great story, but unlikable characters. The book itself is rather beautiful. I loved the font and ruffed cut pages, it gave it a nice special feel. The cover art does have a lot of detail when you look closely at it. Truly a nice hardback... I do love the looks of books. Looking forward to the third quest, The Spirit Well, that comes out next September and will for sure purchase The Skin Map. So this book has made me sort of a fan of Mr. Lawhead. I’m going to give his other works a try.

Check out the epic booktrailer for Book One The Skin Map.

Take a look at more of The Bright Empires series from the Author himself.

To purchase The Bone House go to: http://www.amazon.com/dp/159554805X/

Check out the authors great website... he is giving away singed bookplates for Christmas: http://www.stephenlawhead.com/

Please take a look at what the other tour members for this months tour are saying about, The Bone House by Stephen R. Lawhead :-)

http://noahsreads.blogspot.com/"> Noah Arsenault
http://tessbissell.wordpress.com/"> Red Bissell
http://www.oerkenleaves.blogspot.com/"> Thomas Clayton Booher
http://rbclibrary.wordpress.com/"> Beckie Burnham
http://morganlbusse.wordpress.com"> Morgan L. Busse
http://csffblogtour.com/"> CSFF Blog Tour
http://jeffchapmanwriter.blogspot.com/"> Jeff Chapman
http://carolcollett.wordpress.com/"> Carol Bruce Collett
http://www.kcreviews.blogspot.com"> Karri Compton
http://www.scificatholic.com/"> D. G. D. Davidson
http://tweezlereads.blogspot.com/"> Theresa Dunlap
http://projectinga.blogspot.com/"> April Erwin
http://vicsmediaroom.wordpress.com/"> Victor Gentile
http://going-greene.blogspot.com/">Tori Greene
http://realmofhearts.blogspot.com/"> Ryan Heart
http://www.brucehennigan.com/"> Bruce Hennigan
http://fantasythyme.blogspot.com"> Timothy Hicks
http://www.christopherhopper.com/blog/"> Christopher Hopper
http://thequietpen.wordpress.com/"> Janeen Ippolito
http://thewriterssword.blogspot.com/"> Becca Johnson
http://www.spoiledfortheordinary.blogspot.com/"> Jason Joyner
http://www.molcotw.blogspot.com/"> Julie
http://carolkeen.blogspot.com/"> Carol Keen
http://krystisbooks.blogspot.com/"> Krystine Kercher
http://mharvireads.blogspot.com/"> Marzabeth
http://www.katie-mccurdy.blogspot.com/"> Katie McCurdy
http://www.shannonmcdermott.com/?page_id=189"> Shannon McDermott
http://rebeccaluellamiller.wordpress.com/"> Rebecca LuElla Miller
http://www.bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/"> Joan Nienhuis
http://www.chawnaschroeder.blogspot.com/"> Chawna Schroeder
http://reviewsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/"> Kathleen Smith
http://www.mindsinger.com/"> Donna Swanson
http://www.rachelstarrthomson.com/inklings/"> Rachel Starr Thomson
http://www.epictales.org/blog/robertblog.php"> Robert Treskillard
http://christiansf.blogspot.com/"> Steve Trower
http://frederation.wordpress.com"> Fred Warren
http://christian-fantasy-book-reviews.com/blog/"> Phyllis Wheeler
http://www.theravenquill.blogspot.com/"> Nicole White
http://finishedthebook.blogspot.com/"> Rachel Wyant

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.

CSFF Blog Tour: The Monster in the Hollows by Andrew Peterson

2011-09-20T16:05:00.000-07:00

This months CSFF blog tour is on book three of the wonderful series, The Wingfeather Saga by the talented Andrew Peterson.

Janner Wingfeather’s father was the High King of Anniera. But his father is gone. The kingdom has fallen. The royal family is on the run, and the Fang armies of Gnag the Nameless are close behind.

Janner and his family hope to find refuge in the last safe place in the world: the Green Hollows—a land of warriors feared even by Fangs of Dang. But there’s a big problem. Janner’s little brother-heir to the throne of Anniera-has grown a tail. And gray fur. Not to mention two pointed ears and long, dangerous fangs. To the suspicious folk of the Green Hollows he looks like a monster.

But Janner knows better. His brother isn’t as scary as he looks. He’s perfectly harmless.

Or is he?

Join the Wingfeathers on an adventure filled with mystery, betrayal, and sneakery in a land of tasty fruits. There’s a monster on the loose and the truth lurks in the shadows.

A short Biography on the author by the author~

Hey, folks. If you're just discovering me or any of my work, it can be a little confusing because there are several facets to it.
• I write songs. I also record them to these cool things called CDs and put on concerts around the country. (And beyond! To my great delight, I get to play in Europe every year or so.)
• I write books. Right now I'm writing four-part fantasy series for young readers called the Wingfeather Saga. I just published the third book, The Monster in the Hollows. I also illustrated some of the pictures (but not the coolest ones). The last book in the series should be published by next Christmas.
• I'm the proprietor of the Rabbit Room., a community of songwriters, authors, and artists interested in storytelling, faith, and fellowship.
• I'm a proud member of the Square Peg Alliance, a happy band of singer/songwriters who write together, tour together, and eat together.
• I've been married for fifteen years to Jamie, and we have three sweet children: Aedan (12), Asher (11), and Skye (8). We live in a magical place we call the Warren, just south of Nashville.
The common thread in all this is my love for Christ and his Kingdom, my belief in the power of story and art, and my need for family and community. If I had to boil it all down, I'd say this: I want to use my gifts to tell the truth, and to tell it as beautifully as I can.
To read a bigger and more detailed biography go here and scroll down to the first picture... it's a great story, I recommend checking it out!

~Here is my Praise on the book:
The Monster in the Hollows, is another grand adventure. The book alone is beautiful... yes, I do judge a book by it's cover. The story is fun, unique, mysterious, at times scary, and very touching. Andrew Peterson is a great storyteller. I'm looking forward to book four! If you love adventure you will love The Wingfeather Saga, but beware of the Toothy Cows.

To Purchase the book please go here - https://store.rabbitroom.com/books/the-monster-in-the-hollows
If you don't have book one and two there is a great deal for all three, plus you get some Toothy Cow teeth! Now you can't say no to that! https://store.rabbitroom.com/books/the-wingfeather-bundle-includes-toothy-cow-teeth And of course you can purchase them at Amazon

Check out the fun Series Web site - It has a creaturepedia, tons of beautiful illustrations, contest, and a page to send in your fan art... http://www.WingfeatherSaga.com/

For more information on the Author vistit his Web site - http://www.andrew-peterson.com/

And Don't forget to see what the other tour members for this months tour are saying about, The Monster in the Hollows :-)

http://ofbattlesdragonsandswordsofadamant.blogspot.com/"> Gillian Adams
http://tessbissell.wordpress.com/"> Red Bissell
http://quiverfullfamily.com/"> Jennifer Bogart
http://www.oerkenleaves.blogspot.com/"> Thomas Clayton Booher
http://rbclibrary.wordpress.com/"> Beckie Burnham
http://csffblogtour.com/"> CSFF Blog Tour
http://www.scificatholic.com/"> D. G. D. Davidson
http://in--and--out.blogspot.com/"> Cynthia Dyer
http://www.amberfrench.blogspot.com/"> Amber French
http://www.thehahnhuntinglodge.com/"> Nikole Hahn
http://realmofhearts.blogspot.com/"> Ryan Heart
http://fantasythyme.blogspot.com"> Timothy Hicks
http://www.spoiledfortheordinary.blogspot.com/"> Jason Joyner
http://www.molcotw.blogspot.com/"> Julie
http://carolkeen.blogspot.com/"> Carol Keen
http://www.shannonmcdermott.com/?page_id=189"> Shannon McDermott
http://rebeccaluellamiller.wordpress.com/"> Rebecca LuElla Miller
http://thebookfae.wordpress.com"> Mirriam Neal
*http://www.questwriter.blogspot.com/"> Eve Nielsen
http://www.bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/"> Joan Nienhuis
http://dragonbloggin.blogspot.com/"> Donita K. Paul
http://www.sarahsawyer.com/blog"> Sarah Sawyer
http://www.chawnaschroeder.blogspot.com/"> Chawna Schroeder
http://www.bluerosesheart.blogspot.com/"> Tammy Shelnut
http://reviewsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/"> Kathleen Smith
http://www.mindsinger.com/"> Donna Swanson
http://www.rachelstarrthomson.com/inklings/"> Rachel Starr Thomson
http://www.epictales.org/blog/robertblog.php"> Robert Treskillard
http://frederation.wordpress.com"> Fred Warren
http://christian-fantasy-book-reviews.com/blog/"> Phyllis Wheeler
http://www.theravenquill.blogspot.com/"> Nicole White
http://finishedthebook.blogspot.com/ l"> Rachel Wyant

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.

CSFF Blog Tour: Residential Aliens

2011-08-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

This months CSFF Blog Tour is on Residential Aliens, a Christian speculative fiction online magazine created by Lyn Perry. It seems to be mostly Science fiction with a different twist. This months Issue is free so if you are wanting some different speculative fiction or would like to see what Residential Aliens do, go download this months issue.

Take a look at the Web site there are a lot of cool stories to read - http://www.resaliens.com/
Check out the editor’s blog - http://residentialaliens.blogspot.com/
Visit the editor's Lyn Perry’s personal blog - http://blogginoutloud.blogspot.com/

See what the other tour members for this months tour are saying about Residential Aliens :-)

http://noahsreads.blogspot.com/"> Noah Arsenault
http://www.christiansciencefiction.blogspot.com"> Brandon Barr
http://www.oerkenleaves.blogspot.com/"> Thomas Clayton Booher
http://reviews.splashdownbooks.com"> Grace Bridges
http://rbclibrary.wordpress.com/"> Beckie Burnham
http://jeffchapmanwriter.blogspot.com/"> Jeff Chapman
http://csffblogtour.com/"> CSFF Blog Tour
http://carolcollett.wordpress.com/"> Carol Bruce Collett
http://www.scificatholic.com/"> D. G. D. Davidson
http://magnuskir.wordpress.com/"> Dean Hardy
http://cloakanddaggerfiction.blogspot.com"> Katie Hart
http://realmofhearts.blogspot.com/"> Ryan Heart
http://www.brucehennigan.com/"> Bruce Hennigan
http://www.spoiledfortheordinary.blogspot.com/"> Jason Joyner
http://carolkeen.blogspot.com/"> Carol Keen
http://www.shannonmcdermott.com/?page_id=189"> Shannon McDermott
http://rebeccaluellamiller.wordpress.com/"> Rebecca LuElla Miller
http://blogginoutloud.blogspot.com/"> Lyn Perry
http://www.sarahsawyer.com/blog"> Sarah Sawyer
http://jessicathomasink.com/blog/"> Jessica Thomas
http://christiansf.blogspot.com/"> Steve Trower
http://frederation.wordpress.com"> Fred Warren
http://christian-fantasy-book-reviews.com/blog/"> Phyllis Wheeler

Nightwing Studios needs your help :-)

2011-08-17T13:44:00.000-07:00

Check out my extremely talented friends from Nightwing Studios... they make the most epic book trailers. Right now they are asking for help to fund their newest and most largest project yet. Please spread the word and if you can, donate... even if it’s just a little :-) There is some pretty cool things you can get too for donating. To donate you follow the link below the video! Kickstarter is designed to give people a way to back their projects. You back it by clicking the big green button on the right-hand side and follow the instructions from there.

Nightwing Studios is at it again! Last year we brought you the award winning To Darkness Fled Trailer. This time, we want to make the From Darkness Won Fan Trailer even better.
How can we achieve such a feat? The answer can be summed up with one word.
You.
You can help us make our vision of the From Darkness Won Fan Trailer a reality. No project can be cool without funding, so when you back the project, YOU are the Dude/Dudess spreading your cool to the whole world. When you see your name in the credits, you will be able to say, “I helped make this!”
You want to know more about the project and the people doing it, right? Although it is defined as a short film, the project is also called a book trailer. For those of you still wondering what a book trailer is, don't worry. Einstein never even knew. A book trailer is a short film based off a book. It’s like a movie trailer, except for a novel. One awesome thing about book trailers is that they are really new. A new genre of video! How cool is that?
The From Darkness Won Fan Book Trailer based off the third installment in the award winning Blood of Kings series by author Jill Williamson. It's the last book in the series, a soaring conclusion to a trilogy that goes beyond EPIC. If you haven't read them yet, pick the first book up on Amazon or BN.com. We can't recommend this series enough.
The trailer will include:

Live action acting
Matte painted/CG backgrounds
Animated hyper-realistic CG creatures
Custom hand made costumes
Carefully constructed sets complete with props and studio lighting
Complete re-dubbing. We record voices and sound effects in our own recording studio to ensure the highest audio quality possible.
Breathtaking cinematic awesomeness. Our camera can kick your camera in the LCD. (a camera we did not have in filming the To Darkness Fled Trailer or the above promo video)
A custom composed EPIC film soundtrack!

As you can see, this is no cheap project. Hence why we need you. With all this incredible stuff (camera not included as part of the budget), you may ask why we have such a small budget? Because we're mostly teens, we've found ways to do awesome things resourcefully ... with the same big budget quality.
Talking about that, what exactly does your support go to? Nice question!
What we will use the funding for:

Costume material.
Actor Props.
Weapons. (Want to see any epic swordfights?)
Armor.
Makeup.
Set props.
Torch oil! (Fire looks freakin' cool on-screen!)

Any money that goes beyond the goal will be used for respectively:

Camera Track
Camera Jib Boom
Nicer lenses
More costume stuff allowing us to have more extras on-screen!
More cool armor and props!

If you are interested in helping, check out the cool rewards we have for supporters on the right!
Thank you, from Nightwing Studios!

Always in my heart...

2011-08-07T21:47:00.000-07:00

The tide recedes but leaves behind
bright seashells on the sand.
The sun goes down, but gentle
warmth still lingers on the land.
The music stops, and yet it echoes
on in sweet refrains.....
For every joy that passes,
something beautiful remains.

Miss you dearly Brittany
Today I honored all the fun, beautiful, memories of you.
You would be so proud over your family, especially your sister Johnny
She has your brave heart and has such a beautiful spirit.
Always in my heart~
Brittany Rakosky
Nov. 12,1984~Aug. 7,2008

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST for a family friend...

2011-08-06T16:33:00.000-07:00

I'm posting this URGENT PRAYER REQUEST for a family friend of ours whose daughter, Sara, was in a horrible car accident two nights ago. She's in intensive care, with severe head injuries and little to no brain activity. She is the daughter of Kathy Cunningham, my Aunt Kim's, high school, best friend. Kathy, has been a part of our family for many years and has always been there for my Aunt Kim. Sadly, tomorrow is the 3rd anniversary of my beautiful cousins Brittany's death... my Aunt Kim's daughter. This is so very difficult on so many levels. Please pray for a miracle. She is Kathy and Curtis's only child, and still so very young with her whole life out in front of her. I believe in the power of prayer and that is why I've shared this with you all, so PLEASE take the time and send up a prayer for Sara and her family.
Thank you!
God's care,
~Ryan

What do you choose?

2011-07-28T01:02:00.000-07:00

An old Cherokee told his grandson, "My son, there is a battle between two wolves inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, jealousy, greed, resentment, inferiority, lies, & ego. The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, humility, kindness, empathy, & truth." The boy thought about it, and asked, "Grandfather, which wolf wins?" The old man quietly replied,

"The one you feed."