Included in Christ (Bible Study) by Heather Holleman

Book Description

A new kind of Bible study…

After the success of her first two books, Heather Holleman received many requests to write a Bible study. And as a college English instructor, she wanted to make sure it really taught and didn’t simply inform. So she surveyed several women about what their dream study would look like, then got to work.

The result is Included with Christ, a narrative-driven study where you can bring your life before Scripture in the context of community. Together women will discern their personal shadow narratives—ways they are living outside of their identity in Christ—and then rewrite those narratives according to biblical truth.

This in-depth, 8-week study in Ephesians willequip women with six “signature stories” of God’s work in their lives—helping them combat exclusion, loneliness, weakness, decay, emptiness, and silence.

Designed to facilitate honest sharing and help you internalize biblical truth, Included in Christ will provide community and connectedness as well as spiritual nourishment. It will also guide you in how to share your story and the hope of Christ with someone who doesn’t yet know Him.

My Review

I was glad to see that Heather had written a Bible study! I really enjoyed her previous books "Seated with Christ" and "Guarded by Christ." I learned and was encouraged by them both. This Bible study is no different.

This 8-week Bible goes through the book of Ephesians. Again, using her love of verbs to draw out and be encouraged in the facts of how we are included, wanted, and desired by Christ. I liked how she went through how we should live through the right narrative, it was insightful!

I personally liked the book, but it was more of a review of Ephesians and journaling book for people (like myself who have) struggle with their identity in Christ. Encouraging, but not an in-depth study of Ephesians like you would maybe expect. More of a therapy-journaling book than a study on God's word. These books are good too though! It's a good perspective to read from, especially if you are struggling with your identity. I know I have and it's helpful in area's. 


I give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Moody Publishers Bloggers Review program.

This Road We Travel by Jane Kirkpatrick

Book Description

When Tabitha Brown's son makes the fateful decision to leave Missouri and strike out for Oregon, she refuses to be left behind. Despite her son's concerns, Tabitha hires her own wagon to join the party. Along with her reluctant daughter and her ever-hopeful granddaughter, the intrepid Tabitha has her misgivings. But family ties are stronger than fear.

The trials they face along the way will severely test Tabitha's faith, courage, and ability to hope. With her family's survival on the line, she must make the ultimate sacrifice, plunging deeper into the wilderness to seek aid. What she couldn't know was how this frightening journey would impact how she understood her own life--and the greater part she had to play in history.

My Review

I like Jane Kirkpatrick ever since I read her Emma of Aurora trilogy. I haven't been able to read too much of her books since that one (I read one but it wasn't quite as good to me; Emma of Aurora was just that good to me!) but I'm glad to say this one was good!

This story takes places in the mid-1800's on the Oregon trail with Tabitha (Tabby) and her family. Late in life, around 66 I think it was, she decides to travel with her two children and their family from Missouri to Oregon.
Jane Kirkpatrick writes beautifully and adds a nice little vocabulary to her works.
Much of this was based on true events and a true person. Now, I've sadly never heard of Tabitha before so I can't say what I thought of this story in comparison to her real life but that's fiction for you.
If you like Historical fiction, especially this time period, then pick up this book!

I give this book a 4 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part Revell Tour blogging program.

To Follow Her Heart by Rebecca DeMarino

Book Description

It is 1664 and Patience Terry is devastated to learn that Captain Jeremy Horton's ship has been shipwrecked off the coast of Barbados, with no survivors. She had hoped that Jeremy would someday give up the sea and settle down with her in Southold, Long Island. 

Unaware his memorial service is being planned, Jeremy is rescued and aboard a British Naval Gunship with secret orders to attack New Amsterdam and claim it for the British Crown. When he makes his surprise return to Southold--and to an overjoyed Patience--it's not the happily-ever-after his beloved had hoped for. 

My Review

This has been a highly anticipated book for me! These books can stand alone but I highly recommend reading them from start to finish; I started with book two, unknowingly, but I can't wait to get my hands on the first book!

To Follow Her Heart is the third book in this series. Again, Rebecca has captured a beautiful and captivating story! 

Patience had much more patience than any ordinary woman would to wait to marry a man.  I related to her, because I'm a pretty patient, big heart, kind of person myself I feel like that would have been me in that time period! Captain Jeremy is a knucklehead that I wish I could have knocked some sense into! Making her wait that long and putting her through the heartache!

            Weaving together all the characters and history, this was a wonderful ending to a beautiful series! I loved it so much.

I give it a 5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part Revell Tour blogging program.

Harvest of Hope by Lauraine Snelling

Book Description

Miriam Hastings has her future plans in place...
But Trygve Knutson is intent on changing them.


Just a few short weeks into her year-long training at the Blessing Hospital, Miriam Hastings is called home to Chicago, where her mother is gravely ill. With siblings to care for, Miriam pleads to be allowed to finish her training in Chicago. Her nursing supervisor grants her a brief reprieve but extracts a promise that Miriam will return to Blessing and fulfill her one-year commitment. 

While in Chicago, Miriam has tried to get Trygve Knutson and Blessing out of her mind, but his letters make that impossible. Trygve is busy building a house, hoping he can convince Miriam to return to North Dakota and marry him. Torn between Trygve's love and her family's needs, she doesn't know what to do. 

When Miriam finally returns to Blessing, she buries herself in her work. But no matter how hard she tries to put it off, she has some life-changing decisions to make about her future, her family... and the man who is never far from her thoughts.

What will it take to convince her to stay?

Me Review

Lauraine Snelling has really good character and growth, keeping the theme of love and grace in the midst of tragedy and loss. After the death of Ingeborg’s husband Haakan in the previous novel, she has to learn to live the rest of her life without him, leaning on her faith and family for strength.

And Miriam, losing her mother and having to leave her siblings on their own. I forget sometimes the way the world used to be and sometimes still is. Now torn between her family and the growing love burning for Trygve, she has a choice to make that will break her heart either way. But what is faith without hope?

A great sequel! It took me a while to really get into it but once you do you’ll love it too!

I give this book a 4 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part Bethany House blogging for book program.

It's Time to Begin Again!

As many of you know, I am a writer. You didn't know? Yeah, I guess I have been away for a while. It's still beating strong in my heart but I've been at an impasse the past year. If you're a writer you will understand these seasons of life where you desperately want to write, anything, but can't. Whether it's writers block, fear of moving forward, or just life getting in the way. Mine has been a mix of things, but what's really been holding me back the most is the fear I'm not really a writer. I fear my writing is mediocre, not worth sharing but especially not worth ever publishing!

God has been preparing my heart. Building me up and filling in the broken pieces of my heart and mind. I've been learning to depend on Him. Now it's time to start writing again! Like a runner who has been off his feet, I have to start from the beginning and build back these writing muscles! I'm going to take one day at a time, step-by-step, and sharing my progress with you to stay motivated.

I have a few novels I am working hard to piece together to one day share with the world, I feel they are masterpieces in the works, but they are nowhere near sharing material. For now I'll be doing simple exercise's. Writing short stories from prompts or whatever inspires me on Pinterest. Yes, Pinterest is both my most helpful tool but my worst enemy in the world! I've created a whole Pinterest account specifically for my writing (more organization, less distraction!) If you'd like to follow that just click the button: Miss Tadoodles It's a brand brand brand new account, I just created it Sunday! There isn't much on it right now, but I will be creating more boards involving nothing but all things writing related. From character shoppe's, settings, prompts, et,.

With this new beginning, I'll hopefully be posting more than just book reviews on this blog!

The one thing I could use most right now is Prayer! I want to stay motivated and continue to grow in this area of my life. I know it won't be easy but not impossible because I have Jesus, who makes all things possible!

Thank you, all! God bless! Tootles! 

God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew with John and Elizabeth Sherrill

Book Description

As a boy Brother Andrew dreamed of being an undercover spy working behind enemy lines. As a man he found himself working undercover for God. His was a mission filled with danger, financed by faith and supported by miracles. 

In this expanded edition, Brother Andrew's electrifying real-life story of smuggling Bibles into the most dangerous places on earth will grip readers all over again and inspire a new generation to step out on their own journeys of faith. Plus, a brand-new interview with Brother Andrew reveals behind-the-scenes information and fascinating insights into current events that are riveting the world.

Now includes photos and a new epilogue from Brother Andrew on 60 years of ministry


My Review

Miraculous only begins to describe the wonder of God shown through the life of Brother Andrew in this stunning and thrilling recount of his life and ministry. From a boy dreaming of adventure to adulthood living the adventure of a lifetime working for God behind the iron curtain.

                

I have never read a book like this, and by that I mean I was so enthralled I stayed up most nights reading it into the wee morning hours and picking up every chance a had in between. I wanted to know more, see what happened next, experience the joy, wonder, and thrill of seeing God in action.

That wasn’t all I learned from this book. The more countries he visited the more I saw the lives affected after he brought and gave away bibles. People thirsty for God’s word and to know they were not alone. There were more brothers and sisters in Christ in the world facing the same things. 

“Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.”  {1 Peter 5:9} 

That strategies used for persecution aren’t always so straightforward and blunt.

“Under persecution a man looks at his faith to see if it is worth fighting for, and this is the scrutiny Christianity can always withstand. The real dangers comes with an indirect attack, where a person is lured away from the Church before he has a chance to become strong.” ~Wilkhelmi

And just because we can’t always go to other countries doesn’t mean we can’t minister to our own brothers and sisters right here, right now.

“Don’t complain to yourself that you can’t go to the mission field! Thank God for bringing the mission field to you!” ~Andrew 

Brother Andrew shares his moments of testing and each one made me cry. From the beginning before he became a believer to the day he wrote this book. Showing courage and faith, showing God's light through his life touched my own soul. I even cried quite a few times seeing those God "ah-ha" moments.

There is so much I loved about this book I could talk about it all day. I STRONGLY encourage anyone who see's this book to pick it up. Once you start reading it, you won't want to put it down. Share it with a friend if you've already read it. I know I what I'm getting my friends for gifts this year. In this new expanded edition, you get the pleasure of reading a new interview with Brother Andrew that I personally am glad I got to read. Questions and updates on events both from the book and other books he's written since. 

Not setting out to become an international missionary, Andrew merely saw a need and felt called to fill that need. None of it would have been possible without the God guiding him every step of the way. And that is magnificently shown in this inspiring novel. 

I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Chosen Book Bloggers program.

Feeling Aimless?

I've been wondering a lot lately what part I play in the world; or what part I will play. Everyone stops and ask, wonders, what your doing with your life: job, school, marriage, etc,. I never know what to say because I don't know. All I can think is, "I'm taking it one day at a time; one step of faith at a time." But, sometimes it gets to me that I don't have an answer. People stare back at me, and I know what they're thinking.

"Your an adult, shouldn't you know?"

Here's the thing. God has my life planned out and sometimes he chooses not to let the right hand know what the left hand is doing. (Matthew 6:3) By that, I mean, he works ways in our lives that he chooses not to let us see in the moment he is working. Sometimes he chooses to make us wait until the project is finished and the time is right, for us and Him. And, to see if we will truly be patient and wait on him. (Psalm 27:14)

To have faith. To trust Him.

Sometimes, I have sat in my room and just cried out to God, "When?"

• When will it be time? 
• When can I stop wandering in this dessert? 
• When can I stop feeling like a failure, a nuisance, a burden?
• When can I start feeling like the princess?

Then I heard this song.



God answered my prayers with this song today; showed me that He is listening. That he hasn't forgotten.

Answers to When:

• Soon, very soon
• Keep your eyes on me, I will lead you, fill you up
• I Love You
• Now

We each have our roles to play out, whether we know them yet or not. Our biggest part is to seek more of Him and wait patiently for Him to fulfill our hopes and dreams. (Jeremiah 29:11-13) And, that's going to be my answer from now on. :) 

I hope you all can see what a beauty and treasure you are to God, our Father. Today, tomorrow, and forever. I'm still learning to own my title as a Princess in God's eternal Kingdom. May you see his light shine through your darkest clouds and fill you with love and peace. He is always with you, forever. Amen. 

God Bless!

Has It Been a Year Already?

I say that every year after the ball drops, announcing the new year; and every year is sounds just as corny as the last. LOL. But, occasionally I get a laugh or two. ;)

I am glad to be posting again. It's been quite an exhausting, but eventful, few months. Everything from moving, to near death experiences with Devine intervention, to saying goodbye to a dear friend and preparing to welcome new ones.

It's been a tough few months, but The Lord has always promised to be with me, always; that I'm never alone. And, in the last few weeks he's been showing me he is there. It's a remarkable thing, too.

In the next few months, I'll be trying out some new things. I'll be adding more to my blog; and not just more books. Things like:

• Music
• Movies
• Daily Life
• Reflections
• Crafts
• Story Writing Updates
• Blog Tweaking
• Bible Widgets (Like one of these: Matt 28:20, Matthew 28:20; still testing!)
• Nail Art 

You heard right, nail art. I've really gotten into the last 8 months! But I'll save all that for another post. I'm really excited to get up and going again. This year is going to be a fresh start and I hope you all enjoy and come to visit!

God bless!

GOD SHOWED UP AND SHOWED OUT!

Thank you everyone for your prayers! I have a tale to tell you. But in the words of my dad, I'll share what he wrote to everyone! 


"GOD SHOWED UP AND SHOWED OUT!!!!
Hi Everyone! Thank you all so very much for taking time to pray for my wife and our family today! We had a very long day, but I have great news to share! My wife'ss Triponon levels (the chemical released when you have muscle damage to your heart) continued to 
rise all last night and even more today. The doctors told us that they were very concerned that my wife was not doing well at all and they needed to get her to the cath lab right away! They even had a Cardiothoracic surgeon on standby in case she were to need open heart surgery. 
At 2:00am this morning a very close friend and brother came up to the hospital and prayed with her and I asking The Lord to touch her in such a way that it would be undeniable that it was HIS HAND OF HEALING; that there would be absolutely no signs of damage, no blockages, no surgery needed and that she would be perfectly whole!
Friends and family..... GOD SHOWED UP! The doctors came out of the cath lab and said while they knew she surely had a heart attack, there was absolutely NO heart muscle damage, NO blockages, not even any plaque! "GO FIGURE THAT" he said! He said her heart was perfect in every way.... unexplainable for someone who clearly had a heart attack! DOES GOD STILL HEAL???? YES HE DOES!!! And why should we be amazed that HE will do what HE PROMISES to do in HIS word!
After a few hours more in the hospital, many nurses and hospital staff stopping by to tell us how remarkable that was, and many tears of gratefulness & JOY, she's at home and resting! PRAISE GOD!
Thank you all again for all of the prayers, phone calls, and messages! We felt HIS PRESENCE and your love in such a powerful way! We are blessed to have each of you in our lives! God used you today!!! We were eye witnesses to answered prayer!
We love you all and are so very grateful!!"


AMEN!

One Year Anniversary!

It's October. Wow I can't believe it! One year since I embarked on my journey into the blogging world. One year since I realized there was so much more to blogging than just writing and clicking post. One year for my heart to grow in Jesus Christ's love and have more Faith in Him.

It's been such a growing experience both mentally and spiritually, I couldn't have asked for a better year. 

Thank You. To all my followers, my readers, and passer-byers (I know, not a real word! Haha)

May God bless you and touch your hearts. Keep pursuing Him in faithfulness and righteousness! He hasn't stopped pursuing you!