CSB Notetaking Bible, Sage Cloth Over Board Review

My Book Review

I have definitely enjoyed this Bible! I was pleasantly surprised just how great of quality it turned out to be. Also, never having read/used a CSB (Christian Standard Bible) before, I wasn't sure what to expect. Again, beyond what I expected. I've been using it ever since along with my NLT and it's been such a helpful tool and eye opener!

I love the notetaking sections on the side. I've already begun to use them, which I've never done before in any bible (always in a notepad) and it's right there when I'm looking at verses again. Great reminders when I'm looking back at verses.

The only thing I wish it had was Jesu's words in red ink.

I would absolutely give this as a gift to a friend or family member! It's beautiful, it's simple and quality.

I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars!

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part B&H blogging program!

Really Bad Girls of the Bible by Liz Curtis Higgs

Book Description

Discover the Truth About
God’s Sovereignty
from the Bible’s Really Bad Girls.

Eight of the Bible’s most notorious females strut across the pages of Really Bad Girls of the Bible with troubles that still hit home in the twenty-first century.

The Medium of En Dor crossed over to the dark side. Jael stood up to a ruthless enemy. The Adulteress was caught between a rock and a hard place. Athaliah made a bid for power that ended badly. Bathsheba captured the wandering eye of a king. Herodias made a cruel request of her husband. Tamar exchanged her widow’s weeds for a harlot’s garb. And the Bleeding Woman had a serious health issue only a great physician could handle.




My Review


I have loved Liz Curtis Higgs books since I first read "Thorn in My Heart". But there is just something about her devotional books that captivates me every time.


The women she discusses in this book are: Medium of En Dor, Jael, The Adulteress, Athaliah, Bathsheba, Herodias, Tamar the Widow, and The Bleeding Woman. Some of these women I was not as familiar with as others and loved learning more about them!
What I love about this book and those like it is that Liz C. Higgs applies these women to our daily lives and those around us and in Really Bad Girls of the Bible shows those who feel are seem beyond redeeming.


I can never get enough of these books and these lessons! I highly recommend this book (now I have to go back and read the first one!) And the new cover is beautiful!


I give this book a 5 out of 5!


WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group provided this book to me for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review as part of their Blogging for Books program. 

HCSB Illustrator's Notetaking Bible

Book Description

The Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible combines two hot trends: Bible journaling and adult coloring. Through unique illustrations included on every page spread, readers, illustrator’s, and notetakers alike learn to engage the biblical text in a new way. The exceptional design offers a unique balance for everyone from seasoned artists to the creatively challenged, allowing for guided creativity and meaningful personalization of the Bible reading experience. From filigree, Scripture quotes, and unique images, these line-drawn illustrations are waiting to be brought to life.

Features include:

Over 600 images, including text designs, images, and filigree
Unique illustrations on every page spread
Open margin space for creating new, personalized images

Light grey illustrations allowing readers to add color to each image

Lined margins for note taking

My Review

This is an awesome Bible! The cover is sturdy, the paper is durable for coloring with markers, and the pictures inside are pretty but fun; I can't wait to color them all in! There's plenty of room for note taking in the margins. It's clean and neat, not messy or cluttered. I'm really impressed actually at how well put together it is and neat it looks. It's all very organized and neatly made. Even in the back there is also a "Read the Bible in a year" week-by-week check list for those interested in reaching that goal! 

I've never used a HCSB version but I look forward to using it in the days ahead! If you're looking for something different then I'd surely check it out. 

I give this book a 5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of B&H/Lifeway Bloggers Review program

It's Good to Be Queen by Liz Curtis Higgs

Book Description

Sheba Journeyed Across the Desert with a Caravan of Riches,
 Only to Find the Greatest Treasure of Them All.  So Can You.
When it comes to famous queens of the Bible, we know the good one, Queen Esther, and the bad one, Queen Jezebel. Now meet the wise one, the queen of Sheba, who traveled to Jerusalem to test the mind and heart of a king.
 
Her quest for wisdom will surprise you, challenge you, inspire you, change you. This wealthy royal from antiquity will show you how to live boldly, seek after truth, ask the right questions, encourage others, receive graciously, and honor the Lord above all.

Shedding new light on this ancient biblical role model, Liz Curtis Higgs unveils timeless wisdom for all who aspire to please the king of Kings.

My Review

I love Liz Curtis Higgs books like these. I've only read a few but they are so intriguing and insightful! I never had never thought so in-depth about the Queen of Sheba before this book. You've probably heard this said to you or said it to someone yourself, "Who do you think you are, the Queen of Sheba?" Liz Curtis Higgs shines a much different light on this Queen that I will never be able to hear those words the same again. There's things we can learn from this queen in the Bible!

The lessons we can learn from the Queen of Sheba: We need to be bold, having faith. Being open to what God's plans for us. Seeking wise and trustworthy council. Being humble. Being honest with God and others. Encouraging everyone you come across. Praising God in all things. Giving graciously and generously! Receiving graciously to honor God and the giver (that's one I've struggled with!) Ending with by loving well the rest of your life. 

This book is filled with so much truth and great advice. At the end there is also a Study guide which is pretty cool! Great for Bible groups or just by yourself!

I give this book a 5 out of 5!

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

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.

NLT Comprehensive Concordance

Book Description

You already know that the New Living Translation speaks your language. Now the NLT Comprehensive Concordance provides the perfect companion as a powerful tool to help you explore the depths of God’s Word.

 

•       Full English concordance listings for every major word in the NLT
• Introductions to the New Living Translation, including translation philosophy and scholars involved in the translation
• The number of occurrence of each word listed
• Inclusions of many archaic terms and common renderings from other translations which are not found in the NLT

A concordance is an invaluable tool for serious Bible study, and the NLT Comprehensive Concordance packs a lot of value into a single volume. Designed to be useful for serious in-depth study or for quick reference, this concordance will help you find what you are looking for.

My Review

I was so excited when this came in the mail! I redeemed it with my Tyndale Rewards! They really are so amazing!

I’ve always liked using the concordance in the back of my own Bible when I’m studying or trying to remember a certain verse, but I needed an upgrade. Man, did I get an upgrade! 1229 pages and hundreds of thousands verses worth of upgrade!

My dad brought it in from the mailbox and asked, “What is this? It’s so thick!”

It sure is. But it’s not monster size (thank goodness). It’s large enough so you don’t have to squint to read the letters, but not so big/heavy you hate pulling it off your shelf. I can’t wait to pick it up!

Every major word is listed (in the very back there is even a list of words not used in this book) and categorized by name. It’s really neat. For instance, I was looking for the verse “give your burdens to the Lord, for he cares for you.” But I couldn’t remember where it was. So, I pulled out my concordance and went straight to burdens. I found the verse in Psalms 55. But it still wasn’t the exact one I was thinking of. Then I remembered one that said “your cares” rather than burdens. I turned to C and found cares and found the verse I was looking for in 1 Peter 5.

I had been trying to remember where that verse was for two days! This book has really become a great tool.

I’m sure some of you are thinking, “why not just search for it online? Surely, it would be so much faster than hunting through a book.” But that is such thinking in this digital age where everything is at our fingertips. Many don’t want to take the time to search. They’d rather skip over the wonderful yellow-brick road straight to the emerald city. You ‘ll never know what treasures await you if you don’t take on the adventure.

Another major problem for me, and I’m sure many more alike, is that having the internet at our fingertips causes many more distractions than if we searched for and pulled out a book.

I recommend getting a concordance for any version! But, if you just so happen to have an NLT than this is the book for you.

Bible NLT, Compact edition, Large Print Review

My Review

I was very happy with this Bible! I wanted to get my sister a bible for her birthday. I redeemed it using my points on Tyndale Rewards and couldn't be happier with it!

It's compact, easy for carrying around everywhere.  Gold-lined pages. And the imitation leather felt amazing with its TuTone, Brown and Tan. It's a beautiful little bible.

I was first surprised when it said Large-print and it turned out to be about the same size as my regular print bible. But then, I realized that compact bibles are MICRO print. So, calling it Large print is accurate under this category of bibles. It's very readable. I really liked the middle column references. It has Jesus's words in red, which was a major factor in picking this bible.

I loved this bible for my sister because she would have a harder time carrying around a full size bible and I wanted something easy for her to tote everywhere (I'm going to get one for myself now!) I had it engraved with her name for $7 and gave it to her just this weekend for her birthday.

SHE LOVED IT!

When she saw her name on it, she was tickled pink!

I absolutely recommend this compact bible for anyone. Whether it's for a friend, family member, or just for convenience, its a great bible!

I give it a 5 out of 5 stars!

Winter Delight!

I got a lovely package in the mail the other day! Evergreen, a Christiansen family novella by Susan May Warren! Check it out! Eeek!

I couldn't wait to share this with you guys. Wanna know how I came to get this little treasure? Through Tyndale Rewards! I'm serious. I didn't spend a penny on this book! 

This is actually the second item I've received from Tyndale Rewards. I can't tell you the other one (it's a surprise present for my sister!) but it looks just as wonderful as this! I redeemed it for 70 points a few days before Christmas and it came 3 weeks later in perfect, brand new condition! I truly love this program! 

Here's how it works, easy and simple: sign up!

Seriously, it's that easy. If you use my promo code when you sign up, you get an additional 25 points for signing up. I get 10, but I'd do this without any incentive. However, you guys get the better end of the rewards! Which is why I added my promo code to this post. Every 25 points counts!You can earn up to 50 points a month just for tweeting about it, sharing on your facebook, or blog. Then there's simple survey's that get you a pretty bunch of points. 

"Evergreen" was only 70! 

And there are so many more for that same price, some even a little lower. There's more than just fiction, too. There's Bibles, Non Fiction, Audio books. If you're careful and watch out, some books get featured that aren't normally on there (like Evergreen!) 

When I first started out with this program, I earned almost immediately 150. Spent 175 and then a couple months later earned another 150; spent 70. And then earned back more than half of it in the same hour just by tweeting! And, because they are Tyndale products, I can earn 10 per item I review as well. So, I will earn 10 points back (because you all know I love to share my books with you all!), which really only made it 60 points in the end!

I'm not hear to win more points. I'm sincerely sharing with anyone who's interested in this to sign up and really get some free (non hassle), Christian books. :) I am truly impressed with them and had to share about it.

Click the Tyndale Reward picture below. It will bring you straight to the signup with my promo code already set in. You just fill in your email address and zip code and your ready!

Incase the picture link doesn't work you can click here, too: 

www.tyndalerewards.com/signup/?pc=hsmp-noww-p8gt-ljrq

God bless you this fine Thursday!

Tyndale Rewards!

I was visiting another bloggers website and came across this badge "Tyndale Rewards" and I thought since I'm already in their book blogging program, why not check out their rewards program as well! I am so glad I did! Because I signed up with that bloggers link, I earned a whopping 25 points out the gate! It also gives the blogger 10 points for each person who uses their link. After you collect so many points you can redeem Tyndale products, books, bibles, and audio books! Free!

It doesn't cost you a thing, except maybe two minutes of your time to sign up! After wards it really isn't that difficult to earn points either. I honestly think it will be worth it! You can click the Tyndale Rewards picture above or on the side bar (to your right) to start your rewards today! And to help me earn some more points as well!

God bless!

For Such A Time by Kate Breslin

Product Description

In 1944, blonde and blue-eyed Jewess Hadassah Benjamin feels abandoned by God when she is saved from a firing squad only to be handed over to a new enemy. Pressed into service by SS-Kommandant Colonel Aric von Schmidt at the transit camp of Theresienstadt in Czechoslovakia, she is able to hide behind the false identity of Stella Muller. However, in order to survive and maintain her cover as Aric's secretary, she is forced to stand by as her own people are sent to Auschwitz.

Suspecting her employer is a man of hidden depths and sympathies, Stella cautiously appeals to him on behalf of those in the camp. Aric's compassion gives her hope, and she finds herself battling a growing attraction for this man she knows she should despise as an enemy.

My Review

This vivid and emotionally packed retelling of Esther is filled with hope, love, and redemption. I cannot begin to tell you how much I loved and enjoyed this book. When I first read the description of  it I was, "Oh yeah, that sounds like my kind of book. WW2 and Esther, it should be good!" 

Good would not begin to describe it now. Magnificent, impressive, brilliant and beautifully written! With 51 verses used from the book of Esther, each chapter begins with a verse from various chapters. There's no chapter to chapter basis, whichever verse fits the chapter or was inspired for the chapter is used. Especially in the second half of the book, one chapter might be from Esther 8 and the next one from Esther 2. But each one fit it beautifully! 

The vast majority of the book takes place from February 14, 1944 to March 8, 1944. Less than two months, but when your reading it you lose all track of time. You get absorbed into each of the characters, even the evil Captain Hermann. I love when authors give depths to their villains. It's not just, "Oh your the bad guy." You get a little bit of background on him as well. How and why he became the villain in this story. Even Helen, the mute cook who came with  Aric von Schmidt when he moved to his new station in Theresienstadt, who you mostly only ever see in the kitchen or serving dinner you learn a bit of her background as well. Each one of the characters, put together like a tapestry, help make this one of the best stories I've ever read. 

Of course, my favorites were Stella (or Hadassah) and Aric. Aric's story of redemption was beautiful. After joining the Nazi's, he realized what they were doing was wrong but by that time his hands were covered in the blood of innocent lives and he felt he didn't deserve to be forgiven. So instead he did nothing to change, he ignored the cries in his heart and and tried to bear the sins he had committed on is own. Until he met Stella who helped open his heart and eyes to the truth of God's grace and mercy. Proving that no one is above receiving forgiveness and grace if they are willing to ask and turn away from what is wrong, which he did. 

Stella lost her faith in God, feeling He had abandoned her after a little girl close to her heart died in her arms at the hands of the Nazi's. But like Esther, she is to be the salvation for the jews. She doesn't know how; she constantly wondered what purpose God had for allowing her to live and be rescued by this Nazi Colonel instead of dying with that little girl. Her Uncle Morty had a God given dream that she would rescue them, like Esther did from Haman's evil plot. Stella can't understand what she could do to help them but she wants a sign from God, something to let her know He's still there. She has to learn to be silent and listen for his whispers and have faith. Because he never left her side. He was preparing her for Such A Time, like he did with Esther. 

This book was truly a mirror of the book of Esther if your willing to look deeper. Like in Esther, she was taken into a home unwillingly and forced to stay with a man she didn't even know and could kill her at any given time for whatever reason he might find. God prepared her to be in a position to help her people escape persecution. Even Aric, you can see how his position of power was like that of the king in Esther and how he fell in love with Stella that first moment he saw her. That God had used her to save both him and her people from Captain Hermann.

"For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”" ~Esther 4:14 (NLT)

I am thoroughly impressed by Kate Breslin's debut novel. I hope she continues to write more like it and be just as good as this one. I highly recommend this book to anyone.

I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars! If you want to purchase this book, just click on the cover above and you'll be brought straight to the book on ChristianBook.com


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

A Lady's Honor by Laurie Alice Eakes

Description

Elizabeth must realize her worth doesn't lie in her inheritance. In order to avoid a forced marriage to a dangerous man, Elizabeth Trelawney flees London. An unexpected stranger arrives to help her, and as they elude her pursuers across Cornwall in the night, Elizabeth realizes her rescuer, Rouan Curnow, is familiar. Their differences in social status kept Rouan from pursuing a courtship with the lady his heart wouldn't let him forget. Now because of dangerous smugglers and local murders, the two are plunged into a reckless alliance that rattles Rouan's fledgling faith in God. The closer they get to Bastian Point---Elizabeth's true home---the more she realizes it is the only place she longs to be.

Review

A lady's honor takes place in in England, 1811, along the coast Bastion Point was the only real home Elizabeth had ever really known, but six years with her parents in London changed the young woman into somewhat of an Ice maiden. It became impossible for Elizabeth to believe anyone could love her for more then money and connections, such as the man her parents chose for her. I don't wanna give too much away, but I will tell you this, upon reaching Bastion Point two things happened to our heroine; She was offered Bastion Point, should she find the treasure that all the possessions and money in the world could not buy, the second was meeting a very special man from a ball she attended prior to her escape, but alas he was in a lower class than herself.

In that time period marrying a man of lower class is purely unthinkable. Still the want we have for a easy and secure future is always with us, who would want to put their lively-hood in something that looked so risky you could see no way to get through it? That's where we tend to forget God is in control, and that he would never allow us to fall into despair. Just as is said in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Elizabeth had a lot to struggle with, something I know I've had to struggle with many times over the years and still have a little bit of a hard time understanding unconditional love. God offers this up so freely, but after her six years in London, with her parents say she was too skinny, too tall, her hair too straight, that none would marry her unless her dowry was large enough. How would you feel with someone constantly belittling you? Making you feel unworthy of any love offered to you? And that all love comes with strings, even God's? It's a painful and horrible state of mind that is just not true. God gave his only son to wash us free of the sins that made us dirty. 

"Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of judgment, and this shows that his love has not been perfected in us." ~1 John 4:18

I think this verse is a good example for Elizabeth, she was so afraid of everyone judging her for her mistakes and looks that she could not know what true love is. And this book is a perfect example I think we all need to take to heart on showing true love, not just to family, but to others who have trouble accepting love. I am excited for any more books related to this series, and hope to read the next one as soon as humanly possible!

Happy Easter!

"He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying" —Matthew 28:6

God Bless You

Thank you for reading my blog and I thank God for giving me this chance to reach out to people. I may not be reaching many right now, but it's one of the stepping stones to getting there. But that's not the only chance Jesus gave me, he gave me a new chance at Life when he sacrificed, gave up his life, for mine. For all of ours! It's a bit of an overwhelming feelings at times, that someone you don't know would trade their life for yours, but once you get to know Him it begins to make sense. That just how much he loved us. 

So Happy Easter everyone! Gonna go eat and fellowship with my family and friends. Have a blessed day!

Be Still: Part I

It's been a little while since you've really heard from me, of my thoughts and my heart. Believe me when I tell you there's been a lot going on in both. The last couple of weeks have been a true test of faith. I won't bore you with details, but I am going to share with you some of the things I've learned. I'll separate them into two or three posts to give you all a chance to breathe between cake bites and milk, or tea if you prefer.

My family and I went to a book sale last month, we all had such a great time! I found so many books, for myself and my sister (I'm really good at iSpy, so my sister was really glad to have me around). It was a great start to a marvelous weekend. Usually I get a ton of books, but this time I decided I would keep it under $20 and sure enough once I had cut all the ones I didn't need or really truly want I got just under with 50 cents to spare! The rest of day was beautiful, sun shining and wind brushing across our cheeks so gently.

Saturday was just as fine a day. Our family doodled and doddled and cruised around town. Enjoying the lovely day as we may. I couldn't have had a better day, I thanked God. Well, you know how that ole Devil despises happiness and praise. And, he will do anything to shift our focus away from God.
That night we ate a local restaurant and all, except my mom praise the Lord, got food poisoning.
First my dad and younger sister got it so bad they both had to go to the emergency at 3am that night. The next day my youngest sister and I were sick, but thankfully we were spared from having to go to the emergency room, ours wasn't as severe. In fact, my sister had to go back again to the ER due to complications from the whole ordeal; her chest cavity was inflamed and she was having a hard time breathing. She's well now, thank the Lord! We are all well again.

First lesson from this story: watch what you eat! If the food looks
bad or doesn't seem cooked or is cold when it should be warm or is warm when it should be cold or something just plain doesn't seem right with even just one piece of food ...WALK AWAY.

Here's the thing though, even if you do get sick, whether its food poisoning, a common cold, or something much worse, don't forget that though your body may be weak your spirit is still strong. Cause that's what the Devil is really up to, he's out to crush our spirits by putting our bodies against us. But here's some wise words I'd like to share:

"The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear it if the spirit is crushed?" --Proverbs 18:14 (NLT)

Seriously! When have you ever honestly heard of someone being able to bear a crushed spirit? They can live without legs and feet or hands and arms, but the spirit... It's worse to have a crushed spirit, believe me!
See these bodies aren't made to last (since sin entered the world) anymore, they are of this earth {Genesis 2:7} but God has new heavenly vessels waiting for us in Heaven.

"For we will not be spirits without bodies, but we will put in new heavenly bodies." -- 2 Corinthians 5:3

God has guaranteed it {2 Corinthians 5:5} by giving us his Holy Spirit. I'm honestly looking forward to it; excited to tell the truth. Since I know what he has made for me up there will be beautiful. The pain, the sickness, won't last forever but His love endures forever. It's easy to forget when your hurting and sick, I'm just as much at fault as anyone for doing it. He loves you, wants to help you; he does help you. But instead we say: "Just gotta let it run its course, I'll be fine." As if we are to bear, or are bearing, it on our own! Think about this a moment.
To anyone who's been helping you: fetching your water, a wet cloth, a bowl of chicken noodle soup, or keeping people from disturbing you as you rest, would you say, "It took a few days, but I got all better! I'm right as rain, fit as a fiddle, just had to give it some time"?

Wow.

If you were that helpful person, wouldn't you feel like you'd just been slapped in the face? You'd think "how ungrateful." Oh you know you would, don't fib sweetie. *wink* I know I would. I know I'd also feel like such a heel for not giving credit and my sincere thanks to the one who helped me get well. I wouldn't be able to look them straight in the eyes! How could I be so ungrateful?

Second Lesson: Remember to Thank Him {Psalms 136:1} even in your weary state. Even if its just a quick whisper, for He loves a thankful heart. And next time you're sick or weary from these earthly bodies, remember it is only your body that is ill, not your soul {Matthew 10:28}. Don't let that silly ole Devil get you down in the dumps, he can't win cause Jesus already has! Your soul is secure if you keep believing Jesus is your Savior and live for Him.

Alas this is only the beginning of the story. "Be Still: Part II" will be coming soon. I can't wait for you to come back, I really do enjoy our little chats. Sorry I couldn't offer you an apple but I'm afraid they weren't quite right. Maybe next time though, yes? Oh maybe you like pears, I love pears.

God bless you!

Unconditional: The Movie

Product Description 

Samantha Crawford (Lynn Collins, John Carter) is living a storybook life. That is, until her husband is killed in a senseless act of violence, causing her to lose her faith and her will to live. But will a death-defying encounter with two children---and a reunion with her childhood best friend, Joe Bradford (Michael Ealy, Common Law)---bring things into proper perspective again? Unconditional is inspired by true events. 

Dove approved (12+). Rated PG-13.

My Review

I had this movie on my Netflix watch list for months! I was looking through the Spiritual and Faith and it looked good. Little did I know just how good it would be! In past, watching a Christian movie meant you had to expect the low budget mediocrity cinema (I mean that lovingly). But over the last couple years I've seen great changes and I just have this to say about Unconditional. It's even better than Courageous (and I LOVE that movie). The actors are amazing the story telling was phenomenal and the cinematography astounding. If I had just passed by this on the TV I would have thought it was a high-end theater made movie (this did appear in select theaters in the US).

That alone makes you want to watch it, am I right? Well, don't let that be all. This movie is truly inspirational and spiritually uplifting. Seeing God's love pour out of Joe and to the children was enough to make me cry. And watching Samantha go through the trails she faced of losing her husband and then trying to find his killer and regaining her faith in God's unconditional love in the end. Well let's just say you will need some tissues for this movie. Tears of joy from the wonder of His mighty love are a very powerful thing.


One of my favorite parts and what I am so glad I can buy, is the book Firebird Samantha illustrates in the movie. It's a children's book but it's for all ages. It’s about a bird finding the light, God, behind the clouds. That no matter what trials and dark times we face, the light never vanishes. I don't own this book yet, but I am buying it when my first child is born one day.

I mentioned this movie on my Instagram and a fellow brother in Christ saw my post and watched it that very night. Here's what he had to say:

"I loved it! Thank you so much. It was so inspiring. I really needed that today because the enemy is laying it on thick against me and my faith in God. Thank you!" 

When someone feels better or his or her spirits are lifted even just a little bit higher, mine are lifted too. It breaks through the clouds and I see the sun even brighter.

I gave the movie and book each a 5 out of 5 stars!

Click the pictures for direct links to each product on Christianbooks.com

The Freedom of Silence: the movie

Product Description

In the year 2030, America has become a twisted version of freedom. Truth is silenced, and those with bold faith are now terrorists – terrorists who must be hunted down and destroyed. With the help of his friend Aaron, a Navy SEAL with expert computer skills, Zach devises a plan to breach the government’s lockdown on rogue webcasts. But his proclamation of faith comes with a heavy price. Now, imprisoned by the ruthless government official, Jack Johansen, Zach must fight for his life, his friends, and his precious wife and children. But even with death pounding at his door, Zach must complete his mission – a mission from which, he may never return. 

Not rated. 

My Review

I was curious when I saw the title and cover but I was most intrigued by the description. It reminded me of one of the book series I read not too long ago.
From the moment the movie starts you see the progression of the world through news reports from the president and congress signing a 
"Religious No Tolerance Act" to protesters at Capital Hill. The slow decline starts with a Pastor saying that until they can appeal to congress against the RNTA everyone should obey the Law. From there ten years go by and then another, showing how the government enforces their law. Investigating underground churches and taking in anyone with religious views. There were penalties for just having a bible in your possession, even if it didn't belong to you and you just picked it up off the street. Obviously, this is a dramatization, but it does make you wonder just how our America would be if something like this happened and honestly where we will be one of these days. 

Throughout the movie you switch from Zach's interrogation to his youth and the unfolding of his life in faith up to where his is captured. Including his best friend who he worries is in a dangerous relationship because she is not a believer and could very well be a government agent. Together though they put into actoin a very high tech operation to get the word of God's Salvation out to the entire world! It was really amazing! The arguments they use and the discussions between characters of their beliefs were well scripted. It wasn't forced; they made their points in a way that you went "yes!" because it was almost poetic and there was no way to argue back after it. It was truth and the truth will set you free. 

Now I must be honest, this is low budget film. It's not the worst I've seen, but it's not the best either. Sound affects and some acting are lacking; some of the acting was really great in my opinion, they had a pretty strong cast. Especially Tyler Messner (Zach Thompson) and Jeffrey Staab (Captain Johansen), honestly even the nurse who tried to help Zach was good to me, I just wish the editing could have been a bit better. And they needed to add some music, or more music, cause it was a little too quiet. But if you use some of that wonderful imagination and take it for what it is the story is good!

I gave this a 3 out of 5 stars and if you'd like to see it you can find it on Netflix Instant or purchase it from a local Christian store or web retailer.You can click the picture for direct a link on Christianbooks.com.



(Added) If you'd like to read the book this movie is based off, follow the link to order!

I hope you enjoy and God bless!

The Girl in the Orphans Clothes

Today I was looking at our first Figgy Friday Spotlight "William Carter" and I saw he's been quite the busy bee since we last saw him. Hopefully you all have kept better eye on him than I. However, something caught my eye: The Girl in the Orphan Clothing. I don't know, it just intrigued me.
What could he have written in that? I really believe God does pull us to things and we just don't realize it cause we're not as in tuned with Him as we could be. Cause once read this I felt Him drawing me in even more, for something more.

It was a poem, a Haiku to be exact.

Quick note: A Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry. Using three phrases with 5-7-5 syllable pattern, haiku's are supposed to paint a mental image in a readers mind with those 17 syllables (that is hard!)

I've always had trouble understanding Haiku's. One of my friends loves writing poetry, especially Haiku's, but it's hard pressed to understand them (as I have just found out, they all are, it's not just me!) but there was one special reviewer that explained and helped me understand it.

Alexis Bradley said:

 "The first line represents how sin separates us from God. Are action and how we choose to live our life. The one's that are not Christ like and how easy it is for those sins to pull us away from him."

"The second line represents her separation from the father [God]. Because it doesn't state that she's a orphan rather that she's trapped in the facade of being one. We're all God's children and yet she has lost that and doesn't seem to realize it anymore."

"The last line is Satan's triumphant. He takes pleasure in her separation."

I was amazed by the meaning and depth these 12 words, 17 syllables, held. And what Will told was something many people go or have gone through, including myself. 

Why is it so easy for us to forget "we are all of God's children"? Let me back up here just a moment. Read back the last sentence. What's missing? You've all heard many a times that we are all children of God but there's always something forgotten when we quote that back to people. Something even I hadn't really put together till this evening when I was looking up this verse again.

"So you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus." --Galatians 3:26

We all keep forgetting we have to keep our faith in Christ, our trust and our hope is and should be in Him. Cause when we don't we forget, we get lost or sidetracked and feel like orphans abandoned in a world that's so messed up and without God. But that's not true, we're never alone. Those are the lies we're attacked with by Satan so when he see us he can laugh and try to say he's won. But he hasn't won. No, he hasn't. And he never will. God stands beside you, he's never left you and he never will. Lean on him for everything and in everything you do.

"Trust is like a staff you can lean on as you journey uphill with Me. If you are trusting Me consistently, the staff will bear as much weight as needed." --Jesus Calling Devotional by Sarah Young

 I know many of you have heard Psalms 23 "The Lord is my Shepherd."  I know you have. But listen to this verse carefully. 

"Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid for you are close beside me. Your rod and staff protect and comfort me." --Psalms 23:4

Dictionary Definition: 

• Rod: A thin straight bar, esp. of wood or metal; a slender straight stick or shoot growing on or cut from a tree; a wand or staff as a symbol of office, authority, or power.
• Staff: a long stick used as a support when walking or climbing or as a weapon

Wow. So when your feeling weak you, we, can lean on Him, this staff that's always at our right hand (or if your left handed ;)) ready to hold us up, to help us climb that mountain or fight and protect us against our enemies. ALWAYS there to SUPPORT...You.

Reading the definitions of those two, what once were simple, words has opened my eyes to a deeper meaning of who God is. Though he's a great many things, but we'll save that for another day. :) I'm learning, truly learning, that God is my truest and most trusted friend and lover in the universe and I'm finding comfort in His word and truth. 

I'll leave you with this tonight and hope you have a blessed evening and I thank you for reading. I hope you got as much out of it as I did, or even more. :)

"But I am an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I trust in God's unfailing love, forever and ever." --Psalms 52:8

Living Attitude of Gratitude!

I hope y'all are ready for a November! I know I am! Good food, family and friends getting ready for the holidays, crisp air and falling leaves! I'm getting excited just talking about it!

Hopefully you will enjoy this next post, maybe even get a little kick out of it. 

Friday night about two weeks ago, I walked into the bedroom getting ready to watch the new episode of Legend of Korra don't know you! But when my sister and I turned on the TV Spongebob Squarepants theme song begins to play.

OH NO!

Korra would have to wait 30 more minutes. Sad.

Wait, don't go anywhere yet, there's more! Thank you. Comfy? Good.

As we we're waiting Squidward appears at his window (he is a really nosey neighbor!) to find spongebob cleaning and singing! Of course, Squidward being his neighborly self asks:

"Spongebob, whhyyy are you doing such a thing?"

And Spongebob replies (I love this):

"I’m just displaying for all to see, an attitude of gratitude."

"You've been wallowing in filth all morning, what could you possibly be grateful for?"

(cue song!)

"Oh, I've got a whole new attitude, a lifetime subscription to do gratitude, friend you've got to change your platitude, living attitude of gratitude!
I’m grateful for the life I am living who knows how long I'll have it, I’m thankful for all I've been given, we make appreciation a habit
there’s no time like the present day to have a present come your way
so now I think that you will see there’s nothing more you need."

I don't think he could have sang it any better than that! I truly loved what he said about displaying for all to see. It reminded me of how we're supposed to be examples to the eyes and ears around us. Part of me wants to just shout it out. "I'm going to show an attitude of gratitude for all to see!"

Not to be boastful, but just show to that you can be happy by just being thankful.

God wants us to be joyful all the time (1 Thes 5: 16) , but how can we when our hearts are crowded with complaints. Now, I'm no saint. I have my bad days and then I get easily annoyed by even the smallest of things. Left feeling discontent, I complain. It happens to us all, right? Bad day at work, a dispute with a friend or family, or just woke up on the wrong side of the bed.

God's been changing my heart though. Recently, I've discovered complaining makes me sick now! No, literally, it twists my insides in all kinds of knots. Even listening to people around me complaining I start thinking to myself "Can't you do anything else?" Oops, that was a complaint too, huh? That wasn't even a verbal complaint so who cares... right?

Actually, God heard it as did my heart, which is for Him.

Each time I complain I'm not being thankful for all that He has done for me. Who would've thought.

I used to think--sometimes I still fight with this thought, especially when I'm in a mood--

"Why do I have to be thankful for everything when I'm having this problem right now?"

or

"I am thankful, why do I have to keep saying it?"

But that's not right. As Christians, we're called to live in peace  and ALWAYS be thankful. (Col 3:15-18) Even when we're praising and worshiping Him, we're to sing with thankful hearts.

Like Spongebob said there's no day like today to have the gift of peace come your way by having the attitude of gratitude and letting that light shine on the rest of the world! Cause there is nothing better than the peace of the Almighty in our hearts and sharing that with the people around you.