It's Time Again, I'm Back!

I've been without/minimal internet access. I'm glad to say that is changing soon! Sometimes God says it's time to take a break and if you don't hear him he will make a way.

I've been doing well, keeping busy with church and home life. I hope everyone else out there is doing well tonight and for those having a rough night "you are in my prayers."

I'm currently reading "The Wonder of You" and a song Susan May Warren uses in the book is one I've fallen in love with in Choir and has been on my heart the past week. I hope you are blessed by it. I almost choked up in choir practicing it this week.

One day I am going to do a study of this song and share some insights that I know will touch you!

For now, listen, enjoy, and tell me what you glean from this song. Leave a comment.

Movin' On Up!

I've been thinking about this for over a year now, but was so uncertain about it.

Should I post my blog to somewhere else other than Blogger?

Of course, the first thing I look into is Word Press. It was my favorite out of the others I looked into. Having used Blogger for nearly 2 years though, I've grown accustom to how everything works around here. It's really great for beginners, but I've been feeling it's time to move on up from Novice to Intermediate.
When I went to create a blog template on WP it was vastly different and I just wasn't ready to handle anything new.

But now, I'm ready!

I'll still be using Blogger as my primary, but I'm hoping to reach more through WP. It has a cleaner, fresher, look and I feel like God is preparing me for something new this year. I don't know fully yet, but this is just another step in that direction.

I've imported this blog to Word Press, so everything you have seen here you can now find on my WP blog as well.

I hope you all will come visit and follow me on: MissTadoodles.wordpress.com

Have a wonderful day and God bless!

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!

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!

Once A Shy Little Butterfly

So, I've been thinking... I really want to involve more of your readers out there in this blog of mine. I used to think "Oh, they'll just jump in when they feel like it." But then I realized, I have to really give you something to jump in with! So far, I haven't really done that. I've always enjoyed talking to people but at one time I was the very shy butterfly (sometimes I still am that!).

If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them. Just leave a comment in the box below. How can I involve you, my readers, in my blog posts?

Now to give you a little taste of my day, a tweet from this morning!

Woken by one of our cats jailbreaking😼the kittens out of the bedtime carrier! 🙀 Why? So she could could get in! #sillycat #needsleepnow #lol
— Victoria (@MissTadoodles) May 14, 2014

I Am Blessed! Liebster Blog Award

I have had the honor of being nominated for the Liebster Award 2014 by Brandi Edwards from A Travelers Thoughts. Thank you so much Brandi! 

What's a Liebster Award? It's an online only award, awarded by bloggers to other bloggers. 

Here are The Rules:

1. Post the award on your blog.
2. Thank the blogger who nominated you and link back to their blog.
3. Write 11 random facts about yourself.
4. Nominate 5-11 bloggers who you feel deserve this award and have less than 1,000 followers.
5. Answer 11 questions posted by your presenter and ask your nominees to answer 11 questions.

My 11 Random Facts:

1. I love singing Veggie Tales tunes in the market! Hehehe! ^^
2. I really love peanut butter!!!
3. I'm back and forth liking and hating broccoli...
4. I listen to Spotify way, way, way too much! (lol)
5. I'm a music-a-holic (probably should've put that first! haha. Don't worry, I go to MAA's [Music A-holics Anonymous] once a month XD)
6. I'm a type 1 diabetic.
7. My favorite color(s) are Teal, Green, and Brown! Pink isn't bad either ;) 
8. I love My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic!
9. My sisters say I am annoying...yet I'm the oldest, responsible child...I don't get it.
10. I'm a night owl.
11. I am very random! Just ask my friends. I spontaneously ask or spew things out at random times and they'll be like (picture below) I can't help it XD It makes me laugh, and my friends (I like making them laugh)

"Yeah, why?"

The 11 Questions Brandi asked me!

1. Why did you start your blog? A: I always wondered about blogging, but it wasn't until I saw having a blog as a requirement for a book program that I seriously looked into it. When I did, I told God, I wanted it to be more than just for books. I want to reach out to people, let them know they are not alone. I want to show them You!
2. Who is your favorite author and why? A: C. S. Lewis. His writing inspires me and touches my soul. From his land in Narnia to the depths of his broken heart. Sometimes I feel God speaking to me through CSL's writing. I hope to write something someday that inspires and brings people to Christ. Not for my glory, but God's.
3. What is your favorite quote and why? A: "If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”  ― C.S. Lewis. Because I believe we were made to be with God in Heaven!
4. Where is your favorite place to study your Bible? A: On the couch, seated with a bunch of pillows and pads of paper and pens!
5. What is your favorite Bible verse? A: Well, I have a few (don't we all?) but this one has always been my favorite since I was very young. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do and he will direct your paths" ―Proverbs 3:-6
6. When were you saved? A: I believe I was around 7-8, I was baptized as well. When I got older, I lost my way for a short time. I didn't understand what I believed and the devil really tried to confuse me and get me to turn away. But deep in my heart I knew Jesus was real and true. So, I sought him out and like he says, I found him. I had never felt so overwhelmed than I did that day or so changed afterwards. That was 5 years ago.
7. Who is your favorite Bible character and why? A: Esther. I draw strength from her story. I have a hard time talking to people (I write better) and lack the courage to speak more times than I'd care to admit (a lot). But Esther, she had the courage and will to act when the time came.  God prepared her for such a time as he is also preparing me. 
8. Your favorite vacation you have ever been on? A: Disney World! First and only time I've ever been. But I hope to go again one day. ;)
9. A place you want to travel to? A: Greece.  
10. Favorite blog post you have read so far? A: The Impact of Words by Kayla Faber 
11. Favorite things to write about? A: Jesus, life lessons, books, movies, and music!

My 11 Questions for Nominees

1. Favorite time of day and why?
2. How would you describe your eyes/color in a book?
3. If you had 3 wishes from a genie, what you would ask? (3 rules apply: 1. Can't kill. 2. Can't make someone love you. 3. Can't bring the dead back to life)
4. Favorite band and why?
5. Favorite Childhood memory?
6. Would you date/marry someone twice your size?
7. What's your top 6 favorite foods/drinks that you couldn't live without?
8. Now, cut that 6 in half; Which 3 out of the 6 would you choose to live without, forever!?
9. Do you like like heat or cold better?
10. When was the last time you ate peanut butter?
11. Do you love/follow Jesus?

My Nominees:

1. Schyler J. at 18 Dreams
2. Kaitlyn Watson at Birdy's House
3. Kayla Faber at Girls of Grace
4. EEB at EEB Writing
5. Mirriam Neal at Wishful Thinking
6. Shannah McClammrock at Book Reviews by Shanna

Have fun everyone!

The Quilted Heart by Mona Hodgson

Description

 In Dandelions in the Wind, Maren, a caregiver for the Wainwright family, wonders if she'll meet the right man. In Bending Toward the Sun, Emilie captures the heart of a teamster. And in Ripples Along the Shore, Caroline tries to convince a wagon train master to take her west.


Review

I was really excited to get this book. WWI is one of my favorite time periods, but I'm afraid to say this one was not one of my favorite books. The story and characters seemed to be interesting but I had a hard time following it and keeping up with the constant mingle of other characters. Focus kept shifting from one to another, but that to me wasn't so bad. What really kind of turned me off in this book was the consistent monotone throughout each novella. Occasionally there were peeks and I thought "yes, now this is getting better, I like it!" but then it would fall right back down to the flat monotone I thought I'd just left. I was a little disappointed, I really wanted to like this book. 

Despite that, I think my favorite novella was the first one, with Maren who is almost completely blind. She had a strong heart and didn't let her impairment bring her down or keep her from loving. I felt for her when she spoke of her past, coming overseas to marry but then leaves when she begins losing her eyesight. I wanted to run up to her and hug her tightly.

Mona Hodgson seemed to have  some really great ideas and her writing isn't bad, I think it just needed a little more rise to the bread dough. 

Others may enjoy it, but I'm afraid this time I am not one of them. 


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

Figgy Friday Spotlight #10

Welcome to Figgy Friday Spotlight! Today I am glad to present...

Losing You

by

Grace Whitney C.

This piece was so moving and beautifully written. It felt like she was writing straight from my soul, speaking the words I couldn't find how to say. The rhyming was absolutely marvelous, it added more to the depth and feeling of this poem. Wonderful piece and job Whitney! I can't wait to to come back and read more of your work. 

Check back again soon for more Figgy Friday Spotlights!

Getting Over Your Ex with Jesus, and more, by DeeannaScott

Dear friends and followers and guests!

Do I have a special treat for you today. As you know, I am Instagram. I love it, I find so many uplifting reminders of God's love.

Using God words and her own experiences she shares her heart which is for God and his children (that's you and me). Using Gods word to shed light on relationship values, both with God and with people in our lives. ~Her account came across my path, literally a God send, when I absolutely needed it most. :) I look forward to her post any chance she gets to post. I hope you will now too!

I'll share these few posts but I strongly encourage you to red all of her posts! If you're having trouble getting over your ex, as I have, than I think you will love this. If not, well I still think you'll find it encouraging and helpful in your life. :) God bless!

Figgy Friday Spotlight #9

The curtain is rising and today's Figgy Friday Spitlight is...

I started following this author two years ago. It was an exciting action spy thriller type story (I'm still waiting for it to be finished!) but this one was completely opposite and a what wonderful surprise it was too. 

It's a beautiful short story filled with heart. I wanted to cry. You just might too. I don't want to give too much away cause I really want you to read this story! It won't take but a few minutes of your time. But the way she described the boy, his actions leading up to him playing the piano and how he came alive when his fingers touched the keys. It was as if I were the one standing there, watching sand listening to him. It just touched by heart through and through. 

If you like her writing you can find her blog in this link shieldmaidenthoughts.wordpress.com

See you back here March 14th for the next Figgy Friday Spotlight!

Emma of Aurora by Jane Kirkpatrick

Description

The Change and Cherish trilogy, based on the true story of Emma Wagner Giesy:

A Clearing in the Wild
When Emma’s outspoken ways and growing skepticism lead to a clash with the 1850s Bethel, Missouri colony’s beloved leader, she finds new opportunities to pursue her dreams of independence. But as she clears a pathway West to her truest and deepest self, she discovers something she never expected: a yearning for the warm embrace of community.

A Tendering in the Storm
Determined to raise her children on her own terms, Emma suddenly finds herself alone and pregnant with her third child, struggling to keep her family secure in the remote coastal forest of the Washington Territory. As clouds of despair close in, she must decide whether to continue in her own waning strength or to humble herself and accept help from the very people she once so eagerly left behind.

A Mending at the Edge
As a mother, daughter, sister, and estranged wife, Emma struggles to find her place inside—and outside—the confines of her religious community. Emma reaches out to others on the fringe, searching for healing and purpose. By blending her unique talents with service to others, she creates renewed hope as she weaves together the threads of family, friends, and faith.


My Review

Excellent wouldn‘t begin to tell the tale. But Jane Kirkpatrick did it with the Change and Cherish Trilogy (read chapter one free). I wasn’t really sure what to expect from it. I had never heard of Emma Wagner Giesy or the Bethel community. But every time I picked up the book I found myself reading more and more without even realizing it. That is how good it was.

In the first book, A Clearing in the Wild, you got to know the people and the community. Brother Keil was definitely an interesting one. I fought many times the urge to smack him in hopes it would clear his head and get him to see some of the things he was saying were wrong and manipulative! But Emma used that to her advantage, which I knew she would later regret going behind her husband’s back. Christian was a fine character indeed. Somehow he understood Emma better than the others. Though he did get frustrated with her a time or two; you really see how much he loved her more. I was sad when brother Keil came and made Christian out to be a failure on their mission for the new colony. But I was glad Emma was able to show that Keil was wrong and that they had listened to God and done their best.

In A Tendering in the Storm, I was shocked to tears. I had really hoped to see more of Christian, his death caught me by surprise. I was so sad. I hurt for Emma and her expected third child. I liked that we got to read from Keil’s wife’s point of view. It really opened your eyes to her gentle spirit, which in the first book it didn’t seem she really had. She truly loved her husband even though she didn’t agree with everything he said or did.
Later, I wanted to shout to the mountain tops and back to her though. Some things you can’t control but that’s when you ask for help, especially from the Almighty. I kept praying (though I knew it was fiction) that things would change for the better for her, but they didn’t. In fact, it got worse. A lot worse. Sometimes it takes falling all the way to the bottom before we look up to see the light. Thank heavens she did in time. My heart was racing in the last chapters and sighed with relief by the end.

Lastly, A Mending at the Edge was a beautiful and fantastic ending. Emma begins to learn from her mistakes and lets God grow in her. She continues to be unique in the colony but in a way that glorifies God and helps many others who had been wounded and scarred or still made mistakes as she did. They end up learning from her and growing as well. I wished she could have married Karl Ruge. He was one of my favorites throughout the series.
Brother Keil softens a lot through this one and they both begin to respect the other, which I was glad. I liked the things Emma learned because I learned from them too. Like (pg 1102) how our talents are from God and that by thinking less of them or even that no one wants them is demeaning to the one who gave them to me. I hadn’t really thought of that before. It was like God was saying that directly to me.

I really enjoyed reading this book, even after the end where Jane Kirkpatrick comes in and tells you about the real characters and what parts were fiction and what parts were facts, historically. Jane Kirkpatrick outdid on this series. She is an amazing author who I will be undoubtedly reading from again. This is the second time I’ve been surprised by a book that I knew nothing about or hadn't heard of before (the first was Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte) and it is now one of my all time favorite’s as well as the author.

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. 

Please rate my review and feel free to leave a comment :)

Miss Tadoodles FB Page

Well, I don't know how well this is going to go (so much to know and do!) But I've created a Facebook Page special for this blog! I'm very new to the whole "page" thing, but I'll try to keep it up to date ;)

MissTadoodlesBlog Facebook!