Figgy Friday Spotlight #8: Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day. Figgy Friday Spotlight and proud to present this week with...

"Jenny's Poetry Collection"

by

Jenny S. Cvek

I was so proud to find this little piece of treasure! Each poem is filled with love, hope, and inspiration. I wanted to cry with each chapter filling my heart. I wished I could have given it 10 hearts! Each one for each poem! She is a talents writer. I look forward to reading her other works and hopefully to share them with you right here! But until then see her work for yourself. ;) And find some love in her poems. God bless!

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Check back February 28th for the next Figgy Friday Spotlight!

Love Letter

In spirit of Valentines week here is a little writing I did last year. You should love everyone 365/24/7 there's nothing wrong with getting excited over Valentines. Even if you don't have a significant other, make it about your family and friends! Love doesn't stop at a boyfriend/girlfriend! Tell someone you love them today! And don't forget who is the lover of your soul, Jesus. He will love you more than any love could dream of, and we all dream. So don't let any of those lonely feelings steel your joy this week, this month, this year! Make it a joyous one and praise Jesus for being in your life and you being in his. God bless you!

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 :)

Boy Meets Girl by Joshua Harris

My own little notes

I've always wanted to read Joshua Harris's books from the first time I laid eyes on his book "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" almost ten years ago. It truly intrigued me, I wanted to hear this guys story and what he had to say. But alas, the years went by and I never got around to getting the book. But one day my sister dragged us all into Goodwill (clothes shopping, lol). They had a book section and while my eyes scanned the shelves of scattered book my eyes fell on the name Joshua H. (the rest covered with a sticker). I immediately picked it up and nearly squealed for joy! I'd found a Joshua Harris book and for only $1! It was God's little Christmas present to me that year. I couldn't wait to go home and start reading it, and so I did. 
Valentines is coming up soon and even though it's not a real holiday we all like to let those of whom we love know it (again) or maybe your thinking you wished you were in a relationship. Well then this is the book for you and all your friends. I've already shared this book with my friends who have shared it with some of their friends (and potential interests). Now without further ado, I quick overview of what the book is about and then my thoughts and opinions of it in my review. 

Description 

Purpose Driven Romance 

The last thing singles want is more rules. But if you’re looking for an intentional, God-pleasing game plan for finding a future spouse, Joshua Harris delivers an appealing one. A compelling new foreword, an all-new “8 Great Courtship Conversations” section, and updated material throughout makes this five-year revision of the original Boy Meets Girl a must-have! Harris illustrates how biblical courtship—a healthy, joyous alternative to recreational dating—worked for him and his wife. Boy Meets Girl presents an inspiring, practical example for readers wanting to pursue the possibility of marriage with someone they may be serious about. 

My Review

In Joshua's Harris's Boy Meets Girl I couldn't have found a better book explaining courtship and in such an inspiring way. Before you start reading chapter one there's a little courtship quiz on the back of the book. The very first question was: Is courting more holy than dating? Joshua answered: what matters most is not the terms we use, but that our lives glorify God. You must read chapter 2 for the full explanation, you will love it. Which he talks about the difference between dating for recreation and dating for a purpose. He explains and talks as if you were sitting right in front of him. Not pushing his thoughts on you what so ever, but making you think more deeply on the matter of relationships and what you truly want out of them. 

That's only one chapter, I'd love to go through every chapter with you all (maybe I will one day!). For instance, chapter 4 is one of my favorites. "Tell me how, tell me who, tell me when!" Showing through a story of a friend of his that even though we think we have all our ducks in a row, God may see a few ducks needing some rearranging. And that we need to be patient and follow according to God's timing. Patience is tough!

Joshua Harris even touches on other topics as the relationships progress. In chapter 9: True Love Doesn't Just Wait (How to be passionately in love and sexually pure). Sharing with the reader one of his own experiences with temptation with his fiance and the conversation he had with the Holy Spirit. 

"Who are you kidding? 

I shifted slightly, shut my eyes and tried to ignore the voice.

Your not fooling anyone, it said again. 

Still I didn't answer. Maybe he would go away. Give up. 

Shannon and I had gotten engaged two months earlier. We'd come to visit her mother, Mitzi, at her Ocean City beach house. It was a well deserved break from wedding planning and work. Didn't my conscience need a  break too? 

This is ridiculous Josh, he said again, undeterred. You know this is wrong.   

It had been my idea for Shannon and I to take an afternoon nap in the outdoor hammock. 

"I will not live my life by other people's standards," I told my conscience. "I feel at peace about doing this." 

(This is one of my absolute favorite parts.)

"If you feel such peace about it, why are you arguing with me?"

Hallelujah! I clapped by hands to Jesus for that one, Really, I did! Even though sitting in a hammock doesn't sound like a problem, God said otherwise. In being so close, that physical closeness, to his wife-to-be he was lusting after her but even though she was engaged to him she still was not yet his. I commended him for doing the right thing, it made me so proud. I hope when I have kids, sons I pray but for the girls too, they will grow up to listen to God and do the right thing, Especially when it comes to their relationships with the opposite sex. 

As I kept reading, I realized how much the courtship ways were already instilled upon my heart by God. Most of what Joshua talked about were things I had only, honestly, dreamed about. I didn't know that anyone did those things anymore or if it was something possible to do nowadays. He covered so many questions I hadn't thought about. Like how to:

• Set a clear course for romance
• Getting closer without compromising (like using your lips to communicate rather than kissing lol)
• Finding a support system and community
• Dealing with past sexual sins (of yours or your potential spouse)

I wished there was more to read! The more I read the more I became inspired. Each of his stories made me laugh and cry tears of joy and examine my heart. Though I've never been in a relationship, I know now when the time comes and God does bring that special man into my life, I want to do it right. Not Joshua Harris's way, or courtship vs. dating way, but God's way. A way that will glorify him and make him proud, which will ultimately make me happy and my relationship that much stronger.

Boy Meets Girl is about dating with a purpose and romance chaperoned by wisdom given by God and through his word. So pick up this book and listen to the guy who "kissed dating goodbye" and say hello to courtship!

I'd appreciate it so much if you would rate my review! Don't worry, putting in your email will not invite more emails from this site, it's only used to verify that your not a robot ;) And feel free to leave a comment if you wish as well! :D

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Figgy Friday Spotlight #7

The curtain is rising. This weeks Figgy Friday Spotlight is 

"New Beginning"

by

Sky Nicole

I've been wanting to share this poem for a while. I read it last year before I ever created this blog and I'm so glad I have this change to share it with you today. And what a way to end the month, the beginning of the new year with this magnificent poem!

"A New Beginning" really to my heart. The way the author wrote it, speaking to the reader directly, the words coming directly from God. I truly believe He uses us to do exactly that too! And he used Sky Nicole to do just that with this poem. People nowadays feel lost, depressed, lonely, and forgotten and this poem speaks directly to your heart. Reminding you that you are not alone or forgotten and that everything God does he does for you. From the clear blue skies to tears he catches on his sleeve to the tenderness he shows in our daily lives. It's funny, the way this is written reminds me of a book I'm currently reading but I'll save that for another day. 

"Then Jesus said, "Come to me all those who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me reach you because I am humble and gentle, and I you will find rest for you souls. For my yoke fit perfectly, and the burden I give is light." -- Matthew 11:28-30

Check back February 14th for the next Figgy Friday Spotlight!

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

Fight Forever

I want to share with all of you this empowering and inspiring song/video from Anthem Lights! Every time I hear this song I just want to jump up and shout "Hallelujah!" Stomping and clamping, praising Jesus's name and never giving up! So thank you Anthem Lights for this empowering song. :)

Also, this has inspired me to write a small series of blog posts. I won't tell you all of what I have in mind but I'm excited to get started and hope to post one soon! Enjoy the video!

"Praise the Lord, who is my rock. And gives my fingers skill for battle. He is my loving ally and my fortress, my tower of safety, my rescuer. He is my shield, and I take refuge in him. He makes the nations submit to me." Psalms 144:1-2