Dancing on the Head of a Pen by Robert Benson

Cover Description

In this masterful blend of the practical and the spiritual, Robert Benson invites you into the work and rewards of a writer’s life. More than a primer on effective writing, Dancing on the Head of a Pen is a winsome guide to the place in the heart where the life of the spirit meets the life of art.

My Review 

"A writer does not have to write a book tomorrow morning when he goes wherever he goes when the bell rings to announce the time has come to write. A writer cannot write a book tomorrow. A carpenter cannot build a house tomorrow morning either.

What a writer has to do today is write a few hundred words. And then do the same the next day and the next." — Robert Benson

I finished this book in one evening! There was no putting it down. I couldn't have asked for a more encouraging book on writing. Reading his book was like sitting beside your neighbor who you grew up with who genuinely cares about you and your writing. Sipping lemonade while watching the birds in the yard on a bright and wonderful day. 

He doesn't pump himself up and say what a great writer he is because he does it a certain way. In fact, he encourages you to do what you can and to not try and do what everyone else does. If you can't write 600 words, write 500. As writers we each have our own way. But we must keep writing everyday. If its a novel, journaling, blogging, etc,. 

I  love the life stories, tales, and quotes he shares. He was so relatable, much of the book I was saying "I thought I was the only one!" Or "I never thought someone else would be like that."

One of my favorite chapters was with the three hats. Baret, Gamer, and Fedora. 

He also points out the important things, not just for writing but at the same time they are essential to any writers, and persons, life. 

"My work may be the center of a universe, but is not the center of the universe. I do not like this truth, but I believe it." — Robert Benson

Keeping our priorities. Get out of the bunker hole, pull out your walking stick, and go outside. You never know what you might see or who you will meet walking down the street, but get out and mingle with the rest of the world. 

The book is light, refreshing, and downright uplifting to any writer at any time of his or her life. 

For me, it came at the perfect time, an answer to my prayers. I feel encouraged, enlightened, and ready to keep on writing. This is one of those books that years down I will say helped shape my writing path. 

"Only once the writer lets literature shape her can she perhaps shape literature." — Ms. Dillard. 

 

Robert Benson's writing is like watching your best friend and though to some it might seem silly, in your head and heart you know your exactly the same and you love them all the more for it. Thank you Mr. Benson for writing such a wonderful book, sharing your thoughts and a piece of you with all of us!

I give this book a full 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 their Blogging For Books program.

The Butterfly and The Violin by Kristy Cambron

Cover Description

A Mysterious

painting breathes hope and beauty into the darkest corners of Auschwitz—and the

loneliest hearts of Manhattan.

Manhattan art dealer Sera James watched her world crumble at

the altar two years ago, and her heart is still fragile. Her desire for

distraction reignites a passion for a mysterious portrait she first saw as a young

girl—a painting of a young violinist with piercing blue eyes.

In her search for the painting, Sera crosses paths with

William Hanover—the grandson of a wealthy California real estate mogul—who may

be the key to uncovering the hidden masterpiece. Together Sera and William

slowly unravel the story behind the painting’s subject: Austrian violinist

Adele Von Bron.

A darling of the Austrian aristocracy of 1942, talented

violinist, and daughter to a high-ranking member of the Third Reich, Adele risks

everything when she begins smuggling Jews out of Vienna. In a heartbeat, her

life of prosperity and privilege dissolves into a world of starvation and

barbed wire.

As Sera untangles the secrets behind the painting, she finds

beauty in the most unlikely of places: the grim camps of Auschwitz and the inner

recesses of her own troubled heart.

My Review

I've mentioned before, I'm a fan of World War 2 stories. I've never really understood why that is but I think I got a glimpse of it through this book. 

Hope. 

God is always there. He may be silent, you may not see that light at the end of the tunnel, yet, but if you keep the faith and praising God, you will one day see it. Never give up hope. 

I liked Sera, she was very relatable. Her experience with heartbreak and the results that came thereafter. A great many of us have endured and struggled the same way. Putting up walls, throwing ourselves into work or play and searching for answers that will bring us peace. But like Sera, the only answers that will truly give us peace are the ones given to us by Jesus. 

William was just, wow. I really liked him. I won't spoil anything for you, I'll only say this. I love the first meeting between William and Sera. I could see myself being in that exact situation and having met someone the exact same way and think as she did. At least, in my fantasy world I could imagine that happening to me. He isn't without his faults those. One chapter I could not believe what he had done. My heart stopped and shattered all at once. I thought I had been a fool to believe in him *clears throat* I mean his character, in the book. (Kristy really knows how to grip your heart)

I absolutely love Adele's story. From her romance with Vladimir, to her strong heart for the God, to her courage to help those being persecuted at the risk of her own life.  

Through out Adele's trials, she was encouraged to keep her hope alive because that, her faith in Jesus, the Nazi's could never take away. And she, like anyone else in her situation might come to feel, felt ready to give up. But God gave her a gift, one meant to keep her, and those like her, alive. 

Honestly, I can't begin to tell you how amazed I was by this debut novel by Kristy Cambron. Had it not been mentioned, I would have thought this to be her 10th novel rather than her 1st! 

I noticed the byline on the cover said "A Hidden Masterpiece Novel". Well, that only means one thing: more books! The stories continue! I immediately looked up the series on Amazon and sure enough her new book, a sequel, is set to release April 7th, 2015! Not even a year from the first book publication. Just in time for my birthday too! I'm definitely setting my calendar for that date!

Oh no! I forgot one other important beloved character! Penny, Sera's assistance. She made me smile and laugh. I hope she makes it into the rest of the series. She added a nice sisterly spice element to the story. It wouldn't have been the same without her. 

I also liked looking up the songs she played and listening to them as I read. Especially, Adele's final song "Mandellssohn: Violin Cocerto in E minor"*. It gave it so much depth. 

I loved the book cover for this as well. 

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 their Blogging For Books program.

LINKS: 

• http://youtu.be/K67o86CS5uo

Things, Things, and More Things

It's been a little while since I last posted. 

All thanks to my computer, sadly. I'm trying out the mobile app... Ladies and gents, don't take your computer for granted. Mobile devices are mini computers, which means 1/8 of what a real computer can do. Ha ha. 

Due to the current circumstances, links will be posted in full HTML, but I will try to keep them minimal. Once I get computer access again I will go back and fix all links! Until then, look out for these "*" beside titles. That means there is a link at the bottom of the post. 

So here is an update on what I've been doing. One of which I am most excited about! 

Reading "The Butterfly and the Violin" by Kristy Cambron. I cannot wait to tell you about this book! I'm afraid if I say anything more right now I will spill the whole beans for my review! So for now I will just say... Wonderful. 

*clears throat*

Even more exciting news. I am co-authoring a novel! That's right. It's a new adventure and I've been overwhelmingly blessed with a spectacular partner. Would you like to know who it is? 

Bri of Bri's Literary Giants* blog 

Though we are just in the beginning stages of our novel, I grow excited about it every day! I can't wait for you all to see what we have in store. I can't say anymore about it at this time. Except... it will be Epic! 

Of course, we will keep you posted as things progress. Keep your eyes out for updates!

Until next time everyone! God bless!

LINKS:

• http://www.briliterarygiants.blogspot.com/

• http://youtu.be/KyJFhOMHazk

Until I Found You by Victoria Bylin

 

Cover Description

Finding each other was only the beginning . . . 

When Kate Darby swerves off a mountain road to avoid hitting a California condor, she ends up trapped in her car, teetering on the edge of a cliff. Terrified, she breathes a prayer that changes her life.

It's Nick Sheridan who comes to Kate's rescue. Nick is handsome and confident, and he seems to develop a habit of rescuing her, but Kate is in town only until her grandmother recuperates from a stroke. She's not planning to get involved with one of the locals.

Nick is a reformed veteran of life in the fast lane, a new Christian, and a travel writer. When he sees a car dangling on the edge of a cliff, the daredevil in him jumps into action. He doesn't expect to be swept off his feet by the car's occupant. He's made a vow--no dating for a year--but keeping that vow is going to be a lot more difficult now that he's met Kate Darby. . . .

My Review

This book looked really good when I read the description you see up above, but I wasn't expecting it to become one of my favorites! 

One of the first things I loved about this book was the involvement of Leona, Kates grandmother. Usually such characters get left in the background throughout the story but not this one. From the very beginning you meet Leona in her log cabin, talking to God about and wishing she could help her sweet granddaughter find and accept him into her heart as she had many years ago. That's when everything changes, Leona is in the hospital from a stroke, Kate holding on to the edge of a cliff for dear life, rescued by this handsome of a stranger named Nick. But through the rest of the book you get to hear Leona's thoughts and read the journal she is writing for Kate of her experiences with the Condors and how she came to trust in God with her life. 

Kate Darby was an inspirational character, especially for those who still have doubts or cling to our so called securities: job, finances, home, etc,. When in reality it's fear of change and trust that keeps us at arms length. It's funny, you can't really talk about this book as just one persons journey, it's really about three. Leona, Kate, and Nick. 

Nick was one of my favorite of all characters. I even loved his brother, Sam. Before Nick accepted Christ into his life he lived the life the world calls us to live but when something happens he sees differently and calls on God to change his life the way He wants him to live. He doesn't call it easy, he doesn't glam it up, but in Kate's eyes she seems him as a hero on a pedestal that can do no wrong. But he knows he is no hero and that she needs Jesus in her life before he jumps into it. He could never take the place of Jesus and he continues to see that hero gleam in Kate's eyes and that worry's him. His faith is tested as well when he has to hand Kate over to God's care when he so desperately wants to be there for Kate in a time when only God can take care of her.

Through the rest of the book you see both Kate and Nick struggle with trust, which I think is one of the main focal points in this book. Trusting God when we don't know what's going to happen or where our life is headed or with the things that are just simply out of our control. God has it under control. Until I Found You is a beautiful, heartfelt, true love story with believable characters and in-depth meaning on what it means when we choose to follow Christ. 

I give it a 4.5 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 their Blogging For Books program.

Altar-Cation: A Call to Prayer

I'm sure many of you have heard of the Ebola breakout in Africa on the news. I'm sure you've also heard of the the medical missionaries who have been stricken by this awful virus. I first heard about Dr. Kent Brantly when KLove Radio announced that he had the chance of getting ill but then the next morning I hear on the news that he had indeed become infected. I quickly prayed for him and his family.

I caught a cold the other day and as I was jokingly whining to my sisters about how much I hate being sick, God whispered, "at least that is all you have." He was right. I felt humbled and began praying immediately again for Dr. Brantly and his family, as well as the people who are now infected and dying from something much more serious than my little summer cold. 

Something really hit me last night though. As I was scrolling through Facebook I saw friends posting links from ABCNews and other news links about Nancy Writebol and Dr. Kent Brantly who are ill with the virus and how they are coming home to America. I'm sure these people's families are glad to have their loved ones home even if they aren't quite together yet. At least they aren't thousands and thousands of miles away. However, it wasn't the news of the virus coming to America coming here that drew my attention and concern. Comments from people about the news is what took me by surprise.

"Greaaaattt." and "Pull out the masks, Atlanians."

Echoes of "We don't want you here" resounded in my subconscious. The same way people might have said or thought about Leapers in Jesus's day. Those are the mildest of comments on this matter but I didn't dare look through the rest. It would've broken my heart. I'm sure some people don't think there words will ever  really be seen or heard by anyone, but they are wrong. People hear, people see, and people follow. I'm all for not getting sick. Believe me, I hate it just as much as the next folk. But what has happened to us, as Christians? That all we think about is ourselves, our comfort, our own well being above that of our brothers and sisters? 

I ask: Would you really condemn them for doing what God called them, as missionaries, to do because it makes you uncomfortable when calamity happens? Of course, this virus is nothing to sneeze at.  I believe in taking precautions and it should be taken seriously... then why aren't we standing together as the Christian soldiers we claim to be and turning to God with all this? Why aren't we praying, asking him to heal those who are sick and protect those who aren't? Why are we closing our arms when we should be spreading them wide open? So, as long as they aren't right next door it's okay to send our prayers out to them without restraints, with full compassion and understanding? Instead, groans fill the air and people draw back into their shells. Taking all our support and prayers with them. Why are we so quick to give our opinions and decisions but forget to put our trust in God?

Jesus hung around sick people ALL THE TIME! People with illness's just as serious back then or more than what we face today. Back then there were no vaccine's to help, no comfortable beds to lie your head on as you rested and became well again. No, instead, you would be cast out, ostracized, cut off from the community, your family and friends. Have we put all our faith within human limits, which we know fails, and lost all faith in The Almighty who never fails?

I spent many hours writing this because I truly felt God calling me to share these words. This is not a rant. This is not a blame game. These fingers are not pointing at you, these hands are crying out, "Lift up! Lift them up to the sky!" Rather than moaning and casting stones, praise God for not being ill stricken like these people in Africa. Praise God that you are not suffering through a loved one who has fallen ill like these families are experiencing right now. Praise God that he is with us ALWAYS! 

God says, "giver your worries to me for I care for you." He is not just saying, "I care about you and you're well being." He is saying, "I will take care of you".

Those are action words. 

We need to act as well. Don't just say, "I am praying for [insert your prayers]" but truly do it as often in your day as you can, and then some. Do it when your washing the dishes, driving to work, playing with your family. Steal as many moments of prayer as you can. No one needs to know how much your praying either. Just talk to God as if you were talking to your brother or sister, husband and wife, friends. 

"But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you." ~Matthew 6:6 (NLT)

We are followers of Christ. Let's gather together and not let the devil get a foothold in our hearts and our country. Let's take up our cross and instead of groaning and constantly worrying, pray for God's healing and protection and then believe he will do it!

Honestly, all these dystopian movies Hollywood is producing and these books being published, it's setting a fear in peoples hearts that wasn't meant to be there. Will the world end one day, yes! Read Revelations to find the truth, because all those movies and books are nothing but man-made fiction intended to scare you. 

See this diagram below? The top example shows the switch; it looks like a door to me. What if that is the door we are allowing the Devil to put his foot through? If you know anything about electricity and circuitry I applaud you When its open it stops the flow of positive energy and it can't reach the light bulb.

However, when that switch is closed the light bulb comes to life. Much is the same for our way of faith. If we let the devil get a foothold into our life and into our hearts the positive energy gets disrupted and it can't reach its destination. It can't light up the darkness.

"Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous." ~Psalms 112:14 (NLT)

"No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house." ~Matthew 5:15 (NLT)

Let's close the door on Satan and let God's current of life, love, flow through us and shine his wondrous light in this world blinded by fear. Let's bring our worries and cares before the altar of The Lamb. Let's encourage those around us not to be afraid and rest in the assurance of Christ. Because I believe even the least negativity is still negative.

Lets pray over the souls we have yet to meet but who need healing, physically and spiritually. Because if they believe and have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior then even if their, or your, bodies, perish here on earth their spirits move on to be with God forever in Heaven. Let's not forget who we are. We are children of God, his warriors, his cherished and beloved ones. He loves us and we need constant communication with Him if we hope to see change in the world. If we truly believe in God and his love than what do we really have to be afraid of? 

Prayer Starter: Dear Jesus, we ask you to be with Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol. They were out there helping those less than they and were attacked with this awful virus. Heal them of this sickness, fully and completely. We know they are coming home and people are worried they might get sick as well. Keep them safe from harm Lord and put their minds at ease because I know you are with us. Change the hearts of those who are worried and help them welcome these missionaries home. 

Have compassion on the people in Africa and have mercy on them. Show them your loving kindness through the midst of this tragedy and pain. Help us to not act out wrongly in fear and to trust you more with our lives. In Jesus name we pray, Amen. 

Authors Note: I got the idea for the title of this post as I was thinking about bringing our worries before the Lord. How we bring our burdens to the altar and the word Altercation came up. Altercation means to have a loud disagreement. So I played on the words. I looked up "Cation" and it is the positive ION charge in things like batteries. I think you can piece together the rest from how the post went. God didn't just have me write this post but had me praying the entire time. For the peopling coming to the US, their families, and for all of you out there reading and not reading this. I don't think I've ever felt quite that way before. Have a wonderful day! 

GOD BLESS!

Blink of an Eye by Ted Dekker

Cover Description

The future changes in the blink of an eye . . . or does it?

Miriam is a Saudi princess promised to another, a pawn in a political struggle that could shift the balance of power in the Middle East.

Seth is a certified genius with a head full of numbers, a life full of baggage, and an attitude born on the waves of the Pacific.

Cultures collide when they find themselves thrown together as fugitives in a high-stakes chase across Southern California. A growing attraction and a search for answers fuel their fight to survive . . . but with no sleep and a massive manhunt steadily closing in, their chances of surviving any future are razor thin.

My Review

I've had this book for a year and have been waiting for just the right time to read it. I have to say I am so glad I did! This books main focal point is about love and how it changes things; how it changes everything. That's not all I took away from this book though. About halfway or so through the book, Seth theorizes how God can't exist because of these visions he's having. So he sets out to prove to Miriam, who believes there is a God, by praying and asking God to change something in the immediate future. At first it seemed it hadn't worked, but less than minute into his boasting he had yet another vision that altered his course and shook him. 

What interested me and had me thinking was: I've had dreams before that have later come true. Sometimes not for months later sometimes only moments. I don't remember the dreams most of the time until they begin to come true and I get this deja vu affect. Now I'm not claiming I see the future or anything of the sort, but it made me wonder why God gives us those kinds of dreams. 

This one time when I was in the hospital I had a terrible nightmare, it was so real. When I woke up I remembered every detail of it. These two nurses came in to draw my blood and change my IV's but this one new nurse messed up and hit a vein and I began bleeding to death. It scared me and so I prayed to God that it wouldn't happen. Two days later the very nurse who I had yet to meet came into my room. It shook me up a little bit, I told my mom I had seen this woman in my dreams before. I also prayed to God again to not let anything go wrong while this woman was caring for me. Sure enough, that same day the woman came in to change my IV's and called in the other woman and there they both stood, just as they had in my dream. Even talking about some of the exact same things. I was concerned when they were having trouble with whatever they were doing, but I prayed the entire time and I even asked my mom to pray before they came in there and the Lord answered and changed that part of my dream from becoming a reality. 

So why did God send me that dream? Was it to turn to Him and ask for help? Did he send an angel down to show me so I could ask for his protection? God knows everything, but he also gave us free will and we choose whether to believe in Him, to trust Him, and to come to Him in our times of trouble too. Had I not prayed for God's protection I believe that dream would've been my reality. 

That's what I gained from this book. 

It's God's love for us that he does all these things: protects, shelters, warns us of pending danger. The reason I say pending is because anything can change in just a blink of an eye when we bring God into our lives and turn to him for everything in ours. 

 I give this book 4.5 out of 5! The reason it's not a full 5 is because I really felt Christianity wasn't pointed out clearly. Miriam wasn't a Christian but she believed in a God of love; Seth didn't believe in either but he knew the differences between them but didn't really speak beyond that. It could be slightly confusing, in my opinion. Otherwise, loved it!

Brave!

Let's face it, sometimes life just seems so crazy hard! One of my closest friends told me once "you are so brave, I've never seen anyone who could handle the things the way you do." That was one of the greatest complements I received, but I couldn't take the credit for it. It was Jesus that made it all possible. He made me strong though I was weak and couldn't breath, He caught every tear I spilled than dried my face and built me back up.

I think the word "brave" has has received a bit of bad reputation because people throughout history went from using it as a way of encouraging and building people up to a way of telling you to hide it all away. What is the true definition of brave?

Definition of Brave:

1. ready to face and endure danger or pain; showing courage

Jesus doesn't say to hide away but to not be afraid, to lean on him and take courage because He is with you! {Matthew 14:27 NLT}

Definition of Courage:

1.  the ability to do something that frightens one

God gives us the ability to be brave when we seek him in everything we do. In the joy and the sorrow of today and tomorrow. Don't think being brave means shoving the things you are afraid of in the closet, but take them before our Lord and He will take care of you {Psalms 55:22 NLT}. The struggles, the trials, the battles we face today are put before us to make our faith and trust stronger in HIM.

" These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." --1 Peter 1:7 (NLT)

 How can Jesus make you brave today? Leave your comments below.