Month: October 2015

Psalm 119:72-74

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Psalm 119:72-74
(72)  The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
If we had the choice between God’s Word or a million dollars, what would our honest choice be? Are our labors towards God’s Word or worldly riches? “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
(73)  Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
In thinking just about the first phrase (“Thy hands have made me and fashioned me”), that should be reason enough for us to desire God’s Word. If He had the wisdom to create us – to mold us, fashion us, form us (and beyond that, gift us, bless us, redeem us, save us, provide for us, sustain us) – why don’t we desire to know more of that wisdom? What folly for the created to say to the creator, “Yep, I’m here and living, but I don’t need You anymore!” And yet, how often do we do this?
How much we need wisdom from our creator! And the amazing thing is, He will grant it to us! (“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5)
(74)  They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.

Does our behavior encourage other believers? Are we steadfast in our hope of God’s Word or do we falter and fail? Personally, I know that the friends who encourage me most are those who are steadfast even in the midst of trouble. Those who cling to God’s Word in problems rather than mere men.

The Sound of Silver | Book Release

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments
Here we are again with a new release! The Sound of Silver is the sequel to The Sound of Diamonds, by Rachelle Rea. I have read both in the past month–you can see my review of Diamonds here. But today we’re focusing on Silver… I have to say, I love the covers for the Steadfast Love series! They rank pretty close to the top of my favorite book covers out there!

BACK COVER
The stalwart saint and the redeemed rebel. One is fighting for faith, the other for honor…

After Dirk rescues Gwyneth from the Iconoclastic Fury, she discovers that faith is sometimes fragile—and hope is not as easy as it may seem. Gwyneth continues her quest to learn more about the love of God preached by Protestants she once distrusted.

Meanwhile, Dirk’s quest is to prevent his sullied name from staining hers. Will his choice to protect her prove the undoing of her first faltering steps toward a Father God? Once separated, will Dirk and Gwyneth’s searching hearts ever sing the same song?

MY REVIEW
Thankfully, “Silver” began right where “Diamonds” left off. Though not as much excitement was induced as “Diamonds” (not as much action). I felt a little more emphasis on romance (again, kisses, hugs, feelings, but nothing more) than I cared for but there was still a very strong message. Of surrender. Of trust. Of truth.

Rohesia’s wisdom was beautiful. I loved her conversation with Gwyn.

I did NOT like the ending!! 😉 Book three has some very important things to resolve (and better come quickly! :)).
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

QUOTES

“Faith cannot be bartered or shoved or forced.”

“I was waiting for what I thought was the better thing. And God gave me what was truly best.”

What good did it do to have figuratively sat at the feet of scholars when I knew little about sitting at the feet of the Lord as Rohesia said Jesus’ followers had literally done?

I tilted my head back, reminding myself he was my friend, and friends do not break friends’ noses.

Her smile deepened yet again. “What else are mothers for?” Touching her shoulder, I said, “Praying.”

TO BUY
Barnes & Noble: coming Oct. 15
Amazon Paperback: http://is.gd/oGcgO2
Books a Million: coming Oct. 15

COMING SOON!
This week is the cover reveal for the third book in the Steadfast Love series. Like I said, I love her covers so of course I’ll share a glimpse! 🙂

ABOUT RACHELLE

Rachelle Rea plots her novels while driving around the little town she’s lived in all her life in her dream car, a pick-up truck. As a freelance editor, she enjoys mentoring fellow authors in the craft. A homeschool graduate and retired gymnast, she wrote the Sound of Silver the summer after her junior year of college.

Instagram: @RachelleDianeRea

Lily of the Valley – cover reveal correct

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

A couple of days ago, I was a part of Faith Blum’s cover reveal. She had a wrong email address on there, so if you tried to email the cover but didn’t get it, you have a second chance! 🙂 She is graciously extending the deadline to noon tomorrow. So hurry and piece her cover together for a chance to win a signed paperback copy of Lily of the Valley (in the future)!!

Email Faith your answer at:  faith.blum.author[at]gmail.com

Word Wednesday #76 | Link-up

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments
“Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
Father, glorify Thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” 
(John 12:27-28)

When we face temptations and testings, how often we pray for God to relieve our pain, to ease the fiery trail, to remove from us suffering. And, in doing so, our focus is funneled on our pain, our suffering, our misery, and never on God and whether or not He is glorified. Where is my focus–the pain, or the glory of God?

Share a verse that God has given you today or copy the button if you’d like to join in Word Wednesdays with your blog!

 
 

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Lily of the Valley – Cover Reveal Tour

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Happy Tuesday! Today we have a blog post with a cover reveal. But, there’s a catch. The author, Faith Blum, has split her cover into 15 different pieces! In order to enter her giveaway, you need to put it together and email her your cover. Or, if you don’t want to enter the giveaway, but you’d still like to see the cover, stop by her blog on Thursday.

The Prize

The winner will have to be patient, but the prize for this cover reveal is a signed paperback copy of Lily of the Valley. Unfortunately, due to the high cost of shipping internationally, Faith won’t be sending a paperback outside of the U.S. If you are international and would like to participate and win, you will receive an ebook copy of any TWO of my published books including Lily of the Valley. To help you a little with putting together the cover, here is the description:

Howdy, Teacher! You don’t know me, but my kids talk bout you a lot. I been lookin fer a wife and mother fer a few years and was wonderin iffen we cood meet and get to no each other a bit. I’ll come after school to git yer answer. Grover Miller 

Unruly schoolchildren, three suitors, and too many things to do. When Ruth Brookings rejects one of the suitors, he refuses to accept no for an answer. To make matters worse, when she prays for guidance, she’s answered with a challenge instead: To encourage her friend to find a wife—whether he wants one or not. Will she lose her friend just when she needs a friend the most? Will she be able to weather the storms she’s about to face?

Details

  • Stop by each blog listed below to get their piece of the cover.
  • Use a program like this website to put the cover together: https://www.befunky.com/features/collage-maker/. If you get a little extra space between each piece, your cover will still count toward the prize. It doesn’t have to be perfect as long is each piece is in the correct place.
  • Email your completed cover to Faith at faith[dot]blum[dot]author@gmail[dot]com NO LATER THAN October 14th at 9:00 PM Central time. (If you have problems with time zones, shoot Faith an email and she’ll help you out).
  • Stop by Faith’s blog to see the cover and who won.

Piece of the Cover #6

LotV6

About the Author

Faith with Rikki-croppedFaith Blum is a 24 year old home school graduate who enjoys doing many right-brained activities such as reading, crafting, writing, and playing piano. Her favorite genre to read and write is Historical Fiction, more specifically, Westerns. In the Hymns of the West series, she has endeavored to create clean, fun, and challenging Western stories for the whole family. She currently has three novels and three novellas published. You can find her in various places online: Website | Blog | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | New Releases Newsletter | Amazon  

Bloggers

Find the other pieces of the cover on these blogs. If you are coming in late and would like direct links to each of the blog posts about the cover reveal, please go to Faith’s website link here. She will update each link to go directly to the blog post about the cover reveal. October 12 The Overactive Imagination Rebekah Lyn Books—with Author Interview Morgan Elizabeth Huneke All Things Literary and Political Hello Precious Bliss October 13 With a Joyful Noise Ruth’s Real Life Flights from Aerie Jaye L. Knight Rachel Rossano’s Words—with Author Interview October 14 Zerina Blossom’s Books God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae Wildflower Acres A Brighter Destiny Writing Dreams October 15 Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections—with full cover and winner announcement

Psalm 119:69-71

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Psalm 119:69-71
(69)  The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.
(70)  Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.
Similar to verse 51 (“The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.”), it is another reminder to keep God’s commandments no matter what others say or do.
(71)  It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
Afflicted – OT:6031`anah (aw-naw’); a primitive root [possibly rather ident. with OT:6030 through the idea of looking down or browbeating]; to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows):
We don’t care for affliction much – the idea of looking down, brow beating, depressed . . . but God does not send those experiences our way fruitlessly: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (James 1:2-4) – And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Romans 5:3-5)

What is our response to tribulation and testings? Do we see them as good and able to work good in our lives? (“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28) My response determines whether or not the affliction will draw me closer to God and help me to learn His statutes, or whether I will refuse.

Waiting for Morning | Book Review

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments
“I think that’s why God’s so good to me,” Hannah had smiled pleasantly. “He knows I’m not good at forgiving.”
That was Hannah’s childhood thought. Little did she know that the biggest trial of her life would occur when she was happily married with two daughters in their teens. Little did she know that the forgiveness she had briefly mentioned as a child, the anger she struggled with then, would blindside her in full force.
I finished this book with a “wow.” I admire Karen Kingsbury for tackling hard issues like drunk driving, suicide, anger, and bitterness–and balancing them with the truths of God’s Word. Her writing is well-researched and detailed. It is realistic–painfully realistic. I could easily envision real lives placed in the shoes of Hannah, Jenny, Carol, Matt, and Bryan.
At first, the multiple viewpoint changes were confusing, but as I got to know the characters, I looked forward to reading their different perspectives.
Hannah’s story…it was amazing to read how she fought against all of the hymns and verses brought to mind. It hurt to read her bitter and angry progression–yet a good illustration of how it can overtake a person. She sought to find peace in the revenge of Mr. Wesley…yet instead found herself being shackled with bitterness. Her fight against forgiveness rang too true–but so did God’s persistent reminder of Scripture and His promises. Oh my goodness! Hannah’s restoration to the mercy of God was so beautiful!! There is no other word for it and the beauty is that the restoration is Biblically true.
Jenny’s story…though not as detailed as Hannah’s story, I loved Jenny and my heart cried out for her, a girl struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts while her mom was busy fighting what she thought was the most important battle.
Bryan’s story…I’ll admit, I was so happy the way Bryan’s story turned out! How beautiful to see him using Scripture to combat his thirst for beer!
For those who are conscious of these things, there is a mention of drunk man seeing demons as well as mentions of unmarried couples living together. Nothing in detail though. There is a suicidal attempt with a bit of detail. Because of these things, I would personally recommend this book to readers twenty and above.
A couple of favorite quotes:
When Hannah finally prayed again: “Rather she had simply reached the end of herself, of everything she knew about coping.”
“She had suffered much this past year, but it had been worse because she had exchanged the truth about God for a lie.”

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.*
About the Author
Karen Kingsbury is a USA Today and New York Times best-selling author, with nearly twenty million books in print. Dubbed the “Queen of Christian Fiction” by Time magazine, Karen has written more than forty Life-Changing Drama, which encompasses the Redemption, Firstborn, and Sunrise series, as well as stand-alone novels such as Like Dandelion Dust, When Joy Came to Stay and This Side of Heaven. Karen and her husband, Don, live in the Pacific Northwest and are parents to six children, including three adopted from Haiti. Visit her website at http://www.KarenKingsbury.com.