Month: August 2016

Down by the Riverside | Music Video

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

A few years ago, one of my students asked me to arrange her a spiritual, for her to play for her daddy. I actually got some books and studied styling to expand my knowledge in this style. And I had a blast. Since then, I’ve added another verse to it to make it a more complete arrangement. Enjoy!

   

 For more information on the sheet music, visit: http://www.withajoyfulnoise.com/down-by-the-riverside.html

Mephibosheth: A Picture of the Redeemed

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments
The other day in my Bible reading, I read about Mephibosheth — and realized how he is a good picture of the redeemed. Look…
“And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.” 2 Samuel 9:7
– It was nothing he did to merit a changed position; we did nothing to merit salvation with God.
– He could have rejected the king’s offer but accepted; we could have rejected salvation, but accepted.
– David blessed him for Jonathan’s sake; we are blessed because of Jesus’ sake.
– He was still lame, but his position changed; we are still flesh, though our soul is redeemed.
– He stayed loyal to David out of love and gratitude; it ought to be love and gratitude to God that keeps us faithful.


Questions for “Befriending the Beast”

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments

Some more things for you to help me with! 🙂

1 – I’m thinking about doing a fun “Q&A” video as part of my book release for “Befriending the Beast.” I could think up a bunch of questions to ask, but why not have someone ask questions — you know, more “for real?” So, did you have any questions about “Befriending the Beast,” how I wrote it, got ideas, researched, anything?

Q&A

2 – For one of my books, Alicia Ruggieri suggested doing discussion questions. I’ve just never been a step-ahead enough to do that, but I’d like to do them for “Befriending the Beast.” For those of you who have read it, what are some things that stood out to you that might be good for readers to discuss and really ponder?

Discussion Questions

Scripture Designs 04

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
This week I decided to add the thoughts that I originally shared when I posted the verses on FB and IG (below the images).


If all that is within me is focused on blessing God, then it leaves no room for grumbling, self-pity, selfishness, or pride.


In times of discouragement, where is our focus? On how cast down we are? Or on the God of our hope, our praise, and our health?


“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Galatians 5:13-14


Whether our trouble is flooding in Louisiana, fires in California, terrorist attacks, or simple, everyday struggles, God IS our very present help in our time of need!

Create a Company with Me!

Published on by Amanda Tero5 Comments

I need help with something fun! I have decided that, for my Civil War story (aka, “Journey of Choice”), I will create my own company to be in the 18th Missouri regiment. This means I need 100 men (I probably won’t mention them all by name, but I need to know of them as an author, right?). And I have four. 😉 I feel very dry when it comes to thinking up SO many names, so I’m asking you: what are some Civil War-era names? First and last. Shoot away!!!


Create a Company with Me!

Published on by Amanda Tero12 Comments

Help create company

I need help with something fun! I have decided that, for my Civil War story (aka, “Journey of Choice”), I will create my own company to be in the 18th Missouri regiment. This means I need 100 men (I probably won’t mention them all by name, but I need to know of them as an author, right?). And I have four. 😉 I feel very dry when it comes to thinking up SO many names, so I’m asking you: what are some Civil War-era names? First and last. Shoot away!!!

 

"Befriending the Beast" | Cover Reveal

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments
I am super excited and thrilled to be able to show everyone my cover for “Befriending the Beast!” To be honest, I designed the cover before the first draft of the story was completed. 😉
Be on the lookout for “Befriending the Beast’s” release! Or … just mark your calendars for September 30!
Oh yeah, that’s right. You’re probably more interested in a new book cover than in my jabbering (because, after all, I like drooling over covers more than reading someone’s exuberance almost any day too 😉 )…
*drumroll*
May I present to you ….


About the Book
Belle has returned unannounced to the castle to restore her relationship with the king, her father. Her hopes are dashed with the devastating message: “The king refuses to see you.” Convinced that God has led her home, she is unwilling to return to Lord and Lady Kiralyn.
Time is running out for the decision that will change her life. When tragedy strikes, will she and her father be pulled further apart or knit together? Could she stay at the castle even if she will never see her father again?

——
Would you like to be a part of “Befriending the Beast’s” release?
Sign-up for the blog tour or book review.

—-
A quick “thank you” to the lovely ladies who joined me with the cover reveal: Jesseca, Janell, Faith, and Kellyn!

Blessed Assurance | Blog Tour and Giveaway

Published on by Amanda Tero4 Comments

Who doesn’t like a good mystery? I’m sure there are a few, but most people do like mysteries. What about a mystery within a mystery. Faith Blum’s new novella is just that. First there’s the mystery of who tried to dupe five mail order brides. Then Adelaide finds out someone is claiming she’s a runaway bride. What happens to her? Find out in Blessed Assurance.

About the Book

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
Adelaide lost her parents a year before and now a rich man in town is making unwanted advances toward her. Desperate, she writes to two men and quickly accepts the one from Cheyenne, Wyoming. On the final leg of her journey, in a stagecoach with four other mail order brides, her suspicions are confirmed. Will she ever find a man she can truly trust?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IIU5XPK

 About the Author  

Faith Blum started writing at an early age. She started even before she could read! She even thought she

could write better than Dr. Seuss. Now that she has grown up a little more, she knows she will probably never reach the success of Dr. Seuss, but that doesn’t stop her from trying.

When she isn’t writing, Faith enjoys doing many right-brained activities such as reading, crafting, playing piano, and playing games with her family. One of her dreams is to visit Castle City, Montana, someday to see the ghost town she chose for her characters to live in. She currently lives on a hobby farm with her family in Wisconsin.
There are many ways to connect with Faith online. All of them can be found in one convenient place: http://FaithBlum.com. On her website you can find links to her various social media sites and both of her blogs as well as learn about any events she has coming up. 

Excerpt

Mr. Reese looked him over. “I’ll be right back.”
Mr. Harris and Mr. Connor looked at each other. He was gone for two minutes before he came back with a piece of paper in his hand.
After Mr. Reese settled into his chair, he spoke, “Do you mind answering a few questions, Bradley?”
Bradley shrugged. “I guess not.”
“Good. Are you a born-again Christian?”
Bradley blinked once. “Yes.”
“What do you mean by that phrase?” Mr. Reese asked.
Bradley shifted in his chair. Where was he going with this? “It means that I surrendered my life to God so that I could be born of His Holy Spirit through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
Mr. Reese smiled slightly. “Thank you. How far are you willing to go to earn someone’s trust?”
“If I really care for that person, I’m willing to do whatever is necessary.”
“As a Christian, aren’t you supposed to care for everyone?”
Bradley took a deep breath and smiled. “Yes. So I should be willing to do that for everyone, too. Although, I don’t do it as much as I ought.”
Mr. Reese chuckled. “Who do you love more than anything else?”
“God.”
“If you were to marry, would that change?”
“I hope and pray not. If it does, I pray someone points it out to me.”
Mr. Reese stared at him for a few minutes. “How old are you?”
Bradley started. “What?”
Mr. Reese raised his eyebrows. “Do you have a problem with the question?”
Bradley cleared his throat. “I just wasn’t expecting it. I’m twenty-six.” Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Adelaide lean against the doorframe.
Mr. Reese leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “When you enter a courtship, are you willing to court the young lady for at least six months before you ask her to marry you? Assuming of course that the courtship lasts longer than a month to begin with.”
“What are you doing?” Adelaide asked.
“Let him answer the question and then I’ll answer yours.”

Bradley pondered the question. With closed eyes, he said, “If—and that’s a big if—I were ever to court a woman, I would take my time. I haven’t ever thought of an exact period of time since I never planned to marry, let alone court a woman, but if she is most comfortable with at least six months, I will respect her wishes.”

Giveaway

Faith’s sister, Naomi, graciously hand painted two beautiful bookmarks for this giveaway. There will be one lucky winner. The bookmarks are made with Adelaide in mind. Aren’t they gorgeous?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule  

August 26
BookishOrchestrations-Tour Introduction
Letters from Annie Douglas Lima-Excerpt
With a Joyful Noise-Excerpt
Rebekah Lyn Books-Excerpt
August 27
Blue-Brown Books-Author Interview
August 29
Singing Librarian Books-Excerpt
God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae-Excerpt
August 30
Ramblings of a Young Author-Review
August 31
Jaye L. Knight-Excerpt
Rachel Rossano’s Words-Excerpt
September 1
The Abrahamic Adventures-Excerpt
Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections–Character Interview (Adelaide)
September 2
Bookish Orchestrations-Tour Conclusion and Winner

“Befriending the Beast” cover reveal

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments

I am super excited and thrilled to be able to show everyone my cover for “Befriending the Beast!” To be honest, I designed the cover before the first draft of the story was completed. 😉

Be on the lookout for “Befriending the Beast’s” release! Or … just mark your calendars for September 30!

Oh yeah, that’s right. You’re probably more interested in a new book cover than in my jabbering (because, after all, I like drooling over covers more than reading someone’s exuberance almost any day too 😉 )…

*drumroll*

May I present to you ….

Befriending the Beast

About the Book

Belle has returned unannounced to the castle to restore her relationship with the king, her father. Her hopes are dashed with the devastating message: “The king refuses to see you.” Convinced that God has led her home, she is unwilling to return to Lord and Lady Kiralyn. But will the king offer her any other choice?

Time is running out and she has a life-changing decision to make. When tragedy strikes, will she and her father be pulled further apart or knit together? Could she stay at the castle even if she will never see her father again?

Giveaway Reminder, Guest Post

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

I don’t always post short “just links” type things on here, but I wanted to make sure that all of you had a chance to enter Jen Turano’s giveaway from last week. It ends tonight! Hop over to enter!

And then, since I was posting for that anyway, why not steer you over to a lovely blog, Noveltea, where Lydia did a guest post and book review for me, centered on “Me? Teach Piano?” So if you’re interested: http://aidylewoh.blogspot.mx/2016/08/pianos-teaching-and-guest.html