Month: April 2017

The Solid Rock – now available digitally!

Published on by Amanda Tero4 Comments
After a few years, I finally have The Solid Rock piano album available for digital download. It may take a week or so to be available on iTunes, but it’s already available from Amazon music and more! Or, you can buy directly from CD Baby.
A few days ago, I asked my FaceBook friends this question. I’m interested to hear your answer: do you listen to music primarily from a hard CD or digitally?

Scripture Graphics #34

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
This verse evokes deep gratitude. Jesus Christ suffered separation from God (Matt 27:45-46) so that we, as His children, will never be separated from God!
“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” Romans 12:12
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Recently, I have found myself to be more faithful to ask others to pray, than for me to pray myself. For example, I see a potential hard day and ask, “Please pray for me;” yet I have neglected to pray myself. While it is not wrong to share prayer requests, at times we need to check our own prayer life.

– Am I praying about all things? Or do I get wrapped up in the challenge of “solving this myself?”
– Am I being diligent to pray daily? Or do I pray only when trials come my way?
– Am I praying instead of worrying?
– Am I praying for others?
– Are my prayers infused with praise to God?
And the list can go on.

How grateful I am that my sanctification and assurance of God dwelling with us is no longer based on our faithfulness to fulfill a ritual! The whole of Hebrews 10 is a good parallel passage, but here’s one verse: “For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” (Heb 10:14)
I read this after reading Exodus 32. The children of Israel, not content to wait for Moses to give them God’s Word, fell into gross sin. 

Does our steadfast faithfulness to God waver when there is silence? If we do not see Him work or hear direction from Him, do we turn to a “God-substitute” (today it is not graven images, but many things can steal our attention and affection)? Or are we faithful to wait, certain that His ways are best, even in the silence?

Where are you reading in your Bible this week?

Books I Read – March 2017

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Where has the time gone? It’s now for another month’s recap. And I did get a lot read for March. Two Louisiana trips, what can I say? 😉

The book that stood out the most to me in my March reading was…

No, I’m not going to college. 😉 But this book came up for review, and as I know a few kids heading to college this fall, I wanted to see if anything good was out there. I thoroughly enjoyed this book (you can see why here)
Another book that really stood out to me is also a non-fiction…
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Wow. I loved reading about the World War II heroes! I’m very glad I got this book. (Full review here)
And then, the fiction that stood out to me…
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I actually worked on reading this book since February, but a few review commitment books got in the way. It was a slow start, and I found the backstory a little draggy… but after I finished the entire book. Wow. It was really an amazing read. You can read more of my thoughts here.
After having a friend badger me to read Chautona Havig, I caved in (okay, okay, honest truth: Chautona put a book up to review and I grabbed it cause I’ve been wanting to read her). Since the review book was #2 in a series, I borrowed book #1 and read them both. 😉 
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And they were both pretty good. My reviews for book one and book two.
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I also read a book by my author friend, Faith Blum.  I’ll confess, I’m not big into sci-fi. But those who do like it will probably like this book. 🙂 My review here.
And honestly, though I’d like to like every book that I read, there were two this month that just weren’t my cup of tea…
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See a little more why I didn’t like them here and here.
And the final book… 
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Ah… SO sweet and cute and adorable!!! My review is here.
AND… last but not least…
Because I have some great friends… and also because I found a deal on eBay… my bookshelf got about 56 volumes heavier in March. 😮 This usually doesn’t happen in a month, so I figured it was picture-worthy. 😉 
Now, your turn!
How many books did you read in March?
Which one was your favorite?
How many books did you acquire in March?
Have you read any of the books that I added to my shelves in March? (cause most of them I haven’t read…)

Welcome to College | Book Review and Giveaway

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If you’re going to college or about to “step out into the world,” seriously… this book is great. I would call this book a “Guide for Stepping Into the World.” I am not a college student, nor do I feel God leading me to attend college, but the information in this book was still applicable to my own life. While there are many chapters on the practical side of juggling life, schedules, and making decisions, a large percentage of this book was spiritual — how to deal with doubt, how to be aware of satan’s tactics, what logical opposition one most likely will face, the list goes on. It was one of the most spiritual-strengthening and encouraging book that I’ve read in a while.

I loved how he included “passages to explore.” He had a lot of Scripture references. On this note, I personally prefer the KJV so I didn’t care for his encouragement to try out random versions, based on “what might work for you.” That would be my main disclaimer.

Also, I will note that there are chapters about purity. This book was written for older teens and I personally think that it would be wise to wait until you’re an older teen, “about to step into the world” to read this.

There were SO many good quotes! Here are a few:

“Will you define freedom as as living any way you want, or will you define it as the opportunity to live how you ought to live?”

“The truth is discovered, not created.”

“Truth may be hard to discover, but just because the quest proves difficult doesn’t mean the treasure doesn’t exist.”

“As Christians, we ought to be passionate about knowing the truth because God is passionate about making it known.”

“It is better to fall a hundred times and confess it a hundred times than to stay on the ground and call that which is sinful good. (Proverbs 24:16)”

“Remember that being courageous doesn’t mean we aren’t afraid, it just means we choose to move forward in spite of our fear.”

“Before we can determine what implications a particular [Bible] text has for our lives, we must first discover what the text means.”

*I received this book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange of my honest review*

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Does your high school senior nervously gulp when asked what his or her life plans are? Give him or her encouragement and peace of mind with Jonathan Morrow’s Welcome to College, what J. P. Moreland calls “the single best volume I have ever read for preparing students for how to follow Jesus and flourish as his disciple in college.” Jonathan Morrow tackles the tough questions that arise during these formative years. Each chapter of this new edition has been updated, and the author has included a new chapter on Christianity, homosexuality, and the Bible.

Join Jonathan and other parents prepping their kids for college in celebrating the excitement of the next life stage for their kids by entering to win the College Survival Pack Giveaway (details below) and by attending his author chat party on April 11!

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • One copy of Welcome to College
  • One $50 Target gift card
  • One $25 Amazon gift card
  • One $25 Starbucks gift card

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 11. The winner will be announced at the Welcome to College Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Jonathan and other parents with kids prepping for college, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!

First Line Fridays | 4.7.17

Published on by Amanda Tero6 Comments

It’s Friday again! Which is when I get to talk about books. 🙂 Not like I need an excuse… 😉

Yesterday, I went thrift store shopping, which usually means getting new books. And yep, yesterday was no exception (though, for the record, I did only get four books). The book I’m most excited about is…

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A few weeks ago, I had gotten World War II Heroes and really liked the author’s writing as well as reading about lesser-known men (see my review of it here).

Anyway, first lines!

“On September 11, 2001, the United States–and the world–changed forever.”
(Heroes of 9/11 by Allan Zullo)

I’ve read the first chapter, which is an overview of 9/11. I was only a pre-teen when 9/11 happened but I remember it vividly. It will be very sobering to read about it.

What are you reading this weekend? Any first lines to share?

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Also, be sure to hop along to all of these other blogs and see what First Lines they have to share!
Please note that I may not fully endorse all of the books that these bloggers read or the content in these blogs.
Rachel – Bookworm Mama
Lauraine – Lauraine’s Notes
Andi – Radiant Light
Robin – Robin’s Nest
Kathleen – Kathleen Denly

Where I Am in Writing…

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments
It has been a few weeks since I’ve actually updated y’all with my writing. 
Current Project: The Secret Slipper
I am still editing The Secret Slipper. This is definitely taking me longer than I anticipated. I’m blaming it on a few things…
– I’m back up to teaching thirty music students
– I’ve also been focusing a little more on music projects
– Our family has been busy
None of these things are negatives at all! They just mean less writing time. 😉 And I am truly thankful for the progress God has allowed me to make on Slipper the past few days. I am getting most of the surface editing done, but there are 1-2 storyline-altering edits that need to be made. I think I’m saving those for last because I’m half-dreading it. 😉 
But I am trying to focus primarily on Slipper right now, and am praying to get it released in May. 🙂
Upcoming Projects
Since I’m in the final throes of Slipper, that means that my brain is already jumping ahead to “what’s next.” I do have two projects I’m planning and writing (but am keeping details hush-hush as of now), but I’m trying to get refocused for Journey of Choice. It is a big project, and big task, but it’s something that I do not want to neglect at all!
Hopefully next week will have a good report on Slipper. 😉
What are your projects right now?

Scripture Graphics #33

Published on by Amanda Tero3 Comments
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” Ephesians 5:20
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Have we limited our thanksgiving this year already? Have we started out thankful only for the things that make us feel comfortable? Or are we making the point to give thanks in ALL things?

Throughout history, God has revealed Himself more and more. The children of Israel knew Him as Jehovah, but by the Names Messiah and Emmanuel (at this point), He was not known unto them. This gives us just a glimpse of the vastness of our God! And to think, I am born in an era where His Word is complete and revealed, so I can see how God has made Himself known to us!
How often I have read this, wishing I had a visible pillar of God to guide me! I do have an eternal pillar of guidance though: the Holy Spirit. Just like God never removed the pillar of cloud or fire, He never removed this pillar from my life. However, I can grieve it (Eph 4:30) and quench it (1 Thes 5:19). So if I am not seeing this pillar guiding me, I need to evaluate myself — am I even seeking to be filled with the Spirit?
Take – the armor of God is available to us every day, but it is our responsibility to take action so that *we* have the armor of God on us.
Withstand – “stand against, oppose”
Stand – “a prolonged form of a primary; to stand”

With the armor of God, we are not only able to stand against the devil, but we are able to stand firm and not lose ground. This cannot be done in our own strength, but must be done through the power of God (verse 10). Have you thought about spiritual warfare today and prepared?

Now it’s your turn: share a verse! 🙂