Author: Amanda Tero

Music has always been a part of Amanda Tero’s life–from her mom singing Steve Green specials to her dad honking out the rhythm of “Jingle Bells” in the driveway. She began teaching in 2007 and fell in love with sharing music. Amanda started arranging hymns for herself in her teens, with fast and furious advanced hymn settings. Then, as her students began requesting hymns at their levels, she branched out to hymn arranging for pedagogical reasons. Because of Amanda’s interest in various genres, in her shop, you will find hymn arrangements of various levels embracing classical elements, light jazz style, Southern Gospel flair, and more.

I Prayed for You | Book Review

Published on April 6, 2018 by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

What an adorable book! Unlike the last few children’s books I’ve reviewed, this one is hard-cover a jacket and paper pages.

The illustrations are soft, pencil drawings of a mama bear and her cub. They are very relaxing to look at—and remind me of some of my favorite childhood books as well.

Each page-spread has both a message of “when I prayed for you” and a little prayer to go along with it. It is very sweet, going from the time that the cub was an infant to his early childhood. For me, it is a book just as precious to a mother as to the child, as it will remind the mom to pray during these different points of life.

*I received this book from Book Look Bloggers and happily provided my honest review*

Writing Goals and Blog Break

Published on April 3, 2018 by Amanda Tero3 Comments

Last Friday, I posted a life update.

Life has suddenly taken a pretty crazy turn. I’m not only trying to get a whole Algebra book complete before April 23 (or, as much as I can to hopefully test out of remedial math, so I only have to take the one college Algebra required for a music major), but I’m also preparing for recital in May as well as teaching piano and violin and somewhere, in the midst of all that, dreaming about getting “Quest for Leviathan” published and “Protecting the Poor” written.

So…

I’m going to get off pretty much all social media platforms for a month or so. Since I won’t be updating my blog with regular writing progress, I’ll just mention the goals I hope to accomplish in the next few months.

My main goal is to get “Quest for Leviathan” published! I have gotten the illustrations from my illustrator, and have reminded my final editor (aka, Mom) that the story is in her hands (my fault as much as hers that she forgot).

I would love to have it ready to hit the shelves for July.

Also for July, I want to get this other short story edited and published:

Yes, I’ve kind of forgotten about this gem, but my beta-readers have gone through it and given me wonderful feed-back. I just need to polish her up some.

And added to all of that is “Protecting the Poor,” which I still haven’t completely finished a draft for. I wrote about 75% of a first draft then decided to go back and change the beginning… and that is where I am still working. The first half of the 75% of the story.

So, those are my hopes and goals for the next few months in writing. At the same time, I realize that writing may need to go a little more on the back burner than usual, so I can’t promise that these stories will be done in that time frame. I would really appreciate your prayers as I work through this season of life and find the balance that I need!

Farewell for now! I’d still love to stay in touch, so shoot me an email at

amandaterobooks(at)gmail(dot)com if you’d like!

Scripture Graphics #85

Published on April 2, 2018 by Amanda Tero2 Comments

We have a choice today: a choice to be grateful for what we DO have, or a choice to be ungrateful for what we do NOT have. “Ingratitude is like a bucket with holes.” (Nancy Leigh DeMoss) Our lives are constantly filled with blessings, but if we choose to be ungrateful, we will always feel empty, because we don’t see those blessings that are leaking through holes are ungratefulness. Which will we be today? Grateful or ungrateful? The choice is ours.

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. James 1:22-24

When we leave the mirror, our eyes can now see others. This could be good or bad, depending on what we did with ourselves in our “mirror time” with God’s Word. If we heard and ignored our problems, then when our eyes are turned to others, we will see their flaws and how they need to change.
But if we have used the mirror time to obey God’s Word and do what He has convicted us to, then our attitude when we look at others will be love, service, self-lessness.
“But whoso looking into the perfect law of liberty, and continuity therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (Vs. 25)

Moses was not able to go to the Promised Land, but he could be a part by helping the next leader. We are not all able to do the same ministry, but we can strengthen and encourage those who are in various points of ministry.

What encouragement have you found from God’s Word this past week?

Night, Night Farm | Book Review

Published on March 31, 2018 by Amanda Tero2 Comments

Cute cartoon animals illustrate the pages of this book as the reader explores the farm, making animal sounds, and telling them all goodnight. It begins with an overview of the farm then travels to say goodnight to the pigs, cows, horses, cats, sheep, chickens, and mice. I have to say that I loved the two little mice who scampered across the pages of this book.

The rhyme is catchy and easy to read, though a few of the words feel a little odd and out of place—like it seems to mix proper rhyme with a sudden cutesy phrases (“Oh, the animals God has made! And hey, He made me too!” for exam

ple).

As soon as I got this in, I opened it to explore the “touch and feel” aspects. I loved the curly sheep, the smooth pig, the furry horse, fuzzy cat, and glossy hen’s comb. But then, on the second-to-last page, there was nothing to feel besides an indent on the page. I suppose I like consistency. Where the animals had a little circle to feel a “sample” of their skin, there was an embossed “car” for mice? At least, I think that was what the “feel” was supposed to be. My younger sister read it, and brought it to me with the same question, “Where is the touch-and-feel on this page?” It’s not a huge issue and doesn’t alter the reading of the book, but I can see many inquisitive toddlers running their fingers along the page disappointed.

*I received this book from Book Look Bloggers and happily provided my honest review*

"Lord, are You Sure?" (Decisions and Following God | Part 3)

Published on March 30, 2018 by Amanda Tero6 Comments

In the beginning of this year, I wrote a two-part article on “Decisions and Following God” (part 1 and part 2). Since my heart-sharing today fits in with those two articles, this could almost be a completely unplanned “Part 3” of the series. Little did I know that the principles I covered in those articles would be tested in a very real way in my life. In fact, as I prepare to write this, I’m re-reading the articles and almost crying—because today I know more what it’s like to live what I wrote. Were I to write those articles today, I might add something like, “Be prepared to have your ship rocked, your world turned upside-down, your emotions a roller-coaster ride, and your heart freaking out!” Okay, so maybe not everyone responds to change the way I do. But when I wrote, “Now is a time for activesteps and changing,” my brain was gearing toward teaching piano and violin full time and becoming a “circuit teacher.” The more I prayed about those options, I sensed God honing my thoughts: I didn’t just need to pour out music, I also needed to get back into receiving music instruction so I could be better equipped to help others. The answer was completely not what I was anticipating. College.

College? Really?

As I began telling my friends and family of this decision, it made sense to them. They were all excited. Me? Oh sure, it made sense—and it excited me to so how many, many ways college was answering a lot of prayers for direction. But I was petrified. While everyone else saw all of the benefits, I highlighted all of the changes I’d have to make in my life (“I’m the girl who likes life to stay the same.”), and how many, many things I’d have to either eliminate or minimize. Because, unlike kids leaving high school and entering college, I have had ten years in which my life has been established outside of school. In fact, my world was rocked just a short four years ago, when my entire family moved from one state to another (during which, consequently, I had to leave my first set of music students behind). Two years ago we finished building our house, and since then, I had gradually been settling into a new, established life in my new location. I was finally feeling settled. So college? Now?

Even though I had written, “The first step is to save for and purchase my own vehicle. The second step may be to getsome long-distance studios set up. Or…God may change the direction after I takemy first step,” I didn’t know. College wasn’t on my radar. But, I believe without a doubt that it was on God’s. I knew change was going to happen—I just didn’t know to what extent.

In three days, my decision was made. Three days. I am not impulsive. Invite me over, and it will take me a month (or a year) to actually get there. One Saturday, I was talking to a friend casually about the college. At this point, I still wasn’t seriously thinking college, but that night, since it was all fresh on my mind, I wrote out the pros and cons to be praying about. I got on the college website to solidify a question only to see that the deadline for some paperwork was the following Friday—in six days. The next night, I talked with my parents (and found them to be fully supportive and maybe more excited than I). And on the third day, I was walking campus (a local college, just a few miles from home). That was March 5. It has taken almost the rest of March for me to actually be “okay” with the idea of college.

In this time of change, like many times before, God has brought me face-to-face with a lot of spiritual issues whose extent I didn’t even realize existed in my life. Pride has surfaced in a dozen new ways. Worry rose in my heart (Worry? I’m not a worrier! Or wasn’t…). I grappled for control of the reins. I saw the word “trust” in a new light. So many issues I thought I had victory over resurfaced (I’d gotten over being a workaholic—until I needed to do an entire Algebra book in six weeks).

In the middle of decisions and following God, life isn’t always a smooth ride. But, even in the midst of the inner turmoil I was facing, I knew. I knewthat this was what God was leading me to do in this season of life. How could I be so certain, yet have such a hard time with it?

I didn’t want to let go of my life. Reworking my entire life’s schedule cost me more than what some people can even imagine (unless you’re a big planner in a finally-established life). The reality that, instead of building my music studio, I would have to drop some students, threatened to tear my heart in two. Realizing that my writing would be even more limited than it is today overwhelmed me. Not to mention that the family-time I was learning to actively attain would be interrupted by college-work. Some people say I’m just preparing for the worst. My family knows me, though. They have seen me as I’ve struggled to overcome my work-obsession and they know the temptations that I’ll face with becoming a full-time student. Words fail to articulate the flood of thoughts that have passed through my mind in the last three weeks. It all boiled down to one thing, though: surrender.

This was a new angle of surrender that I didn’t even realize was needed in my life. In fact, I didn’t even realize that surrender was the issue until this week, when I texted all of my students’ parents to notify them of my fall plans. As soon as the last parent was texted and everyone now knew (and was wholly supportive of) the change in my schedule, I felt the calm peace that I had longed to accompany the assurance God had given me. It wasn’t the action of texting the parents that did it, though. It was because, as I was texting, I was also releasing it all to God. I had surrendered the writing-time. I had communicated with my family about my concerns about our limited time together. But until the point when I texted all of my student families, I hadn’t let them go in my heart. “Teaching is my life” was close to true for me, and I had refused to honestly acknowledge that I couldn’t do college and keep every single student. Last weekend when I was talking to my sister-in-law about it, she said, “So, you’ll just have to say, ‘God, You’ve got to work this out for me.’” I actually told her, “I’m scared to do that—what if He takes away the ones I don’t want Him to?” Yes, it was an issue of surrender.

In all of this, though, there has definitely been more than struggle and challenges. There is the assurance that where God leads, He will keep me. There is the beauty of seeing answered prayers. There is the incomparable comfort of Scripture. There is the blessing of the amazing support from everyone I know. There are the prayers of others on my behalf. There is the peace in knowing that God has clearly led me to take this step. There are so many, many things for which I’m daily grateful in this season of life. It has been hard (It would be a lie to not admit it), but it has also been a beautiful season. And, as I am going through it, I have seen others who are also experiencing this “season of change”—and it makes me grateful to know that none of us are in this alone. We have each other, but above that, we have God as our guide.

Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works. Psalm 73:23-28

– – – – –

On a personal note to my blog-readers, in saying all of this, blogging may be one of the things I need to cut out. For the next month, for sure, I’m going to be doing minimal blogging as I do have that deadline in which to get Algebra done (I’m hoping to test out of remedial math so I only have to do the one college Algebra required for a music major).

Of tea parties, music, walks and… a few words…

Published on March 27, 2018 by Amanda Tero2 Comments

Last week was a busy week. My mom stayed down in Louisiana to help my grandparents, so I was in essence surrogate mom for the week (on top of teaching piano/violin and other typical week responsibilities). It was a great week–just not one for writing.

Many things seem to be coming at me as a whirlwind, so one day, I just went to the park, walked for about an hour, and called a friend that I hadn’t talked to for a few months.

It was my first time at this park, and I think I’m going to definitely be revisiting!

To conclude the week, we had our homeschool tea party. This year was a vintage/retro picnic theme. I had the joy of being photographer for the event, and decided on a fun editing style–kind of bringing back the “old picture” thought.

And then, behind all of that, was writing. Writing last week was hit and miss–and more miss than hit. One thing I did write was a post for blogger Jessica–“A Day in My Life” (visit Jessica’s blog)–which was kind of a crazy abnormal day (which… is about every day). It is an interesting thought, though: what is a day in your life like? I’d love to hear!

I had hoped to add 1,000 words in my manuscript (“Protecting the Poor”). Instead, I got 849 (why didn’t I calculate that before-hand and write just one more? Anyone else do that?). And, no research for the week. In fact, I returned the library book that I was in the middle of reading, just because I don’t see much research time coming up soon. 😛

One last update, for those who don’t follow me on social media.

From Thursday:

I should be writing. I should be studying. I should be doing many of the things on my to-do list. But sometimes, when my day is busier, all I really need is a little time with the piano. Because so often, time with my piano means time reflecting on beautiful truths and reminders of my Lord and Savior. So maybe, I just really should be on the piano.

What do you do to refocus?

Scripture Graphics #84

Published on March 26, 2018 by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

And the LORD said unto Moses, Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon. (Numbers 21:34)

Even though Israel’s sin and disobedience led them to the forty years’ wander, God still used this time to prove His power through them to conquer the enemy.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

When we think of pleasing God, our minds always go to works. If we try hard enough, we’ll please God. If we do this or that, we’ll please God. But what about having faith—or seeking Him? These don’t seem to be the “big things” to us, yet such pleases God. Do we truly want to please God or just appease our conscience?

When we’re tempted to focus on our problems, it helps to remember what Jesus went through. Others may wrong me—but I wrong Jesus, and how does He treat me? With forgiveness, mercy, and grace. Others may demand my time and help-how often do I go to Jesus for the same? He gives unconditionally, in love, not begrudging. People may do things against my will—Jesus surrendered His will so that I could have salvation. Remembering all that Jesus is, has done, and is doing puts a new perspective on life and my little problems that I face.

“Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence. When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up. In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.” Psalm 94:17-19

What verses do you cling to for help?

Count it All Joy | AudioBook Review

Published on March 23, 2018 by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

I didn’t realize when I began this book (listening to it audio-version) that it is a study on the book of Philippians. Wow. Dr. Jeremiah covers so much material in this book and it is well worth the reading (or listening to).

At this point in my life, I really needed the reminders in Philippians, and Dr. Jeremiah used many illustrations that really drove the points home. He goes from church members’ responsibilities to individuals’ lifestyles to our attitude and focus to suffering and more. Most of this is very practical, down-to-earth, and everyday-applicable. I now want to get the paperback form to have on my shelves.

He uses a few various versions of the Bible, which I prefer KJV, but it didn’t alter the doctrine of the book at all.

I highly recommend this for Christians who are finding themselves in a rut of life and need a bit of encouragement and direction. There is a big emphasis on joy (given the title), especially in the midst of suffering—no matter what that suffering is.

Night, Night, Jungle | Book Review

Published on March 22, 2018 by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

Yet another cute children’s book! The reader takes a journey into the jungle and explores the various animals, drawn in brilliant colors. A catchy verse of poetry accompanied each page as you say goodnight to lemurs, Jaguars, toucans, chameleons, monkeys, parrots, frogs, and sloths. I appreciated a small touch of expectancy as when one animal was featured, the next animal was peeking out somewhere.

There are two references that make this a Christian book: the first is thanking God for food, the second is about God’s creatures and Him loving them all. It flows well and is a nice little touch.

This is the perfect night-time book for children. I’m happy to have it on my shelves!

*I received this book from Book Look Bloggers and happily provided my honest review*

Leviathan Art, Protecting the Poor Progress…

Published on March 20, 2018 by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

Yes, it feels like it has been ages since I’ve been able to sit down to write, when in truth, it had only been about a week’s break. Last week, I was able to reach my 1,000 word goal in “Protecting the Poor!” I am still working on rewriting the beginning to strengthen the plot and characters’ goals before I finalize the ending. I didn’t get any research reading in, but this week looks a little less busy, so I may be able to do so this week.

Also, last week, my young artist friend gave me the first picture to go into “Quest for Leviathan!” Here’s a sneak-peek. It’s quite amazing!! 😀

Also with writing, I had writing day #2 of the year at our house. Do you ever have those days when you’re sitting down to write, and that was the last thing you feel like doing? Yeah, that was me on Thursday. I was able to get about 200 words in–during the three hours we had set aside. 😛 But, on the bright side, I replied to everyone’s comments here on the blog (if you commented in the last three months, go back and check 😉 ) and got the writing assignment up on Wordquill.

And THEN!!!!!!

For about two years, my cousin has been trying to get me down to Louisiana on a certain weekend to go with her to a library book sale (it’s a building specifically for this, and they open it every month). At long last, our weekends worked out, and I was able to go.