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.

Scripture Graphics #83

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Following God has never been doing the same thing over and over. The apostles tried to go various places in which “the Spirit suffered them not” (Acts 16:7). God may keep us in one place, ministering in one way for years or just a few months—this is why we must daily seek His direction.


Do we extend to others even half of the goodness that God has extended to us?


And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word: But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD. Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it: (Numbers 14:20-23)
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And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. (Hebrews 3:18-19)
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Unbelief is a powerful thing with powerful consequences. At no time will God allow our unbelief to mar His glory.


Christian Paperback Sale!

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments

Once again, I’m joining up with a few Christian authors with a paperback sale! Several of these are authors that I have–and have reviewed on this blog! If you’ve been waiting to read some of their work, this may be a great time to start. 😉

Usually I have way more personalization than this, but life is busy, so for now, I’m just gonna slip you the titles, authors, prices, and links. It’s all quite self-explanatory. 


Christian Paperback Sale!
March 16-18, 2018
Title: Dandelion Dust
Author: Faith Potts
Price: $5.99 (40% off)
Link: http://www.lulu.com/shop/faith-potts/dandelion-dust/paperback/product-23240121.html

 
Title: Journey to Love
Author: Amanda Tero
Price: $7.99 (11% off)
Link: https://goo.gl/forms/POwuNkryCfcAHDjE3


Title: Befriending the Beast
Author: Amanda Tero
Price: $6.99 (11% off)
Link: https://goo.gl/forms/POwuNkryCfcAHDjE3


Title: The Secret Slipper
Author: Amanda Tero
Price $7.99 (11% off)
Link: https://goo.gl/forms/POwuNkryCfcAHDjE3

Title: Promise’s Prayer
Author: Erika Mathews
Sale Price: 35% off! $8.42+shipping (regular $12.95)
 Link: www.restinglife.com/books

Title: A Very Present Help

Author: Sharon K. Connell
Sale Price: $12.25 (normal $14.99)
Link: http://amzn.to/2yuF4eE 


Title: His Perfect Love
Author: Sharon K. Connell
Sale Price: $12.25 (normal $14.99)
Link: http://amzn.to/2iCMALI 

Title: The Dressmaker’s Secret
Author: Kellyn Roth
Sale Price: $8.99 w/free shipping (regular $12.99)
Link: https://goo.gl/forms/2wMtDHMRm5K6SYyQ2

Title: A Mighty Fortress
Author: Faith Blum
Price: $10 and free shipping
Link: www.faithblum.com/paperback-sale.html

Title: Be Thou My Vision
Author: Faith Blum
Price: $10 and free shipping
Link: www.faithblum.com/paperback-sale.html
Title: Amazing Grace
Author: Faith Blum
Price: $12 and free shipping
Link: www.faithblum.com/paperback-sale.html
 

Title: Lily of the Valley
Author: Faith Blum
Price: $15 and free shipping
Link: www.faithblum.com/paperback-sale.html
 

Title: The Solid Rock
Author: Faith Blum
Price: $14 and free shipping
Link: www.faithblum.com/paperback-sale.html
Title: Hymns of the West Series (5 books)
Author: Faith Blum
Price: $55 and free shipping
Link: www.faithblum.com/paperback-sale.html
Title: Savior, Like a Shepherd
Author: Faith Blum
Price: $10 and free shipping
Link: www.faithblum.com/paperback-sale.html
 
Title: All the Way My Savior Leads
Author: Faith Blum
Price: $10 and free shipping
Link: www.faithblum.com/paperback-sale.html
Title: He Hideth My Soul
Author: Faith Blum
Price: $10 and free shipping
Link: www.faithblum.com/paperback-sale.html
Title: Orphans of the West Series (3 books)
Author: Faith Blum
Price: $25 and free shipping
Link: www.faithblum.com/paperback-sale.html

The Proverbs Management Handbook | Book Review

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

Having recently begun reading through the Proverbs on a regular basis, and owning a few businesses, I was very eager to see what Mr. Guderian had to say.

There are a lot of verses referenced—I’d guesstimate that a good 1/3 of this book is quotes from Proverbs. I really like this aspect of the book; I always appreciate the use of God’s Word in books. I will mention that several different Bible translations were used. Though I prefer King James, reading books with various translations doesn’t usually bother me. This one kind of did, because he seemed to treat the translations as “this one represents what I want to say best, so we’ll use this one.” That seemed to be manipulating the use of God’s Word a little, too me, and some of the verses seemed to be stretched to fit into his agenda.


In some ways, sticking only to Proverbs limited the depth of this book. There are many other verses with valuable help on stewardship, financial wisdom, and giving, but because he stuck solely to Proverbs, these verses weren’t included.


The organizational structure didn’t really click with me. He had good things to say, but many times, it seemed a little stiff (e.g. a verse was quoted then a 1-2 sentence thought shared). And a few of the concepts were repeated throughout the book. Personally, I would have enjoyed it more in a different format, as the presentation itself hindered my flow in reading it.


However, this book did contain a lot of helpful nuggets with real-life examples and scenarios. I can see where it could help a lot of people in the business world—both as employers and employees.


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

Writing Day #2

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
It’s Writing Day at my house again! I’m hoping to be able to get some writing in. But before that, I had to do a little prep work. I try to do a simple assignment for my writing friends who meet up with me, and meanwhile, I share those assignments on Wordquill.
Today’s assignment is Exploring Three POVs, which you can view here.
I say it in the post, but I’ll repeat here: if you actually do the exercise, I would really like to hear your results! Either comment here or on Wordquill or email me directly at
 amandaterobooks(at)gmail(dom)com

Hopping in Briefly…

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
So, I completely skipped last week. But the week prior, I got all of my goals (plus!) accomplished. Last week, life got crazy and I didn’t write at all. This week is still going crazy, but I’m hoping for at least 1,000 words written. I would say some research reading as well, but that all depends.
Just a teeny, tiny post, in case you were wondering if I disappeared. Yes, I kind of have. 😉

Scripture Graphics #82

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Do we often think on why God saved us, why Jesus died for us? To view salvation merely as “fire insurance” is to prove our ignorance of God. Jesus died to redeem us, but added to that, He died for our sanctification.


Succour (boethes) – to aid or relieve
When someone has faced something and been victorious over it, that’s someone I want to help me. Jesus knows what temptation is like, and He is ready to help us be victorious over it.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)


How often do we truly apply this verse against ourselves? Do we really believe God’s Word is quick (alive) and powerful TO CHANGE US? Do we believe it will acutely divide between soul/spirit and joints/marrow? That it will discern the thoughts and intents of our heart? With this knowledge, do we then avoid it? Or do we lay open our hearts before this operation of God’s Word—realizing that when He is finished, we will be a cleaner, more useable vessel?


It is amazing to think on what Jesus, the Son of God, suffered. He suffered human limitations, weariness, and sorrow. From others, He suffered rejection, envy, and unbelief. And this does not even touch what He suffered on the cross. He is Creator God, Lord of the Universe, and He suffered—yet learned obedience. What audacity do we have that, when we suffer, we then blame God and act as though we deserve better than His Son did while on earth?

What verses about Jesus Christ help you today?

Sibley Postcards | Review

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When I saw these painted postcards come up for review, I was excited. Not only are postcards convenient to have on hand, having a variety of them is also fun. There are fifty postcards in this set, printed on sturdy paper. The backs of these postcards are blank, which gives enough room for a nice message and address–that is, if you want to send them, and not just keep them for collection/decoration. They are truly beautiful drawings, organized into five groups: waterfowl, woodpecker, wading birds, songbirds, and owls and raptors.
*I received this from Blogging for Books and happily provided my honest review*

Every Day With Jesus | Review

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments

I have enjoyed the adult devotional books by Charles Stanley, so when I saw this children’s daily devotional available, my interest was piqued.

The book is sturdy, colorful, and attractive. There is one short devotional per page that takes less than five minutes to read.

Each devotional begins with a verse, gives practical application, then ends with a one-sentence prayer and challenge for the day. The devotional covers topics such as trusting God, forgiving others, reading the Bible, believing God, doing the right thing, and more. It is written in a way that is very easy for children to understand.

Personally, I find the devotionals best suited for children 3-5. However, they could very easily be expounded on for children a little older, and lead the way to have good discussion about what various verses and commands mean.

The Scripture verses used are primarily from the International Children’s Bible, and I prefer to stick to the King James (yes, even for children). From the devotions I read, it would be easy to read the verse from my own Bible and the lesson still apply.

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

Scripture Graphics #81

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

Two practical ways of how to love our neighbor as ourselves (a command reiterated in the New Testament).


Paul had gone through countless trials and adversities, yet he had calm assurance and steadfast trust that, no matter what he went through, God would always be with him. Can we say the same? Or have we allowed circumstances to mar our trust in God?


Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God. And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you…And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine. (Leviticus 20:7-8, 26)


Anyone can make a profession, but a heart that truly *knows* God will lead their actions to match their profession. Looking at the Greek to define words—a true believer in Jesus Christ will live a life that does not deny (contradict) their profession. His works will not be abominable (detestable, idolatrous) or reprobate (unapproved, rejected worthless). Do our actions prove that we are a Christian, or do they contradict our profession?

What verses help you find comfort and assurance?

The Sea Before Us | First Line Friday, Book Review

Published on by Amanda Tero6 Comments
When I think of WWII fiction, the name Sarah Sundin comes to mind. I’ve only read a few of her books, but she has capture WWII perfectly. I am completely transported back in time!

First Line:
Wyatt Paxton never realized coming home 
could be so bittersweet as leaving.

My Review
Wyatt had me from page one. He was more of the quieter hero, the one who made terrible mistakes, was overly-protective… YET… he learned. He was a hero with flaws, but not without progress. He understood forgiveness, but still had to learn it on other levels. He understood the importance of God’s love more than human love. I totally liked Wyatt.
But this story was only half of him. The other half was Dorothy. She made me want to both knock sense into her and kindly point her in the right direction. Her character was very well done. She was naïve in some points, but believably so.
So when you combine two amazing characters like Wyatt and Dorothy into a story, you’ve got a pretty good start. And then, there was WWII. Sundin does such a fantastic job at capturing the inner workings of various groups in the WWII. I find that very intriguing.
The spiritual side of the story was very solid. Wyatt was a firm believer in Jesus Christ, and he honestly desired for others to follow Him too. In fact, I was impressed, because Wyatt yearned more for Dorothy to have a right relationship with God than for them to be together as a couple.
At the same time, there were a lot of kisses and romance was kind of a strong thread in the story. Unlike some of Sundin’s other books, there wasn’t detail on compromising moral situations. There was a rather shocking revelation of a side character, but it didn’t go into detail and was portrayed as the heartache that it was.
I’d recommend this for conservative readers above twenty.
*I received this book from Revell Books and happily provided my honest review*

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