Here’s another one of my {many} favorite hymns, Rock of Ages!
Sheet music available here.
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 Designs 06
It’s Monday! Think over the last week. Out of what you read in the Bible, what do you remember? What did you apply? A new week is before us! By God’s help, let us look into His Word to continue in it an be a faithful doer.
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22
Elijah was discouraged and 40 days away from his last evident work for God. Yet God took him from “here” to reveal that He was still God, He was in control, He still had a plan. What graciousness of God, to take us from “here” and still work in and around us! But we can’t stay stuck in the “here.” God used this place Elijah was to give him the next steps, and we see Elijah immediately obeying, which brought him out of the place in which he seemed stuck and discouraged.
Calling All Book Lovers!
In just a few short days (nine to be exact), I’m going to be having my first “blog party” here! Rebekah from Read Another Page is hosting “Five Fall Favorites,” where we’ll all be sharing our five favorites from several genres! This has been exciting to prepare for and I’m all geared up to go! 🙂 What’s more, we’ll be having some great giveaways — because, after all, part of the fun of books is to be able to share them! 🙂 So come back and join the fun!!
This Last Surrender | Book Review
I read this devotional book in one day, not 31 as intended. I think it would make a very nice daily devotional book, but it was a Sunday afternoon, and I had a few hours in which to read it. 🙂
There were many good reminders and spiritual truths in this book. It covers so much about daily life — plodding, staying faithful, following Christ, being grateful, praying, embracing Christ’s beauty, the list goes on. Some areas were not applicable to me as a single girl, because I obviously don’t have toddlers clinging to me or keeping me up at night, but I know a lot of young mothers who would identify very strongly with Mrs. Neal’s words and the lessons she’s learned.
I’m not very poetic, so sometimes the poetic flow of wording slowed me down. In some cases, different formatting might would have made it a little easier to read. But still, the truths presented resounded with lessons I’ve learned from the Bible and I appreciated this little book.
Some quotes I liked:
“None of these things are ‘wrong’ in and of themselves, but sometimes we can make them into idols when they become a necessity to us –when we don’t think that we can live without them, that we can’t go on living without them.”
“I want my body back… Or my career back… Or my freedom back… Or my time back. But it isn’t mine–Sometimes I forget that.”
“Because when every support is taken away, we either fall utterly, or we fall on Jesus.”
“Beauty is born from the womb of discipline.”
“If we were never overwhelmed, how would we learn to rely upon Him?”
About the Book
Are you weary in spirit – looking for deep rest?
Are you thirsty in your soul – needing living water?
Do you long for a word of encouragement, helping you to persevere through the seeming monotony of motherhood, the press of modern culture, and the difficulties of the Christian life?
Savor This Last Surrender, a 31-day devotional adapted from some of the most beloved posts from Rebekah Neal’s blog “Ready to be Offered.” Here, you’ll discover a respite – not an escape; a time of refreshment rather than of distraction; and an opportunity to surrender daily everything – heart, soul, mind, and body – to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
You’ll find each day’s selection includes nourishing quotes from past Christians who have walked the narrow way before us, as well as a heart-softening, soul-enriching selection from Rebekah. Ranging from, “Why It’s Not About Losing the Last Ten Pounds,” to “Is He Enough?”, Rebekah handles topics close to almost every woman’s heart with unswerving Scriptural faithfulness and love.
Every daily reading includes questions for prayer, journaling, or small-group discussion.
Are you thirsty in your soul – needing living water?
Do you long for a word of encouragement, helping you to persevere through the seeming monotony of motherhood, the press of modern culture, and the difficulties of the Christian life?
Savor This Last Surrender, a 31-day devotional adapted from some of the most beloved posts from Rebekah Neal’s blog “Ready to be Offered.” Here, you’ll discover a respite – not an escape; a time of refreshment rather than of distraction; and an opportunity to surrender daily everything – heart, soul, mind, and body – to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
You’ll find each day’s selection includes nourishing quotes from past Christians who have walked the narrow way before us, as well as a heart-softening, soul-enriching selection from Rebekah. Ranging from, “Why It’s Not About Losing the Last Ten Pounds,” to “Is He Enough?”, Rebekah handles topics close to almost every woman’s heart with unswerving Scriptural faithfulness and love.
Every daily reading includes questions for prayer, journaling, or small-group discussion.
Buy on Amazon
Waiting for the Flowers
It happens almost every time. I write a book, and then wham! The Lord uses the very words *I* wrote to speak to me — at a much-needed time! I find it amusingly awesome. 🙂
For Befriending the Beast, the theme is one of hope, trust, and waiting. As I was editing it, I realized one scene that held a message that I needed.
~*~*~
“Did these roses bloom as soon as you and your mother planted them?” Percy’s voice was next to Belle. Without looking, she knew that he knelt beside her. “Or were you that impatient little girl, dragging her mama here every morn to search for buds?”
The tears finally emerged. Percy had watched her grow up. Of course he remembered those days of impatience.
“Did you stop watering and nurturing the rosebushes just because you didn’t see flowers?”
Belle shook her head and gave up on pretending to weed.
“Nay. Just like it takes time with flowers, it takes time for the Spirit’s work. And you cannot give up ‘watering and nurturing’ because things aren’t happening as quickly as you’d like them to.”
~*~*~*~
Wherever the Lord has you today, keep trusting in Him, waiting for Him, and following Him!
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Galatians 6:9
Waiting for the Flowers
It happens almost every time. I write a book, and then wham! The Lord uses the very words *I* wrote to speak to me — at a much-needed time! I find it amusingly awesome. 🙂
For Befriending the Beast, the theme is one of hope, trust, and waiting. As I was editing it, I realized one scene that held a message that I needed.
~*~*~
“Did these roses bloom as soon as you and your mother planted them?” Percy’s voice was next to Belle. Without looking, she knew that he knelt beside her. “Or were you that impatient little girl, dragging her mama here every morn to search for buds?”
The tears finally emerged. Percy had watched her grow up. Of course he remembered those days of impatience.
“Did you stop watering and nurturing the rosebushes just because you didn’t see flowers?”
Belle shook her head and gave up on pretending to weed.
“Nay. Just like it takes time with flowers, it takes time for the Spirit’s work. And you cannot give up ‘watering and nurturing’ because things aren’t happening as quickly as you’d like them to.”
Wherever the Lord has you today, keep trusting in Him, waiting for Him, and following Him!
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Galatians 6:9
Praying for Authors
When I was younger, I remember looking up to the authors that I knew of. It really didn’t matter what genre they wrote, they were impressive.
Then, I became an author. I began talking with others authors. And I realized just how… well, human… authors are. Take any author, and you’ll find that they live a similar life to you. Very few authors “just sit and write.” They may be wives, mothers, husbands, fathers, brothers, sisters, or single. Most of them have other jobs or ministries, they all have relationship issues (good and bad), daily struggles, heartache, joys, and delights. It’s just that they add to this, by also being an author.The more I dove into the writing field, the more I realized how much I appreciate people praying for me as an author. Authors have a huge responsibility. When we write, we are shaping others’ ideas — for good or for bad. If we are a Christian author, then we are handling God’s Word — and must portray it in unadulterated truth. And, like I indicated earlier, we have people who look up to us. Complete strangers will contact us, not only to let us know they appreciate our work (or find fault with it — let’s be honest 😉 ), they will write us to ask for advice and prayers.
Do you think authors needs wisdom? You bet!
Considering all of the above, I started a prayer list for authors. Many of these authors, I personally know. Some of them, I don’t know, yet admire. Whether “big or small” (e.g. sellers of 1,000,000 copies or 10), authors need prayers. Temptations are real. Struggles are real. Discouragement is real. And the opportunity to be a strong light for Jesus is real. The best gift you can give to an author is your dedicated prayers.
Here is a sample of my prayer list for authors:
What would you add to that prayer list? How do authors need prayers?
Quilts and Heirlooms
Last week I needed to take some pictures for an upcoming project, so I dragged out Mama’s quilts. I really love Mama’s quilts (note: the plaid one is the only one she didn’t make). And one by one, she’ll be passing these along to each of her children (at least, that is the goal; she might have to hurry as she has twelve children…).
Here are my current two personal favorites. 🙂 🙂 I’d say I have “dibs on the green one,” but one of my sisters has mentioned that she really likes it. And, as she has a guy in her life and I don’t yet, she just might get it. 😉
What heirlooms do you have around your home?
Two Civil War Books
I am quickly becoming a Civil War nerd. I mean, after all, I am writing a book that era, so why not buy books and find fun collection items? 😉 My reviews for both of these books are short, but that’s because there really was so much information to process from them. I took steady notes the whole time I read them both (plus got some great story ideas…). They were both worth the read to me.
The 18th Missouri
It took me a few months to read this, just because I’m a slow reader when it comes to processing information and taking notes. But I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the 18th Missouri regiment! It covered more of an overview of the regiment, but occasionally honed in to different soldiers or officers. Starting at the very beginning of the regiment’s formation, the book satisfactorily ended with an epilogue of sorts with a brief overview of various soldiers’ lives after the war(’til death).
Being a war book, there are definitely some gruesome tales as well as men taking God’s Name in vain. I didn’t notice many curse words (I was expecting more in a secular war book).
About the Book
Gives a history of the Union 18th Missouri Infantry from its formation in July 1861 to its muster-out in July 1865. The book uses first hand accounts such as letters and diaries.
Buy the Book on Amazon
Civil War Journal of a Union Soldier
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! If you want an inside-look at a soldier’s life during the Civil War, this is it. From the rations to weather to casualties, a very thorough review of daily life was covered.
This book is invaluable to me as an author and I will definitely reference back to it.
About the Book
Harmon Camburn signed up for duty as a Union soldier two weeks after the first shots were fired in the Civil War. He served for the next three years, fighting in both Battles of Bull Run and other skirmishes of the War Between the States. His tour of duty ended with a shot through his lung and capture by Confederate soldiers. Fortunately, he survived his wounds and wrote about his time in the Union army. His great granddaughter, P.C. Zick, presents this journal along with additional annotations about the war in general. The journal weaves a tragic and compelling tapestry of war from the view at its center. Mr. Camburn’s sardonic and realistic view of war is worth remembering.
From the day of his enlistment in the Army in April 1861 in Adrian, Michigan, to his final days in the service of the army near Knoxville, Tennessee, the journal provides insight into the minutiae of a soldier’s life, from what they ate to the somewhat unorthodox method of obtaining food. It shows the horror of the battlefield to the joys of simply having the sun shine after days of rain.
Here is a personal account of war and all its sundry causes and effects from the eyes of a man who fought it.
Buy the Book on Amazon
Tracie Peterson | Author Interview
Today, bestselling author Tracie Peterson has taken some time out of her writing day and answered some questions.
How have you been able to write so many books? Is writing your full-time career? What does a normal writing day look like to you?
Writing is a full-time job for me as well as my ministry. Years ago when I first got started, I knew that I wanted to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Bible application in each book to offer encouragement to the reader. I also wanted to entertain the reader, as well as educate them. I call it my 3E’s – Entertain – Educate – Encourage. I believe God has given me the creativity and imagination to come up with the various book ideas. Most writers would agree that stories are everywhere around us—you just have to open your eyes and see them. A normal writing day? There’s no such thing. 🙂 I try to start each day with prayer and Bible although that doesn’t always happen and sometimes it comes in the middle or latter part of the day. I try to write a chapter each day – that’s my overall goal when I’m actually writing the book. Usually I have several books going on at once so while I’m writing one, I’m usually researching another, plotting out a third and sometimes reading galleys for a fourth.
When you get a new idea, what usually comes first (spiritual theme, plot, characters, setting, back story, other)?
It just depends on the story – honestly. Some books were born out of settings like Alaska or events like discovering Yogo sapphires. Others came to me via my impression of a strong character in a difficult situation. It always various with each book.
What is the easiest part of writing for you?
Writing the book. The writing is the easiest for me and the most satisfying.
What is the hardest?
Again it really depends on the book or series. Sometimes the research is hard to get my hands on. Other times the characters are difficult to get my mind around. Sometimes plotting out the story gives me a hard time. It really just depends on the story.
Out of the many books you have written, does any book, theme, or series stand out to you as a favorite — or one that holds a special place in your heart? They’re all really precious to me, because I know they were given to me by God. One that comes immediately to mind was a book called The Long Awaited Child. I think of this one in particular because of a letter I just received from a reader. The book is about a woman who is struggling with infertility and longs for a child of her own. I’ve never had that problem myself, but I felt led to write about it after hearing the sorrow of others who did. The letter written by this reader left me no doubt that God’s hand orchestrated the story because she said, “I know you must have suffered this heartache like me, because you wrote so clearly about the deep emotional longings and daily problems I faced.”
Do you find your real life reflected on the pages of your novels?
Occasionally. Authors can’t help but put a part of themselves into their characters and conflicts. What’s fun for me is when I think a character is going to respond to a situation in the way I would, but by the time I write the story I can see that a character of this particular nature would never respond that way. It’s fun when characters take over the book.
What are three non-writing things you enjoy doing? I’m not sure anything about me is non-writing. However, here are some things I enjoy.
Spinning wool. I just recently took this up so that I would know how my book character felt about spinning and what all was involved. I find it really relaxing and a lot of fun.
I also enjoy what my mom and I call, “porch time”. I have a large porch that wraps ½ of my house. I love to sit out there with my mountain view and read.
Long drives. We live in such a beautiful place and long drives are extremely satisfying as we enjoy the beauty around us. It really gives me a special time to praise God for all He’s given.
When did you realize that writing was your ministry? Was it easy for you to accept this calling, or did you have some struggles?
I always knew I was going to do some sort of ministry for God. Even when I was very young I began to seek this out. I thought for a long time I might be a missionary nurse or doctor as I had an interest in medicine. I always loved writing, but wasn’t really sure how I could use that for God’s glory. When He showed me how, I have to admit I was elated and that joy carries on. I get to do something I love, travel, meet interesting folks, minister about God’s love and give it all to His glory, plus get paid. What more could anyone ask for?
What is the #1 tip you’d give an aspiring writer?
Go to conferences. In this day and age of traditional publishing and even self-publishing, I believe the writer conferences are the best bang for your buck. Many editors and agents attend these conferences along with other authors and almost every conference I’ve ever participated in offered the attendee a fifteen-minute one-on-one appointment with editors and agents. This is a valuable opportunity to present yourself and what you write and while it seldom will net you a contract on the spot, it will often get you past the door in a far more personal way than just sending in a proposal. Added to that are all the great workshops and speakers. It can be expensive, but is definitely going to benefit the career of any aspiring writer.Second, I encourage writers to read. Someone once said good writers are good readers. I believe that to be true. I have encouraged new authors to read best-sellers as well as books that aren’t best-sellers. I tell them to read the book once for pleasure and then go back through it and tear it apart. Figure out why you think worked and didn’t work for the book. Write out the details of the characters – what they look like, what they do, what they’re afraid of, what their goals are. Write out details about the settings, etc. An aspiring writer can really teach themselves how to create better plots, characters and settings by doing this simple exercise.
Thank you so much!! I love reading about how writing is your ministry! What a blessing to have the focus of God first. I have enjoyed reading your books and look forward to what God allows you to write next!
About Tracie
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.
Visit Tracie’s web site at: http://www.traciepeterson.com
Amanda Tero Books 