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.

Biblically Speaking – These Seven Things: A Heart of Wicked Imagination

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Part 14 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.
Recap:
Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God’s Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word “abomination,” but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?
These Seven Things
Proverbs 6:16-19 – These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

If ever there was a clear list given in God’s Word for abominations in His eyes, Proverbs 6:16-19 holds the key. It is distinct and unarguable. Above that, sadly, this list can be found in many believers’ lives.

– A Heart of Wicked Imaginations
“Deviseth – OT:2790 charash (khaw-rash’); a primitive root; to scratch, i.e. (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad sense); hence (from the idea of secrecy) to be silent, to let alone; hence (by implication) to be deaf (as an accompaniment of dumbness):”
“Wicked – OT:205 ‘aven (aw-ven’); from an unused root perhaps meaning properly, to pant (hence, to exert oneself, usually in vain; to come to naught); strictly nothingness; also trouble. vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol:”
“Imaginations – OT:4284  machashabah (makh-ash-aw-baw’); or machashebeth (makh-ash-eh’-beth); from OT:2803; a contrivance, i.e. (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice):”
Psalm 94:11 reminds us, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity. God finds abominable not just the man who enactson his wicked thoughts, but the man who thinkswicked thoughts. Many times, it is easy to justify self because “I didn’t do anything about it — just thought it.” However, if the thought can be categorized as “wicked imaginations,” it is abomination in God’s eyes.
Proverbs 15:26 – The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.

The believer who is struggling in this area would do well to consider Proverbs 16:3 – Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.

Susannah, Don’t You Cry | Book Review and Giveaway!

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By Zachary McIntire

About the Book
“I’ll never forgive him – never!”

Chuck Kincaid made a vow of hate the day his father walked out, and he still keeps it ten years later. His sister’s bad choices, his mother’s drug addiction – he knows who to blame for all of it.

But when Susanna and Kelly get their lives turned around by Jesus, Chuck doesn’t know what to think. And why is the rich stranger with the scarred face so interested in being his benefactor?

Failure and restoration. Hate and forgiveness. What is broken can be put back together, one small piece at a time.

(This book is recommended for ages 12 and up due to themes such as divorce and drug addiction.)

My Review
“…they had been like three strangers living in the same house, each engrossed in their own bitterness, fears, and heartaches.”

Starting with Ross’ decision to leave his home, “Susanna, Don’t You Cry” follows the life of all four family members affected: dad, mom, brother, and sister.

Most of the plot was predictable once chapter three rolled around, and it was one of those reads that didn’t shower me with uncomfortable situations. Rather, it follows the journey of this family as they are introduced to Christ–and their choices as to whether to accept or reject Him.

It was very fast-paced without a dull moment. I personally enjoyed reading about Ross’ life best, but every time the camera panned to another character, I found myself eager to hear the progression of their life. At the same time, I found the characters a little hard to engage with–their emotions didn’t quite feel real and things sometimes felt stated rather than shown. But I enjoyed the read and appreciate the strong, Christian message (though, now that I’m thinking about it, I can’t recall much Scripture used…pet peeve).

Younger readers probably shouldn’t read this book. Though no immoral scenes are portrayed, some of the characters are involved in drugs and suicidal thoughts. However, I found this to be more “mentioned in passing” rather than diving into the sins they were committing (which I appreciate).

Some favorite quotes:

“The goodness of God.” Ross repeated the phrase flatly. “Is that what you call this rat race?” 
“No,” Jacob mused, leaning on his mop handle. “I think that’s called ‘life.’ But God’s goodness is what makes the rat race bearable. Everywhere I look, I see it.”

“Every problem is an opportunity: it’s a chance to trust God through it, and let Him be glorified.”

*I received this book in exchange of my honest review*


About the Author

Zachary McIntire is a homeschool graduate, entrepreneur, and history lover. He lives in the Missouri Ozarks, where, in between business and ministry activities, he occasionally finds time to write.



Giveaway


Word Wednesday #92

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But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. 
Malachi 4:2

Our duty: to be faithful to fear
The promise: Christ will heal and bless
We are just to be faithful to God and obey Him.
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Share a verse that God has given you today or copy the button if you’d like to join in Word Wednesdays with your blog! Did you post on your blog? I’d love to see — share your link in a comment!

 
 

Biblically Speaking – These Seven Things: Hands That Shed Innocent Blood

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Part 13 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.
Recap:
Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God’s Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word “abomination,” but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?
These Seven Things
Proverbs 6:16-19 – These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

If ever there was a clear list given in God’s Word for abominations in His eyes, Proverbs 6:16-19 holds the key. It is distinct and unarguable. Above that, sadly, this list can be found in many believers’ lives.
– Hands that Shed Innocent Blood
This is what the Bible says it is, and no clearer definition is given by the Hebrew translation. Many minds, I imagine, go to “those days” when men would fight against men, killing them for no reason. And we do see this today. The Holocaust is an example. Serial killers is an example. But what about abortion? Every time a baby is aborted, their innocent blood is shed. God will not hold this guiltless.

Psalm 10:8 – He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor.

Beyond the Silence | Book Review

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About the Book

The Shadows Over This Olive Grove Hide More Than Just the Truth

Lillian Porter has always wanted to fulfill her mother’s dream of going west, so when she hears about a nanny position in Angels Camp, California, she defies her grandfather and takes a chance on a new future. But she quickly wonders if she made the right choice. Murky rumors swirl around Woodward Colton, her new employer, but the gossip doesn’t match the man Lillian comes to know.

Still, something dark did happen in the family’s past. Lillian’s seven-year-old charge hasn’t spoken in over a year. Gently, Lillian tries to coax him out of his shell, hoping he’ll one day feel safe enough to share what scared him. But the Colton olive farm is no longer a safe place. Lillian encounters suspicious characters on their land and mysterious damage done to the farm. When the housekeeper is brutally attacked, the town once again suspects the worst. Will discovering the truth help Lillian clear the name of the man she has come to love–or will it endanger her even more?

My Review

I wasn’t so sure what I would think of “Beyond the Silence” when I first got into it. After all, Lillian left her grandfather’s home against his wishes. That little part, I’m still not sure about. But beyond that, wow! I laughed out loud for several parts in the book and, if I were the crying type, it would have made me cry too.

Woody is a man ostracized by his town because of rumors that he murdered his wife. Lillian is the nanny who felt God leading her to California to help a little boy who hadn’t spoken since his mother’s death. Jimmy is the boy who witnessed his mother’s murder. And Darwin is the murderer–on the loose because everyone blamed Woody. All were believable characters whose lives I could easily envision. Plus there were Carla (who made me laugh in the first chapter–I could have seen more of Carla in the book), Mrs. Goodman (Woody’s housekeeper and grandmotherly woman), and Harry. Oh Harry. I loved that character! But I’ll let you meet him on your own.

I found the “Christian” part of the book to be solid and strong. The characters openly prayed to God, fell into faults, made things right, and were portrayed as genuine Christians. There was also a very open message about gossip and tale-bearing and the ways it can ruin a person.

There was a lot about this book I liked. I liked the Western feel (yes, even the brutal wickedness of Darwin–only because it was realistic), the family feel, that the romance was NOT ultra “feely emotional,0 and I liked Harry. (Or did I mention that already?) Having not read a book by Tracie Peterson (and Kimberly Woodhouse) before, I was happily pleased.

Younger readers probably won’t want to read this because of murders, scare tactics, and cruelty. Like I said, there was also some romance, but it was mainly towards the end and no scene more than kissing referred to.

*I received this book for my honest review from Bethany House Publishers*

About the Authors
Tracie Peterson


Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. 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. Learn more at www.traciepeterson.com.


Kimberley Woodhouse


Kimberley Woodhouse is a multipublished author of fiction and nonfiction. A popular speaker/teacher, she’s shared her theme of Joy Through Trials with over 150,000 people at more than a thousand venues across the country. She lives, writes, and homeschools with her husband of twenty-plus years and their two awesome teens live in Colorado. Connect with Kim at www.kimberleywoodhouse.com.

Word Wednesday #91

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Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. 
Zechariah 4:6
We like to ask God for more of His might and power…but when have we asked Him for more of His Spirit?
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Share a verse that God has given you today or copy the button if you’d like to join in Word Wednesdays with your blog! Did you post on your blog? I’d love to see — share your link in a comment!

 
 

Biblically Speaking – These Seven Things: A Lying Tongue

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
Part 12 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.
Recap:
Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God’s Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word “abomination,” but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?
These Seven Things
Proverbs 6:16-19 – These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

If ever there was a clear list given in God’s Word for abominations in His eyes, Proverbs 6:16-19 holds the key. It is distinct and unarguable. Above that, sadly, this list can be found in many believers’ lives.

– A Lying Tongue
– A False Witness
The same root word is used for both of these: “Lying – an untruth, by implication, a sham (often adverbial):”
A lying tongue is not only mentioned in the “seven abominations” but also in Proverbs 12:22, Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.
Proverbs 19:5 – A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
God despises liars and false witnesses so much that He demands punishment. He doesn’t sway for the “little white lies” but holds His judgment against any untruth.

Why I Write Book Reviews

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments
Almost every time I write a book review, I think of the reasons that I write them. I have friends who review every book they read, and other friends who read without ever leaving a public review. Should you review books or not? I can’t answer the question for you, but here’s a couple of quite reasons why I write book reviews (as opposed to just slapping a “five stars” or “four stars” on it).

As a reader:

I want to know if there’s anything “ugly” in a book by someone else’s experience and not stumbling across it on my own (“Wha? They used THAT word?!” or “This is getting too graphic! Is this a Christian book even?!”). I confess: when I look up book reviews, I read the lowest star ratings. Were they just opinionated, picky readers? Or was there a real issue to be frowned upon in the book (immorality, cussing)? There have been many times that I’ve avoided books because someone I trusted put something in their review that warned me (thanks, Goodreads, for connecting us friend-readers easily!). I do not have time to read a hundred books a year, so I’d prefer spending my time reading a book that I know is worthwhile.
Because I, as a reader, appreciate these reviews, I know there are other people out there who also appreciate such reviews. This is one of the main reasons I write more than, “Good book. I enjoyed it.” or “Eh…just wasn’t my favorite.” I’m sorry, but those reviews don’t help me much so I’m not going to throw them at someone else.
As an author:
I now know first-hand what a blessing it is to have someone take the time to write a review as opposed to clicking “five stars” or “four stars.” To hear how my story blessed someone, in turn blesses me. At the same time, I greatly appreciate those readers who have given honest, less-than-five-star reviews. Constructive criticism helps me to know where to grow in my writing, and I know that not everyone will love what I write.
Because I, as an author, appreciate these reviews, these are the reviews I tend to write. Yes, I realize that there is a live, flesh-and-blood author behind every book that I review. Yes, I have given a few books 3-or-less stars (I think there’s only one book I’ve rated very low, based on moral content), but it is never my intent to bash the writer in doing so. Instead, I hope that the author will view it as something helpful.
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There are many more reasons to write reviews–like I said, those are just two. 
What about you? Do you write reviews? If so, why do you write them?

Are you on Goodreads? Connect with methere!

Word Wednesday #90

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Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction. 
Habakkuk 1:12
A reminder of Who God is, and how He is at work in every aspect of life. Things do not accidentally slip by His notice, but He allows things to happen for our judgment and correction.
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Share a verse that God has given you today or copy the button if you’d like to join in Word Wednesdays with your blog! Did you post on your blog? I’d love to see — share your link in a comment!