My 2012 Theme

Being that you haven't heard from me since before the new year began, I'll have to fill you in on the theme I've designated for myself this year (although I'm positive the Lord had much to do with it). It's going to be DISCIPLINE. That's spiritual discipline I'm talking about. It really began in the fall of last year because of a Bible study I've been going through at church, but I'm finding myself going full force this month as I've begun implementing new habits (and a few old habits that I'd gotten lazy about) into my daily routine that help me spend a lot more time in the Bible throughout the day.

I am so excited about the changes the Lord is making in my heart and my mind because I'm choosing to fill my day with His Word. Today I was thinking it over while I pushed my shopping cart through the grocery store. I realized it feels like I got saved all over again. Now, don't get me wrong. Christians are only born again one time. It's just that there's this fervor that has returned, which I haven't had in quite some time. So I guess what I'm experiencing is revival.

If you had asked me a month ago if I thought I needed to be spiritually revived, I would've told you "no". You see, I have daily devotions. I memorize scripture. I'm faithful at attending church. I pray. I even speak passionately about God's Word and righteous living. Still, I can tell you after looking back, I know there was something missing. I've needed more. I've simply needed to take in more of the Word and meditate on it more, and I've needed a bit of heart stirring, as well. I'm praying that the Holy Spirit will keep fanning that flame.

So if you see a girl out there carrying a big banner over her head that says Got Discipline?, it'll be me. And forgive me if I talk too loudly. I'm like my father in that respect. I get louder when I'm excited.

Book Review: Wonderland Creek

Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin

In this somewhat humorous story we meet Alice Grace Ripley, a young lady who always has her nose in a book and her head in the clouds. After losing her boyfriend and her job, she decides a little time away from home might do her good.

Since she'd been collecting some books for a small, needy library in Kentucky, she thought it might be nice to deliver them in person. Upon arriving at the library to help out for a couple weeks, she finds herself smack dab in the middle of a backwoods, mining community full of distrusting people and plenty of secrets. Alice quickly learns that there is more to life than what she's been living.

I love just about anything written by Lynn Austin, and she didn't disappoint me in Wonderland Creek. If you're an Austin fan, you should enjoy this one. I love her characters because sometimes they're sassy and make me laugh, and I can feel what they're feeling.

The story grabbed me from the very beginning. It had humor, mystery, nutty people, suspense, and books. What's not to love about this book? I'm rating it 5 stars and highly recommend it!

Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a free copy for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: House of Secrets

House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson

Have you ever kept a heavy secret (or maybe several) from a loved one simply because you believed you were protecting them for their own good? What happened when the truth came out? Did it feel like your whole reality was coming apart at the seams? Is there healing for someone with such painful wounds?

House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson is just such a story. It is a page-turner and a heart-breaker. As I started the book I was immediately pressed to keep reading because I wanted to know the family's secrets. What could be so terrible about these sisters' pasts? Why didn't they want to return to their family's summer home of 15 years ago?

This is a story about family, forgiveness, and victims becoming victors over their past. I give it 4 stars and highly recommend it.

I appreciate Bethany House Publishers providing me with a copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

 Read the first chapter....

Book Review: His Steadfast Love by Golden Keyes Parsons

His Steadfast Love by Golden Keyes Parsons
4 of 5 stars

I was drawn to this book first of all for the setting. It takes place in the south during the Civil War. I also was intrigued by the plot. Amanda Belle, a young southern woman, is caught between her love and loyalty to her brother, a Confederate soldier, and a developing interest in Captain Littlefield, a Union officer.

As both men go off to war, Amanda struggles at home with her father and young sisters, waiting for the day this bloody war will be over and their brother returns to them. Her father is a pastor, and although she has been a woman of faith, she's uncertain that God is hearing her prayers anymore as the Civil War rages on.

I loved the characters in the story, the plot, and the interaction between the Belle family and their slaves. I could feel for Amanda's plight as her heart was torn between honoring her father and brother and following her desire to remain in communication with Captain Littlefield.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories set in the Civil War period. This is my first reading of anything by Golden Keyes Parsons, but I plan to read more of her books in the future.

I received a review copy in e-book form from Booksneeze.com. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Buckle Up!

So yesterday I was driving to work. I was listening to my new favorite song and singing along. All of a sudden I felt a THUD, as if I had run over something. I was sure I hadn't seen anything in the road, so I couldn't understand why it sounded as if I had run over something.

I slowed down and looked in my rear view mirror, and much to my horror, I saw a cat darting across the street. It didn't look injured, but I must have hit it. There was nothing else in the road behind me, except the cat.

It made me gasp and clasp my hand over my mouth in unbelief. Where did the kitty come from?!? I love cats. I've owned five. I cannot believe I hit one, but I never saw it. He must've been a fast runner to get under my van and back out without major harm. As I said, it ran off and didn't appear injured. I'm hoping it simply got off with a scrape.

It's an obstacle course out there on the roads these days. Between the few dreaded intersections near my home and cats running out from nowhere, it's a wonder I can venture out there.

Buckle up, people. It's dicey out there.