Enchanted Excurse

I had the blessing to receive Sacred Holidays He Is: The Attributes of God study Advent. I am so excited I believe it starts on the 28th of November, but it is okay if you start a little late. They have an advent study for women, girls, men, families, etc, and the bundles are 10% off at the moment! What is wonderful about his study is that whenever you purchase one, 10% of the profits go to provide studies to women in Prisons. Which it is amazing just to get the word out to people who need to hear and study the gospel.

I will try my best to post throughout the advent my experience as I go through the study myself. If y'all have been paying attention to my Instagram/Facebook/Twitter,  I have been posting where you can get a peek at what the study will look like on the inside. I am ready to dig into this study so I can get myself back into the Bible better than I have ever been. It is really hard for me to stick to certain things, for certain reasons. Here is a LINK so you can too go look and purchase which study you want to grab. It's never too late to purchase one, even if you start a little late in the study. Have a Blessed Day!

Hello there Loverlies! I have not slacked on Instagram, I have just slacked on posting my photos on here. Sorry! Hope you enjoy this catch up. I will also leave you with an interesting picture of me at the bottom. lol Have a Blessed Day!

Day 19 - A Struggle:

Day 20 - Nature:

Day 21 - How You Study Scripture:

Day 22 - Favorite Psalms:

Day 23 - Book:

And for the final picture, this is for fun! I was on skype with my Gaybies the other night and one of them that I call Jayla said he would make my picture I sent in viber pertty. I think he did a wonderful job. what do y'all think?

You're Welcome.

Disclosure: I received Fervent: A Woman's Battle Plan for Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer by Priscilla Shirer complimentary from B&H. Provided I give an honest review.

Hello Loverlies! Has anyone seen The War room yet? Sadly, I have not yet to see it. But I will make sure to see it when it comes out on dvd, which I hear it should be in December sometime. I did get the chance to read Fervent: A woman's Battle Plan for Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer by Priscilla Shirer. What did I think about it? I loved it. It is definitely a reread, reuse type of book.

Shirer explains there are 10 different prayer strategies, and then goes into explaining deeper about each strategy in each chapter. Which I think is great if you are wanting to delve deeper into praying. (This book goes along great with the movie I am told.) I will agree she does write these strategies of prayer like we are in war. In which, we are in war with the enemy of God. I need to get my praying combat boots on and pray better, longer, and harder. She sure hit me in some hard spots of prayer I need to deal with. 

 Here are the Prayer Strategies the author talks about: 

 Strategy 1: Your Passion 

Strategy 2: Your Focus  

Strategy 3: Your Identity 

Strategy 4: Your Family 

Strategy 5: Your Past 

Strategy 6: Your Fears  

Strategy 7: Your Purity  

Strategy 8: Your Pressures 

Strategy  9: Your Hurts 

Strategy 10: Your Relationships 

I think this is a wonderful book and I am sure I will reuse and reread it. In the back of this book there is a section where you can write down notes. There are also perforated prayer papers you can tear our and write out your own prayers on to them. What I did is I hung up a cute little bulletin board in my closet and thumbnailed some of my prayers to it already. If you are wanting to up your praying to a war level skill, get this book. You will be glad you did. You can purchase your copy HERE. Have a Blessed Day!

Hello Loverlies! It is Day 4 in the LampAndLight photo challenge. It feels like the month is already gonna go by fast! AHHHH!! I haven't even gone Christmas shopping yet! Hope y'all have been having a loverly November so far. Excuse the tablecloth in the picture. Hopefully someday I can get a new dining table that fits better with our dinging room. I also want to get one of those burlap table runners, because they go with anything! I just have to be patient. I am thankful I do have enough room to do my bible study in my dining room. (That's if the cats don't want to lay on my papers) lol Have a Blessed Day! 

Day 4 - Your Bible Study Spot:

Hello Loverlies! Today is day 3 of the photo challenge I am doing. If you would like to go to THIS LINK, where I share who started this LampAndLight Instagram photo challenge. I chose this mug because it shows the word I chose for this year, FAITH. I think I am doing better at putting my worries and struggles in the Lord's hand. Compared to how I used to be, I am doing better. I could do more though. I'm praying that in every situation that I go through, that God reminds me this five letter word Faith. Hopefully I can train my mind that way. I may have to make next year's word the same. It is hard to get to the perfect spot, but nothing is perfect. We shall see. Hope you enjoy my Mug Shot! Have a Blessed Day! 

 Day 3 Challenge - Mug Shot:

Hello Loverlies! I decided to join a challenge I found on Instagram on KristinSchmucker's page. It is the #Lampandlight photo challenge. I thought I would also post the pictures for the challenge on my blog for y'all to see. (You know some of y'all that haven't followed me on Instagram yet.) ;) I will try my hardest to complete this challenge. It is very hard for me to just stick with challenges sadly. If you haven't noticed in the past. lol But this one I must stay consistent with. 

Today's challenge is Your Bible:

Disclosure: I received God Breathed: The Undeniable Power and Reliability of Scripture by Josh McDowell complimentary from Family Christian. Provided I give an honest review. 

I found reading God Breathed to be quite interesting. The author first explains how he didn't believe the Bible was historically reliable, and states how he was on a journey to find proof it wasn't. But during his research he came to know and believe in God. I think that is amazing how God can work in our lives like that. This research McDowell started made him want to find more of the actual documents of the Bible. He wanted to share with the world what he discovered. 

God Breathed is great for those of you who enjoy reading about the history of the Bible. McDowell has a lot of facts about the different languages it was written in and also why God used so many different authors for the Bible. The cover of this book is simple but pretty. It is one of the reasons I wanted to read it. I do believe I would have enjoyed it more, if I knew it had a study guide to go along with it. Whenever I decide to read it again, I will have to purchase the study guide to read with it. Sometimes it helps me learn better and stay more focused. Here is a LINK to where you can purchase this book for yourself. Have a Blessed Day! 

Synopsis From Goodreads: 

 "God said, ‘Let there be. . .’ ” And when God spoke, things happened. Recapture the awe, the mystery, the passion and power of scripture in God-Breathed—where you’ll personally experience a life transformed by the One who spoke everything into existence, including you.

Disclosure: I received  A Friend In Me: How to Be a Safe Haven for Other Women by Pamela Havey Lau complimentary from Litfuse. Provided I give an honest review. 

Hello there Loverlies! Has anyone ever had a mentor growing up, or even a mentor now? I have never fully felt I have ever had a mentor. You know, woman (or man if you are male) that is older than you, whom you feel you can call anytime for anything? Someone who has been through life struggles that are similar or the same of what you are going through at the moment. I have always truly wanted that christian woman in my life as a friend/mentor. There are a lot of things I have questions about with life/bible/etc, and it would be nice to talk with someone who has experience.

What I am explaining is the subject of the recent book I have read called A Friend In Me by Pamela Havey Lau. It is a great book for anyone to read. She talks about how we should all have an older friend who can be our mentor to helps us through certain struggles in life. Yes, we have God who helps us, but he also want's us to come together and help each other. Life can be extremely hard without friends. Lau wonderfully explains in her book about how we should also be friends/mentors for people younger then our own age. She describes how we should go about talking and listening to them in those certain areas they are having issues with. Which is great to learn about! I hope to be able to have that christian mentor I can talk to about anything soon. Because I would love to learn from them, so I can soon help someone who is younger then me with whatever they are dealing with. A lot of times we all go through similar issues, so why not help each other out? I believe that this is a start at making the world better. Giving people encouragement, wisdom, and prayers, will help us all. If this sounds like something y'all are interested in reading, then hurry up and purchase it! There is wonderful information in it. You can find a copy to purchase HERE on Amazon! Have a Blessed Day!

Synopsis From Goodreads:

Young women long for relational connection with women further ahead of them on the journey. Yet, without realizing it, many of us tend to distance ourselves from those in younger generations. Can we really have close relationships with women who have different thoughts on church, different experiences with family, and different ways of talking about God? Where do we start?

In A Friend in Me, Pam Lau shows you how to be a safe place for the younger women in your life. She offers five patterns women need to internalize and practice for initiating relationships and talking about issues such as faith, forgiveness, sexuality, and vocation. Most significantly, she reminds you that there doesn’t need to be a divide between generations of women. Together, we can have a global impact—and experience a deeper faith than we’ve ever known.

About The Author: Pam Lau is the author of Soul Strength and numerous articles for such publications as Christian Scholar’s Review and Christianity Today. She has taught writing at George Fox University and speaks around the country at conferences and retreats. A graduate of Liberty University and Colorado State University, Lau lives near Portland, Oregon, with her husband and three daughters.

Disclosure: I received Untangled: Let God Loosen the Knots of Insecurity in Your Life by Carey Scott complimentary from Revell. Provided I give an honest review.

Hello Loverlies! Have you ever felt so tangled up in insecurity that you didn't know how to untangle yourself? Well that's what untangled by Carey Scott is about. She talks about the different sections in her life where she was tangled up. She then goes on explaining how she allowed God to help her slowly untangle those knots.

I have to admit that I didn't love this book, I only liked it. It does have some great information on how she overcomes the certain tangles of her life. Maybe I wasn't as in love with it because she talks about her insecurities with raising her children. I do not have children, so it makes it hard to relate with her. I think if I wait a few years and reread it when I have children, then it will be more helpful. The author not only discusses insecurities with raising children, but also insecurities with her busy work life. Again this makes it hard to relate, for I am not able to work because of my anxiety. although it was harder for me to feel as if this book reached out to me, she does share some good insight in this book. If you feel this is what you are needing then give it a try. I know I will give it a second chance. You can purchase this book on AMAZON. Have a Blessed Day!

Synopsis From Goodreads:

All women want to feel is valued. But problems arise when we seek confirmation that we are "enough "using the world's standards. Almost from birth, we are trained to find the approval and acceptance we crave in the eyes of family, friends, and even strangers. The result is that we cannot believe we are who God says we are--accepted, loved, beautiful, and treasured. We get tangled up in the world's assessment and our own self-judgment. With hope-filled writing and plenty of hard-won personal advice, Carey Scott shows women how to untangle their self-esteem from the world and anchor it in Jesus. She lovingly shows readers that God was intentional in how he made them and that he is well pleased with his work. Women will learn practical strategies to escape unattainable standards and the performance-based measuring stick of the world, and find comfort in the fact that they are not alone on the journey.

About The Author: Carey Scott is an author, speaker, and certified Bible life coach who challenges women to be real--not perfect--even when real is messy. She speaks to women's groups and writes an online devotional designed to help women be who God created them to be. She lives in Colorado with her husband and their two children.

Disclosure: I thankfully was given the opportunity to review Life is ____. : God's Illogical Love Will Change Your Existence by Judah Smith for free from Family Christian. Provided I give an honest review.

Hello Loverlies! Life is _____.: God's Illogical Love Will Change Your Existence written by Judah Smith I believe is a great book! He has a way of keeping you interested, and he has even put some fun quotes. One of my favorites is the Mawage quote from The Princess Bride. He talks about Lazarus, Mary, Hosea and Gomer, the Disciples, and most of all Jesus. He also incorporates some of his life stories and does a great job at the points he is trying to make with telling them. The point is Life is Jesus, Life is God. We should fill our whole life with Jesus' teachings, and Surround our thoughts and lives with God. One thing We should attempt is to strive our best to do as Jesus did here on earth. No one is perfect and it is hard for us not to sin, because we are human. But I think as long as we are trying our hardest to do this, it will please God. We should not discriminate someone because of their choices, and ways they live. God doesn't because he loves us. My thoughts are if you push people away because they do not act or believe as you do, how else are you going to be able to witness to them? Just being there for them and being a great friend to them, that is also witnessing to people. They will see you have something different in you, and how that difference is God. This is what I got from this book, and it is an amazing reminder of how we should be. I really enjoyed this book and see myself rereading it a lot in the future.  I think it would be well worth a purchase! Have A Blessed Day!

Synopsis From Goodreads:

Judah Smith believes Jesus shows us how to live life to the fullest. In this follow-up to his" New York Times "and" USA Today "bestseller "Jesus Is ____," Judah completes the new sentence again and again, revealing how

- Life is to be loved and to love.

- Life is to trust God in every moment.

- Life is to be at peace with God and yourself.

- Life is to enjoy God. Judah writes as a friend, welcoming new believers, lifelong followers of Jesus, and even the merely curious. He shows us the love of God that defies human logic and the life that God intends for us to have in the here and now. With excitement and humor, Judah looks at the stories in the Bible from his unique angle and shows how life is all about loving God and loving others. 

Afternoon Loverlies! What do I think of when I read the words "The Beauty Of Grace"? I basically view it as exactly what it states. Grace is Beautiful and Elegant, especially the Grace God gives us. He doesn't have to be merciful and loving to us, but God is because he loves us. I am very thankful for his Grace. Whenever you don't feel loved at all, by anyone, it is awesome knowing God loves you. 

 I received a book from Revell called The Beauty Of Grace: Stories of God's Love from Today's Most Popular Writers. The editor/photographer for this book is Dawn Camp, and the foreword was written by Holley Gerth. This book has short stories by many authors about how they find God in their daily struggles. I enjoyed reading each story because it shows just how human we are, and how we all struggle with similar issues. No one is perfect and we are all going to go through rough times in our lives. The best thing to do is to find God in those struggles. Yes, I know, it is easier said then done a lot of the times. You know why? Because we let ourselves get in the way of finding him. I think this book is a great way of reassuring myself that there is hope, these authors have found that hope in their struggles. Why can't I? Also God forgives me if I mess up and he has never given up hope on me. He just sits there patiently waiting for me to get up, brush myself off, and try again. I believe this book is great if you are looking for some inspirational stories. The cover is beautiful to look at and so are the pictures that are on the inside of this book. If this type of book is your style of reading, then it is a must, that you read this book. What do you think of when you read the words "The Beauty Of Grace"? I would love to read what y'all have to say. Have a Blessed Day!

Synopsis From Goodreads:

In this hectic life, we all need a little peace, a little quiet, and a little beauty. Combining heartfelt stories from some of today's foremost writers and bloggers with stunning photography of God's incredible creation, "The Beauty of Grace" is a haven of calm contemplation amidst the chaos. 
This uplifting collection includes moving stories of cultivating friendship, waiting on God, choosing joy, staying connected, and more from popular writers such as Jessica Turner, Lisa-Jo Baker, Holley Gerth, Ann Voskamp, Bonnie Gray, Tsh Oxenreider, Leeana Tankersley, Emily Freeman, Margaret Feinberg, and many others. Each story is accompanied by an uplifting Scripture verse, and the book includes Dawn's stunning photos. Foreword by Holley Gerth.

Authors: Kayla Aimee, Tina Anderson, Lisa-Jo Baker, Laura Boggess, Stephanie Bryant,  Dawn Camp, Mary Carver, Robin Dance, Mary DeMuth, Christin Ditchfield, Annie F. Downs, Margaret Feinberg, Joy Forney, Sara Frankl (Gitz), Emily P. Freeman, Holley Gerth, Bonnie Gray, Amber Haines, Seth Haines, Jennifer Dukes Lee, Kelley J. Leigh, Lisa Leonard, Shannon Lowe, Sarah Markley, Elizabeth W. Marshall, Shelly Miller, Angela Nazworth, Tsh Oxenreider, Laura Parker, Katie Kenny Phillips, Rachel Anne Ridge, Deidra Riggs, Jen Schmidt, Arianne Segerman, Melanie Shankle, Kristen Strong, Leeana Tankersley, Jessica Turner, Ann Voskamp, Edie Wadsworth, Kristen Welch, Maggie Whitley, Lisa Whittle, and Amanda Williams

[ Blog Post Sponsored By Revell ]

Afternoon Loverlies! I received a book to review from Bethany House called, Worry Less So You Can Live More: Surprising, Simple Ways To Feel More Peace, Joy, And Energy by Jane Rubietta. In each chapter Rubietta starts out telling a story of her past of when she had trouble with worrying. I find she wrote each chapter beautifully, and has a distinct way of telling her stories. At the end of the chapters there are questions you can ask yourself or even if you used this book for a bible study group. She also ends the chapter with a votum and a benedictus she has written. Rubietta has a way of keeping you interested while reading about this worry or that worry, and also does a great job of explaining how those worries are not needed. She writes about how we need to give those worries to God and have faith. It really hits home for me because I have always worried. I just need to trust God more, and know that he is there with me and he will take care of it. Not only is the book beautifully written it has a gorgeous cover! It is worth a read if you struggle with worrying. Have A Blessed Day!

Synopsis From Amazon:

Weary of worry and its tagalongs: anxiety, discouragement, and exhaustion? Jane Rubietta invites you to leave behind your heavy heart and learn to truly live again. To experience joy and rest in the moment-by-moment pleasure of a God who delights in you--and has all your tomorrows under his control. Jane's picturesque prose offers enduring encouragement and practical tools for change. Discussion questions and journaling prompts make this the perfect book to read on your own or share with your small group and discover how to worry less and live more.

[ Sponsored Post Brought To You By Bethany House ]

Afternoon Loverlies! I received The Crimson Cord: Rahab's Story written by Jill Eileen Smith from Revell books to review. I was excited to get this book to review because I heard good things about it. I think Smith did a marvelous job in this dramatization of this story, I really don't think I would enjoy anyone else's telling of it. I love that she shows how faithful Rahab was, especially when she got to know the Lord. Since I decided to choose Faith as my word this year, I believe this is another great story for me to remember when I start to have doubts in my Faith. I will say the beginning is very emotional, because of the men that Rahab had to deal with. I just love how brave she is and how she doesn't give up. This book was very easy to get into and kept me on the edge of my seat. I am going to have to keep reading Smith's books, I just love how she puts the story together. I recommend reading this book and also recommend reading the Bible verses about Rahab. I think it is always best when reading a dramatization of a story in the Bible, that you go back and read the scriptures also. Have a Blessed Day!

Synopsis From Goodreads:

Wife to a gambler who took one too many risks, Rahab finds herself sold as a slave to cover her husband's debt. Forced into prostitution by Dabir, counselor to the Syrian king, Rahab despairs of ever regaining her freedom and her self-respect. But when Israelite spies enter Jericho and come to lodge at her house, Rahab sees a glimmer of hope and the opportunity of a lifetime. In one risky moment, she takes a leap of faith, puts her trust in a God she does not know, and vows to protect the spies from the authorities. When the armies of Israel arrive weeks later, Rahab hopes they will keep their promise, but she has no idea what kind of challenges await her outside Jericho's walls--or if she will ever know the meaning of love.

[ Sponsored Blog Post Brought To You By Revell ]

Mawnin' Loverlies! I have finally received my first book to review from Family Christian! I was so excited about this book, it is called Esther: Royal Beauty by Angela Hunt. This book is a little bit of a dramatization of the story about Esther in the Bible. At the end of this book the author explains how she tried to keep the story as accurate it is in the Bible. This is the first e-book I have every fully read and wrote a book review on. I do enjoy books I hold better, because I love the feel of them in my hands and they don't hurt my eyes to read them. I will say, it was easy for me to read because of how interesting it was. I enjoyed this book immensely, and now have found a favorite story of the Bible. Sadly I have never fully read the story of Esther before, but I have found it is a story of adventure and suspense. It is also a great story for teaching us how to have faith and patience within the Lord. Esther was a very brave woman, and great example for how we should fight our trials. I very much recommend this book for everyone to read. I also suggest, if you decided to read this book, that you read the story of Esther in the KJV bible. I decided to read it from the Bible myself, and also have watched the movie. I was so lucky to have found the movie Esther on Netflix to watch! I do wish they would redo the movie as how this book is written, it is a bit different of course, then how Hunt wrote her book. Again I say, give this book a read because it is wonderful! If you want to give this book a try HERE is a link where you can purchase it. Have a Blessed Day!

If you do not own a Bible you can read from the book of Esther in KJV here.

Synopsis From Goodreads:

An ambitious tyrant threatens genocide against the Jews in ancient Persia, so an inexperienced beautiful young queen must take a stand for her people. 

When Xerxes, king of Persia, issues a call for beautiful young women, Hadassah, a Jewish orphan living in Susa, is forcibly taken to the palace of the pagan ruler. After months of preparation, the girl known to the Persians as Esther wins the king's heart and a queen's crown. But because her situation is uncertain, she keeps her ethnic identity a secret until she learns that an evil and ambitious man has won the king's permission to exterminate all Jews--young and old, powerful and helpless. Purposely violating an ancient Persian law, she risks her life in order to save her people...and bind her husband's heart. 

Esther marks bestselling author Angela Hunt's return to biblical fiction. In each novel she explores an example of a Hebrew Old Testament tob woman: a woman whose physical beauty influences those around her--and can change the course of history.

[ Sponsored Blog Post Brought To You Buy Family Christian and NetGalley ]

Mawnin' Loverlies! I received and album from Family Christian to review. It is called Lee Strobel Presents The Case For Easter Songs Of Worship CD. There are ten worship songs on this album. I love these type of songs, especially when churches use them in their praise in worship service. They are always really easy to speak to me and a lot of these songs are just beautiful to listen to over and over again. This is an album that is great to just have playing in your house while you do your daily chores or while reading etc. The songs are very relaxing and help give a sense of being closer to God and to show your praise for him. I have actually heard some of these songs, and the ones I don't know as well, I find it enjoying to get to know them. I like to learn new worship songs and keep up with what's new. That way I can sing along when I do go to church, and I won't be confused to how the song goes. I am going to be playing this album a lot. It is worth purchasing! Click HERE if you are interested in finding it for purchase. Have a Blessed Day!

[ Blog Post Sponsored By Family Christian ]

Evening Loverlies! I have received yet another loverly book from Bethany House to do a blog review on. This book is called Colliding With Destiny Finding Hope In The Legacy Of Ruth by Sarah Jakes. I have to say I really enjoyed this book, I started Sunday morning and finished around noon. It was so interesting I just couldn't put it down! lol I also had my Bible out reading the scriptures that Jakes posted for each chapter. I had my Bible out to reread the scriptures she posted because I like to stick to the KJV. My opinion a lot of the other versions of the Bible either change or Omit words, which I am not fond of. Sadly I've never fully read Ruth on my own time, but this book got me doing just that. Which I am fine with, because I enjoyed reading this book as it reintroduced me to the story of Ruth. I also think this book could easily be used in a bible study on Ruth. The author includes a story in her life to go with each verse that is at the beginning of each chapter, which I found interesting. I think if you give this book a chance you will enjoy it as much as I have. Have A Blessed Day!

Synopsis From Goodreads:

 The story of Ruth is a journey of transformation. By allowing God to transform her circumstances, Ruth went from a widow who would be excluded from society to a wife with a secure and protected future, a future that ultimately paved the way for the birth of King David! Her story is full of collision--loss, heartache, poverty, even shame--but she never let her past define her. Instead, the most painful time of her life became her most pivotal, propelling her to a destiny she'd never imagined. Perhaps you have a past you're struggling to overcome. If disappointments, whether a result of your own choices or the actions of others, have kept you from being your true self, this book is for you. Follow Ruth's life and discover the hope available to each of us. Your yesterday does not have to dictate your tomorrow.

[ Blog Post Brought To You By Bethany House ]

Afternoon Loverlies! I have received another book from Baker Publishing for review. This book is What Your Heart Needs For The Hard Days by Holley Gerth. I LOVE the cover on this book, it has a cute red teacup with white polka dots on it. I also love how little devotional books are made. They usually have a suede cover or like this one, it has a type of padded cover. I just love how books feel to the touch. (Yes I am weird, I know.) I enjoy reading this little book because, I find it would be perfect for little bible studies every morning. There are 52 chapters in this book and at the end of each chapter is a prayer you can pray. What is interesting about these little prayers, at the end of them there are lines where you can add onto the prayer. After the prayer there is a scripture you can read in your bible going over what the chapter talked about. Gerth wrote these devotionals a little bit different then the other devotional books I have read in the past. She has written little stories that go with each chapter. It makes it easy to understand what I am supposed to be getting out of the scripture that is for that specific chapter. I find this book to be perfect to leave out on your coffee table or your bedside table to read daily. Have A Blessed Day!

Synopsis From Goodreads:

 In this uplifting book, Holley Gerth invites readers to sit down with her to be filled with the strength, peace, and joy that come from God's promises to us. Each of the 52 devotions based on the Psalms will help weary women remember that God is good and we're all in this together. Whether it's a bad hair day or a broken heart, Holley offers hope and encouragement to get us through whatever life brings. Women need that kind of encouragement because we all have hard days--days that make us want to give up, retreat inside ourselves, and drown our sorrows in a pint of ice cream. And while we may crave all sorts of things to ease the pain we feel in our hearts, what we really need is truth. We need to be confident in God's character and his promises. We need to remember--and celebrate--who he made us to be. And we need exactly the kind of encouragement Holley Gerth loves to offer.

[ Book Blog Tour Post Brought To You By Revell ]

Mawnin' Loverlies! I have finished reading A Shining Light written by Judith Miller. A Shining Light is a Christian Fiction, it was also a hard book for me to read. Not because of the way it is written, it is hard to read because of the story. A little information I will give away is, her husband wasn't nice. I didn't give much away because you will find out about her husband in the beginning of the book. I found this book decently written, the Author wrote the book in three different point of views and it wasn't hard to follow along. I found it neat that she set this story in West Amana, Iowa 1890, because there were actual communities in that area. I read on Wikipedia that they are just tourist attractions now. If what I read on Wikipedia is true, it seems this author did her research about this community. Here is a link. That is neat! I like it when authors do their research if they are going to write about a certain historical item, even if their story is fiction.

Like I mentioned earlier I was very frustrated at reading this book, because of what Andrea and her son had to go through. It also shows how trusting in God will help you get through such awful situations. I find reading Christian Fiction helps remind me of how I need to be, how I need to have more faith. What made me choose this book was mainly the cover of the book. I thought it was a pretty photo, and yes the story sounded interesting once I actually read the synopsis. I am such a sucker for book covers. I also love that they have a woman on the cover helps me picture what the main character would look like. I sometimes have a hard time trying to picture a new person for each book, sometimes the characters I imagine blend with other characters of books I have read. It can be very frustrating, but always good to have a little help with the main character is on the cover of the book. lol I don't know if this is a re-reader for me, maybe later on in life I may give it a go again. It is worth reading at least once though. It was very interesting learning about the life in the Amana communities. I don't believe I could live there though, ever. Especially since the women only had so many jobs they could choose from, I'm not the best home maker. lol If you like adventure, love, and learning how God works through people to help others. You should give this book a chance. Oh, one more thing. Even though I was frustrated about what was happening in this book, I couldn't put it down for long. :) Ta Ta For Now!

Synopsis: 

After Andrea Wilson receives the devastating news that her husband has been lost at sea, she returns home to Iowa with her young son, Lukas. But what she finds there causes more heartache: The family farm has burned and her father has died, Leaving Andrea with nothing. Andrea must rely on the kindness of the people from the nearby Amana village who invite her to stay with them for a time. She discovers much generosity and contentment among the Amanans-especially from the tinsmith, Dirk Knefler, who takes her son under his wing. But is the simple, cloistered life in Amana what Andrea wants for Lukas's future? Is she willing to give up the comforts and freedom of the outside world? And when yet another round of shocking news comes her way, will Andrea ever be able to find the serenity and hope that have eluded her for so long?

[ Sponsored Blog Post Brought To You By Bethany House Publishers]

Mawnin' Loverlies! I have been getting quite a few books to read, so I can do a review on them for you. These are more christian fiction books, I've noticed that i'm growing to like these books a lot. I still love my fantasy ones also, but always good to read about other subjects. I just read Caught In The Middle by Regina Jennings. I noticed when I looked on Goodreads this is book #3 in the Ladies of Caldwell County series. What is neat about this book is that I wasn't confused when I read it. Each book is about a different lady in this county apparently. I did notice some of the names were similar in this book, but this book was about Anne Tillerton.

Synopsis on Goodreads: 

The train to Garber, Texas, is supposed to bring life's next victory to Nicholas Lovelace. Instead, it gets held up by robbers who are thwarted by the last person Nick ever expected--Anne Tillerton from back home in Prairie Lea.

Anne’s been hiding away as a buffalo hunter. She’s only in Garber to find their runaway cook, but the woman flees--leaving Anne with her infant son. With Nick the only person Anne knows in Garber, the two form an unlikely team as they try to figure out what to do with the child.

But being in town means acting and dressing for polite society--and it's not going well for Anne. Meanwhile, Nick's work is bringing new pressures, and being seen with a rough-around-the-edges woman isn't helping his reputation. Caught between their own dreams, a deepening relationship, and others' expectations, can the pair find their way to love?

This story of Anne's past life is awfully sad, it is what made her to dress in men's clothing and become a buffalo hunter. She tried to come off as a tough person, so that way no one could hurt her or would even want to bother with her. After she moves to Garber you see her starting to trust people, and she grows to love that little boy that was left with her. You also get to read how her trust in God grows, which is amazing! This story is written in two point of views, Anne and nick. The author doesn't show in each chapter who's point of view she is going to use, but it is not that hard to figure it out. She also has breaks in the chapters where she will switch to Anne or nick's point of view. It is a well written, loverly story. I think I will have to try out the other books in this series when I get a chance. :) If you are up for a story held in the 1800s, about a woman learning to trust and grow close to God. Then Try this book out, It is worth the read. 

Ta Ta For Now!

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Mawnin' Loverlies! I finally received William Backus and Marie Chapians' Telling Yourself The Truth: Find your way out of Depression, Anxiety, Fear, Anger, and other common problems by applying the principles of Misbelief Therapy. I thought I would share what the contents are first.

Contents: 

Introduction

1. What Is Misbelief? 2. Do We Really Want to Be Happy? 

3. Misbelief in Self-Talk 

4. Misbelief in Depression 

5. Misbelief in Anger 

6. Misbelief in Anxiety 

7. Misbelief in Lack of Self-Control

 8. Misbelief in Self-Hate

 9. Misbelief in Fear of Change 

10. Misbelief in Never Taking a Chance 

11. Misbelief in Our Relationships with others 

12. Misbelief in Being Indispensable 

13. More Misbeliefs Guaranteed to Make You Miserable 

 I Want It, Therefore I Should Have It

 It's Terrible to Have Hurt Feelings 

 In Order to Be Happy I Must Be Loved by Everybody 

 Things Have to Go Right

 I Should Always Be and Act Happy in Site of All Hardship or Trouble That Comes My Way 

14. What Must I Do to Be Miserable? 

 Or, When the Truth Does Not Set Us Free

Study Guide

Synopsis from Goodreads:

 Most of What Happens in Your Life Happens Because of the Way You Think. Wrong thinking produces wrong emotions, wrong reactions, wrong behavior, and unhappiness! Learning to deal with your thoughts is the first step on the road to healthy thinking. How to handle one's thoughts properly is what this book is all about! It explains the life-changing method the authors call Misbelief Therapy, and it can work for you-- In your home In your own circumstances In your own problems In your own adverse environment In your own thinking Based on the Bible, this book has helped thousands of people for many years, and it can help you! Telling Yourself the Truth can show you how to identify your own misbeliefs and replace them with the truth

I wanted to try this book to see if it would help me in anyway. It is not a very long book, but it took me a few days because it's emotional and about trying to help yourself. This book teaches us about Misbelief therapy, which are basically the lies we tell ourselves. Example: I am Dumb, I am worth nothing, I will not be successful. It also teaches us how to find the truth and get rid of those misbeliefs, I wish it was as simple as it says. I am hoping I am able to use this in my life though, and maybe I can finally not be as depressed, anxiety, etc. It takes time though! This book may not help everyone, because there are some folks who do need their medicine. But I don't see the harm in anyone reading this book. You never know you might read something you just didn't know about, and that may help you start on your road to healing. This book is christian belief based, which I thought made it even more awesome. I always like when they put scriptures in self help books like these. I believe  it gives me more hope and understanding sometimes. So find a copy and try it out for yourself! :) Ta Ta For Now!

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