Unplugging Challenge!

We are so connected. Constantly checking for the latest email. Tweeting and texting. This generation is totally plugged. For a while now I have had a desire to do an uplugging challenge, and what is that you may ask?

For the whole month of June, I have decided to give up something that I do a lot. The most things I do are get on Instagram, surf the web, read and just use the I- touch for random purposes. I have purposed in my heart to give each thing up for an entire week. 

Of course you can substitute the things to your life. Instead of Instagram you could stop twittering, face booking, or texting. Instead of Internet you could give up something even as small as coffee. Sacrifice not what is easy to give up but what is truly difficult to the flesh. I encourage you all to try this out, it will benefit you spiritually, emotionally and even physically.

Instagram: I can not post or check any photos

Internet: No using it for anything, including blogging.

No reading anything but  the Bible and bible study.

No I pod touch use. This week I can use internet and blog and read, I just can not use my I touch at all for it. I get on the web more with my I touch than with the actual computer.

* NOTE: Because I am a review books for different publishers I might have to do one on a "forbidden" day.

I will strive my hardest to actually live out this challenge and I hope you do too.

Guest Post by Kianna: Encouraging Wednesdays!

Since I've been blogging, I've had the privilege of "meeting" many godly young ladies. They have encouraged me with their sweet comments and emails and now, I want to encourage one of those ladies. 

via

I've chosen to encourage... Lily Marie over at Lily in His Field. Isn't her blog name absolutely perfect?! It goes so perfectly with her name and how she is the beautiful young lady that God wants her to be. Lily has been a faithful reader of my blog and through blog hopping, I discovered her blog. As I looked around, I immediately noticed her love for God. The first post I read was On It's Way, where she talked about her love for Christmas, but also what she knows is the true meaning of Christmas. She shares a warning against getting too caught up in the festivities and not really remembering Jesus. What a great post!

As I further looked around, I also took  notice of her  other convictions. She and her sister(s) dress very modest. I feel that when we dress modest, God, in us, can be seen. I can surely see the Lord in her and her writings.

Lily and I also share a similar trait. She and I love photography. Lily has taken some amazing shots. Check them out here. Among her shots, my favorites are the ones of sun flares and  the beautiful nature backdrop around her.

Lily often puts verses at the end of her posts. When she does this, I see that her heart and mind are in God's word and that she is meditating on His Word. The Bible says, 

Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth. Meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Joshua 1:8

So, Lily, I encourage you to continue blogging and sharing those amazing photographs! Continue to be a light in the midst of the darkness. Continue to encourage those around you. Those sweet comments you share are like foot prints, leaving behind encouragement. I encourage you Lily to meditate on God's word always and never let your love for Him die out. 

All About Me in Books!

Via

I got these questions from my dear friend and fellow blogger, Aizess.


What is your favorite genre? I enjoy reading Christian fiction. More specifically historical romance. I am starting to read contemporary novels, which I've enjoyed so far.

What is your all time favorite book? For now my all time favorite fiction book is Promise Me This by Cathy Gohlke.

What character has stood the test of time? I definitely have to agree with Aizess on this one. The Tucker family from The Shiloh Legacy series. They way the parents fell in love was beautiful. The many adventures the children were involved in were thrilling and exciting. The joys and heartache were near and dear to me.

What was the most boring book you've read? Almost all the books I have read were superb, but this one was the exception, Oops by Bill Myers. I would not have finished it, if it were not for the fact that I had to review it.

What book has had the most BANG! ending? I usually read books that end with a sigh of relief and happiness, not thrillers. The only book that comes to mind is For Time and Eternity by Allison Pittman. The author left one of the characters in a blizzard so I had to read the next book.

Which character has disgusted you the most? A character that has totally disgusted me is Wolf von Fritschauer from Warsaw Requiem by Bodie Thoene. I am so glad he is not a real person.

Which character has been the Villain of Villains? "My" villain would have to be Mary Bramble from Paper Roses by Amanda Cabot. Yes, a woman! She is so cruel and heartless and crazy. At the end of the story she left me with my mouth hanging open with shock.

Okay, a really fun question: If you could choose one character to be your husband who would you choose? This was a hard one. I would have to choose Willie LaHaye from the Love Comes Softly Series. He is the tall dark and handsome godly type of man. Yes I do realize he's a fictional character:)

Last question: what is the ideal Christian fiction novel? The ideal Christian fiction novel would have to first and foremost be God glorifying. That praises Jesus. It is a joy to find books that feed me spiritually. That teach me and allow me to grow more in my relationship with Jesus. A book that has clean romance. Book jam packed with action and suspense. I definitely enjoy a book with some history involved as well. Last but not least a book with a satisfying ending.

Count Your Blessings

This week has been pretty wet.

Monday I was not feeling too well. I had a fever, a stuffy nose, and a sore throat. This past week we've eaten some super yummy stuff, but I could not taste anything with my stuffy nose. 

On Wednesday we went thrifting. We found so much nice stuff. I even got a pair of the infamous Toms. I am not a fan of them, but you can't go wrong for a dollar!

Thursday I woke up with my feet covered in mosquito bites, I can barely walk. I even got one on my eyelid, so now my eye is swollen. You do not want any pictures of that:(

This upcoming week my family and I are going on a small road trip to Virginia. I am so excited! 

Encouraging Wednesdays| Week 3

Yet another week has come and gone, and I now choose the third person for the encouraging Wednesdays. This weeks encouragement goes to...

Via

Does it ever happen to you that you sorta blog hop and come across a wonderful blog. Blog hopping has allowed me to "meet" some very awesome bloggers. However, I did not find Eves' blog by hopping around, I actually found her on Instagram. For those who do not know what that is, Instagram is simply an app where you take pictures from your mobile device and share them with your friends.  When I "found" her she was very new, but I immediately loved the few pictures on her account, they were just lovely. After admiring the beautiful pictures she took with her I-Touch, I decided to pay a visit to her blog. (she had a link on her profile). Her pictures from her I-Touch were good, well so were the ones with her camera. 

Eves' blog mainly focused on photography, but not entirely has been a blast to read. She takes some truly amazing photos. She captures the beauty that God has created in just a simple picture. I remeber being in 4th grade and telling my best friend that I wanted to be a photographer. Over the years I have not done anything to give "life" to that dream. Reading her blog has definitely inspired me to take action. She is, much to my delight, a fellow "Canon sister." Seeing the amazing photos she takes with her Canon makes me believe that taking her quality of picture is doable and accessible, since we have a Canon as well.

Go and check out her blog, so you can experience the awe effect that her pictures have.

Oh and she did her first vlog, which I so enjoyed. So Eve, I might do one too. It was so fun to watch and looks fun to do.

Count Your Blessings

These are some  pictures of last Fridays shopping trip for the children in La Lometa. 

The brother was so happy to get all the stuff. It is so fun to give, dontcha think?

On Saturday, For Aizess' 15 birthday we went ice skating. We had a blast! Last time we went in an outdoor rink this one was indoor.

We actually got the hang of it. I only fell twice! Last time we went I stopped counting how many slips I had. Kianna is so nice that she only fell once, and it wasn't even on the ice:)

Yes, thats us being silly, running with our ice skates on. No we did not care we could twist our ankles.

Last Sunday was Mothers Day as we all know. Can you believe we did not take a picture of my mom for Mother's Day!

Everybody says we look so much alike so, this is how my mom looks.Jk!

This is my pretty mother. Do we look alike?

Virginia trip.

Encouraging Wednesdays| Week 2

Time sure is flying! Already time to chose another person for encouraging Wednesdays. This weeks encouragement goes to

Via

What other way to get to "know" her and her blog than by what she herself shares.

Hi I'm godsgirlz1,

I feel led to make a blog for pentecostal teen girls. They can come and read and be encouraged. I have hairstyles, fashion crafts, recommended books, stories, and calendar events on my blog. Every month I will be updating the hairstyles, stories, fashion crafts, and calendar. Feel free to comment on any of my posts. Follow my blog and be encouraged.

As probably already assumed her name is not godsgirlz. Godsgirlz has chosen to keep herself very anonymous, for what I assume are for safety reasons.

My favorite thing about her blog is how Biblical she keeps it. She does music Mondays, where she shares christian music. Tuesdays she asks several girls a question and they answer it. Last question was what miracle has God done in your life? On Thursdays she choses something she is thankful for. Saturdays she also does a Bible study.

So as you can see, Godsgirlz is all about God. It encourages me to do more Bible related posts. I won't probably do all the things she does but I will probably try one out. We as Christians should shine our light and let it be known to others that we belong to Jesus.

I pray that you (Godsgirlz) chose to remain in Christ always. Never back down on your principles. Never try to fit in, because you are just the way God made you. You are His girl!

Continue on your blog journey and may the Lord continue to give you those ideas.

Let us not become weary in doing good. for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9 

Bible Confessions- Music

Music is a beautiful way to express your feelings. Music is a way to praise the Lord for everything He has done for you. Many times throughout the Bible, we see people singing and making music, the Levites, Hannah, David, and Mary are just a few.

Our culture is filled with music. Almost everyone listens to music. Now adays  most music is not used to praise God, but rather to contaminate and praise satan. You may think you are ok if you do not listen to degrading music. Music with no apparent curse words, and pornographic mentions.

 Not all Christian music is godly. Just because the person says they are a Christian does not make them one. 

Test everything. Hold onto the good. Avoid every kind of evil.
1 Thessolonians 5:21,22

It is very important to guard your ears from all evil. It is one of the ways you as a young person, choses to remain pure. If you question a song, then for conscience sake do without it. Would you listen to that particular song if Jesus was sitting with you? Well guess what Jesus is with you and he can see and hear you. 

Be sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit!

Do not quench the Spirit;
1 Thessalonnians 5:19

These are just a couple of my favorite songs.

Count Your Blessings

Since my parents had to go to pray at our church, we were not able to go to the Home Depot workshop. My aunt got us the craft, pin, and even the aprons!

Monday we went to a mini prayer service at my grandmas' house.

This past week we've been listening to some intense AIO. I've been on pins and needles on what is going to happen next.

Because no one has a green thumb in our home, we decided to allow our grandma to watch and take care of our cherry tomato plants so she can keep them living.

Today we went to Target and bought a whole bunch of things for a family in our church to take to Dominican Republic.

We also went to Costco. There were some super yummy samples:)

I praise the Lord for this wonderful week!

Litfuse Book Review- My Stubborn Heart

About the Book:

Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When her grandmother asks her to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance.

Upon her arrival in Redbud, Kate meets Matt Jarreau, the man hired to renovate the house. Kate can't help being attracted to him, drawn by both his good looks and something else she can't quite put her finger on. He's clearly wounded--hiding from people, from God, and from his past. Yet Kate sets her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light...whether he likes it or not. 

When the stilted, uncomfortable interactions between Kate and Matt slowly shift into something more, is God finally answering the longing of her heart? Or will Kate be required to give up more than she ever dreamed?

My Review:

My Stubborn Heart is a beautiful and heartwarming tale. A book that shows the mercies and continious love that our heavenly Father bestows on his children and creation, no matter how stubborn they  may become.

This author chose characters that were out of the ordinary, making this book a fun read. Kate is your average girl, not superbly and unrealistically beautiful, persistent, passionate, and oh yes very quirky. Matt on the other hand is your unimaginably handsome, not so heroic type of guy. Becky made the two characters with such an authenticity, expressing true emotions, which added a realistic feel to them. Adding other funny characters to the mix just made the story all the more better.

My absolute favorite thing about this book, is the amount of spirituality it contained. Not many contemporary novels portray christian characters as true godly people. Throughout the book there was mentions of Kates' prayer life, God actually speaking and answering, and Gods' gradual working hand in the lives of the characters. Having this factor made this contemporary read very refreshing.

The writing style was easy to read and enjoyable. The pace of the book was slow, but with enough action to keep you reading.

I think My Stubborn Heart would have made a better book if the author left out some unnecessary words. As a Christian I also did not like the fact that the characters participated in Yoga and Halloween. The fact that these were included, I would probably not read the book again, however, everything else was very engaging.

I would give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book for free, from Litfuse Publicity, in exchange for my honest review.

You can purchase your own copy at CBD.

About the Author:

During her childhood in California, Becky frequently produced homemade plays starring her sisters, friends, and cousins. These plays almost always featured a heroine, a prince, and a love story with a happy ending. She's been a fan of all things romantic ever since. 

Becky and her husband lived overseas in the Caribbean and Australia before settling in Dallas, Texas. It was during her years abroad that Becky's passion for reading turned into a passion for writing. She published three historical romances with Avon Books, then put her career on hold for several years to care for her kids, then recently returned to writing sheerly for the love of it. She felt led to move to the genre of contemporary Christian romance and couldn't be more thrilled with it. 

These days Becky can be found failing but trying to keep up with her housework, sweating at the gym, carting her kids around town, playing tennis, hunched over her computer, eating chocolate, or collapsed on the sofa watching TV with her husband. 

Learn more at: www.BeckyWade.com

Celebrate with Becky by entering her My Stubborn Heart Giveaway and connecting with her during the Author Chat Party on 5/24!

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Brand New Nook Simple Touch™ with GlowLight™
• A $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Certificate
• A copy of My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on May 24th. Winner will be announced at the "My Stubborn Heart" Author Chat Facebook Party on 5/24. Becky will be hosting an book chat, testing your trivia skills and giving away some great prizes!

So grab your copy of My Stubborn Heart and join Becky on the evening of the May 24th for a chance to meet Becky and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

 

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 24th!

Encouraging Wednesdays

Last Wednesday, I shared that I was going to encourage one fellow blog friend. This weeks encouragement goes to....

Via

We have many blog friends, but Aizess is a friend I know personally. We're closer than friends. I actually think if I were to ever have a very long lost twin she would be it. We finish each others sentences. We have very similar interests. We can talk for hours and not grow bored.

I have known Aizess ever since we were 5 years-old. So you can basically say I've seen her and grown up with her. I have seen her in the many different phases of her life. 

Seeing her blog inspires me. She's does not have a photography, fashion, or even your typical teenage blog. Aizess' blog is all about books! Books are one of our many common areas. She does book reviews, author interviews and even giveaways! 

The fact that she has tried and thrived in a out of her usual comfort zone encourages me. She took to contacting authors and asking for giveaway copies, which most teenagers do not do. I usually am the stay in my comfort zone girl. Seeing Aizess success pushes me to try and experiment new things.

I do not like to write. Maybe it is because I do not like my handwriting, or I do not like the effort that I have to give to write. One of my favorite things about reading Aizess' reviews is seeing her writing style. She writes with such an ease that amazes me. She jumps right to the point she wants to make, while adding enough descriptions to keep you engaged. Her writing style encourages me to write better.

One of the biggest and most important thing that I admired and still do is her ability to be content. Before I started Surrendering All of Me, I prayed a lot before I actually started it. I told myself I was going to watch Aizess, who I greatly admire, and learn from her mistakes. Now I did not learn anything from her mistakes, in fact I learned from her wisdom. One day Aizess shared this blog post with me that ministered her life and later mine too. It was about the unnecessary need to have a followers button. Aizess has never been moved by getting a new follower, or a comment from new people. She showed true contentment. Having a no followers gadget on my blog, has helped me enjoy true contentment in my blogging experience as well. 

Now go check out her blog. As stated previously, she does book reviews, author interviews, and giveaways! 

Bible Confessions- Tithe

Via

Our spiritual lives are not to be taken lightly. Our God is so holy that one sin can keep us away from His holy presence. This is not to scare you, but more to see the seriousness of keeping your mind, heart, words, and actions pure and holy.

Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.

Philippians 2:12b

Recently, I found a fox in my spiritual life. Although, he was a very big one, I did not even see him. This goes to show that no one is perfect.

Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me."But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings.

Malachi 3:8

Yep, that was me. 

I have been a Christian ever since I was 5 years-old. So ever since then, my mom has been handling my tithe giving. It was not until last August when my mom started paying me to teach my little sister art, that I was also given the responsibility of my tithes. Currently, my mom is paying me a dollar a day. 

The tithe of one dollar is about 10 cents. That is about 50 cents a week. The amount being so small, I completely forgot to tithe. It was at the beginning of this month that I realized my fault. Thanks to my mom's meticulous record keeping, I could estimate about how many lessons I did and how much tithe to give. To be on the safe side I  even gave extra.

Now that I have recognized my sin, repented, and paid back, there is still one more thing left to do. I have to make a conscious effort for this not to happen again. I now have an envelope where I can put any money that I receive. I know that I have not tithed from the money in there so as to help me not forget.

So I encourage you ladies to examine your spiritual lives.

Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.

Song of Solomon 2:15 

Litfuse- Beyond Hope's Valley

About The Book:

Beyond Hope's Valley – Book Three in the Big Sky series

After an extended stay in Montana, where Amish traditions are different than in her home state, Marianna Sommer returns to Indiana for two reasons, first to help her brother and his girlfriend prepare for a baby and their wedding. Second, to plan her own wedding to Aaron Zook -- a marriage she’s been dreaming about ever since childhood. And yet, although she had missed the idyllic farms and families of her upbringing, Marianna is surprised that Indiana is somehow making her long now for Montana.

As months pass, secrets that were hidden in winter’s frozen grasp thaw and take on a life of their own. The truths about a child, about a past relationship, and about God’s plans are being revealed. Walking through a valley of questions, Marianna must hold on to hope as she decides where and with whom her heart truly belongs. 

My Review:

Tricia Goyer's writing style has a way that just seems to draw you in. At first, I was not excited to read this story. I thought it was going to be you usual Amish Eglischer type of story, but I was in for a surprise.

I like the fact that Tricia did not make the Amish perfect. She opened my eyes to see their many flaws. In this story there were amish that were hypocrites, liars, gossips, fornicators, and even adulterers. We tend to think of them as perfect, but after you read this you'll see they have the same temptations as any other person.

Beyond Hope's Valley is the third book to the Big Sky Series. Though this book was excellent as a stand alone, I would suggest for you to buy the first two. I would have loved to see Marianna's conversion to Jesus Christ. In this book she already is a Christian and has changed from her Amish ways of worshipping, but it would have been better to see had I read the previous two books. To enjoy Beyond Hope's Valley to the fullest I would encourage you to get the first two.

Their not being much suspense and it being the end to a sequel, I would give it a 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book for free, from Litfuse Publicity, in exchange for my honest review. 

You can purchase this book in CBD.

About The Author:

Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of thirty-two books including Beside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

More info: Living Inspired and www.triciagoyer.com.

Celebrate with Tricia and enter to win a custom-made Amish Wall hanging in the colors of your choice ... and much more!

One fortunate winner will receive:
Custom Amish Wall Hanging {You choose the colors!}
An Amish Doll {Sweet.}
Amish-made basket {It’s picnic season!}
Doilies, potholder and an Amish cookbook {All items form Bird-in-Hand, PA!}
Three book Big Sky Amish series {Be swept away by this captivating series.}

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 20th. Winner will be announced at "All Things Amish" Author Chat Facebook Party on 5/21. Tricia will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from her website) and giving away books, gift certificates and more!

So grab your copy of Beyond Hope's Valley and join Tricia on the evening of the May 21st for a fun chat, trivia contest (How much do you know about the Amish?) and lots of giveaways. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 21st!

Count Your Blessings

Last Wednesday we went to the dentist. No cavities for me! Here me and my little sister are looking through the toy bin:)

Received some good books this week and last. Arms of Love, Prize of My Heart, and Beyond Hope's Valley.

As you all know I participated in the 1 Skirt 3 Days challenge. Which was so fun!

I have been working on my Shutter Fly album. A couple of months ago I started and finished one of my life at 13. It came out super nice. I am now working on one of my whole year as a 14 year old.

Book Review- Need You Now

When big city life influences  one of Darlene and Brad's children to the worst of things, they immediately move their family of five to small town Round Top, Texas.

Adjusting to small-town life is coming gradually to everyone, except fifteen year-old Grace.   Pressured to live up to the standard of  the perfect child as well as other emotional issues, leaves Grace to handle her stress alone and in a harmful way.

Not feeling needed anymore by her three self-reliant teenagers, Darlene seeks work outside of home for the first time in all her married life. As Darlene works in the special needs school, she feels fulfilled and needed once again. As her need of fulfillment is being satisfied, the tension at home is also rising. 

When one of the student's widowed father starts paying her special attention, she finds herself feeling important and valued. 

Can Darlene live up to what she preaches? 

Need You Now is a contemporary book, written from Amish writer Beth Wiseman. From her previous works, I have enjoyed her easy to read writing style, and this story was no exception. Beth did a wonderful job writing her first contemporary novel.

One of my favorite things of the book was the beautiful marriage relationship Darlene and Brad shared. It was heartbreaking to see them drifting apart. The scenes where the couple fought went deeper than just their concern for their daughter.  They each had separate heart issues. The author did not just write the story to be read with your eyes, but also  to be read with your heart. 

I loved the passion and love that this story was written with. I appreciated the fact that Beth wrote about the cutter's story line in first person. It allows one to see the persons true emotions and what really goes  on behind the cutting. The whole book was filled with many conflicting emotions.  

The book from beginning to end was captivating. I liked the fact that the book was not only written through the main character Darlene's eyes but of most of the other characters too.  The pages were filled with action, romance, and life drama, not just empty words to fill a page. Once you pick up Need You Now you will not want to put it down.

I give Need You Now 5 stars out of 5.

You can purchase this book at CBD.

I received this book for free, from B&B Media Group, in exchange for my honest review.

Encouraging Wednesdays!

Via

So sorry that I have not written in a couple of days. My internet was acting up.

For some time I have felt in my heart to encourage a blog friend. (No one in particular.) I think, especially with blogging, one can grow discontent, moody, and even jealous. Why does she have so many followers? Does my writing do anything for anyone?

That is one reason I decided not to have a blog followers icon. I did not want to be one of those people constantly checking if I had a new follower. Now do not get me wrong, it is not wrong to get happy over the fact of a new follower.  If I happen to see that someone new is following it brings me joy as well. However. the reason you blog should not be determined by how many page views and followers you get.

This brings me to my upcoming posts  for the month of May on every Wednesday.  I've decided to leave an encouraging comment on a blog and do a special post on why I like that person's blog. That means four bloggers will get an encouraging word this month.

I hope this encourages you to encourage someone!

Stay tuned you may be one of the four.