Book Review- Tide and Tempest

Tide and Tempest is the third and final book to the Edge of Freedom Series. Having read the previous installments I was eagerly anticipating this release to conclude my journey with these set of characters. Because the story plot and characters are intertwined I would recommend for you to read each book in order.

The author kept the reader thoroughly engaged throughout the story. The many plot twists, heart racing, and unpredictable moments kept you turning the pages faster and faster trying to keep up. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that the book was not too predictable, and many a time I was completely thrown off course. The author kept the story plot fresh and exciting even though it was a third book in a series. 

The only drawback to this wonderful series was that the author portrayed the characters as Catholics without ever showing a conversion. 

I received a complimentary copy, from CFBA in exchange for this independent and unbiased review. 

Book Review- gods at war

The next step in becoming a completely committed follower of Jesus. False gods war within each and every one of us, fighting for a place of glory and control in our lives. In this student edition of gods at war, Kyle Idleman, bestselling author of Not a Fan, demonstrates how the desire for things like popularity, acceptance, and success can become modern-day idols that keep us from truly following Jesus Christ. Behind the everyday pressures, fears, and lack of purpose is a false god who too often is winning the war in our hearts. By asking insightful questions and looking at the issues from a teen's point of view, Idleman reveals which false gods most often take the place of the one true God. Then, using powerful and honest testimonies of people like you who have struggled in each area, gods at war student edition illustrates a clear path away from the heartache of 21st-century idolatry back to the  heart of God. 

With gods at war, Kyle Idleman has created a wonderful devotional for teens confronting the big issues in life. To be honest I was not expecting to receive much from this read. Unfortunately, many authors today try to water down the word of God to make it attractive to teens, but not so with this book. 

Kyle takes the "You shall not make for yourself an idol." concept we all think we know about and flips it to reveal the many modern idols we teens have. The book is broken up into five parts: gods at war, the temple of pleasure, the temple of power, and the temple of love. With truth and grace Kyle tackles these topics and many subtopics with a biblical and personal view, and also sprinkles testimonials. At the end of each part he identifies the idol in question with personal inquires to see wether or not we struggle with that one. Then with a prayer of sorts he leads the reader to make a decision for Jesus over that idol.  This devotional is easy to follow, super Biblical, moving, humorous, and so encouraging. 

If you desire a devotional to lead you in a closer relationship with Jesus this is for you. If you want a spiritual read to lead you in deep reflection of your spiritual condition this is for you. If you are a high-school student, then this is definitely for you. 

I received a complimentary copy, from Zondervan, in exchange for this independent and unbiased review. 

February Goals Recap

This past month was a total whopper, at least where my goals are concerned. I really did not plan so I did not get much done. My mother's constant quote is "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." 

Read the Bible 1x- I am on track so far in my chronological Bible reading plan! I have also been more intentional in my journaling of my favorite scripture from my daily reading portion. My Jim Elliot Journal has opened my eyes to see God's word in such a daily applicable manner.

Get Fit-  I exercised roughly about 18 times this past month for about ten minutes each time. I have really been enjoying this exercise! I've also drank about 24 twenty oz. cups. 

Cultivate my Relationships- 

Improve my Work Ethic-

Work on my Talents- I volunteer with an art teacher after-school and she was having a really interesting fundraiser. The goal was to draw something and a company prints your drawing on different items for you to buy. I drew silhouettes of my family with a sunset background! (I posted a pic on Instagram @ali_see_ya) 

-I filmed another video, so stay tuned!

I will not let this past month bring me down but will continue! I will be purposeful, intentional, and get things done! 

MARCH

-I will continue with my Bible reading and journaling

-Continue Exercising

-Cultivate my Relationships- I will choose to not let roots of bitterness grow in my heart. I will have more in-depth conversations with my friends.

-Improve My Work Ethic- Teach music and art to my little sister with a cheerful and patient attitude

-Work on My Talents- I would like to start stashing some money to buy myself my guitar. I will continue with my 1 second a day video.