Saturday, July 26, 2014

Book Review- Butterflies and the Violin

Butterfly and the Violin, a masterpiece in itself, is the first novel in the Hidden Masterpiece Series. Sera, a Manhattan art dealer, is intent on finding a mysterious portrait of a young violinist ravished by the horrors of WW||. When William, wealthy heir to a real estate company, intends on finding the same exact painting to save his family's inheritance, Sera's and his paths cross. Together they uncover the dark hideous past that lurks behind those startling blue eyes. 

The author seamlessly went from contemporary to historical sharing two distinct stories. The author did a fantastic job creating two distinct and very sweet romances. The ending was perfect, sweet, and complete leaving no strings hanging.

As more of the story enfolded each page seemed to whisper hope. The beauty with which the author portrayed how God gives beauty and talents to people to use for his glory was emotionally riveting. More than once I had to stop reading to analyze the rich profundity, my feelings, and even my convictions. The author tastefully created a richly endowed spiritual book with contemporary elements, and a rich historical backdrop. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for this independent and unbiased review. 

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Dear Internet,

I've decided to write a letter, yeah you know a thing people actually used to do before you came along, #happymail #snailmail you happen to get me back talking your lingo anyways, to talk about our relationship. You may be wondering why I've seemed to reject you. You may even beg me to return to the way things used to be, but my eyes have been opened to your true nature. 

You're greedy and selfish wanting all of my time all of the time. Instead of drawaing me closer to Jesus you tend to draw me away. The Bible in James 4:4 says "You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God." A friend is someone you invest time with, look to for counsel for all things big or small, and have fun with. 

When I spend countless minutes with you, look to you for advice, and choose to find my entertainment in you I am showing that sadly enough I've grown quite friendly with you. The Bible goes on to say in 1 John 2:15  For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. Here we see that the world is described as having cravings, lusts of the flesh and eyes, and is prideful. 

You have us scrolling harmlessly through picture perfect pictures of peoples lives. We all know the truth of the matter is that we are merely glimpsing into the 1 second of a glorious picture perfect moment, or even worse a perfected staged photo. We know the truth yet we desire the life we know that doesn't exist. We love to indulge our flesh with many hours of nonsense. What we do not know is that what we think we are doing harmlessly you use it against us. We begin to secretly covet what we see. People joke constantly about their addictions to you but fail to realize how serious the situation is. We drown out the hurts, the fears, and ultimately the Holy Spirit's still small voice. We choose fake relationships over the ones placed in our lives. You encourage us to post countless selfies to have others merely boost our ego. We  over share information because you've taught us to devalue discretion. 

I am no longer content with wasting my time, growing discontent and being fed on shallow relationships. I want and CHOOSE Jesus. He is my contentment, the one who satisfies my every need, In him I have all the answers. In Jesus I have the VICTORY to conquer you and your temptations. I no longer need you to function, but now you need me to operate you (when I want to). You have this world looking down at a gadget but I REFUSE- I will look up to my Savior, redeemer, and hope: Jesus. 

Cordially,
Alicia C.