The One Good Thing {book review and giveaway}

Nathan Steen is a very unique man. Every day he carries a handful of stones in his pocket and looks for opportunities to do random acts of kindness as he moves one stone from one pocket to the other. Many lives have been impacted by Nathan Steen's life, but he has a secret that he has kept for over twenty years, from his parents, his children, even from his wife. This secret threatens to shatter the very fabric of the reputation that Nathan has maintained almost his whole life.

The One Good Thing tops the list as my new favorite fictional read in the past few years. Kevin Alan Milne explores themes of friendship, death, bullying, kindness, humanity, and redemption plus so much more. Written from the perspective of a different character in every chapter, the reader can truly understand the struggles and feelings of each family member. I found myself asking, "How far would I go to help someone in need?" and "Do I daily .... or even weekly ....  approach my life looking at how I can not only help but also truly make a difference in someone's day...or even someone's life?"

I loved this book so much that it is my GREAT delight to be able to offer to YOU a chance to win this book for your very own!

Yay, right?!?!

There are A LOT of entries available. Just fill out the rafflecoptor below.

And you can buy this book on Amazon today!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The One Good Thing from Center Street as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Return of Cassandra Todd {book review}

When Cassandra Todd was in high school, she had it all -- the looks, the captain of the cheerleading squad, and the boyfriend who was quaterback of the football team. At least, that is how Turner Caldwell saw it from afar as he idolized her and suffered the consequences of her boyfriend and his bully friends. Almost a decade later, when Cassandra rolls back into town, Turner fights the torrent of emotions that wreak havoc in his already-wounded soul.  In that moment, he could not have guessed the journey that God would take him on, meshing his past disappointments and experiences together in a way that make the reader realize how truly God does work everything together for his purpose.

The Return of Cassandra Todd invites you in from the prologue through a pilgrimage of two very different people whose lives intersection result in eternal repercussions for them both. I love how Darrel Nelson endears the reader to the characters immediately. Capturing their flaws as well as their strengths enables the reader to see themselves throughout Cassandra and Turner's intense odyssey of forgiveness, trust, security, and hope for the future. The Return of Cassandra Todd engaged my senses and found me quickly longing to know the end of the story. I would heartily recommend this book to the story lover at heart as well as to those who have known brokenness and redemption.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Return of Cassandra Todd from Glass Road Media Management as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

100 Pound Loser {A Review}

When I heard that Jessica of Muthering Heights was writing an e-book about her 100 pound weight loss journey, I was surprised. After seeing her first at Relevant in 2011, and at Allume in 2012 as co-leader of the conference, looking super cute in her trendy outfits and amazing figure, I would never have guessed the battle she has overcome to arrive at the place she is now.

I was super excited to read and to review this book, not only because of how she looks NOW, but also because she is a real woman with four kids and fibromyalgia and somehow managed to balance all that, and find the body that she feels comfortable in.

THAT is the kind of book I want to read, the kind of woman whose story and journey that I want to know.

Since I have battled with chronic pain, most likely fibromyalgia too, I have been unable to exercise and dance like I used to to maintain the weight that I was most comfortable with and the past 2 and 1/2 years have found me slowly adding pounds that I would rather not carry around.

100 Pound Loser: How I Ate What I Wanted, Had Four Babies, & Still Took Control Of My Weight – And You Can Too! was like a shot in the arm, the boost that I needed to believe that it IS possible, even with obstacles in the way like health issues

Jessica shares her words in the same style that she speaks {I can hear her sweet voice in my mind bouncing across the auditorium at Allume}. Winsome, humorous, girl-next-door, coffee-chat-style, that is Jessica to a tee. Her words and motivation are not from a dietician or a fitness expert, they are from a mom, a woman, a friend who has faced this poundage mountain and lived to tell the tale.

In Jessica's own words....

"I wrote this because I'm just like you...I’ve been where you are: feeling tired, sluggish, and out of shape. Wanting to make positive changes for your health, but overwhelmed by the enormity of it, with hands full of children and all the beautiful business of life.   

I wrote this because I’ve done it. I’ve gained the weight, lost the weight, and kept it off. . .four babies (each a little over one year apart) later. 

I want to encourage you to take the steps toward taking care of your body. I want to cheer for you as you reclaim your health. If you’re married, I want you to wink at your husband, and giggle with confidence when he comes after you, without trying to hide. 

I want you to know you’re not alone—and that no matter what, whatever the mirror or the scale says, you are not just your body; you’re an amazing creature, fearsome to behold."

You can buy the book today for $4.99 on Amazon.

Or if you want more information, check out 100poundloser.net.

***Big thanks to Jessica for giving me and advance copy of the book to review! All opinions are my PURELY my own....

20 Questions for 2012

20 Questions for End of the Year Reflections

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?

We bought a house and then I fell in love with it,  for this nomadic missionary kid that is quite a feat!

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?

For the first time in three years, I actually had to think about this question because no obvious answer came to me right away. Such a beautiful miracle!  I suppose the most challenging thing has been the journey of becoming certified to be foster parents. The paperwork and inspections and interviews are the EASY part. The part that I did not expect was the emotional and mental roller coaster that I would feel preparing to step into this. I am still scared silly!!

3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?

I had almost 6 months of the year where I had more "good" days than "bad" days with my health. I do not talk a lot about the chronic pain issues that I have here on the blog, but they do overshadow a lot of how I live my life, unfortunately, not by choice, so the fact that this has been the "best" year health wise in 3 years is just amazing!

4. What was an unexpected obstacle?

1) The EXTRA 3 months that it took to close on our short sale.

2) As mentioned above, the overwhelming emotions in processing what it would mean to be foster parents, to have the first children we would be "raising" for a time not be our "own."

5. Pick three words to describe 2012.

His Relentless Pursuit 

6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2012

(don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you).

Healthier. Happier. More-like-yourself-again.

7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2012 (again, without asking).

Chilled. Transforming. Revealing.

8. What were the best books you read this year?

Grace for the Good Girl is on my list again this year as I continued reading into 2012. I did quite a few fictional reviews this year, but my favorite of them all was Breath of Angel by Karen Henley.

9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?

Arno, my life-long friends {college & local}, my parents, my sister,

Blogging friends who are IRL friends, Libby and all my (in) This Season ladies

10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?

Finding the desire and passion and drive to dream again

11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?

I learned that I wait TOO long before I ask for help because it is so hard for me to ask so I am SLOWLY learning NOT to do this, even with those closest to me

12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?

The more I learn about how and who God wired me to be, the closer I feel to Him and His heart. The more I live the life HE created me for, the more I feel alive in my purpose on this earth.

That is the lesson that has come alive for me this year.

13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?

As mentioned above, I have seen significant improvement in my chronic pain issues this year. While I am not back to my "old" self yet, I am SO VERY thankful for the healing the Lord has/continues to do in my body!

14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?

As I am more fully embracing who I am, I am embracing that uniqueness in others around me. The past few years, GRACE has been like an anthem to me. I feel that the Lord is constantly teaching me not only to have grace for myself and my own story but for others and their journeys too.

15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)?

The flexibility and the variety of working various types of jobs

16. What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)?

Finding the balance with how to manage my time the best, especially with the health limitations

17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?

Probably TV/Internet

18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?

Taking photography classes with my sister. Connecting with ladies at (in) This Season. Taking time to write more and more strategically. Connecting with others who have like-minded hearts and passions.

19. What was biggest thing you learned this past year?

What I have learned the most goes along with my OneWord for 2012 :: Relentless. The Father has shown me that He is relentlessly pursuing my heart. He is relentless in seeing the dreams He has placed inside of me come true. He is relentless to heal me and to renew what the devil tried to steal. He is relentless so I do not always have to be. He IS on my behalf.

20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2012 for you.

Weeping may come for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

Check out my 2010 Reflection Q & A.
Check out my 2011 Reflection Q & A.

5-in-1 :: Fictional Book Reviews

So I finished these books AWHILE ago, and I am embarrassed to say that it has taken me MUCH too long to review them. In the summer I did a 3-in1 fiction review, which I had planned to do again, but then I just kept reading soooooo presenting the first ever at Little Missionary Girl :: FIVE in ONE review! Hope you find one that will suit your fancy...the settings and plots are teasingly diverse.

Breath of Angel

by Karyn Henley

So when I first started reading Breath of Angel, I did not know if I was going to be able to get into it. There were so many characters and the terminology was a whole new learning curve. But after the first few chapters, I was hooked. In fact this is book one in the Angeleon Circle, and I am looking forward to reading more in the series. The story of Melaia, fallen angels, shape-shifters, immortals, and more with myths and stories becoming reality beyond what legends could ever have foreseen. In a world where good and evil, light and dark, and man and immortal flow naturally in the third dimension, Melaia's awakening will leave you breathless for more, longing to journey with her further into the realm of the beautiful unknown.

A Whisper of Peace

by Kim Vogel Sawyer

This is a story of Clay, Lizzie, and Vivian and their adventures on the Alaskan frontier. Lizzie is from the Athabascan people but estranged. Clay and Vivian from Oklahoma are siblings venturing into the wild unknown with a desire to reach the native people outside of Fort Yukon. Life and faith is hard living in the cold Alaskan wilderness. The raw guts of who we are, who Jesus us, and what that looks like in every day life are fully explored through the lives of these three people and who they impact.

A Whisper of Peace reads like a story where you anticipate much of the storyline and yet you will find yourself swept up into the heart of the characters anyway. We all learn hard lessons in our life's path and you will find many of your own struggles in the wrestling of our Alaskan friends.

House of Secrets

by Tracie Peterson

Three sisters....fifteen years of secrets....one sister's desperate attempt to have the truth come to life, but what if that ruins their whole family? Written from the perspective of Bailee, the oldest sister, flashbacks, hidden memories, childhood misunderstood secrets, and adulthood issues began to surface sending her, her sisters, and their father reeling.

While this book is not personally connected to my own life experiences, I believe that the struggles represented in each character are universal. Childhood misperceptions of our parent's actions cloud all of us and when adulthood understanding awakens inside our minds, life takes on new meaning. If you have ever struggled with family issues, the author boldly delves into very real angst that makes this book the perfect way to unearth the needed truths in your own world through another's story.

Valley of Dreams

by Lauraine Snelling

Valley of Dreams is the journey of Cassie Lockwood, skilled trick rider and sharpshooter, who sets off on a journey to find the hidden valley of her father's dreams in the Black Hills of South Dakota after the Wild West Show where she has spent her entire life folds in financial ruin. Cassie and her companions travel through winter winds and snow, over mountain passes and valleys to try to capture the illusive valley where Cassie plans to live out the rest of her days.

While I enjoyed the journey, I was a little disappointed with the pace of the book. There are other character story lines that come into play and make sense near the end of the book, but are not obvious at the beginning. The story ends with a twist preparing you for the continuation in the second book of the Wild West Wind series.  I would love to read the second book but I do wish the pace had moved faster in the first book with less description of the journey along the way to the valley.

Love in Disguise

by Carol Cox

Ellie Moore, a down-on-her-luck actress, randomly lands a job with the Pinkerton Detective agency in Arizona dressed as a middle aged woman in search of the silver shipment bandits. She did not expect her first case to be so hard or her co-detective to run off and get married before the case even began. But Ellie plugged forward anyway.

Love in Disguise is Ellie's journey through romance and mystery, learning curves and unexpected humor. I really enjoyed the way her story weaves through the lives of the characters she is playing as well as the town people who fall in love with her. Because of the detective twist, the story leaves you wondering exactly what will happen next and who the true "bad guys" actually are.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received Love in Disguise, Valley of Dreams, House of Secrets, and A Whisper of Peace from Bethany House Publishers and Breath of Angel from Blogging for Books :: Water Brook Multnomah as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Graffiti: Scribbles from Different Sides of the Street {A Review}

When I saw the opportunity to join Alene as a part of her launch team for her latest e-book, Graffiti: Scribbles from Different Sides of the Street, I quickly jumped at the chance and was delighted to be accepted to share in this amazing story in just a small way.

Graffiti is a book written not only by Alene, a self-prescribed suburban girl, but also by a homeless man, Rick, who was not always that way.

Source: graffitithebook.com via Positively Alene on Pinterest

Graffiti is the story of two very different shells but two very similar hearts, two opposite sides of the street but two identical desires, two contrary points of view but two passions cut from the same cloth. Graffiti challenges your thinking, shifts your paradigm, leaves you breathless, and praying, "Dear God, how can I get out of my comfort zone right here, right now, in this world you have placed me in?"

Source: graffitithebook.com via Positively Alene on Pinterest

And I do.
Feel empowered by the story in the pages of Graffiti.

"When nothing is different, there is no difference. How vanilla! For when everything is the same, we experience the same over and over. Talk about mundane! For you and me to leave a mark as difference-makers, we will have to be willing to embrace who we are and be different."

As we count down the days to Christmas and closing out 2012, we usually allow our minds and hearts time for more introspection and analysis. Graffiti is just the book to inspire you not only for the holiday season or for 2013, but for life.

How will you cross over to the other side of the street in your neighborhood, in your community, in the world that the Father has placed you in?

I can tell you this.
I am working on that, wrestling through what that looks like for me.

I hope that you will join me on this journey.
Here's how you can do JUST that!

Alene is selling the e-book for just $3.99 today!!!
Yay!!

But wait there is more!

If you act soon, {this week!}, specifically from November 26th-30th, you will not only get Graffiti: Scribbles from Different Sides of the Street but also $75 in FREE resources along with it!

Want to hear more?
Head over to www.positivelyalene.com for more details on how to get these amazing deals as well as to learn more about Alene and her personal story!!

Source: graffitithebook.com via Positively Alene on Pinterest

What I Am Into These Days :: Fall 2012 Edition

Listening ... I haven't been listening to any one thing consistently recently. A few months ago, I purchased Deluge's latest album, Swell, and my favorite song there that stirs my heart is He Rose. Mandisa JUST released a Christmas album this year which I place to break out after Thanksgiving. {Review on that coming soon!}

Watching ... I absolutely ADORE The Voice. I will admit that I am quite often teary at a beautiful performance or watching an artist be praised for their efforts. I love to see a dreamer see some of their dreams coming true. Arno and I have been watching Alias together as neither of us saw it during its 6(or 7) season long run. Gotta love Netflix! I have also been catching up with Doctor Who on Netflix which I truly love. And of course, I could not wait until Downton Abbey was released in the U.S. in January, so I all caught up along with my U.K. friends in the current season. Love Mary and Matthew and I can honestly say shot that I STILL get a thrill of excitement every time I hear the musical intro. #MustDownload My interests are teasingly diverse...yes..that's me!

**Photo Credit

Reading ... I really did a lot of fictional catch up over the summer but seemed to have paused in that endeavor as of late. However, I am in the middle of Ted Dekker's {my favorite Christian fiction author}latest release, The Sanctuary. {Review on that coming soon too!}.  I am also really excited to be a part of the launch team for Graffiti by Alene Snodgrass. Stay tuned on my Twitter feed for more details about this amazing book from BOTH sides of the street. So amazing!

Pinning ... I recently bought Pinterpretation by Holly Gerth and Stephanie Bryant at Squee. I haven't written down all of my answers yet, but it was SUPER fun to go through my boards with all of the questions that they have AMAZINGLY come up with to figure out more of how I am wired! {I totally recommend it!}

Eating ... Um. Salted Caramel. EVERYTHING. The end.

Drinking ... See above. {Thank you, Starbucks, for this --> Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate}

**Photo Credit

Wearing ... Bought some fun random items recently :: sleeveless tuxedo dress, three-quarter length sleeved sheer white top with ruffles, a red ruffled skirt with blue flowers, a polka-dotted scarf, a maroon cotton dress, oh..and..two new pair of jeans. {Taking cute & comfy shoe suggestions for boot cut jeans. Criteria :: Must be able to wear "cutely"WITH socks and MUST be flats...no tennis shoes...comment below PLEASE!!}. Fall is my favorite clothing time of year with tights and boots and scarves. #SoFun

Feeling ... Winter weather is a bit tough on my body with recurring chronic pain flareups and insomnia issues. Thank you for your prayers on my behalf that it would be an AMAZING winter and not a painful one. Scared a bit about our foster care journey...some technical issues have put a pause on the progress but more on that at a later date.

Weather ... This week the forecast is sunny and high 50's -- just beautiful! Should make for perfect Thanksgiving weather!

Wanting ... A new telephoto lens for my DSLR. My current one is twelve years old and is slowly "giving up the ghost." Also for my oven to be fixed soon...looking forward to baking some yummy things this season...hopefully!

**Photo Credit

Needing ... to learn balance in my schedule, in my personality, in my goals, in my approach to life {creativity vs practical}

Thinking ... Christmas! Yay! My absolute favorite season and with this great room, I plan to have the BIG tree of my childhood dreams. #WhoSaysYouHaveToGrowUp

Enjoying ... fireplaces in our new-ish home, visits from long-time college pals, photography classes with my sister, time to learn and grow and process, and as always...His never-ending grace.

What about you? What are you currently up to?
Would love to hear your life-song in this season.

She's Got Issues :: A DVD Bible Study Review

She's got issues......

When I saw the title of this DVD Bible curriculum, I knew it was for me.
Cause I know I have issues.
I'm not the only one, right?

So I thought, "Sign me up for this review!"

I wanted to learn myself how I could better combat all of those "little foxes" that quickly become Mount Vesuvius in my life before you know it.

When the DVD/book combo arrived, I quickly perused the topics :: control, insecurity, comparison, fear, anger, and unforgiveness. I then promptly decided which ones I THOUGHT I really needed to work on. Then God totally rocked my world by challenging me on all the opposite topics from my internal plan.

Basically, every lesson was important.
Every topic is a deal-breaker in how we connect to God and the world around when we do not allow the Lord to work it through our lives.

At first I was thrown off guard because I was not expecting REAL stories and a REAL small group experience RIGHT on the DVD. I was not sure how I felt about it at first and then Nicole Unice's words just consistently spoke truths near and dear to my heart. The women on the video were transparent and open about the hurdles they have and are dealing with in their own stories. It touches you deep. In addition, Nicole style is disarming at first, and then I realized she is a counselor and that is why. Her words and viewpoint launch from a heart to pour life into hurting women everywhere because it is what she has dedicated her life to for the past twenty-five years.

Also, as a woman who has led small groups for almost fifteen years, I love the layout of the curriculum :: testimony, time to journal/respond IN Bible study together{so no homework...yay!}, and a short fifteen minute focus on the Word to give us hope for the HOW we can apply HIS principles to our lives. Spanning eight weeks, this study is great for women who want to get real and delve into those pesky issues that plague us our whole lives...BUT this is a really great study to do at home alone...with the book OR with the DVD alone.

Want to learn a little more?

Check out this preview of Nicole and her girlfriends serving up REAL TIME talk as well as an interview with the author herself.

She's Got Issues DVD experience

Nicole Unice's interview with Women of God magazine

And then head on over to Nicole's page and buy the book, the DVD, or BOTH!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received She's Got Issues from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Dear Me....

Hey, you!

Yeah, you with the curly permed hair, nose in the latest Francine Rivers book, and 16-year-old angst.

I know you live in a world of romantic dreaming and counting-the-days-til-you-see-your-American-friends again, but I want to give you a little advice to help you along the path you are about to take. I know you will listen with rapt attention. You like to have guidelines and road markers along the way. And since Dad raised you on SciFi, your own voice from your future will intrigue you. I will try not to give TOO much away though. You will need the lessons learned from embracing adventure and unknown to make it through your journey.

So, here goes...

You know when Uncle Mike reminded you to "Bloom where you are planted" when you were thirteen? Hang on to that. It will help you in the cross-continental moves you are going to be making in your life, but wait...let's not get ahead of ourselves.

When Mom and Dad let you decide if you want to stay in Haiti with them for your senior year or to go live in America with Aunt Bonnie, it will be the hardest decision of your life to date. But can I tell you something right now? You WILL make the right decision. That decision will ground in you an understanding of how to hear God's voice for yourself for THE. REST. OF. YOUR. LIFE. You will be scared. You will want Mom and Dad to tell you what to do. They won't. But they will help you make pros and cons and talk through both options. You will not realize how hard this is for them for a long time, but say thank you anyway to them for trusting you with your own life at 16. It REALLY is a big deal!

Pssst....I have a secret to tell you. That guy who you have had a crush on for, like, 3 years now, he is going to ask you to the youth group banquet and soon after become your FIRST REAL BOYFRIEND! Sqeeeee!! I know! Super exciting, right?

Enjoy that relationship. He really is a great guy. No, I mean REALLY. You will not realize how great then, but most 17 year old boys are not that mature and kind and respectful.  Dating him first will help you through the ups and downs of dating in the future.

I am not going to tell you WHO you are going to marry or WHEN it is going to happen because you would NOT believe me anyway. But I will tell you this ::

your forever love story will rival fairytales. 

And that is the truth! Just do not compromise along the way. You will NOT regret it!

You are tender-hearted and deeply sensitive. You often hate this about yourself and will spend a lot of hours agonizing over being this way. Please try not to be so hard on yourself. I know Dad tells you this a lot. He is right. That "weakness" is one of your greatest strengths and will help more people than you can imagine right now.

And that dreamer-girl inside of you? That part of you is NOT childish or immature. She is exactly who God wants you to be. Don't turn her off or shut her out. And if you forget, and do it anyway. Please do not be afraid to invite her back in and give her a room again. She needs a lot of space and you have plenty of room in your life for her and the practical-girl on your shoulder.

I know you are self-conscious about your pale skin, freckles, and lack of curves {and that will change...a little at least}. One day you will be thankful for those things. I know you are making a face now. I am serious though. Freckles will keep your face young and those straight-figured genes will keep you the same size for almost 15 more years, and that is definitely a plus. Most importantly though, day by day, begin to embrace your own skin. It will be a lifelong journey but you will find more beauty than critique when you do.

I know right now, you are being flooded with more emotions that you can possibly handle all at once. Embrace them. Lean into them. Please do not run from them. You have more strength inside of you than you can possibly imagine and your heart will lead you WELL more often than not.

I also know it has been hard being a missionary kid and for years you have dreamed and even demanded of God to live in America as a grown up. He hears you. He truly does, but He has bigger dreams for you than you can even dream for yourself. Enjoy the ride even when it looks "different" from your plans. And one day soon, you are going to dream of traveling the world. I know it is hard to believe right now, but it is going to be a BIG dream for you.

You have loved Jesus since you were 4 years old and really are a very good girl. You see the world in shades of black and white. But very soon, the grays will start to appear. It will scare you BIG TIME and you may even feel insignificant in the process, but hold on, baby girl, it is God's grace shining through to you from those black and white space bursting open your worldview. He will never stop teaching you about grace and one day you will truly bask in the world of kaleidoscope shades of beauty. You do not have to prove anything to anyone. He loves you. And that is enough. Remember that your freshman year in college when you feel like a fish out of water. The insecurities will not last forever. And you are going to make some of your very best lifelong friends there. Oh...it is going to be so much fun!

Mom often says, "Be true to yourself and to the Lord." That will become a mantra in your life. You will need that reminder in hard decisions when others do not see where you are coming from. I know how hard that is for you. Oh I really do. But live by her words and you will see that grace I was talking about.

In the next couple of years, your teachers and professors as well as Mom and Dad will highlight gifts in you that you do not see in yourself -- teaching, writing, speaking. Listen to them. They all have wisdom and life experience that will mold you into what you need to become.

Make a difference in the life of a child whenever possible. This is going to shape you in ways that will surprise you and endear you to kids wherever you go.

Keep your tender heart for Jesus. Keep treating everyone with respect and equality. Be confident in who you are. You are a natural leader, and your Holy-Spirit-led guidance will serve you and others well.

Granny always calls you JOY. Hold on to that even in your darkest days. The devil will try to steal that from you, but it is your gift, your lifeline, your hope for the future.

I know that you see yourself as "just a missionary kid" but that perspective is going to change the world around you everywhere you go. So be yourself. Always.

"You is kind.
You is smart.
You is important."

Yeah, you...we...still hate bad grammar but this is from a movie coming out in about a decade from now {Go see it!} You will love the heart behind it...and grammar errors and all...you are ALL of these things!

I know you hate BIG change. THAT will never change, but please try to learn to let go a little and just fly. Your wings are large and beautiful. You are an eagle. Do not settle for less.

Love,






P.S. You know that pack rat tendency you have. Keep it. It will drive Mom and Future Husband a little batty, but your nostalgic heart will thank you over and over again. Especially on a day like today, writing this letter, reading your 1995 journal.

P.P.S. That secret love of dancing you have had since you were 2 years old. Do something about it. It will be one of the best decisions ever!

~  ~  ~

When I saw the challenge from Emily to write a letter to our teenage selves in honor of the release of her new book, Graceful, I wanted to do it, but then I felt intimidated and really did not know what to say. But I eventually sat down and started writing. Sometimes you think you have nothing to say until you just write... and you realize how full your heart really is. Would you like to share a letter to your teenage self? Please do. And then head over to Emily's space, Chatting at the Sky, on Friday {tomorrow} and link up your letter and read all of the great advice from some amazing women{and men} walking this road of grace just like you{and me!}. Oh and check out the Graceful trailer right HERE!

3 for 1 {Fiction Book Reviews}

I have have spent the past couple of months playing catch up with some books I have on deck to review for various blogger review programs. I am an avid reader, but had taken a hiatus for awhile so when I started reading again, suddenly I had a few books ready to be reviewed all at once. So why not do a little triple play here?!?!  I LOVE fiction, getting lost in a story and learning life lessons along with the characters. Please enjoy my reviews of 3 very diverse stories, timelines, settings, and characters.

Book #1 - The Maid of Fairbourne Hall 

by Julie Klassen

Julie Klassen knocks is out of the park on this one. Hidden motives, riches to rags storyline, unrequited love, and character development that will leave you cheering and hand-wringing throughout the duration of your read.

Margaret Macy's life was one born into wealth and a happy family, but when untimely death and her mother's remarriage find her in a position to be forced into a marriage to a dishonorable man, Margaret flees her house in the dead of night. With little money and months to hide before her inheritance will grant her freedom to marry as she chooses, Margaret makes a difficult decision -- to become a housemaid! To top it all, she finds herself in the Upchurch manor, the home of two brothers, with whom she has previous scandalous history.

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall pulls you into a story crammed with romance, intrigue, danger, and suspense. Margaret Macy's journey will remind you of your own flaws and prejudices as well as challenge you to invest in a personal pilgrimage of growth no matter what life brings.

Book #2 - Switched! 

{Book 5 of TJ and the Time Stumblers} 

by Bill Myers

Even though Switched is considered youth/juvenile fiction, I really wanted to read it. I was ALWAYS an avid reader as a child and teen, so I thought not only would I enjoy a walk down memory lane but also would have a lot of experience under my belt from where I could offer perspective in my review.

Like I mentioned, Switched is Book 5 in an ongoing series of TJ and the Time Stumblers. I did not realize that when I offered to review as I hate coming into a book mid-story, however the book does an excellent job of recapping while propelling the current storyline forward as well.

Tuna and Herby have come from the future, more specifically the 23rd century, to learn more about TJ Finkelstein BEFORE she becomes famous. But right now she is just an awkward teen, trying not to stand out and struggling to fit in. However, her future pals are NOT making that very easy -- between their invisibility cloak, making it appear like TJ is talking to herself and scrape after scrape they keep falling into, TJ gets more than she bargains for with these time stumblers.

Switched was a quick, fun read. Having been a children's and youth pastor for a number of years, I found the interactions between friends and peer sets to be accurate in many ways. The ongoing story line is sure to entertain young people as they delve into these characters. The continuous sarcastic narration between scenes and dialogue turned me off somewhat. However overall, the part I really enjoyed is the fact that since Tuna and Herby have come from the future to meet TJ because she made an impact in the world, this book inspires kids and teens to dream big and reach for the stars, even when braces and awkward hair make the world seem more like a monster trying to eat you than an oyster to be possessed.

Book #3 - Angel Harp by Michael Phillips

Having family ancestry in the English/Scottish/Irish region of the world, yet never having had the opportunity {as of yet} to travel there, I relished in the idea of taking a journey with Marie Buchan to rediscover a dream as well as her own Scottish heritage. After the death of her husband, seven years before, forty-year-old Marie discovers that while she is not living in daily sorrow any longer, she is stuck in a rut, a rut that is causing depression and discouragement to weigh heavy on her soul. So she wraps up her responsibilities and spontaneously journeys to Scotland for a summer with her harp.

Angel Harp reads not only as a journey of one woman to rediscover life after the death of a spouse, but also as an expedition into the heart of the Heavenly Father and the way He loves us in our greatest hurts and deepest rejections, even of Him.

I began reading Angel Harp a number of months ago, but the story line progressed so slowly that I grew weary of it and eventually moved on to other interests. However, the richness of the story itself said with me. I would find myself at random moments replaying scenes the author had described or mulling over dialogue where the characters had revealed pieces of themselves.  So finally, since this narrative would not seem to leave me alone, I delved back in.

The pace of the book WAS quite long and possibly even arduous at times, however, a love of Scotland and these now "real-to-me" characters propelled me forward in spite of myself, even causing me to sign up to review the sequel Heather Song.

There are questions in the last few chapters of the book that beg resolution, and I have faith that as Marie's life expedition continues into Heather Song, the answers will reveal themselves.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Maid of Fairbourne Hall from Bethany House Publishers, Switched from Tyndale House Publishers, and Angel Harp from Faith Words Hatchette Book Group as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Five Miles South of Peculiar {Review}

When Glass Roads Public Relations contacted me about being a part of a blog tour for Angela Hunt's new book, Five Miles South of Peculiar, I jumped at the opportunity. However, I forgot that I would be in Haiti on that date, and just couldn't post on that date. #EpicFail

But, they so graciously understood and gave me time to fully soak into the world of the Caldwell sisters in Peculiar, Florida.

On first impression, before even reading the book, the cover invites you in to the Sycamores, the Caldwell estate, housing the third generation of Caldwells, sisters, in fact, five miles south of a town called Peculiar.

Carlene and Darlene are twins who have lived apart from the time they were eighteen years old. Life, love, fame, and dreams intervened to separate a once inseparable pair. Magnolia, better known as Nolie, by those in Peculiar, lives in the shadows of her older sisters, haunted by her own heartbroken past. As life shifts and changes for these post-middle-aged women, the heart and history of Sycamores is revealed through their own personal journeys, filled with aching mistakes and surprising revelations.

I appreciate how the story weaves seamlessly through present events and past memories with both being seen from each sister's vantage point. Drawn into the story by Southern plantations, small town charm, rich family history, and mysteriously veiled past, I quickly stepped into the world of Peculiar, sensing the emotions of every character as if they were friends.

If you enjoy a story that does not center only on romantic love and relationship, but also on the hurts and joys of family, friendships, and dreams won and lost, this is the book for you!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Howard Books as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."