Free This Week: Noelle's Gift

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Surrender - share for a copy!

Lord willing, "Surrender" (Late Intermediate Piano Solos) will release next week! I'm looking for people who are interested in doing a social blast about it! Sign up and I'll send you shareable information PLUS a free digital copy of the music book.

Find out more about the book here.

Sign up for the tour here.

Anchor in the Storm | Book Review

MY REVIEW

Lillian's prosthetic leg immediately drew me into this book. I just haven't read about many heroines that had an appalling "disability" and yet, you love the character, don't pity her. I could identify with Lillian in many ways--her "cold-heartedness" (or "wooden heart"), her bluntness, her blunders. She felt very real.

Arch was also to be admired. And yes, what I admired most was that he was real. He had a very real, very strong struggle to grow through in his naval career, and he didn't tackle this struggle on his own--he continually prayed for God's help.

I've read more non-fiction than fictional WWII books, so this was a new type of book for me. I didn't think that the war was glorified in it--being that Arch was in the middle of a ship with men struggling with their nerves and Lillian worked at a store that saw the social war affects first-hand. It was very interesting and brought the era to life.

Being the second book in the Waves of Freedom series, I wasn't sure how Anchor in the Storm would read as a stand-alone. No worries. It read amazingly. I assume that the first book was about Jim and Mary; this second book is about Jim's sister, Lillian. There were some references to Jim and Mary's back-story, but it only embellished this story, it didn't make it feel like a gap was missing somewhere.

The spiritual theme of this book was that Christ is the anchor for our soul. Both Lillian and Arch clung to that. I really, really appreciated that, at times when one would be wishing for physical comfort from their love, they brought it back to, "No, Christ is my sure anchor." In some ways, it could be that this message was the only spiritual message in the book, but it was definitely very present--not rushed over.

The mystery in this book kind of surprised me (this is Sundin's first book that I've read, so she may usually have mysteries, I don't know). It was complex, interesting, and true-to-life. Another plus, in my opinion.

There were a couple things I didn't care for. One, being that when Lillian was taken advantage of by a former boyfriend (back-story), she didn't tell her family or parents. Younger readers probably wouldn't want to read this because of that situation, plus there was considerable romance throughout the book and some violence (murders mentioned, ships bombarded, things like that).

*I received this book in exchange of my honest review, from LitFuse Publicity* 

ABOUT THE BOOK

One Plucky Female Pharmacist + One High-Society Naval Officer = Romance--and Danger
For plucky Lillian Avery, America's entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg's attentions only annoy--even if he "is" her brother's best friend.
During the darkest days of the war, Arch's destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves--and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection?
Sarah Sundin brings World War II to life, offering readers an intense experience they won't soon forget. 

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Affliction

As I recently read through Psalm 119, I noticed a lot about afflictions and God's Word, so I decided to hone in on those verses. In doing so, I discovered that there are two definitions for the words of "affliction" used.

The first is from the Hebrew word, 'oniy, meaning, "depression, misery."

This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. (Ps 119:50)

Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. (Ps 119:92)

Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law. (Ps 119:153)

This affliction is not brought on by our sin, necessarily, but is when we get low in spirits in daily living. The beauty is that, in these situations, we can turn to Christ and His Word for comfort and deliverance, knowing that focusing on Him will keep us from perishing in these afflictions.

The second definition for "affliction" is slightly different. It is from the Hebrew word, 'anah, and gives the impression of browbeating, depression.

    

Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. (Ps 119:67)

It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. (Ps 119:71)

I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. (Ps 119:75)

I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word. (Ps 119:107)

This type of affliction lends the idea of affliction as punishment (directly linked to our wandering from God). Affliction like this, from God, is used to get our attention so that we can better keep God's Word. The answer is not found in soothing ourselves with promises from God's Word, but in checking our obedience to the Scripture (because God's promises are usually contingent on our obedience).

When I feel myself in affliction, I need to do a quick evaluation: is this affliction because of my disobedience to God? or is this affliction just part of life? God's Word has the answer to both afflictions, but I need to search my heart and be sure I'm applying His Word correctly to my life.

What is something that you have noticed from God's Word recently?

Free This Week: Debt of Mercy

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Surrender

Surrender. 

It seems that every time I work on projects with a theme, the Lord has lessons concerning that theme to teach me. As I have been working on editing and putting “Surrender” into book form, the Lord has been working in my heart regarding surrender—whether it was hopes and dreams for this project, daily choices, or my ideas and will.

We tend to think of surrender regarding life-changing issues, big things. But most often, surrender is an ongoing process involving small sacrifices. It is in daily life that we must learn to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, as this is our reasonable service (see Romans 12:1).

The songs in the upcoming piano solo book are commonly known as “invitation songs,” and the messages ring true. Have we laid all on the altar for God to control? Have we acknowledge our need for Christ and turned fully to Him? Have we truly surrendered all to Him? Are we daily seeking to be near Him so that we can say in assurance, “It is well with my soul?” Are we eagerly awaiting His eternal plans for us or do we still cling to that which will one day fade away?

God’s call to surrender is not limited to just one season to life. Wherever it is that the Lord has you, may you learn to surrender fully to Him.

More information here

The Reluctant Duchess | Book Review

About the Book

Lady Rowena Kinnaird may be the heiress to a Highland earldom, but she has never felt good enough—not for her father, not for the man she thought she’d marry, not for God. But after a shocking attack, she’s willing to be forever an outcast if it means escaping Loch Morar and the men who have jeopardized her life.

Brice Myerston, the Duke of Nottingham, has suddenly found himself in possession of a rare treasure his enemies are prepared to kill for. While Brice has never been one to shy away from manor-born ladies, the last thing he needs is the distraction of his neighbor, Lady Rowena, who finds herself in a desperate situation. But when the moody Earl of Lochabar tries to trap Brice into marrying Rowena, Brice finds he’s not as opposed to the idea as he expected to be.

Rowena wanted to escape the Highlands, but she’s reluctant to resort to marrying a notorious flirt just to gain his English home. And when she learns that Brice is mixed up in some kind of questionable business with a stolen treasure, she ’fears she’s about to end up directly in the path of everything she was trying to avoid.

My Review

I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm not a huge romance fan, but if there's one type of romance I like, it's between a husband and wife who are learning to love each other (as opposed to unmarried people falling in love...I don't know, it's just me). Brice, being my favorite character from The Lost Heiress, was still my favorite character. I enjoyed reading how he learned to listen and his wife learned to love. It was really a sweet story.

Throughout the whole book, it seemed like the characters regularly sought God and prayed, which I appreciated. Some of the characters were evidently stronger in faith than others, which I thought gave a realistic aspect.

However. When I think back on the book, the main thread that stands out to me is the marriage bed. Whether it was Rowena being physically abused by her supposed lover or her learning to trust again, this theme just wasn't in my comfort zone, even though it was done fairly discreetly. For this reason, I would not recommend this book to girls under twenty.

The continued thread of the Fire Eyes was alluring. There is something about them that are enticing and exciting. In this, though, there is a lot of discussion about curses and the spiritual realm. I don't think I particularly disagreed with the author on this, because the conclusion I found was that there are spiritual battles being fought (which I believe is Biblical) and that the curse was not a curse of superstition, but a curse of greed. The way the author brought this about, though, was slightly confusing so I might not have fully grasped her intentions.

So, those two things pull my rating down to three stars--which I realize is just my personal preference and convictions.

*I received this book in exchange of my honest review from Bethany House*

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About the Author

Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna has a slew of historical novels available, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her new British series. She lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at www.RoseannaMWhite.com

What a Friend | Music Video

One of my newer arrangements is up on YouTube!

Free This Week: Maggie's Hope Chest

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A Scripture Design in 21 Steps

It is always interesting to take screenshots of the process of my graphics design, because I never know exactly what will come out of it--and if it will even be something I like. The design I shared Tuesday, was one I had time to throw together, and here's how I did it.

Step 1: Started with a blank 5x5 file

Step 2: Pasted the verse on it

Step 3: Separated the words into different layers
And changed the font to Trajanus.

Step 4: Aligned the layers centered
Because, at this point, I was thinking about doing a simpler graphics design.

Step 5: Distributed the text layers evenly

Step 6: Changed the key words to Windsong font

Step 7: Decided that my simple style wasn't working...

Step 8: So I played around with the positioning of the words

Step 9: With the words done, I took a picture from my iPhone and copied it onto my square

Step 10: Selected a brush

Step 11: Started "painting"

Step 12: Tested the Gaussian Blur look

Step 13: Decided it wasn't quite the look I wanted...
So I canceled the Gaussian Blur.

Step 14: Changed brush size and added more yellow
I intentionally made the yellow heavier on the bottom than the top.

Step 15: Gaussian Blur again

Step 16: Lowered the opacity of the background layer

Step 17: Made the text visible again

Step 18: Added a drop shadow to the text

Step 19: Decided to test some "Fibers"
In this picture, I have yellow and blue on my color pallet. However, I changed that in the next screenshot to be yellow and orange.

Step 20: Played with the fibers until it looked good.

Step 21: Lowered the opacity of the fibers

There you have it...another graphics design step-by-step.

Counting Blessings | Book Review

About the Book

by Eileen Spinelli

Illustrated by Lee Holland

Children count along from 1 to 10, following the sweet rhyming text by beloved author Eileen Spinelli and the cute and cuddly illustrations by Lee Holland. Along with counting, this padded cover board book teaches children to see the blessings in life. With whimsy and joy, Counting Blessings captures the attention of young children, filling their minds with numbers and their hearts with happiness.

My Review

I absolutely adore the illustrations in this little book! They just make me smile. I read this book with my six-year-old sister (I read a page, she read a page), and she enjoyed it and thought it was cute too.

The rhyming has a nice flow and I like the thought of counting blessings. The only negative I can see is that it's not particularly a Christian book, in that there are no mentions of where these blessings come from--just that there are more than we can count. However, it would be simple for a parent to take the book and expound on it with their child about why we should count our blessings and that all blessings come from God.

*I received this book in exchange of my honest review from Book Look Bloggers*

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Be Still, My Soul | Music Video

In light of the hymn ("Be Still, My Soul"), I looked up Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."

Sometimes, we just need to be still--be still and know the truths about Who God is. 
He is still on the throne--no circumstances here on earth will change that.
He is still in control--no changes in government down here will change that.
He is still God.
He is still King.
He is still unchanging.

Are we allowing the worries and cares of today to steal our joy? Maybe we need to take a moment and "Be still and know that {He} is God."

---
Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.

Lyrics by Katharina A. von Schlegel

All My Need

A promise I've been reflecting upon this past week.

What promise are you clinging to?

Free This Week: Letters from a Scatter-Brained Sister

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Tips for Small Cameras

Usually, I post tips for cameras like the one I use (a Canon Digital Rebel T3i -- a DSLR). However, as Ashley commented a few photography posts back, not everyone has these "fancy cameras." What then?

The closest thing I have to a simple "point-and-shoot" (or "cheap") camera is my iPhone 4s (8 megapixels--compared to my T3i's 17.9 megapixels). While I'm not about to go do a professional photoshoot with my iPhone, I do use it on the go, and here are a few things that I have learned.

Understand Your Camera's Limitations
Don't expect a small camera to take the images that a larger, more expensive camera will take. There will be some areas where you'll need to compensate for your camera's lack of technology. For example, cheap cameras need good lighting to make clear images. You cannot take pictures "on the move" as easily (move "travel pictures" will be blurry). Also consider your camera's focal length -- some cameras can get within two inches of a flower, other cameras need about six inches to focus. Be willing to work with your camera. Make sure there's good lighting. Make sure your camera is focusing at the distance you have it.

Work on Your Eye
A camera should not limit your creativity. I have seen some pretty amazing pictures by people who have small cameras. Work on your angles. The tips that I mentioned in this post and this post can be applied to any camera. Get out, take pictures.

Some Tips
1. Keep your camera steady
Most small cameras don't like shaky hands. Give yourself a sturdy grip on the camera--use something external to anchor your arms/hands (for example, prop your elbows on the ground).

2. Have good lighting
Your camera will probably give you bad grain if you don't have good enough lighting. So, if you're going out to get some prize pictures, make sure you have good lighting.

3. Work on your angles
Don't let a small camera thwart your creativity! Work on your eye as you use your small camera.

From my Camera Bag (or card ;))
To be fair, here are some completely unedited pictures from my iPhone 4s. If you notice, with all of these, there is good lighting. And I'll also acknowledge that I was picky with what pictures I chose. Some pictures from my iPhone are grainy, "just for the memory's sake" pictures.

If you're still not convinced about a "small camera," here are some pictures that I took for my sister's business--using my iPhone. These, I did edit a little. However, two important elements in these pictures are: 1) Good lighting (it was midday), 2) Cute props.

What kind of camera do you use? 
If you have a small camera, what are some tips you'd add here?

Live Fearless | Book Review

My colored page

I finally got in to review a coloring book! The whimsical drawings are fun and cute, the lines fairly clear and easy to follow. The format of it is interesting too--one side a picture, the other side a prayer journal section.

As I colored a picture, I noticed that some of the lines overlaid others. For example, you would see a stem then on top of it you would see a flower--with both lines crossing. 

I also didn't care that the Scripture quotations were in various versions.

*I received this book in exchange of my honest review from Bethany House Publishing*

ABOUT THE BOOK

Embrace God's Comforting Presence While You De-stress, Meditate, and Create! 
Life can be overwhelming as we go from one urgent demand on our time to another; it's important to slow down and remind ourselves who we are and who God is. Coloring is a wonderful way to relax and focus our minds, giving us the refreshment and freedom to be all we were meant to be. But this book gives you more than a chance to color--it also focuses your attention on the peace that God brings through his presence in your life. 
This beautiful, intricately designed coloring book highlights verses from the Bible that focus on the courage that comes with knowing God is by your side. He wants us to live bold lives, free of fear, and his Word gives us the peace and reassurance to do so. Presenting this uplifting message in a fun and creative format, "Live Fearless" encourages you to drink deeply from Scripture as you color and create. Space is included for reflections, prayers, or even doodles. 
You can even share your art--and God's comforting presence--with others by posting photos on social media or by cutting out the pages to keep for yourself. Gather your favorite coloring supplies and start creating!

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