Christ Arose! | Book Review and Giveaway

I am not big into Biblical fiction, because the authors usually take a little too much creative license for my personal preference. However, Faith just finished a Biblical fiction short story (which she wrote, edited, and published in just three short days AND you can get it for free!!)...I had time so read it and wow!! Five stars all the way! You can read my review of it here. I definitely recommend it! OH... AND the giveaway is cool because it comes from my sister's Etsy shop. Yeah... you want to see it. ;)

About the Book

And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

No longer could I say I was lonely. But oh, how I wish I could! Who could have done such a thing to the Creator of the world? Who had so much hatred for Him?

Available for free on all eBook vendor: http://books2read.com/christ-arose

About the Author

Faith Blum is a 20-something author of multiple books in various genres. She loves to write, read, play piano, knit, crochet, sew, watch movies, and play games with her family. She lives in Wisconsin with her family on a small family farm where they raise goats, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and have 2 dogs and a varying number of cats.

Faith’s goal in her writing is to encourage Christians in their walk with Christ. If you enjoyed this book, go to her website to sign up for her Monthly Newsletter so you can get an email with fun facts, giveaways, and so much more every month. You will also find links to her other Social Media sites on her website. She loves to hear from her readers, so feel free to contact her. 

Giveaway

Faith is offering a really neat giveaway for this tour. The Par La Grace etsy seller has an April special right now for a really beautifully made block that says He Lives. Isn’t it pretty? You can enter the giveaway here:

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Excerpt

I am empty. Bereft. No one visits, no one comes near. The garden is a comfort in some ways. The beauty of the flowers, the trees, and the sky above. But I am lonely. Not like my brothers and sisters nearby. They have been used. They are filled with the bodies of their masters’ loved ones.

Yes, I am a tomb. The rock I am made from was created by God the Creator long ago. Sometime later, Joseph of Arimathea bought me and had men work on me until a beautiful place became hollowed out for my master's body and for his loved ones when they went to be forever with their Creator.

Tour Schedule 

April 22

Bookish Orchestrations-Intro Post

Letters from Annie Douglass Lima-Book Spotlight

Written Rest-Book Spotlight and Review

April 24

Leila Tualla-Book Spotlight

God's Peculiar Treasure Rae-Book Spotlight

April 25

With a Joyful Noise-Book Spotlight and Review

Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections-Book Spotlight

April 26

Frances Hoelsma-Book Spotlight

Perpetual Indie Perspective-Book Spotlight and Review

April 27

Bookish Orchestrations-Giveaway Winner

The Secret Slipper - Coming Soon!!

This last week has been great! I mean, I was down almost every day sick BUT that gave me time to edit Slipper and work on formatting it. So...we have a release date!

That's exactly one month from today! I'm so, so, so excited!!! This has been so very long overdue (in my opinion) and you all have been such a wonderful encouragement to me in the writing and editing process. I appreciate you all so very much!!

If you haven't already, "The Secret Slipper" can be added to your Goodreads list (as an author, adding it to your to-read list, even if you're not going to read it for a year is very helpful!).

And if you want the opportunity to READ "The Secret Slipper," the sign-up for blog tour and review reading is up now. Sign up here! And if you have friends who like to blog or read, go ahead and send them there too. I'm so ready to share Lia's journey with everyone!

Keep your eye open on Tuesdays. I'm bursting to share even more about Lia and Raoul with you all.

Scripture Graphics #36

Reading Psalm 31 this morning blessed my heart. These are just a few of the beautiful verses -- I encourage you to read the whole Psalm. "In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: ... For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me. ... But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God. My times are in thy hand: ... Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!" Psalm 31:1, 3, 14-15a, 19

In our age of Christianity, have we become slothful in our luxuries? Bible lessons are spoon-fed to us -- but do we study God's Word for ourselves? We can access Scripture on almost any device when we need it -- but do we memorize and hide it in our hearts? We live in freedom -- but do we abuse it with living carelessly? Are these reasons why Christianity often appears little different from the world?

"And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation....I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people....And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long." Psalm 35:9, 18, 28

What begins in our heart will overflow into our speech. If we are not joyful in the Lord and praising Him in our hearts, how can we expect the overflow of our lips to be thanksgiving and praise? If we are not giving thanks and praise verbally, then let us search our hearts: are our hearts praising God?

What's a verse you read this week?

Formatting Paperbacks | Writing Article

Happy Saturday! Just popping in to share that I've got an article posted on Wordquill today... Have you ever wondered what all is needed to format you book? Hopefully some of your questions can be answered! Read it here...

Princess Prayers | FLF and Book Review

Here I am, combining two things in one post again. ;) But really, this is a great and cute book to feature for First Line Friday...

"Good morning, Lord, it's time to rise.

The sun is shining bright.

I've got my day ahead of me.

Please help me do what's right."

("Princess Prayers" by Crystal Bowman)

Amazon has a beautiful preview of the book here (oh, and you can buy it there too ;) ).

Now, before I do my review, there are these other lovely participants of FLF... Please note that I may not fully endorse all of the books that these bloggers read or the content in these blogs.

Sarah - All The Book Blog Names are Taken

Bree - Bibliophile Reviews

Rachel - Bookworm Mama

Heather - Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen

Beth - Faithfully Bookish

Katie - Fiction Aficionado

Lauraine - Lauraine's Notes

Andi - Radiant Light

Carrie - Reading is my Super Power

Robin - Robin's Nest

Sydney - Singing Librarian Books

Kathleen - Kathleen Denly

Jessica – A Baker’s Perspective

My Review

What little girl doesn't love princesses?
And what is sweeter than cuddling with your little princess (be it daughter or sister) with adorable poems?

"Princess Prayers" is part of The Princess Parables series ("I Can Read" books) and features artwork from the various other princess stories. The poems go from "My Morning Prayer" to daily life, to scary stuff (like storms), and ends with "My Nighttime Prayer." Each of the poems are two stanzas long, have wonderful rhythmic flow, and truths that girls are able to apply to their everyday lives.

I loved reading through these poems/prayers with my youngest sister (and she loved them too). They are very easy to read and flow well (I have a hard time with some poetry just not flowing). I was also thrilled to realize the depth of these poems. Many Biblical truths are incorporated in the poems such as God never leaving, God loving us even though we sin, God taking away our fear. One poem reminds me closely of Psalm 139, where we can go nowhere from God's presence. The poems are strengthened by having a Bible verse at the bottom of each poem (I prefer KJV and am not sure what translation these are in). 

*I received this book from BookLook Bloggers and was happy to provide my review in return*

Come Thou Fount | Music Video

"Come Thou Fount" has to be one of the top favorites for most of my students. One of my violin students requested it for our upcoming music recital, so I was more than happy to oblige her and arrange a violin-piano duet for us to play. I can't wait to show her the music!

Sheet music available here.

Scripture Graphics #35

"Now therefore in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the LORD, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the LORD your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you for ever." 1 Chronicles 28:8

I am doing a word study on seeking God and I found this verse interesting.

First, seeking God is not to be private ("I'm not going to tell them I have to pray about this; after all, they won't understand.")

Secondly, when we seek God, are we seeking Him with the means He has provided (His Word)? I have heard of several Christians who claim they are seeking God and "feel closer to Him," but they haven't touched their Bibles in days or weeks. It is through His Word that God has given us everything that pertains to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4). To be truly seeking God, we must also be seeking His Word.

This verse applies to a national level, but also a personal level. To receive the end result (forgiveness and healing), we must observe the entire process: be humble, pray, seek, turn. Often, we will do the first three motions, but refuse to change our ways...which then begs the question if we were *truly* humble.

"And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail." Hebrews 1:10-12

This is a neat passage to meditate on...

- How can one have full faith in our unchanging, sustaining God, if one does not embrace Him as Creator?

- What a neat metaphor of the new heaven and new earth!

No matter what temptations (tests) we face today, our Lord is ready, willing, and able to succour (aid, relieve) us! If that doesn't give an extra boost of encouragement for the day!

What verse has encouraged you this week?

God Loves Daddy and Me | FLF and Book Review

Happy Friday!! Today the book I'm featuring for First Line Fridays is a book I received to review... and it's another adorable one. :) Last month, I had gotten God Loves Mommy and Me and when I saw this one by the same author, I couldn't pass it up. ;) These are sweet little books that would make the perfect gift for parents.

"God loves Daddy and me in lots of special ways. His love is with us when we go on big-adventure days."

(God Loves Daddy and Me by Bonnie Rickner Jensen, Illustrated by Laura Watkins)

My review:

Another adorable children's book by Bonnie Rickner Jensen and Laura Watkins. It is written very similarly to [book:God Loves Mommy and Me|30649482]--cute illustrations and a fun exploration of the many different times and ways in which God loves "Daddy and me," using many traditional family play-times (like building forts, taking walks, doing chores). I really appreciate the concepts portrayed in this book about God hearing our prayers, forgiveness making love strong, and God's ever-present, unconditional love. This is definitely a children's book I endorse.

*I received this book from BookLook Bloggers and happily provided my review*

Your Turn!

Now, pick up a book nearest you and share a first line.

Do you have any children's books you love to read?

~*~*~

Also, be sure to hop along to all of these other blogs and see what First Lines they have to share!

Please note that I may not fully endorse all of the books that these bloggers read or the content in these blogs.

Sarah - All The Book Blog Names are Taken

Bree - Bibliophile Reviews

Rachel - Bookworm Mama

Heather - Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen

Beth - Faithfully Bookish

Katie - Fiction Aficionado

Lauraine - Lauraine's Notes

Andi - Radiant Light

Carrie - Reading is my Super Power

Robin - Robin's Nest

Sydney - Singing Librarian Books

Kathleen - Kathleen Denly

Jessica – A Baker’s Perspective

The Solid Rock - now available digitally!

After a few years, I finally have The Solid Rock piano album available for digital download. It may take a week or so to be available on iTunes, but it's already available from Amazon music and more! Or, you can buy directly from CD Baby.

A few days ago, I asked my FaceBook friends this question. I'm interested to hear your answer: do you listen to music primarily from a hard CD or digitally?

The Secret Slipper | Book Trailer

It's that time!! The book trailer for "The Secret Slipper" has now aired!!!! I'm so excited to be sharing more about this upcoming book with you!

Oh, and if you're interested, sheet music is available for the soundtrack. :) :)

Scripture Graphics #34

This verse evokes deep gratitude. Jesus Christ suffered separation from God (Matt 27:45-46) so that we, as His children, will never be separated from God!

"Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;" Romans 12:12

"Pray without ceasing." 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Recently, I have found myself to be more faithful to ask others to pray, than for me to pray myself. For example, I see a potential hard day and ask, "Please pray for me;" yet I have neglected to pray myself. While it is not wrong to share prayer requests, at times we need to check our own prayer life.

- Am I praying about all things? Or do I get wrapped up in the challenge of "solving this myself?"

- Am I being diligent to pray daily? Or do I pray only when trials come my way?

- Am I praying instead of worrying?

- Am I praying for others?

- Are my prayers infused with praise to God?

And the list can go on.

How grateful I am that my sanctification and assurance of God dwelling with us is no longer based on our faithfulness to fulfill a ritual! The whole of Hebrews 10 is a good parallel passage, but here's one verse: "For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." (Heb 10:14)

I read this after reading Exodus 32. The children of Israel, not content to wait for Moses to give them God's Word, fell into gross sin. 

Does our steadfast faithfulness to God waver when there is silence? If we do not see Him work or hear direction from Him, do we turn to a "God-substitute" (today it is not graven images, but many things can steal our attention and affection)? Or are we faithful to wait, certain that His ways are best, even in the silence?

Where are you reading in your Bible this week?

Books I Read - March 2017

Where has the time gone? It's now for another month's recap. And I did get a lot read for March. Two Louisiana trips, what can I say? ;)

The book that stood out the most to me in my March reading was...

No, I'm not going to college. ;) But this book came up for review, and as I know a few kids heading to college this fall, I wanted to see if anything good was out there. I thoroughly enjoyed this book (you can see why here)

Another book that really stood out to me is also a non-fiction...

Wow. I loved reading about the World War II heroes! I'm very glad I got this book. (Full review here)

And then, the fiction that stood out to me...

I actually worked on reading this book since February, but a few review commitment books got in the way. It was a slow start, and I found the backstory a little draggy... but after I finished the entire book. Wow. It was really an amazing read. You can read more of my thoughts here.

After having a friend badger me to read Chautona Havig, I caved in (okay, okay, honest truth: Chautona put a book up to review and I grabbed it cause I've been wanting to read her). Since the review book was #2 in a series, I borrowed book #1 and read them both. ;) 

 

And they were both pretty good. My reviews for book one and book two.

I also read a book by my author friend, Faith Blum.  I'll confess, I'm not big into sci-fi. But those who do like it will probably like this book. :) My review here.

And honestly, though I'd like to like every book that I read, there were two this month that just weren't my cup of tea...

 

See a little more why I didn't like them here and here.

And the final book... 

Ah... SO sweet and cute and adorable!!! My review is here.

AND... last but not least...

Because I have some great friends... and also because I found a deal on eBay... my bookshelf got about 56 volumes heavier in March. :o This usually doesn't happen in a month, so I figured it was picture-worthy. ;) 

Now, your turn!

How many books did you read in March?
Which one was your favorite?

How many books did you acquire in March?

Have you read any of the books that I added to my shelves in March? (cause most of them I haven't read...)

Welcome to College | Book Review and Giveaway

If you're going to college or about to "step out into the world," seriously... this book is great. I would call this book a "Guide for Stepping Into the World." I am not a college student, nor do I feel God leading me to attend college, but the information in this book was still applicable to my own life. While there are many chapters on the practical side of juggling life, schedules, and making decisions, a large percentage of this book was spiritual -- how to deal with doubt, how to be aware of satan's tactics, what logical opposition one most likely will face, the list goes on. It was one of the most spiritual-strengthening and encouraging book that I've read in a while.

I loved how he included "passages to explore." He had a lot of Scripture references. On this note, I personally prefer the KJV so I didn't care for his encouragement to try out random versions, based on "what might work for you." That would be my main disclaimer.

Also, I will note that there are chapters about purity. This book was written for older teens and I personally think that it would be wise to wait until you're an older teen, "about to step into the world" to read this.

There were SO many good quotes! Here are a few:

"Will you define freedom as as living any way you want, or will you define it as the opportunity to live how you ought to live?"

"The truth is discovered, not created."

"Truth may be hard to discover, but just because the quest proves difficult doesn't mean the treasure doesn't exist."

"As Christians, we ought to be passionate about knowing the truth because God is passionate about making it known."

"It is better to fall a hundred times and confess it a hundred times than to stay on the ground and call that which is sinful good. (Proverbs 24:16)"

"Remember that being courageous doesn't mean we aren't afraid, it just means we choose to move forward in spite of our fear."

"Before we can determine what implications a particular [Bible] text has for our lives, we must first discover what the text means."

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

~*~*~

Does your high school senior nervously gulp when asked what his or her life plans are? Give him or her encouragement and peace of mind with Jonathan Morrow's Welcome to College, what J. P. Moreland calls "the single best volume I have ever read for preparing students for how to follow Jesus and flourish as his disciple in college." Jonathan Morrow tackles the tough questions that arise during these formative years. Each chapter of this new edition has been updated, and the author has included a new chapter on Christianity, homosexuality, and the Bible.

Join Jonathan and other parents prepping their kids for college in celebrating the excitement of the next life stage for their kids by entering to win the College Survival Pack Giveaway (details below) and by attending his author chat party on April 11!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• One copy of Welcome to College
• One $50 Target gift card
• One $25 Amazon gift card
• One $25 Starbucks gift card

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 11. The winner will be announced at the Welcome to College Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Jonathan and other parents with kids prepping for college, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!

First Line Fridays | 4.7.17

It's Friday again! Which is when I get to talk about books. :) Not like I need an excuse... ;)

Yesterday, I went thrift store shopping, which usually means getting new books. And yep, yesterday was no exception (though, for the record, I did only get four books). The book I'm most excited about is...

A few weeks ago, I had gotten World War II Heroes and really liked the author's writing as well as reading about lesser-known men (see my review of it here).

Anyway, first lines!

"On September 11, 2001, the United States--and the world--changed forever."

(Heroes of 9/11 by Allan Zullo)

I've read the first chapter, which is an overview of 9/11. I was only a pre-teen when 9/11 happened but I remember it vividly. It will be very sobering to read about it.

What are you reading this weekend? Any first lines to share?

~*~*~

Also, be sure to hop along to all of these other blogs and see what First Lines they have to share!

Please note that I may not fully endorse all of the books that these bloggers read or the content in these blogs.

Sarah - All The Book Blog Names are Taken

Bree - Bibliophile Reviews

Rachel - Bookworm Mama

Heather - Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen

Beth - Faithfully Bookish

Katie - Fiction Aficionado

Lauraine - Lauraine's Notes

Andi - Radiant Light

Carrie - Reading is my Super Power

Robin - Robin's Nest

Sydney - Singing Librarian Books

Kathleen - Kathleen Denly

Jessica – A Baker’s Perspective

Where I Am in Writing...

It has been a few weeks since I've actually updated y'all with my writing. 

Current Project: The Secret Slipper

I am still editing The Secret Slipper. This is definitely taking me longer than I anticipated. I'm blaming it on a few things...

- I'm back up to teaching thirty music students

- I've also been focusing a little more on music projects

- Our family has been busy

None of these things are negatives at all! They just mean less writing time. ;) And I am truly thankful for the progress God has allowed me to make on Slipper the past few days. I am getting most of the surface editing done, but there are 1-2 storyline-altering edits that need to be made. I think I'm saving those for last because I'm half-dreading it. ;) 

But I am trying to focus primarily on Slipper right now, and am praying to get it released in May. :)

Upcoming Projects

Since I'm in the final throes of Slipper, that means that my brain is already jumping ahead to "what's next." I do have two projects I'm planning and writing (but am keeping details hush-hush as of now), but I'm trying to get refocused for Journey of Choice. It is a big project, and big task, but it's something that I do not want to neglect at all!

Hopefully next week will have a good report on Slipper. ;)

What are your projects right now?

Scripture Graphics #33

"Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;" Ephesians 5:20

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Have we limited our thanksgiving this year already? Have we started out thankful only for the things that make us feel comfortable? Or are we making the point to give thanks in ALL things?

Throughout history, God has revealed Himself more and more. The children of Israel knew Him as Jehovah, but by the Names Messiah and Emmanuel (at this point), He was not known unto them. This gives us just a glimpse of the vastness of our God! And to think, I am born in an era where His Word is complete and revealed, so I can see how God has made Himself known to us!

How often I have read this, wishing I had a visible pillar of God to guide me! I do have an eternal pillar of guidance though: the Holy Spirit. Just like God never removed the pillar of cloud or fire, He never removed this pillar from my life. However, I can grieve it (Eph 4:30) and quench it (1 Thes 5:19). So if I am not seeing this pillar guiding me, I need to evaluate myself -- am I even seeking to be filled with the Spirit?

Take - the armor of God is available to us every day, but it is our responsibility to take action so that *we* have the armor of God on us.

Withstand - "stand against, oppose"

Stand - "a prolonged form of a primary; to stand"

With the armor of God, we are not only able to stand against the devil, but we are able to stand firm and not lose ground. This cannot be done in our own strength, but must be done through the power of God (verse 10). Have you thought about spiritual warfare today and prepared?

Now it's your turn: share a verse! :)