Friday, January 29, 2016

Beyond the Silence | Book Review

About the Book

The Shadows Over This Olive Grove Hide More Than Just the Truth

Lillian Porter has always wanted to fulfill her mother's dream of going west, so when she hears about a nanny position in Angels Camp, California, she defies her grandfather and takes a chance on a new future. But she quickly wonders if she made the right choice. Murky rumors swirl around Woodward Colton, her new employer, but the gossip doesn't match the man Lillian comes to know.

Still, something dark did happen in the family's past. Lillian's seven-year-old charge hasn't spoken in over a year. Gently, Lillian tries to coax him out of his shell, hoping he'll one day feel safe enough to share what scared him. But the Colton olive farm is no longer a safe place. Lillian encounters suspicious characters on their land and mysterious damage done to the farm. When the housekeeper is brutally attacked, the town once again suspects the worst. Will discovering the truth help Lillian clear the name of the man she has come to love--or will it endanger her even more?

My Review
I wasn't so sure what I would think of "Beyond the Silence" when I first got into it. After all, Lillian left her grandfather's home against his wishes. That little part, I'm still not sure about. But beyond that, wow! I laughed out loud for several parts in the book and, if I were the crying type, it would have made me cry too.

Woody is a man ostracized by his town because of rumors that he murdered his wife. Lillian is the nanny who felt God leading her to California to help a little boy who hadn't spoken since his mother's death. Jimmy is the boy who witnessed his mother's murder. And Darwin is the murderer--on the loose because everyone blamed Woody. All were believable characters whose lives I could easily envision. Plus there were Carla (who made me laugh in the first chapter--I could have seen more of Carla in the book), Mrs. Goodman (Woody's housekeeper and grandmotherly woman), and Harry. Oh Harry. I loved that character! But I'll let you meet him on your own.

I found the "Christian" part of the book to be solid and strong. The characters openly prayed to God, fell into faults, made things right, and were portrayed as genuine Christians. There was also a very open message about gossip and tale-bearing and the ways it can ruin a person.

There was a lot about this book I liked. I liked the Western feel (yes, even the brutal wickedness of Darwin--only because it was realistic), the family feel, that the romance was NOT ultra "feely emotional,0 and I liked Harry. (Or did I mention that already?) Having not read a book by Tracie Peterson (and Kimberly Woodhouse) before, I was happily pleased.

Younger readers probably won't want to read this because of murders, scare tactics, and cruelty. Like I said, there was also some romance, but it was mainly towards the end and no scene more than kissing referred to.

*I received this book for my honest review from Bethany House Publishers*

About the Authors
Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana. Learn more at www.traciepeterson.com.

Kimberley Woodhouse


Kimberley Woodhouse is a multipublished author of fiction and nonfiction. A popular speaker/teacher, she's shared her theme of Joy Through Trials with over 150,000 people at more than a thousand venues across the country. She lives, writes, and homeschools with her husband of twenty-plus years and their two awesome teens live in Colorado. Connect with Kim at www.kimberleywoodhouse.com.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Word Wednesday #91

Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. 
Zechariah 4:6

We like to ask God for more of His might and power...but when have we asked Him for more of His Spirit?


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Monday, January 25, 2016

Biblically Speaking - These Seven Things: A Lying Tongue

Part 12 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:
Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God's Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word "abomination," but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?



These Seven Things
Proverbs 6:16-19 - These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.


If ever there was a clear list given in God's Word for abominations in His eyes, Proverbs 6:16-19 holds the key. It is distinct and unarguable. Above that, sadly, this list can be found in many believers' lives.

- A Lying Tongue
- A False Witness
The same root word is used for both of these: "Lying - an untruth, by implication, a sham (often adverbial):"

A lying tongue is not only mentioned in the "seven abominations" but also in Proverbs 12:22, Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.

Proverbs 19:5 - A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.

God despises liars and false witnesses so much that He demands punishment. He doesn't sway for the "little white lies" but holds His judgment against any untruth.

Friday, January 22, 2016

Why I Write Book Reviews

Almost every time I write a book review, I think of the reasons that I write them. I have friends who review every book they read, and other friends who read without ever leaving a public review. Should you review books or not? I can't answer the question for you, but here's a couple of quite reasons why I write book reviews (as opposed to just slapping a "five stars" or "four stars" on it).


As a reader:
I want to know if there's anything "ugly" in a book by someone else's experience and not stumbling across it on my own ("Wha? They used THAT word?!" or "This is getting too graphic! Is this a Christian book even?!"). I confess: when I look up book reviews, I read the lowest star ratings. Were they just opinionated, picky readers? Or was there a real issue to be frowned upon in the book (immorality, cussing)? There have been many times that I've avoided books because someone I trusted put something in their review that warned me (thanks, Goodreads, for connecting us friend-readers easily!). I do not have time to read a hundred books a year, so I'd prefer spending my time reading a book that I know is worthwhile.

Because I, as a reader, appreciate these reviews, I know there are other people out there who also appreciate such reviews. This is one of the main reasons I write more than, "Good book. I enjoyed it." or "Eh...just wasn't my favorite." I'm sorry, but those reviews don't help me much so I'm not going to throw them at someone else.

As an author:
I now know first-hand what a blessing it is to have someone take the time to write a review as opposed to clicking "five stars" or "four stars." To hear how my story blessed someone, in turn blesses me. At the same time, I greatly appreciate those readers who have given honest, less-than-five-star reviews. Constructive criticism helps me to know where to grow in my writing, and I know that not everyone will love what I write.

Because I, as an author, appreciate these reviews, these are the reviews I tend to write. Yes, I realize that there is a live, flesh-and-blood author behind every book that I review. Yes, I have given a few books 3-or-less stars (I think there's only one book I've rated very low, based on moral content), but it is never my intent to bash the writer in doing so. Instead, I hope that the author will view it as something helpful.

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There are many more reasons to write reviews--like I said, those are just two. 
What about you? Do you write reviews? If so, why do you write them?


Are you on Goodreads? Connect with methere!

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Word Wednesday #90

Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction. 
Habakkuk 1:12

A reminder of Who God is, and how He is at work in every aspect of life. Things do not accidentally slip by His notice, but He allows things to happen for our judgment and correction.



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Monday, January 18, 2016

Biblically Speaking - These Seven Things: A Proud Look

Part 11 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:
Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God's Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word "abomination," but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?





These Seven Things
Proverbs 6:16-19 - These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

If ever there was a clear list given in God's Word for abominations in His eyes, Proverbs 6:16-19 holds the key. It is distinct and unarguable. Above that, sadly, this list can be found in many believers' lives.

- A Proud Look
"Proud - to be high actively, to rise or raise."
Romans 12:3 - For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

I can testify first-hand that pride is probably the TOP of my struggles as a believer. The times when I think very highly of myself, raise up myself to be someone above who I am, not considering the grace of God Who has given me all things, and taking credit which only belongs to Christ.

Proverbs 16:5 - Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

Friday, January 15, 2016

THM Cookbook | Book Review

I may or may not have gotten this book and looked through it (page by page) the same day in which I got it. As soon as I opened the book, I smiled. There are not many times that I call a book "beautiful" but I just loved flipping through the pages of the THM Cookbook and looking at the recipes! It was very well done!

The THM Cookbook greatly compliments the THM Plan. I suppose it can be used without knowing the THM plan, but it definitely makes way more sense knowing THM. And, I imagine that reading this will expand your interest in the THM Plan if you haven't gotten that book.

The THM Cookbook starts off with a crash course to the THM lifestyle and the foods that help it roll.  Most recipes have tips included in there. It seems very easy to follow with "S, E, and FP" symbols on each recipe--and on the index for each section. You can find the meal type you want at a glance. Plus, allergen friendly tweaks mentioned.

I've not had time to make any of the recipes yet (obviously), but I'm looking forward to trying many of them--including the Chocolate Waffles with Strawberries.


*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review*

Connect with the THM community:

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Word Wednesday #89

Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.
Micah 7:7

In my darkest days, where am I looking?


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Monday, January 11, 2016

Biblically Speaking - Frowardness

Part 10 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:
Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God's Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word "abomination," but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?



Frowardness

Proverbs 3:32 - For the froward is abomination to the Lord: but his secret is with the righteous.

Proverbs 11:20 - They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

The Hebrew words for these two references of "froward" are different but give a similar thought: the first is "to depart, be perverse," the second is "distorted, hence false." While both of these could easily be applied to the lifestyle of sodomites, what other lifestyles could be defined as departing from truth, being perverse or distorted?  Adultery, fornication, lying, stealing, hating, killing, pride...and the list continues. All of these are ways that depart from the lifestyle the Lord Jesus Christ would have us to live ("And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man." Mark 7:20-23).

Friday, January 8, 2016

The Whole Coconut Cookbook | Book Review

The Whole Coconut Cookbook by Nathalie Fraise
The Whole Coconut cookbook definitely has so much about coconuts crammed into one small book! Beyond just having recipes, I learned a lot about coconuts and the different parts and uses of it. The very first part of the cookbook was my favorite, as Frasie explained how to process the different parts of the coconut yourself instead of buying it all.

I enjoyed reading through the cookbook--it seemed very easy to follow and was full of useful tips. The photographs were also lovely.

As I suspected for a healthier cookbook, there were many ingredients that I didn't have on hand, or I would have tried a recipe. Though we have things like chia seeds and chickpeas, we do not have agar agar, nori, kombu, etc. That might be something helpful for a prospective buyer to know.

Overall, the recipes in this book were not extremely "everyday" (such as Spicy Coconut Ceviche and Coconut, Ginger, and Cilantro Mussels) but many of them did look delicious and fun to try!

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.*

About the author
Purchase here

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Word Wednesday #88

And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you. 
Jonah 1:12

A reminder that our actions and choices affect others--and that others very well may suffer for our decisions. However...God could turn around the effects of our choices to where He is glorified: "Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the LORD, and made vows." Jonah 1:16


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Share a verse that God has given you today or copy the button if you'd like to join in Word Wednesdays with your blog! Did you post on your blog? I'd love to see -- share your link in a comment!

 
 


Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Why I Don't Write Thank-You Notes

Before you gasp in horror, I do write thank you notes. However, as I was jotting down over a dozen notes last night, I was reflecting on the reasons I do and do not write them.

I do NOT write thank you notes...
- to flatter the giver
"Oh my goodness! You are too sweet! There is no one as kind as you! How did you know to get the perfect gift? You're amazing!" -- so, nothing is wrong with these terms, but the reason I write thank-you notes is not to showcase some flattery.

- to put the giver's mind at ease that their gift was accepted
"I love, love, love, looooooooooove the gift you gave me!" Again, this could be true, but the main reason for writing thank-you notes shouldn't be so that the giver knows we accepted their gift or make them feel that what they did put them in good standing with us.

- to make the giver feel good about themselves
This kind of goes hand-in-hand with the flattery. As I will put later, I like to write thank-you notes to encourage others, not just give them a pat on their back.

- because I have to
Yes, we sometimes get those gifts that make us force a smile (no, I didn't get any of those gifts this year). And those "I'm-not-gonna-say-it's-horrible" gifts need to be appreciated somehow. As I will expound on later, it's not always the gift I'm thankful for, but the giver and their thoughtfulness.

- so that I can earn "brownie points" with that person and hopefully get more gifts in the future
Never, ever let this be our motivation for writing thank-you notes! If it is, then perhaps you need to do a little heart-check.


I DO write thank you notes...
- because I truly appreciate the giver and the gift
Honestly, I don't deserve any gifts. So anything that I get is indeed above and beyond what I should get. Added to that, I've got some pretty amazing friends and family who have showered me with wonderfully thoughtful gifts. I can truthfully say that I do appreciate the gifts I've received this past season, and above that, I appreciate the relationship that these gifts signify with me and the giver.

- it gives me an opportunity to express my gratitude towards the person
I tend to write very untypical thank-you notes in that I use this time to tell the recipient how much I appreciate them and not just the gift they gave. After all, their gift is usually a reflection of their thoughtfulness.

- it gives me an opportunity to encourage the gift-giver
Let's face it: there is something encouraging about getting a thank-you note. No, we shouldn't give expecting gratitude, but some people do need a little encouragement. For example, my six-year-old sister was very excited that she found M&Ms for my Christmas gift because she knows it's my favorite candy. Giving her a little thank-you note encourages her to continue giving thoughtful gifts--like Paul said in Philippians 4, not so that I can benefit from it, but that she can get the blessing from giving ("Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account." Philippians 4:17). Often, we write thank you notes to "older people" who understand our gratitude. But why not the little ones who are just learning the blessings of giving? Let's use this time to encourage the heart of giving!

Have you written thank you notes this year yet? 
What are some reasons you do not or do write them?


Here are some thank-you cards that I designed specifically for my need last night. And, since I designed them, why not make them available to others? Now at TruthPics on Etsy.


View on Etsy


View on Etsy

View on Etsy


Monday, January 4, 2016

Biblically Speaking -

Part 9 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:
Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God's Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word "abomination," but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?



Molten Images
Deuteronomy 27:15 - Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.


Not only is making a graven/molten image for worship abominable in God's eyes, He has even placed a curse upon all who do such.

Friday, January 1, 2016

Happy New Year!

Wow...2015 flew by SO quickly and it was packed with so many amazing adventures! I look back on a long--and in some ways, tough--year and am so grateful for everything the Lord allowed me to do, and all of the lessons He has been patiently teaching me.

I didn't get around to designing the graphics I wanted to for today, but a few days ago, these verses really encouraged me. As we look into a new, unknown year, may we strive to continually press forward and seek the Lord in all that we do!

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 
Philippians 3:13-14

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