Countdown: Four days!

In just four days, Journey to Love will be available to the public! If you want to grab the eBook for 99 cents, now's the time to do it! On Monday, the price will go up.

Word Wednesday #97

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 

Acts 17:11

They listened with a ready mind and compared the message they heard to God's Word. Today, we have many people who listen--yes, with a ready mind--but they fail to compare the message with Scripture. For this reason, false doctrine reigns in the multitudes of Americans. Am I studying God's Word for myself?

~*~*~

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!

 

  <br /><a href=" http://withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com/search/label/Word%20Wednesdays "><img border="0" style="width: 125px; height: 125px;" src=" https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8l021dQbC6Yvsvc_IGw5AMuhy9uy1kALE_Ymi5xG04GWoQ3l-aFbcW_0zxJxNRyy6ColkhAnRsU76scEQ121Gm49fKb7Y3XNCzCzGjDXRb0_emSMK0QGVBwsWLi90Uw-Cyle83fgl76o/h120/Word+Wednesdays.jpg " /></a><br />

Scripture Memory Osmosis

I am guilty of wishing that Scripture memory came through osmosis. You know, just go to church and keep up with daily Bible reading, and the Scripture will be there, perfectly memorized for whenever it's needed.

Wrong.

Scripture memory takes work. Psalm 119:11 says, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee." If I am to hide something, does that mean I'm just going to toss it somewhere haphazardly? Nope. If I'm really intent on hiding something, I'm going to spend time and do it correctly. Hiding God's Word in my heart will take action, time, and determination on my part.

I'll admit, this past year, my memory efforts have faltered. It's not that I didn't know how to memorize God's Word. I just didn't do it. I let busyness and other "priorities" take precedence over God's Word. This year, though, I am determined to work on my Scripture memory on a regular basis again, with God's help.

There are three steps that I have found to be the foundation in my Scripture memory:

1) Pray

This is a step not to be forgotten. My memory is not very good (you can ask my family, friends, and music students). And sometimes, I come to a verse that just throws me for a loop. So, I have found that the first, most important part, is to pray. Pray that God will give me the desire to memorize His Word, pray that He will help me to memorize His Word.

2) Work

As I already mentioned, memory takes work. I can't just read through a verse five times and have it memorized (if you can, good for you! I'm slightly jealous of you...). I have to choose to put aside 10 minutes to memorize. I have to choose to prop my phone up on the windowsill to work on memory while I'm washing dishes. I have to choose to work on it.

3) Review

Once I memorize Scripture, I can easily forget it the next week (like I said, my memory's not the best). So, I have my Scripture review cards on which I write the references for all of my memory verses. Every day, I work through one of these cards and it has helped tremendously. I can still quote verses that I first memorized five years ago.

Next week, Lord willing, I'll share some ways that I vary up the process of Scripture memory.

Here is the verse I'm working on this week. What verse are you memorizing?

Biblically Speaking - The Way of the Wicked

Part 18 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?

The Way of the Wicked

Proverbs 15:9 - The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

This verse debunks the modern thought that "God loves me how I am." God cannot love us "how we are" if we are living a lifestyle that He loathes, a lifestyle that refuses to acknowledge God's higher ways and His righteousness.

One Justifying the Wicked

Proverbs 17:15 - He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.

Not only does God loathe those walking wickedly, He also loathes those who justify the wicked. Here is where many Christians are falling today. Am I trying to "soften" the sins of others? Am I trying to make others believe that "God accepts you as you are" when the Bible clearly contradicts that lifestyle (the Bible defines the lifestyle as wicked)? Am I standing on the Word of God firmly, or am I beginning to sway to the world's thinking? Oh Christian, be careful of justifying what God calls abomination!

Improving Your Photography

We've all heard it: "Practice makes perfect." But it's easier to quote this than to actually do it.

Some aspiring photographers complain because all they have is a "cat or dog" as their subject. Whether you have subjects ready at hand or stationary objects, you can still practice and accomplish much.

1) Know your camera

I'll confess: it still shocks me how many people buy a DSLR, brag about a fancy camera, but have no clue how to use it. Read your camera's manual (sorry Nikons, I've heard that their manual is hard to understand). Play with your settings (you can always revert back to factory settings, so you're not going to mess something up). Take it out and use it.

What you practice will help you. I'm not a nature photographer, but I learned a lot about my camera by shooting nature when people weren't available. The first time I really understood about aperture was when I randomized my f-stop. I noticed that the smaller the number (f-2.8), the blurrier the background. The larger the number (f-14), the clearer the background. Later, I read about this in a book...but I first learned it by playing with my camera settings.

Some pictures from when I really learned the value of the f-stop (these are completely unedited):

2) Be a "Nobody" Photographer

By this, I mean to be willing to use your camera at small events, when you're not paid, when you don't necessarily have to. This will help you in two areas: you will gain confidence, and you will learn the beauty of "capturing the moment."

I took hundreds of portraits of my sisters "just for fun." Not only did this actually provide me business ("I saw that picture you took...would you do our family's pictures?"), it gave me great practice. Another example, I side-shot at least five weddings "just for fun." For most of these I was in the audience; for one of them, I was the big "third photographer." But tell you what, I was super glad I did that when I was asked to be solo photographerat a wedding! 

What days will you be working on photography this week?

What tips would you add to this?

Elizabeth George Bible Studies

This year, I have been doing some Bible studies by Elizabeth George. I do not read all of the Bible studies out there, because one has to be careful and discerning. Going through Mrs. George's studies though, I have found them to line up with Scripture plus be challenging and encouraging in my Christian walk. Here's my review for two of them.

Experiencing God's Peace
My Review
This is the second Elizabeth George devotional book that I have worked through, and I greatly appreciated them both!

Each lesson usually takes about 10-15 minutes to read through and provides soul-searching questions based on the text. Also included are eye-opening testimonies of men and women who faithfully followed God as He led.

I personally prefer KJV, which this book does not use, but it was not an issue to simply pull out my Bible and read the texts.

Cultivating a Life of Character

My Review

I thoroughly enjoyed going through this study! It was probably the most depth I have gotten into Judges--as I usually try to make heads and tails of this time when man did that which was right in his own eyes. Mrs. George identified patterns throughout the book of Judges, brought out strong points in the judges--or how, in their weakness, God made them strong.

Verses from the NT were used to encourage in developing a godly character. (I appreciated by the verses from the New Testament he used, which reminded me of the Lord's strength for my everyday life)

I especially appreciated how Mrs. George viewed the life of Deborah in comparison with the other Scriptures. She did not use it as an opportunity to promote feminism, but used Titus and 1 Timothy to remind women of their duty to their husbands and home.

Just one of the quotes I found helpful:
"The ultimate test of character is not where you start, but where you finish."

Word Wednesday #96

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 

Acts 4:29

They did not pray for their fears to be calmed, the trial to ease, the persecutors to disappear--they prayed for boldness to obey. What would happen in my life if, instead of praying for my comfort, I simply prayed for boldness to obey--no matter the circumstances?

God granted their request and gave them great power and great grace, "And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all." Acts 4:33

~*~*~

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!

 

  <br /><a href=" http://withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com/search/label/Word%20Wednesdays "><img border="0" style="width: 125px; height: 125px;" src=" https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8l021dQbC6Yvsvc_IGw5AMuhy9uy1kALE_Ymi5xG04GWoQ3l-aFbcW_0zxJxNRyy6ColkhAnRsU76scEQ121Gm49fKb7Y3XNCzCzGjDXRb0_emSMK0QGVBwsWLi90Uw-Cyle83fgl76o/h120/Word+Wednesdays.jpg " /></a><br />

New and Improved...

There have been a lot of projects I've been working on...but here are just two.

I now have an official author website: amandatero.com. If any of you like to get crazy writing updates (which may come five in a day or one in five days), I now have a Street Team Blog (since I know a lot of people aren't on FaceBook).

And then, I just reworked our family website a little. The "About Us" is still sorely in need of updated pictures, but we don't have those yet. If you'd like to find out a little more about my wonderful family, then check out our "new lookin'" blog! :)

Biblically Speaking - Sacrifices of the Wicked

Part 17 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?

Sacrifice of Wicked

Proverbs 15:8 - The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

Proverbs 21:27 - The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

God will not accept sacrifices by wicked men. As shown in His Word, it is not actions that God desires but a heart condition.

Psalm 51:17 - The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Hosea 6:6 - For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Artistic Eye | Photography

I never thought of myself artistic when it came to photography. I didn't have that "natural eye"--at least not when I saw others' photographs. I would look at a tree and say, "Okay...so it's a tree..." My brother would look at a tree, take one picture (ONE!) and I would be dumbfounded. It was a piece of art.

Fast forward a few years. I did photography as a hobby, then people actually began to hire me. And one of the things they mentioned? I had a good "eye." (Wait. When did this happen?)

Maybe I did have it naturally, but I just needed to practice, practice, practice.

When I first started photography, using my brother's digital camera, I would snap twenty pictures of the same object, with almost the same angle. Did that really give me much practice? Since I was using auto-focus, no it didn't.

One photographer suggested experimenting with three different angles on a subject (keeping the subject in the same pose). I didn't know this when I was practicing, but on my own, I began narrowing my picture-taking to only 2-3 shots of the same angle. You know what? It made a difference! As I practiced, I learned what worked and what didn't--when to take the picture and when to avoid pressing that button.

Here are a couple of angles from the same subject. Taken in St. Charles, MO, in 2011.

Photographers - What tips have helped your "photography eye?"

Photographers-in-training - What do you plan on practicing this week with photography?

If you have a photography blog, comment with the link below and I'll visit! :)

God's Smuggler | Book Review

Another book I wasn't "required" to read, God's Smuggler has been on my list to read for probably five years. My older sister has had the book for years...and I finally got around to it. Why did I wait so long?!

About the Book
As a boy he dreamed of being a spy undercover behind enemy lines. As a man he found himself undercover for God. Brother Andrew was his name and for decades his life story, recounted in God's Smuggler, has awed and inspired millions. The bestseller tells of the young Dutch factory worker's incredible efforts to transport Bibles across closed borders-and the miraculous ways in which God provided for him every step of the way. Revell and Chosen now reintroduce this powerful story with two new releases: a 35th anniversary edition and The Narrow Road, an expanded youth edition. Both contain a new foreword and afterword. The youth edition also features information about ministry to the persecuted church today, including country profiles, quotes from Christians in underground churches, "what if" scenarios based on real-life threats they face, and stories from others who have participated in Brother Andrew's Bible-smuggling work. Brother Andrew's story remains as inspiring today as it was thirty-five years ago, and with these new releases it will motivate a whole new generation to risk everything to follow God's call.

My Review
Wow! This is an amazing book! There are really no words to describe it other than Brother Andrew simply living in obedience to God. But how encouraging and faith-building it is to follow years of his ministry! Some people think of doing grand things for Christ, but often, Brother Andrew was just THERE...giving hope to the persecuted Christians that there is someone else in the body praying for them. Reading this book will raise your awareness of persecuted Christians and the struggles they face. It is not graphic at all (not even close to "Tortured for Christ"), but shows the seriousness and struggles of believers in closed countries.

A quote that really stood out to me;
"You can't use strong-arm tactics against the Church without strengthening it. It's always been that way. Under persecution a man looks to his faith to see if it's worth fighting for, and this is a scrutiny Christianity can always withstand. The real danger comes with an indirect attack, where a person is lured away from the Church before he has a chance to become strong."

Buy on Amazon: God's Smuggler

Now on Amazon

Guess what you can now pre-order for your Kindle? That's right! "Journey to Love" is gracing Amazon's shelves! Pre-order it for less than a dollar!

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BZ7S3PK

Word Wednesday #95

And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river...Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh. 

Genesis 41:1, 14

Those two silent years. In them, Joseph stayed faithful to God--while waiting, never knowing if he would be released from prison. Am I faithful to God while waiting? Am I faithful despite my circumstances?

~*~*~

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!

 

  <br /><a href=" http://withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com/search/label/Word%20Wednesdays "><img border="0" style="width: 125px; height: 125px;" src=" https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8l021dQbC6Yvsvc_IGw5AMuhy9uy1kALE_Ymi5xG04GWoQ3l-aFbcW_0zxJxNRyy6ColkhAnRsU76scEQ121Gm49fKb7Y3XNCzCzGjDXRb0_emSMK0QGVBwsWLi90Uw-Cyle83fgl76o/h120/Word+Wednesdays.jpg " /></a><br />

Verses on Love | Journey to Love

Two important verses featured in "Journey to Love:"

What are some important verses about love to which you cling?

I Surrender All | Music Video

It's been a very long time, but here's a new piano solo on YouTube!! This is from a small CD I recorded when I was sixteen (with the help of Daniel Tero). Enjoy - and share!

Biblically Speaking - These Seven Things: Sowing Discord

Part 16 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.

- One Sowing Discord

"Discord - OT: 4090 medan, discord, strife"

The other use of this Hebrew word is Proverbs 10:12, Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

Having been a pastor's daughter, I have seen examples of this last "of the seven abominations" in the church more than the others. Church members are relatively truthful, strive for humility, keep their feet from the paths of evil and their minds from wicked imaginations...but when something goes awry they are the first to sow discord in the church. God doesn't just recommend it "doesn't happen." He finds it utterly distasteful. He knows the harm that it creates in His body for one member to be "warring against" another, and He hates it. Am I taking part in this abomination?

Orphan Train Rider | Book Review

This week, I didn't have any books I had to review...and actually, I haven't finished a book since two Saturdays ago (perhaps I've been a bit busy). I'm stuck on an orphan train research book. While it has a lot of facts, that's just what it has: facts (that are a little dry to swallow a lot at a time). But! Here's an orphan train book that I recently read and really enjoyed--I give it five stars.

My Thoughts
So much information is packed into this short book. Warren paints a very detailed picture of the situations and circumstances different orphans faced. Warren follows the true story of one orphan, Lee, and adds historical references. I thought the book was very well-rounded. Though I've researched the orphan train saga, I learned a lot from these 72 pages. 

I would say that this is acceptable for all readers. There is one sentence that states that some orphans were physically and sexually abused, but other than that, I didn't notice anything unacceptable. Some younger readers may not like the very real, dismal picture painted of the hopelessness of orphans in that time period.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and found it helpful for research.

About the Book
Between 1854 and 1930, more than 200,000 orphaned or abandoned children were sent west on orphan trains to find new homes. Some were adopted by loving families; others were not as fortunate. In recent years, some of the riders have begun to share their stories. Andrea Warren alternates chapters about the history of the orphan trains with the story of Lee Nailling, who in 1926 rode an orphan train to Texas when he was nine years old.

Celeste and Pastor Owens | Journey to Love

Get to know two more important characters from "Journey to Love" - Celeste and Pastor Owens.

Celeste Thornton
Mary's younger sister, Celeste, is cheery, chatty, and totally little girlish. She reaches out to Marie even though Marie never encourages the friendship.

Pastor Owens
Solid in the Bible, Pastor Owens is the faithful pastor of the church that Mr. and Mrs. Bowles attends. However, his words make Marie feel uncomfortable.

Word Wednesday #94

And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. 

Genesis 22:12

Abraham loved God enough to obey Him...above his only son. Yet how often do I struggle to obey God when it means sacrificing my dreams and projects for just a short time? Abraham obeyed, unable to see the future. Yet I like to balance the pros and cons before maybe, possibly, obeying. Oh Lord, help me to have a heart more dedicated to following You!!

~*~*~

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!

 

  <br /><a href=" http://withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com/search/label/Word%20Wednesdays "><img border="0" style="width: 125px; height: 125px;" src=" https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8l021dQbC6Yvsvc_IGw5AMuhy9uy1kALE_Ymi5xG04GWoQ3l-aFbcW_0zxJxNRyy6ColkhAnRsU76scEQ121Gm49fKb7Y3XNCzCzGjDXRb0_emSMK0QGVBwsWLi90Uw-Cyle83fgl76o/h120/Word+Wednesdays.jpg " /></a><br />

Mr. and Mrs. Bowles | Journey to Love

Get to know some characters in "Journey to Love." Today, meet Mr. and Mrs. Bowles.

Mr. Bowles
An older, gentle farmer, there is a special connection between Marie and Mr. Bowles. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that neither of the talk much.

Mrs. Bowles
What Mr. Bowles lacked in words, Mrs. Bowles made up for double--or triple. She seems inclined to keep up a steady monologue whenever she's around.

Come back on Thursday to meet Celeste and Pastor Owens.