Six Word Saturday

Trying to remember God's in control! :)

He's in control of everything and not just some of the time but ALL of the time! So thankful!

Friday Fill-Ins: #195

So...here we go!
1. Wow, it's already October!?!
2. You are beautiful.
3. My favorite way to start a day is sleeping in :).
4. My husband came home and he walked in the door holding a pumpkin.
5. I look out my window and see my backyard and my nice cover porch that we had covered last year.
6. My momma is what I've been thinking about lately.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to resting, crocheting and reading, tomorrow my plans include laundry and reading and Sunday, I want to go to church, spend time with family and of course take a nap! :)

 

Amber Morn by Brandilyn Collins

 The whole thing couldn’t have taken more than sixty seconds.

Bailey hung on to the counter, dazed. If she let go, she’d collapse—and the twitching fingers of one of the gunmen would pull a trigger. The rest of her group huddled in frozen shock.

Dear God, tell me this is a dream …

The shooter’s teeth clenched. “Anybody who moves is dead.”

On a beautiful Saturday morning the nationally read “Scenes and Beans” bloggers gather at Java Joint for a special celebration. Chaos erupts when three gunmen burst in and take them all hostage. One person is shot and dumped outside.

Police Chief Vince Edwards must negotiate with the desperate trio. The gunmen insist on communicating through the “comments” section of the blog—so all the world can hear their story. What they demand, Vince can’t possibly provide. But if he doesn’t, over a dozen beloved Kanner Lake citizens will die …

My Review - This book was good from the beginning. It upset me a few times in how stupid the people could be. I can say that I'm going to miss the Kanner Lake citizens. I wish I could have learned more about Bailey and her husband, John. But also about S-man and Leslie. AND lastly of Carla and her daughter, Brittany. All that being said it couldn't have ended any better. I loved the ending, yes I said I loved it! (I hardly ever love endings of books, movies or anything really!)

Monday Mayhem

Welcome to Monday Mayhem- the best place to be on the slowest day of the week.
Today we are celebrating the five best pieces of advice. For each prompt, give your best advice. Be sure to have fun and visit the other participants.

1. Someone playing this meme has music playing on their site and it is disrupting what you have playing on your computer while you play this wonderful meme. What's your best advice to people who auto-play music on their site? Stop...It's annoying...If you must have music on your site then have it in a little side bar where if I feel like hearing it then I'll push play...
2. What is your best advice to someone thinking about getting married? Let him handle his family and you handle your family. Which basically means if your mom makes him mad then you need to handle it not him. Or the other way around. That was the best advice anyone gave me before I got married.

3. What's your best advice for someone wanting to purchase a new phone? Research before you buy. And find about two or three phones that interest you and then research to see which one is the best! :)

4. What's your best advice to offer to the younger generation? Stop texting so much and enjoy the small things in life. Enjoy sitting on the front porch with your family and not texting.

5. What's your best advice for anyone wanting to buy a car? Save, save, save...And buy used. Save as much money as you possibly can to either pay a nice down payment OR just pay in full with cash for the car. That's our goal next time we buy a car.
6.What's the best advice to give to everyone? Love your family and enjoy each other. Take many pictures and spend time together. Also tell each other you love each other every chance you get!

Crimson Eve by Brandilyn Collins

Carla stared at the gun and David Thornbyorn whatever his name was. Her mind fissured, one side pleading this was some sick joke, the other knowing it was not. Her throat ran dry, air backing up in her lungs. She swallowed.

Please. You must have the wrong person. There's no reason for someone to want me dead. I don't have any enemies.

Then you'd best rethink your friends.

Realtor Carla Radling shows an English gentleman a lakeside estate and finds herself facing a gun. Who has hired this assassin to kill her, and why?

Forced on the run, Carla must uncover the scathing secrets of her past. Secrets that could destroy some very powerful people. Perhaps even change the face of a nation

Crimson Eve is book three in the Kanner Lake Series. Set in a small lakeshore town in pristine northern Idaho, this series combines suspense and fast-paced action with intriguing, well-crafted characters and many an unexpected twist.

My review - I had guessed it through the whole book but that didn't take away how much I liked this book. I think I just liked Carla's character. I also liked how the book ended. Looking forward to the 4th and final book. Wondering how Kanner Lake can ever end though...

Six Word Saturday

Need to upload pictures of vacation!
So I went on vacation from September 25th - October 3rd...We went to Chicago which was awesome and then when we got back to North Carolina we went to Topsail Island. It was so fun. But I really need to load my pictures on the computer and then post a blog of them too...That's on my to do list today! So visit back later and see them! :)

Thankful Thursday....

As I was doing my devotion this morning I started thinking what am I thankful for...So here's a few things....

1. My salvation
2. My family
3. Waking up this morning
4. Having a roof over my head
5. Having God's word to read

There are many more things I'm thankful for but what are you thankful for today?

Your music....

What kind of music do you listen to? Do you like rap, country, hip-hop, or christian????

Well, I listen to Christian radio majority of the time and I love it. God is amazing and He's given some people the amazing talent and gift of singing and actually sounding good. (Some people can just sing but it might not sound good - like me! haha) Anyhow, everyone has rough times in their lives. But have you ever been at that moment where all you need is a gentle reminder that God is in control of everything - and I mean EVERYTHING? At that point is when you should tune into a Christian station (which I hope you have a local Christian station) and just see what's on. Isn't it amazing that usually the song that is on is just the song that you are needing to hear to remind you of everything God has done and will do. And that He is in control, nobody else.

Christian music is so influential. It's like the artist get inside your brain and know what you are feeling, thinking and needing and put it to music. I honestly remember about two years ago my husband and I were going through a rough time finding a house to buy and how to spend the down payment that we had. Now I know people have bigger problems then buying a house but at this time that was my BIG problem. I remember turning on the radio and Crawl by Superchic[k] was playing and it just spoke to me. No matter what happens He's there - ALWAYS!

So tune into your local Christian station and thank the Lord that some people have that talent and gift to bring your music (even the people control what comes on the radio have talent!)

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

 Elizabeth Bennet is the perfect Austen heroine: intelligent, generous, sensible, incapable of jealousy or any other major sin. That makes her sound like an insufferable goody-goody, but the truth is she's a completely hip character, who if provoked is not above skewering her antagonist with a piece of her exceptionally sharp -- but always polite -- 18th century wit. The point is, you spend the whole book absolutely fixated on the critical question: will Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy hook up?

My Review - I attempted to read this book and got to about the 3rd chapter but just couldn't keep reading. I know I'll probably be fussed or whatever for not caring for this book but I just didn't like it.

Coral Moon by Brandilyn Collins

The figure remained still as stone. Leslie couldn’t even detect a breath.

Spider fingers teased the back of her neck.

Leslie’s feet rooted to the pavement. She dropped her gaze to the driveway, seeking … what? Spatters of blood? Footprints? She saw nothing. Honed through her recent coverage of crime scene evidence, the testimony at last month’s trial, the reporter in Leslie spewed warnings: Notice everything, touch nothing.

Leslie Williams hurries out to her car on a typical workday morning—and discovers a dead body inside. Why was the corpse left for her to find? And what is the meaning of the message pinned to its chest?

In Coral Moon, the senseless murder of a beloved Kanner Lake citizen spirals the small Idaho town into a terrifying glimpse of spiritual forces beyond our world. What appears true seems impossible.

Or is it?

My Review - This is the second book in the series and it was much better then first. It had me guessing the whole time about who was doing the killing. But I also liked how Collins puts in little bits of a love story into the book. Moving on to the third book now...

Six Word Saturday

Sad vacation is just about over! :(

So tomorrow ends my vacation sort of. We're going to go home tomorrow but I don't go back to work til Tuesday. I'm going to take Monday as a cleaning and laundry day...plus I have to go to the dentist. But then Tuesday it's back to work! I actually miss the workers and children...We'll see if I'm saying that next week! 
 

Violet Dawn by Brandilyn Collins

Something sinuous in the water brushed against Paige’s knee. She jerked her leg away.

What was that? She rose to a sitting position, groped around with her left hand.

Fine wisps wound themselves around her fingers.

Hair?

She yanked backward, but the tendrils clung. Something solid bumped her wrist.

Paige gasped. With one frantic motion she shook her arm free, grabbed the side of the hot tub, and heaved herself out.

Paige Williams slips into her hot tub in the blackness of night—and finds herself face to face with death.

Alone, terrified, fleeing a dark past, Paige must make an unthinkable choice.

In Violet Dawn, hurtling events and richly drawn characters collide in a breathless story of murder, the need to belong, and faith’s first glimmer. One woman’s secrets unleash an entire town’s pursuit, and the truth proves as elusive as the killer in their midst.

My Review - This book was just okay for me. When I first started it I had already figured out who was who. It got better towards the end which makes me think the second book will be just as good or a little better maybe then the first one.

Contagious Joy - Devotional

Women of Faith, renowned for their unique combination of personality and truth, offer fresh new messages in their fourth series of popular topical study guides. Titles include:

• Receiving God's Goodness
• Experiencing Spiritual Intimacy
• Contagious Joy
• Understanding Purpose

Each study guide, teeming with insights and quotes from the conference speakers provides twelve weeks of Bible study, a leader's guide for small groups, and a special take-home reminder for each week's lesson.

My Review - Loved this devotion and learned a lot.

Until We Reach Home by Lynn Austin

Life in Sweden seems like an endless winter for three sisters after their mother's death and father's suicide. Elin feels the weight of responsibility for her sisters' welfare, and when circumstances become unbearable, she writes to her relatives in Chicago, pleading for help.

Joining sixteen million other immigrants who left their homelands for America between 1890 and 1920, Elin, Kirsten, and Sofia begin the long, difficult journey. Enduring the ocean voyage in steerage and detention on Ellis Island, their story is Americas story. And in a journey fraught with hardships, each woman will come to understand her secret longings and the meaning of home.

My Review - It took me a bit to get into this book because of the trip from Sweden to America but then after I got through that part I actually was happy I'd gotten through it. The book wouldn't have been as good without those details. I loved how all the girls turned out. And the story put into details how we should always trust God instead of our own abilities.

Six Word Saturday

Next week this time = vacation starts!
So next Friday is my last day at work for a whole 6 days!! We're going to Chicago and I'm so excited! I've never been anywhere north of North Carolina or Tennessee. We're flying out on Sunday then flying back on Thursday and then going to the beach til Sunday! Can you tell I'm excited??

Demon Seed by Dean Koontz

In the privacy of her own home, and against her will, Susan Harris will experience an inconceivable act of terror. She will become the object of the ultimate computer’s consuming obsession: to learn everything there is to know about human flesh.

My Review - I read about 75 pages of this book and just couldn't get into it. Part of it truthfully was the name of the book. So I'm giving up on a book which is not something I usually do. But I just couldn't get into the book and the name gave me a mental block!

A Proper Pursuit by Lynn Austin

When Violet Hayes ventures to Chicago during the time of the World's Fair, her one goal is to find her mother, who has been missing from her life since she was nine. Naïve, impressionable, and highly imaginative (having secretly ingested a diet of romance novels and true crime stories at school), Violet stays in Chicago under the care of her grandmother and her three great aunts. It is here that her perspectives on life are opened as she is exposed to the world about her--from high society to the poor immigrant families; from the suffragette movement to the security of a suitable marriage match. As Violet contemplates what course her life will take, she will discover the missing parts of her family's past--and, ultimately, Violet will discover herself.

My Review - When I first started reading this book I wasn't sure I'd be able to get through it...Quiet honestly Violet got on my nerves at first. But I was sucked into this book after reading some. But I loved the twist with Silas and Violet at the end. And I really liked the story of her mother. I thought it was amazing how different the world was back in the 1890's.

I've kind of been on a Lynn Austin kick for the past few months. I just recently decided to try to read all of her books before the end of the year. In case you didn't know I'm kind of OCD about how I read books. I want to start with the first books that the author writes and read them in the order written. I only have about four more Lynn Austin books to read. :)

A Woman's Place - Lynn Austin

They watched their sons, their brothers, and their husbands enlist to fight a growing menace across the seas. And when their nation asked, they answered the call as well. Virginia longs to find a purpose beyond others' expectations. Helen is driven by a loneliness money can't fulfill. Rosa is desperate to flee her in-laws' rules. Jean hopes to prove herself in a man's world. Under the storm clouds of destruction that threaten America during the early 1940s, this unlikely gathering of women will experience life in sometimes starling new ways as their beliefs are challenged and they struggle toward a new understanding of what love and sacrifice truly mean.

My Review - First about the ending...I usually do not think books end the way I want them to or would like them to or the way they should. BUT this book ended in a great way! I loved how the four women in the book didn't know each other but grew to love one another. I also loved how Austin didn't push God in this book but then again I would have loved to seen more of Him witnessed in it. I know that doesn't make sense but overall it doesn't matter I guess. Because I absolutely loved this book after I got into it. In the beginning it was kind of hard for me to get into it because I had just finished reading her Chronicles of the Kings series. One of my favorites from Austin.

Christmas Jars

Christmas Jars Website

I've you've been reading my blog for any length of time you've probably already heard of the Christmas Jars. Well, yesterday at church my dad preached on not letting your fear stop you from what God wants you to do. He asked the whole congregation to write down two things they would do for the Lord this week. It was hard cause I didn't want to write down the wrong thing but also I didn't want to limit myself. Anyhow all that said, I thought of the Christmas Jars. The Christmas Jars is a book wrote by Jason Wright and if you haven't read it then you should! But the story is just the beginning. What you do is take a jar (mason, pickle, peanut butter, whatever kind of jar you have around your house) and put in your spare change for however long you want to do it and then Christmas week or on Christmas Eve you take it and put it on someone's doorstep, desk, car. Just give it to someone but don't let them know who it's from.

Last year was our first year doing a Christmas Jar (My Post from before) and it was such a blessing. We started putting in change around the first of December last year but this year we upped and started putting change in a jar in June. So look up Christmas Jars, read the book (cause it's good) and then start your own Christmas Jar! :)

Friday Fill-Ins #192

Happy Labor Day weekend to all who celebrate it. And...here we go!

1. Family matters the most!

2. Going back and forth.

3. I love a good song, Bible study, kiss, hug, the list could go on and on...

4. Honey mustard chicken and oven roasted red potatoes makes a good meal.

5. I've got the best thing in the world, salvation!

6. With the heart: wth (what it stands for)!!!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to maybe hanging out with a friend, tomorrow my plans include washing clothes and relaxing and Sunday, I want to go to church and spend time with family!!

Among the Gods by Lynn Austin

Fleeing King Manasseh's tyranny, Joshua leads the faithful remnant to their new home in Egypt. But as years pass, Joshua's desire for vengeance becomes an obsession. Blinded by hatred, he makes rash decisions, placing his loved ones in jeopardy. Amid Joshua's turmoil comes an unexpected awakening of love-a love that burns so intensely it draws him from the dark inner seclusion where he often retreats. But what will it take for him to grasp the great love his Heavenly Father has for him.and for the chosen people of Judah? (Chronicles of the King Book 5)

My review - I love Lynn Austin and her writing! Saying that, I think I'm glad in a way that this series is over. I was so frustrated with Joshua in this book because of his hatred. But I loved how it was still a type of love story because with Miriam always helping Joshua. This book shocked me in some of the incidents that happened (Joshua's parents passing away) but also amazed me in the way that God finally got through to Manasseh! Now moving on to the NEXT Lynn Austin book!

Faith of My Fathers by Lynn Austin

FROM BOOK COVER: Constant companions in their youth, Manasseh, son of Hezekiah, and Joshua, son of the palace administrator, have been primed for leadership of the kingdom of Judah. But anger toward God begins to smolder in Manasseh's heart upon his father's unexpected death. As Manasseh comes to power, his insecurity leads him down the path of sorcery. Fearing a conspiracy, he lashes out at the leaders of his father's regime. As the mayhem of Manasseh's reign begins to unfold, Joshua and his family suffer devastating loss. The battle lines are drawn as Joshua seeks revenge against his boyhood friend. And with the future of God's faithful remnant at stake, Joshua struggles with whether to run from Yahweh... or to Him. Chronicles of the Kings Book 4

My review - This has been my favorite of the series so far. I loved the story of Joshua. But Manasseh's actions and thoughts made me what to jump right in the book and hurt him. Miriam's love for Joshua and her need for someone to love her made my heart ache. Hoping the fifth and final book in the series is just as good as this one was.

Random Dozen

1. What is your favorite fair/carnival food? Not really sure...Probably funnel cakes
2. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of? Yes...but I'm working on it!
3. What is your favorite gift to receive? Gift cards...I know everyone thinks they are a cheesy gift but I love them cause then I can get WHATEVER I want...
4. When was the last time you tried something new? Been a while...
5. What is your favorite and least favorite book genre? My least favorite would have to be Romance...Or anything that is predictable!
6.Silver or Gold? Definately silver.
7. What makes you sigh? Being tired!
8. If you didn't know how old you are, how old would you claim you are? In my early 20's
9. Would you break a law to save a loved one? To protect a loved one? Hum...I'm not use to breaking laws but for a loved one I'd do some pretty crazy stuff!
10. If you had to teach something, what would it be? Children! haha...Cause I work at a daycare.
11. You're having lunch with 3 people whom you respect and admire. They begin to criticize a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. What do you do? Change the subject and quickly!
12. Which of the 5 Love Languages is your prominent means of experiencing love? WOW, I took the quiz (http://www.5lovelanguages.com/) and I always thought my Love Language was Gifts BUT it's Words of Affirmation and then Gifts...Hum...Gonna get the Hubby to take this quiz as well...
Quality Time
Physical Touch
Acts of Service
Gifts
Words of Affirmation

Managing Your Moods (A Devotional)

Filling the needs of today's women, we offer the next 4 titles in the best-selling Women of Faith series.

These topical guides deal with issues that women wrestle with today, such as friendship, encouragement, managing moods, finding contentment, and how to live out your faith.

Reaching an audience across racial, socio-economic, denominational, and age boundaries, these guides will enhance the lives of women as they empower them in their weekly devotions. The study guides can be used for both individual and group settings.

Women are asking good questions about their faith. With our study guides, we want to join them in their quest for knowledge and lead them in finding the answers they are seeking.

My review - Finished this devotional book today and I loved it. I've gone through it before and loved it then too. Makes you realize how many emotions God gave us and how we need to put our emotions and feelings in His hands!

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Rhythm:: Music
2. Baby:: Want one
3. Sanctimonious:: Don't know this word... 
4. I like:: to read
5. Constipated:: thankful I'm not
6. Sleep late:: Every chance I get! Love it!
7. Over easy:: Is that how you like your eggs?
8. Erratic:: Dunno
9. Umbrella:: is for rain...
10. You don’t:: wanna mess with me! haha

Please remember to use http://subliminal.lunanina.com when linking to Unconscious Mutterings. Thanks!

The Strength of His Hands

Chronicles of the Kings Book 3- God has rewarded Hezekiah's faithfulness with great wealth and power, but the godly king has no heir. In desperation, his beloved wife takes forbidden measures to ensure fertility.With all that is going on in his kingdom- and with the Assyrians approaching- Hezekiah does not discover his wife's idolatry until it's almost too late. Her betrayal cuts to the very core of his being and belief in God. Will his faith sustain him in the face of this deceit, and against an overwhelming enemy?

My review - I don't know if I'm just getting burned out on Hezekiah and the series or what. But this book kind of dragged for me. Until I got to about the third part of the book I was dragging through it. I'd decided I was going to finish it no matter what but whenever Shebna was put in his place was when it got good to me again. On to the fourth book now...

Six Word Saturday

Just found a new favorite verse!
So I was doing my devotions a while ago and found a new favorite verse...It's Proverbs 16:3 - Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established. Love it!

Friday Fill-Ins: #189

1. Music is a big part of my life...LOVE music!.

2. A shower is what I like first thing in the morning.

3. The first thing I said this morning was: CRAP I overslept! (by like an hour and a half!).

4. BBQ at a birthday part; it's what's for dinner tonight.

5. It's all been a blast!

6. Being lazy is what I feel like doing right now.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to one of my kids birthday party, tomorrow my plans include sleeping in and Sunday, I want to spend some time worshiping and then some time with my family!

Thursday 13: 13 things I love!

Doing Thursday 13 for the first time...check it out http://thursday-13.com/

1. God
2. My Husband
3. My Parents and sisters
4. The extended family that I got when my husband and I got married...So my husband's family! :)
5. Chubby - my cat
6. Reading
7. Staying at home
8. Sleeping in late
9. Eating good food
10. Chocolate
11. Being on the computer
12. The beach
13. Blogging