Truly Hearing

"I love The Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live." Psalm 116:1-2.

This is so very true. Because He loved me first, because he turned his ear toward me and HEARD me, I call on him. I can call on him, I can and do trust him. I feel heard. I feel safe. And I will continue to call on him!

As one who has been unheard when I needed to be heard, I understand the pain that accompanies another person's unwillingness to hear. I have been truly listened to, as well at crucial times when I needed a voice. It is one of the most fundamental and yet life changing experiences we can offer another human being, to truly listen to them without judgment and without immediately preparing our defense (or offense, or excuse!). To listen to them, to show them that you hear them and recognize them as a valued individual with their own, unique voice is a beautiful thing. And you know what? It builds up relationships. Because if a person isn't heard and isn't heard over and over, the trust they have is corroded and eventually withers completely.

Are we listening? Are we loving others as we want to be loved through giving them this fundamental sign of respect for them? This is my challenge to myself and to you, today!

Imitation

This morning I decided I would read a few verses from Ephesians chapter 5 and ponder over them.  Verse one struck me and got me to thinking more deeply about it than I may have ever before: Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.  (Eph. 5:1)

Relatively well known verse amongst Christians, I'm guessing, and seemingly simple, right? Maybe it is just me. But this verse seemed to open up to me in an entirely new light today.  Here are some of my thoughts I was able to grasp along the way...... The use of the word "imitator." According to Merriam-Webster dictionary online, there are six "sub-definitions" if you will of this word. The last two seemed to make the most sense, however, when seen through the lenses of scripture and of what I immediately began thinking as I read verse one today. The definitions of which I make reference are: the quality of an object in possessing some of the nature or attributes of a transcendent idea; the assumption of behavior assumed in other individuals. 

First off, is it just me or has anyone else ever wondered why the word "imitators" is used in this verse of scripture?  I mean in light of the fact that God gave us freedom of choice ("free will") and in light of the (seeming) fact that we are really not typically encouraged to just imitate behavior but to be genuine, it seems odd. Are we really supposed to just be "copycats"? Naturally I took this verse at face value and knew that it meant I was supposed to attempt to always mold my character after God. However, the word "imitators" still nagged lightly at the back of my mind. At least, until I started thinking about it today. I began to think about my little son. He is a young toddler, so he has begun to imitate things my husband and I say or do with greater frequency and even accuracy than he did as little as a month or two ago. Words, facial expressions, emotional reactions (excitement or frustration!) and physical gestures all are subjected to what he observes in us. He is an imitator of us as (our) dear child. WOW. Does anyone else get a little shiver when they think about this? 

So today, I thought about how we as children of God are encouraged to assume "the quality of an object in possessing some of the nature or attributes of a transcendent idea," or as I understand it in this case, our Heavenly Father. We are to possess some of his nature and his attributes. Makes sense, right? That was pretty much how I always viewed this verse. The difference is today, I also thought about the second definition in light of being a parent and seeing it in "real life," a wonderful analogy right before my eyes, "the assumption of behavior played out by other individuals." I am to imitate God just like my son imitates me. At first, I started with a clean slate. I was an open book, a blank page, I knew neither right nor wrong or the better way of doing or being. But I had a Heavenly Father who did. I had to imitate. I had to imitate God's response toward me as I responded back to him and then I had to learn to carry over that imitation in how I respond to others. I had to imitate God in how I make decisions in order to make them wisely. I had to imitate God in order to be his hands and his feet in this world.  I would never have known how to be a Christian and how to follow God if I did not first imitate God as a dear child. I still imitate God as his dear child.  This imitation to me is the essence of hands-on learning. In doing I am becoming. It is actually pretty amazing how it works, isn't it? 

All to say that today, a new light was shed for me I believe by my Heavenly Father whose love for me knows now bounds. I found that "imitation" does not have to be lacking authenticity. Rather, it is for the Christian, the dear child of God, a potent tool in transforming myself into the image of Christ, day by day. I am so thankful that I have been given the gift of not having to just muddle around in the dark, trying to find my way and behave as I (think) I should or say what I (think) I should say or think how I (think!) I should.  I have a loving father who allows and in fact encourages me to imitate him, just like my little toddler imitates me and learns and grows each time he does. 

Change on the Wind

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

- Hebrews 13:8

Dear friends,

It feels like an eternity since I last made any update to my blog, and in blogger land I suppose it is. Over four months. What can I say?  Only that my life has been full of a strange mix of the "same" day in and day out as well as many, many changes. Sounds paradoxical, doesn't it? But it's true. 

I am going to be forthright. Life has been a struggle for me in the past year. This fact is a raw truth that I have had to process and still am processing.  Life has been more of a struggle for me in the past 4-6 months. In the midst of struggle, I have attempted to always recognize every blessing, however small, and every day I seek to find the many ways that my Heavenly Father shows me His love and care.  Has it been easy?  I cannot say it has. Not in the least. And there are times I have seriously wanted to just throw in the towel, so to speak, and to run away to some deserted island where I don't have to be responsible for anything except myself, my marriage and my sweet little son. Raw honesty here! 

One truth that I have placed at the forefront of my thoughts every day, especially when I feel tossed about by the winds of change, is that Jesus never changes. He is steadfast. And his love endures forever. Just like Hebrews 13:8 above. He is the same. I am so thankful. Because in this life, there is rarely anything that remains steadfast. Of course not all change is "bad" or "difficult." Some of it is even welcomed, and I would be the first to attest to that. I like variety. But here I am referring to difficult change. Change that leaves you reeling, that leaves you feeling alone, or scared, or hopeless. I do not know where I would be if it were not for my choice to keep my eyes above the waves (reminds me of a favorite worship song, Oceans by Hillsong United) and fixed on my Savior. 

Today I hope that you are able to fix your eyes on Jesus. That you are able to keep your head above the water. Keep striving forward. That's what I have been focused on. That is what I am still focused on. But I wanted to drop in and share a little and give an update to my good friends out in the blogger sphere! 

The Importance of the Heart

I was assigned to write a short essay about the importance of the biblical definition of the "heart" within therapy, as I am training and in graduate school to become a marriage and family therapist. I enjoyed writing this short essay and thought it would be neat to share it here. It is a fascinating topic. 

Do you have an opinion about the importance of the heart in therapy or in life in general? Do you have thoughts on the scriptures shared below that reference the heart? I'd love to hear in the comments! 

Have a great day - Dove of Snow 

The biblical definition of the "heart" is important in therapy because it is held in such high esteem in the Bible.  The scriptures tell us, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (Ps. 4:23, NIV) We can also clearly see that the biblical definition of the heart clearly defines the fact that it can mislead us, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?"(Jer. 17:9) but also plainly tells us that the Lord looks upon the heart and judges us by the heart, "'I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve." (Jer. 17:10) 

One of my professors Stew Grant in one of his lectures told his students, "'Love others as yourself' = an open heart." I would have to agree. Not only does this equal an open heart including in biblical terms, but it fulfills the second greatest commandment that Jesus gave us: namely, to love the Lord our God with all of our heart and to love our neighbor as ourself. I also agree with what Grant said, "Our faith originates in our heart."  I believe our faith begins and "ends" in our heart. Our heart contains our mind, will and emotions. It is the origin of life within us, really, and it is also the guiding factor in how we live. What we put in our heart will be what we produce, whether it be wisdom and kindness and purity or folly, malice and putrification.  As the Bible clearly states, "The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil." (Prov. 15:28) Last but ot least, within the Bible it is made abundantly clear that the heart is actually referring to our soul and our spiritual man, as well. The heart is synonymous, really, with the spirit of man. "My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God." (Psalm 84:2)  

In conclusion, the biblical definition of the heart is important in therapy and in particular Christian therapy, because it is from whence all else springs. It is the deciding factor in the success of relationships. It is the deciding factor in major life choices. It is the deciding factor in the determination of worldviews. And above all else, it is the main "character" in the decision to know Jesus Christ personally and to enter into lasting and sacred relationship with Him. 

Emma of Aurora: A Touching Story Based on a True Life

When I found the chance to review these novels based on a real woman and written by an author whose book I had found intriguing in the past, Jane Kirkpatrick ("One Glorious Ambition), I was ready to take up the offer!

Emma of Aurora is a touching story of hope, hardship, love, hate, adventure, mundane, pioneering and settling. It is a story of Emma's individual faith unfolding as she witnesses the spiritual walk of those around her. It is a story of her love, her children, her life as a pioneer, and of a woman finding her place as an individual and growing into it.

I would highly recommend this series. I would give it at least 4/5 stars! It is well written and provoked many emotions in me when I read it. The characters are well developed and as well developed characters do, make you either hate them or love them!

For more information about the author, Jane Kirkpatrick, copy and paste to go to: http://www.jkbooks.com/  To read chapter one, copy and paste to go to: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/files/2013/07/SneakPeek_EmmaofAurora.pdf

Thank you very much to the Blogging for Books program for sending me a free copy of the Emma of Aurora trilogy in exchange for my honest and original review.

Happy March!

Hello Friends!

I would say, Happy Spring! However, it's been such strange weather in my neck of the woods and in so many others, it couldn't truly be deemed spring, yet. I know it's been much too long since I last posted to my blog. The Winter Olympics have come and gone (and actually, I saw none of them as I don't get cable/satellite etc!). New Years Day has come and gone, for that matter! So has Valentine's Day. Thus, I will start this post by saying, Happy March! It's only three days into the month. :-)

Time has been flying by, here. My baby boy is growing up so fast. Sometimes I look at him and am (always!) taken aback seeing the toddler he will soon become. He's a baby, and yet, he's almost not anymore in so many ways. I am so thankful to get to see him grow and learn. So thankful for each day with him. He is developing his personality, and that is just the most fun! Happy, smiley, giggly, intense, focused, and seemingly intelligent. Not to mention, he's so handsome! Seriously, he should be a little baby model. He could pass as one.

Otherwise, I'm still in graduate school. However, graduation day is drawing closer and closer! I'm still working. That is going all right. It keeps me busy, although I must add I really did not *need* to take on anything else in order to be well occupied! It does bring in a little money though, which for us at this time is needed and appreciated.

I think what I'm looking forward to most for this spring is Easter. And spring weather versus spring-ish then WINTER then spring-ish then WINTER over and over! ;-)  Definitely am excited about baby boy's first birthday, as he was born in the spring!! Cannot believe he will be one year old in only about 2 months! WOW

So, what are you looking forward to this spring? I'd love to hear! Or anything else you'd like to share or comment on. Thanks for stopping in!

Christmas Cheer

Dear Friends,

Today is Christmas 2013.  It is almost unbelievable that we are again celebrating Christmas. It seems 2013 flew by in record time!  I want to keep my post today simple. But I want to share the third verse of my favorite Christmas carol, "O, Holy Night."  The message in this beautiful song is the gospel.  May this Christmas find you loving God and others, from a heart overflowing with peace and hope. Merry Christmas, everyone!

"Truly he taught us to love one another;

His law is love and his gospel is peace; 

Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother, 

And in his name, all oppression shall cease, 

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we; 

Let all within us praise his holy name! 

Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we! 

His pow'r and glory, evermore proclaim!

His pow'r and glory, evermore proclaim!" 

When Mockingbirds Sing: A Book Review

When I signed up to receive a free copy of "When Mockingbirds Sing" by Billy Coffey from Booksneeze's blogger program, I figured by the short description that it would be a unique book. And it was, in many respects!

Little Leah is a somewhat isolated girl. Due to her prominent stutter, her peers make fun of her.  Then, Leah and her parents move to a country home in the small town of Mattingly, far away from the city, where her father still works as a psychologist and struggles with his own inner "demons." Leah's parents are trying to make their way in a floundering marriage. But in this new town Leah meets new people, and some of the new people take a shine to Leah. Some of them do not.  It soon becomes apparent that Leah has a gift, or a talent, when it comes to painting.  A gift that had not shown itself so strikingly until her family moved to Mattingly, and a gift that will cause more than a stir in the previously stereotypically quiet small town.  The revealing of her gift coincides with some strange happenings around the town, as well, causing folks to take strongly to one side or the other in the debate surrounding Leah, her family, and the paintings.

What will the people of Mattingly, or for that matter, Leah's parents finally decide about Leah and her paintings?  What will they decide to believe about the Rainbow Man she insists sings songs to her that somehow direct what she paints?  You will want to finish this novel in order to find out!

I give this novel 4/5 stars.  I liked it for the most part, although in some respects it was dissimilar to some books I'd typically choose to read. However, I wanted to read it for that reason!

Thank you to Booksneeze for the review copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Forever Friday: A Poignant and Entertaining Novel of Love, Hope and Long Division

"Forever Friday" by Timothy Lewis is a truly heartwarming novel.  When a dear friend of mine gave raving reviews for this novel, I knew I had to request it and read it myself.  It is the story of a man, Adam Colby, who finds himself at the end of hope....or so he thinks. Then, he finds an old photo album full of hundreds of love poems written by a man named Gabe Alexander, for his true love and wife, Pearl better known as "Huck."  This novel takes the reader back in time to a Texas many of us living today have never experienced.....an old Galveston, Texas, Houston, Texas, and so on and invites us to explore these cities over time through the eyes and the love story of Gabe and Huck. Adam is fascinated by what Gabe termed "Long Division" in marriage, and the reader is able to learn what Gabe meant, as well.

The main theme of this book that I carried away is that of hope. "Hope has won wars, fed nations, conquered diseases. In the unquenchable human spirit, hope is the fire.  It is also different and the same for each one of us." (pg. 277) And I finished this book with a satisfied sigh.  It is a beautiful and true to life romance, and I highly recommend it!

Thank you to Blogging for Books for the free review copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like...Ice Storm?!?!?

Dear Friends,

I feel that this post must be long (ahem should I say LONG) overdue.  Probably a good 1.5 months or more overdue.  However, I cannot apologize for spending time on things like being a mommy, being a wife, being a focused student, a dedicated counseling intern, or even more recently also a full time employee at a popular coffee shop (read: in my "free" time!! ahahaha! NOT!).  My life has been full, full to the max.  For the most part, I truly like it that way.  Sometimes I do not.  However, I am grateful for so many things as well as several people as we rapidly approach this special time of year, Christmas.

Speaking of which, it's beginning to look a lot like ICE STORM in my neck of the woods, friends!  Hence the title of this post.  No, I'm not one itsy bits teensy weensy bit excited about an ice storm. I was, however, very excited when I thought I spotted a possible snowstorm in the forecast! Snow is just so much prettier and so much easier to play in and....well....I guess ice can b pretty, but it's just not safe. And it causes power outages and angry, desperate people stuck in their homes without heat and such. Snow on the other hand, can be a nice little part of the winter season. And what could be more Christmas-y than snow, I must ask?? We will just have to wait and see the weather we get this coming weekend. But I will pray that it is snow and not the dreadful, dangerous and damaging ice!  What's the weather like where you live? Warm and sunny, temperate, dry?  Snowy or icy and cold, gray skies and gusts of wind? We've had several very gray days lately, as if the sun has decided to sulk for a while.  But the weather on and around Thanksgiving day was actually quite pleasant!

So today I'm thinking of Christmas songs, or carols.  There are so many I love.  The list of the songs or carols I enjoy is gargantuan compared to the tiny list of the few that quite honestly bug the bugs right out of me each and every year. Yes, I honestly have a few.  But it's because they are a few that the radio station where we live ALWAYS plays, over and over and over and over and . . . . well, you catch my drift!  I hear them and think to myself, I know there are a great deal of songs and carols with a wide variety of styles and rhythms and performers and lyrics. Could we not attempt to try a few of those and sprinkle the over-played, overused songs here and there a bit more artfully?  Alas, I am not in charge of the radio programming. If I was......well, that would be a different story!  ;-)

Anyhow, bringing myself back to the moment here.  I'd like to hear, what is your favorite Christmas song or carol? And since I despise being limited to just ONE favorite in basically any category, I will ask you instead, what are your top three favorites?  And for any particular reason?  And then, if you have one you really just are tired of hearing (as I can totally empathize and I am in no sense a Scrooge, so don't feel too bad if you do have one or two that you're just tired of hearing!), what is that one?  Don't worry....on the odd chance the one you're sick of is an especial favorite of my own, I won't take offense!! hahaha  :-)

Happy December, everyone! Thanks for stopping in!!  Stay warm and safe and Happy Happy Holidays!

p.s. (I realized after typing my post that I spoke not a word of my favorite carols or songs this lovely time of year. So, if you care to know my favorites or even my least-liked, please, tell me so when you comment!  Be a dear and comment, too!!! :-)  I'd love to read it! ta-ta-for-now!)

"Autumn is a Second Spring . . . . "

I loved this quote I found while searching the keyword "Autumn" today on Goodreads:

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."  - Albert Camus.

Is this not the truth?  Autumn is quite honestly my favorite time of year.  Especially when there has been enough rain and the right weather conditions for the leaves to turn into vibrant flame, burnished red and sunshiny yellow. I LOVE the changing leaves.  The crisp, earthy air that fills your lungs without pressing upon you as the humid summer air always does.  The rain showers, and the stunning skies that trail behind and can only be seen so dramatically blue and yet filled with shades of grey and white clouds in autumn. The festive, portly orange pumpkins and the ghoulishly white pumpkins, the warty gourds the multi-colored corn. The hot chocolate. The salted caramel mocha at the ever popular Starbucks.  The anticipation of Thanksgiving and then of Christmas.  Wearing long sleeved, cozy shirts and warm, wooly slippers.  Taking walks and just soaking it all in. Watching in wonder every year as the trees slowly shed their summer dresses to stand stark and majestic monuments against the winter sky, their only covering an occasional dusting of sparkling frost.

Yes, I love autumn.  To me it is the most beautiful season of all, and truly the quote speaks what I've felt for so long......that autumn IS a second spring, "When every leaf is a flower."

Happy Autumn, friends!

Review of The Outcast: a modern retelling of The Scarlet Letter

To say that "The Outcast" by Jolina Petersheim was unlike any other book I'd ever read having to do with the "Plain" community of either Amish or in this case, Mennonite, is an understatement. And I mean it in an entirely positive way! This book will tug so hard on your heartstrings you might find yourself gasping for breath between a flood of tears. Rachel Stolzfus, Leah Stolzfus King, Tobias King, Judah King, Ida Mae Speck and several other characters are just so vivid. The characters are real, fallible, pained, angry, forgiving, unforgiving, loving, and every other word you could possibly use to describe deep characters. The plot keeps you wanting to read more. And the ending? Well, I don't want to spoil anything, but it will probably surprise you!  I know it did me! I seriously want to read Petersheim's next novel, "The Midwife," that is supposed to hit stores next summer.

"The Outcast" is a novel I can say wholeheartedly that I loved, beginning to end. I give it a robust 5/5 stars! I urge you to find your copy today! You will be SO glad you did!

Many thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest and original review. 

Redeeming Love: A Book Review

Angel seems to fulfill the adage, "Hurt people hurt people." She has been mistreated, unwanted and unloved for practically as long as she can remember.  Then Michael Hosea, a man who seeks after a God Angel cannot comprehend, comes into her life, bringing an unconditional and determined love.  Will Angel accept redemption? Will she ever truly find "redeeming love?"

The book, "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers is lengthy at over 450 pages, the only reason I give it 4/5 stars instead of 5 stars, as I think it would be better with slightly less length. However, it is well worth the lengthy read.  It will pull at your heart, bring tears to your eyes, and a smile of joy to your face.  I highly recommend this retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea, set in California's gold country in the 1850's.

Many thanks to the Blogging for Books program for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Please note all opinions expressed are my own. If you are interested in blogging reviews in exchange for books, check out Blogging for books.

Gone South: Book Review of a Lovely Read!

Tish McComb knows what it means to have loved and lost.  Now she is making a major life-changing decision that will take her from the northern United States to the deep South of Alabama, and her geographical journey is not the only one she is about to take.  Tish loves history and collecting items from the past that she feels draw her closer to those who lived before her.  But now she faces her present and future and has to decide which parts of her own history she will allow to influence the potentially full life she can have in the little town of Noble, Alabama.

I loved reading this book! All of the characters were full and interesting. What I loved the most was how relationships both sound and broken were represented, and how the author Meg Moseley wove pain, heartache, loss and distrust between people with the overarching themes of grace, redemption, forgiveness and perseverance.  The setting is fun, with a northern woman being in a small Southern town. This is a Christian fictional novel that is unique in all the good ways!

I would give "Gone South" by Meg Moseley a definite 5/5 stars!

Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program for a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. Please note my reviews are entirely my own.

God's Impeccable Timing

Hello Friends!

I am certain that many of you have noticed my conspicuous lack of presence in the blogosphere for the past several months, since the baby boy we are adopting entered our home!  Let me just say that quite honestly, I have found very little "free" time for me to use my two hands for anything, including typing, and of course blogging is all about that.  However, I do believe that my lack of free time or time with my hands free, rather, is being put to good use elsewhere, in loving, taking care of and raising a sweet baby boy.

There have been challenges, and many of them.  I won't lie and tell you it's been all a bed of roses. Transitioning into new parenthood is HARD and now that I'm in the thick of it, I have to say I believe it's HARD whether or not you actually gave birth to the new baby or adopted the new baby! Sure I didn't have to carry him around in the womb for 9 months and I did not have to go through labor or postpartum issues. I have great respect for all mothers who become mothers the usual way. But just the same, I've felt a whole spectrum of emotions, and sometimes in the course of one day. I've been exhausted beyond imagination.  I've been frustrated when I couldn't find the source of baby's persistent crying (figured out he has been colicky, fits the bill hands-down!) and it felt like my ears were going to explode. I've cried at the entirely new and frightening feeling that I'm not as prepared as I attempted to be in order to be the great mom I've wanted to my entire life, but in fact am sorely lacking. I've spent a lot of time just praying and crying out to God to help me, give me wisdom and strength and just 15 minutes more sleep!

And then, there are the unique joys of new parenthood. And let me tell you, these joys are not only what help balance out all of the challenges and the frustrations, the exhaustion and the worries and the stress that just go hand-in-hand with a new baby.  They make it an utter blessing to be a parent, and prove to you every single day what a miracle it truly is that God knows how to knit a family together and how to bond a parent with a child. 

Some joys in the past few weeks......seeing baby boy smile for the first time. And guess what, he genuinely smiled (it lit up his eyes, even!) for the first time at me on my birthday! That's right! I was so thrilled I nearly cried.  What better present could a little newborn give you than that?!? Another is how he has begun to "talk" to us more. He will smile and then start cooing and oohing and making raspberry sounds and it just makes my heart swell with happiness, because I can see that he is happy and feels loved and wanted and safe.  And I so desperately want him to know that he definitely is all three of those.  I tell him so every day, and I pray for him aloud as I hold him. Another highlight is the eye contact he has begun to make much more now.  Eye contact promotes bonding, of course, so I am all for it.  But I also could just get lost in those sweet, deep wells.  And I always feel as if he is memorizing my face and looking for the affirmation in my eyes.  Talk about feeling important!

I do feel he is bonding quite well with both my husband and me. And that is just a wonder in and of itself.  I realize that parents and infants bond at different rates, and it is not always immediate. I loved this baby before I ever laid eyes on him.......but I love him even more now than I did the first time I held him in my arms.  The fact that he is not of my blood is irrelevant. And I felt it would be when the time came. But actually feeling how my heart is bonding to his and knowing that I will always have a special place in my heart for this precious boy is just overwhelming to me.  Truly a gift from God.

And then there is the funny thing I was thinking about when I chose the title for this post. God's impeccable timing.  Maybe you recall the book I read and reviewed in late May, The Christian Mama's Guide to Pregnancy? Well I am not pregnant. However, it was not three days after I wrote that review that we received the call about our baby boy. I thought to myself, how perfect is that? I just read a book that includes a little postpartum insight and advice, and now we are getting a newborn in our home! Entirely applicable. I was wanting so much to be a mommy, and suddenly I was! All I can say is, God's timing is truly impeccable!!

Hope that you are having a lovely day and that this post proves a blessing to you.  If you are a new parent, a parent-to-be or a seasoned parent and have anything you want to share (joys, challenges, insights, or just good ol' comments!) please do. I would love to hear from you!

What has been keeping me busy: my baby!

My Baby

(c) Rachel Rudin

Dedicated to baby P 

Little pink toes,

Cute button nose,

Adorable clothes,

My baby.

Sweetest boy you’ll meet,

No one can compete,

He makes my life complete,

My baby.

Though his cries are shrill,

Especially when he’s ill,

I’ll always love him still,

My baby.

When I stroke his face,

Hold him warm in my embrace,

No one can replace,

My baby.

Eyes of deepest blue,

He coos and sighs on cue,

My love for him renewed,

My baby.

 Hands of softest skin,

Hair so fine and thin,

Cheeks that draw you in,

My baby.

Sent from up above,

God’s wondrous gift of love,

I’ll never get enough of

My baby.

All images and written material are strictly the property of Rachel Rudin, 2013.  Do not republish or use without permission. 

The Christian Mama's Guide to Having a Baby: A book review

Before my friends get too excited, no, I am not expecting a baby!  However, I found this book was available for review and since I do hope and pray to have a baby sometime in the (hopefully not terribly distant) future, I felt it would be a fun and perhaps insightful read. It was!

While there were quite a few things I already knew (facts that I've picked up along the way, mostly the well-known type), there were things I didn't. Plus I liked Erin MacPherson's writing style.....that of a good friend or (I would imagine) a sister.  Down to earth, funny, straightforward but kind.

What I liked about this book:  Erin focuses a lot on the Christian side of pregnancy.......scriptures, prayer, talking with God. All very important and often overlooked or underestimated tools and comforts that would prove invaluable during pregnancy and deliver and of course, all those years you will be raising your baby!

What I didn't like about this book:  Nothing, really. Though I will say Erin admits that she is anything but a medical expert and it's true.....so if you're looking for a pregnancy guide that is "technical" or full of a doctor's advice, this is NOT the book for that.  It's very in-depth and very insightful, but it's not a medical guide.

I would give "The Christian Mama's Guide to Having a Baby" 3/5 stars.

Thank you to Booksneeze and Thomas Nelson publishers for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my original and honest review.  You can find your copy at major retailers such as Christian Books (www.christianbooks.com) and Amazon (www.amazon.com), amongst others.

Raveled: A Book Review

"Raveled" by Anne McAneny is a page-turner, a riveting read about a fictional small town in North Carolina where the secrets are dark as blackstrap molasses and just as deeply hidden at the bottom of the barrel.  But even secrets abysmally deep have an astonishing way of winding their way back up to the surface, forcing their way through the cracks of confused, bothered minds and wrestling consciences.

Allison Fennimore is the protagonist in "Raveled," and she has returned to Lavitte 16 years after a grisly crime involving two teenagers truly unraveled her life, her family and the entire small town.  Allison has returned to find answers. Will she find what she has come for?  At what cost?

As the truth of the terrible events of 16 years prior begin to slowly resurface, you will find yourself drawn to Allison and perhaps even a few of the other believable and either likable or despicable characters. You will desperately want to find out how the story ends.

To my friends who do not or cannot read graphic descriptions, please note that there are some mild to moderate graphic descriptions within this book, though given the subject some of that is not unexpected in an adult novel involving crimes and so forth.

I give "Raveled" 4/5 stars.

Thank you to Farrington Press, the author Anne McAneny and Net Galley for a complimentary ebook copy of "Raveled." Please note that my review is original. 

Lie Still: A Book That Will Not Let You Lie Still Until You've Read it Front to Back!

"Lie Still" by Julia Heaberlin is a riveting novel. To me it was an artful, slightly dark but emotionally genuine cross between the almost laughably shocking Deep South gothic story (think "Steel Magnolias," "Fried Green Tomatoes," or "The Secret Life of Bees") and something like the compelling, raw "The Lovely Bones."  Every page will compel you to stay and read more.

From external appearances Emily, the protagonist, would seem like any other woman in her early 30's: happily married to a strong man, healthily pregnant with their first child, living out the usual dreams of housewife.  But Emily finds herself reacquainted with a past she would rather erase or at least let go of for good in a dramatically unexpected fashion when she and her husband move from their New York City apartment to the small but colorful and secretive fictional town of Clairmont, Texas. It is fictional only in name, as the events that happen in the town and the past that twines its way amongst the residents (particularly the women who belong or compete to belong in "the club") will strike the reader as anything but fictional.  In fact, Clairmont and all that occurs in this book will probably stay with the you for a very long time......as if the whole account happened in real life.

Of course the author not only wrote a compelling piece of fiction, she had a message behind the story. A worthy and yet too often overlooked or ignored message.  I deeply appreciated the transparency of the main character and the truths thread throughout this book.  There are a few slightly graphic descriptions that are nevertheless masterfully used. I mention them as just a warning to anyone who does not feel they can or want to read anything slightly graphic. But like I said, this book is an original work and even the graphic parts contribute to the story as a whole, not detracting from it in the least.

I would give "Lie Still" 4.5/5 stars.

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group and Net Galley for a free advanced copy of this book for me to read in exchange for an honest review.  Please note that my review is original.  The publication date for "Lie Still" is set for July 2, 2013.  Look for your copy then! 

Rock Harbor Search and Rescue: A Light Mystery for Kids and Pre-Teens

Recently I read "Rock Harbor Search and Rescue," by Christian author Colleen Coble, a mystery written for middle school to pre-teen children.

Emily is the protagonist, a girl in her very early teens who faces the usual ups and downs of a young teenager. But Emily is unique in her interest in the Search and Rescue (SAR) that is an important facet of the Rock Harbor, a town bordering one of the Great Lakes.  Her dream is to get a puppy of her own to train as a search and rescue dog, a dog that will help her with what she wants to be when she grows up: a search and rescue leader like her grown-up friend, Bree.

Emily's plans take a decidedly negative turn when suddenly she finds herself accused of a crime of theft that she didn't commit. The accusation puts Emily's dreams of getting a puppy to train in SAR on hold. Emily knows she is innocent, but how will she prove it?

This is a fun mystery. Of course for me it was a light read, as it's gauged for kids and young teens. But I was interested in checking out some of the new Christian fiction for kids and pre-teens. I was not disappointed, as I think the book would be appropriate for and enjoyed by this age group.

Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Publishers for the free e-book copy of this book in order to procure my honest review!