Moving my blog!

It has been a very long time since I posted! I am busy. Baby #4 joined our family in June. Another boy! That takes the count to 3 boys and 1 girl. I also plan to start "officially" homeschooling the 2 oldest this year. It excites me to watch them grow and develop.

I have decided to get a new blog, you may join me over here

Depth of Mercy

Depth of mercy! Can there be

Mercy still reserved for me?

Can my God His wrath forbear,

Me, the chief of sinners, spare?

I have long withstood His grace;

Long provoked Him to His face;

Would not hearken to His calls;

Grieved Him by a thousand falls.

Jesus speaks, and pleads His blood!

He disarms the wrath of God;

Now my Father’s mercies move,

Justice lingers into love.

There for me the Savior stands,

Shows His wounds and spreads His hands.

God is love! I know, I feel;

Jesus weeps and loves me still.

Now incline me to repent;

Let me now my fall lament;

Deeply my revolt deplore,

Weep, believe, and sin no more.

- Charles Wesley, 1740

Changes in our family

This story starts with my in-laws, really. My father-in-law has desired and prayed for full-time ministry for quite some time. He had been pastoring a little church in  the town we were living in, but trying to pastor, work many hours a week and do everything that goes along with being a pastor was taking it's toll. Out of the blue, (another story in itself), he got a call about a church 30-40 minutes away seeking a full-time pastor! After a series of meetings with the then-pastor, deacon board and pulpit committee, he was voted in. That is where our story begins.

We had been living in the church parsonage and when Dad was being considered as pastor for this church, we knew we would be needing to find a new home. We started looking online and found the "perfect" place for our family. A nice-sized home on 3 acres with a large 2 car garage and an attached shed. It was out in the country. We were excited--we could have animals, the children could ride their bikes in the yard (instead of the little tiny yard space we had), we would be away from the main road, we could have a garden, Billy could work on his cars and take on a project or two, there was a great playroom visible from the kitchen, etc. We put an offer on the house and it was accepted. Things seemed to be moving smoothly until the bank wanted a structural engineer to go look at the house to make sure it fit the qualifications for the type of loan we wanted. The structural engineer called Billy and told him a lot of things that didn't look good. There was extensive termite damage, it appeared the kitchen floor was sinking in underneath, it had other problems that needed fixing. Problems that would have to be corrected with this type of loan. They would loan us the money for the repairs, but a licensed contractor would have to do all the work--a lot more money. It would cost an estimated $30,000-$40,000 to fix. Wow! We definitely couldn't afford that. So, we prayed....

About the same time this is going on, a very close, dear friend called us randomly and said that God had impressed upon their hearts to offer us their RV--for a very reasonable price. They said it was just what we would need for our family (with bunkbeds in a 2nd bedroom and a bath tub). I think the whole idea made Billy's head spin--to go from thinking about a decent size house on land to thinking about an RV! It is a large RV, but a lot smaller than what we originally planned on! But God is good and after thinking and praying and talking much, we decided that it was definitely God's will for our family. We had perfect peace that this is where He wanted us to live. An added bonus is that our dear friends drove the 14 hours to bring it to us--so sweet of them, and we were able to see each other again for the first time in a couple years.

We are now all moved and working on settling in. After going through our things and having a couple yard sales we ended up taking a lot of things to the thrift store and trash dump. We are still opening boxes and thinking "Why did we keep this?!" It is a wonderful opportunity to downsize and focus on serving the Lord and raising up Godly children.

I am daily reminded of God's goodness and blessings. We are able to stay on the church property, across the parking lot from my in-laws,  (the church has a few RV hookups!) in exchange for work. Where we are, we can look out the windows and see the mountains, trees and even green grass! Who knew that southern AZ had all this green?!  An added blessing is out Nehemiah's window he can see the train every morning, if he is awake. The child really enjoys seeing trains as well as playing with his train set. It seems like such a blessing from God that he can see the train out his window when we can not see it out from any other window in the camper! God is good and I am continually thankful for how He has lead us and guided us. We are perfectly happy where God has put us and do not feel the least bit sad that our "perfect" house will not be ours. The RV has become home to us (in a temporary way, as Heaven is our final home) and at this time IS our perfect earthly house! One more blessing is, that not far out the front door, is a nice playground for the children to enjoy. Around the playground are sidewalks for them to ride their bikes on. Is it the country? No, in fact the Interstate literally runs right next to the church property!  But we could not be happier here.

In closing, here a few photos of our new location:

The Playground. You can see the old auditorium to the left and the RV next to it.

Home Sweet RV. :) Yes, the wooden steps are now in place.

Some of the scenery we see out of our windows.

One of my favorite sights--laundry drying in the sun

Linking up with: Whole-hearted Home and Growing Home

Changes and Busyness

I have neglected this blog for quite some time, but for good reason. Stay tuned for the next post where I will share the big changes that God has brought for our family! In the meantime I am busy raising 3 children, beginning a more regular "school" time with my 5 y/o and starting a few things with the 3 y/o. My baby is now 9 mos (!)--Where did the time go?!

Hold Him While He's Little

I found this poem on the back of my favorite magazine--Keepers at Home, published by Carlisle Press in Sugarcreek, Ohio. I am realizing the older my children get, how important it is to teach them, to love them and to spend time with them while they are young. How quickly 4 years have passed since my oldest was born! I look at his baby pictures and wonder what happened to the little baby....who is not the baby anymore. I know the next 4 will pass just as quickly or maybe faster...and then the next 4...and the next. Mothers, hold those sweet babies while they are still little! Read them the Bible, teach them songs about Jesus. Show them the right path to walk, from the very beginning! There are times when the dishes will wait, Facebook will wait, email will wait, blogging will wait, etc.This post was directed mainly at myself--how often I fail to take the time to enjoy my small children as I should.

Me with our oldest, when he was 2 months old

Hold him while he's little-
He won't be little long;
For all too soon will come the day
He won't need Mama's song,
Nor cuddling on the rocking chair.
He's joined the busy throng.

Guide him while he's little,
And show him how to be
A good, obedient little boy;
One not obsessed with "me".
Then you will find in years to come,
A blessing he will be.

Love him while he's little,
He needs your touch of grace.
He needs the comfort you can give
In just a sweet embrace.
Thoughts of Mom will bring him back
With smile upon his face.

Teach him while he's little
To love the Bible true;
For it has all the answers
To what he needs to do
To make his life fulfilling,
And keep heaven in view.

Hold him, guide him, love him--
He'll soon be grown, you'll see.
Teach him while he still is small
And sitting on your knee.
For if you do these while he's small,
'Tis for eternity.

--Susan Nolt

Linking up with: Living in the Shoe. Whole-Hearted Home, Growing Home

How We Met...

Since it is February, and everything seems to be focused in love right now due to the upcoming Valentine's Day, I thought I would share the story of how God brought my husband and I together. It is a story that only God could have orchestrated and I am thankful for how He brought us together at the right time.

I grew up in a Christian home, as did Billy. We were both brought up with similar levels of conservative-ness, including the idea of courtship. We both decided to wait patiently for the perfect person that God had for us, instead of following the popular system of dating.  Now, I don't believe dating isn't necessarily wrong, but it can lead to a lot of regret and heartache. There are also some stories of courtships gone wrong, so I believe it is best to seek the Lord for what He would have you do concerning relationships and potential marriage. Seek His will and He will guide you in a perfect path.

Anyway...back to my story. In the fall of 2005, I became a freshman at a Bible college that was pretty close to home. God had brought me a long way, which is another story for another day. As most girls at the age of 17 (I was almost 18), I was naturally interested in boys. Being at a college full of single young men, it was easy to look at a lot of them and wonder "Is he the one perhaps?". During that semester, I became a Christian, and started growing in the Lord. During Christmas break, I became convicted at how much I was focusing on boys. I repented and told the Lord that whoever He had for me, I would wait for him and I even prayed for him, whoever he was. I got done praying and got on the computer to check my blog (I didn't use Blogger in those days). I found a comment from a young man named Billy who apparently was also a student at the same Bible college. Somehow (it must have been the Lord!) I knew he was the one. But, I didn't want to develop any kind of thoughts or feelings towards yet another young man. I prayed that if he was the one that God would make that very clear and work it all out. A few days later, I received an IM request from him. I cautiously accepted and we chatted a bit. During the first conversation, my Mom came in the room and asked who I was talking to. I don't remember my exact response, but it was probably something like "someone from school" or something like that. She asked me if it was a boy. I said yes. The fact that she acted like it was normal was a bit strange to me. I had been brought up that it wasn't proper for young ladies to talk to young men, so her lack of reaction really surprised me!

January, 2006, we began a new semester. I met Billy in person and started becoming friends. My brother also went to the same school that semester and he was able to get to know him a lot better than I at first. The whole month of January we were friends and chatted here and there. I found out that he was also a freshman just like me and we shared a lot of the same classes but I never met him or really knew he existed! In addition, I worked in the kitchen and helped serve lunch and dinner and probably had served him more than once but I still had not remembered him. We even shared 2 of the same friends! Now, this is not a large college at all, there are around 1,000 students, so it was interesting that we'd never met or knew who the other one was!

Around the middle-to-end of January, Billy got up enough courage to call my Dad and ask permission to take me to the Valentine's Banquet that was coming up on February 6th. My dad said yes, but we could only go as friends, nothing more. One night after church, my brother got me to come outside because Billy wanted to talk to me. I was sure I knew what it was about. He never did directly ask me to the banquet, I told him I would go! Haha, I am glad I was right about him wanting to ask me! We ended up talking for 2-2.5 hours that night, in January, outside, while I was wearing open toed high heels! (I am glad I go for more simple shoes now, anything with heels is SO uncomfortable!)

We went to the banquet and had a great time as friends. It was a lovely evening in a lovely expensive hotel banquet facilities. We were discovering more and more in common with each other. In the weeks that followed we became closer and closer, yet still friends. I continued to pray that if he was indeed the one, that He would make it very clear to me.

March brought spring break. It was nice to be home with family, but inside I did miss Billy a bit even though we had only known each other in person for 2 months. Of course, growing up with 4 brothers, I got plenty of teasing about Billy, in a way that only brothers tease. I do remember one conversation that I had with my Mom where she asked me what I thought of him. I was truthful and even mentioned that he was the type of guy I would like to marry. I was clueless about what was going on while I was away at school....

Right after we got back from spring break, we sat through a Wednesday night service. Billy had told me beforehand that he needed to talk with someone afterwards. I was disappointed, but accepted it. As it turned out, the person he needed to speak with was ME! He shared how he believed God was leading us together and how he had talked with his parents. His parents and my parents had also talked on the phone and both sets had given their approval and blessing! This was a clear indicator that God was in this--for my Dad to approve a relationship between his only daughter and a boy he had never met in his life, knowing that it would most likely end in marriage! Billy told me to take some time to pray about it, and 3 days later I told him YES! We both knew we were in this for marriage and as a result, I never got an official "Will you marry me" question or an engagement ring. I didn't mind at all, since I am not really a person who likes to wear jewelry.

Billy stayed in the area much of the summer and we were able to see each other quite a bit. He worked selling hubcaps and I worked in the kitchen at a hospital. We enjoyed our visits, even though they were short and only once a week or so.

We attended the fall 2006 semester and during that time we both felt, separately, that our time at college was done and we needed to pursue other things. A degree is a good thing to have, but it was not part of His plan for us to stay and finish. We had both learned a lot, grown closer to the Lord and now it was time to  go home. We departed in early December, and as we lived 8 hours apart, we were not able to see each other for 6 months. That year went by pretty slow at times, but letters and phone calls kept us close. On December 7, 2007, we were finally married. A courtship of 1 year 9 months seems long now, but that is how it worked out for us. I look back and am thankful for how God clearly showed His will for us to be together, and I thank God for the wonderful man He allowed me to marry!

Married! Dec 7, 2007

The summer before we were married. Yes, the youth group behind us was being silly!

Another favorite picture before we were married

Linking with: Growing Home. Whole-Hearted Home ,

Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer

I haven't written anything for a long time, and will be back soon with a post I have been thinking about. In the meantime, here is a song that I have been thinking about and singing today.

"Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer"
Music by Keith Getty; Words by Margaret Becker
Copyright © 2002 Thankyou Music

Jesus draw me ever nearer
As I labour through the storm.
You have called me to this passage,
and I'll follow, though I'm worn.

May this journey bring a blessing,
May I rise on wings of faith;
And at the end of my heart's testing,
With Your likeness let me wake.

Jesus guide me through the tempest;
Keep my spirit staid and sure.
When the midnight meets the morning,
Let me love You even more.

Let the treasures of the trial                                 
Form within me as I go -
And at the end of this long passage,
Let me leave them at Your throne.

Introducing...

Malachi Vision

A bit from my husband on the meaning of his  name: "In Scripture, Malachi (pronounced Mal-a-kiye, meaning God's messenger) was God's prophet to the post-exile people of Judah (Israel) during the time of
Ezra and Nehemiah as they were rebuilding city and temple. Malachi had a vision of holiness, Godliness and reformation back to the proper way of worship. He also had a vision for the future -- prophesying about the
coming Messiah and declaring some specifics regarding John the Baptist. We believe this name will be a remembrance and testimony of God's holiness, goodness and glory." 

Malachi was born at home on Nov. 3rd with Daddy and both grandmothers present. I woke up that morning with a few contractions and other things. I knew this was it, but wanted to stay as active as I could before things got too intense. I made breakfast and managed to eat it  all but things started picking up before I finished my tea. About 4 1/2 hours in, I sent a text to my mother-in-law and asked if my father-in-law could come get the children. I called my husband at work (he just works 1.5 blocks away) and asked him to come home. I then got in the shower while my mother got the children ready to go. The children were picked up and my mother-in-law came to help get ready. I thought I wanted to sit in the tub, so she scrubbed and filled it for me. After a little over an hour in the shower, the water was cold and didn't feel good anymore. I got out and the bed looked inviting so I sat on the edge and breathed through each contraction. Time seemed a bit slower, and while I thought the contractions were  about 5 minutes apart, Billy timed them at about 2 minutes and lasting 60-90 seconds. I started to feel "pushy" and within a few minutes I finally found a position that felt better than the rest. About 10 minutes of pushing and he was here! I was able to hold  him for the first hour or so of his life. He learned to latch on after a few tries, and nursed for awhile. After the placenta was delivered, I got in an herbal bath while the grandmothers cleaned up and dressed  Malachi. (we put him in the bath with me, but he quickly got cold so we took him out.) He weighed in at 8lbs 8oz and was 20 3/4 inches long. Total labor time was 7 hours, but only 3 hours or so of intense labor. My shortest labor and biggest baby! I thank God for another healthy baby and safe delivery. He is such a sweetheart and of course my other children are in love! Actually, we are all in love!  

Linking up at: Growing Home, 
Whole-hearted Home

Where I have been...

...Taking care of this new little guy! He was born this past Saturday. When we finally decide on a name, I will properly introduce him. :) We are in love. <3

When Hope Blossoms--Book Review

When Hope Blossoms

Kim Vogel Sawyer

As I have said before, I enjoy Amish fiction. This book is good, but is pretty predictable with it’s man-meets-woman-and-gets-married-in-the-end storyline that goes along with several of the Amish stories I have read. I did enjoy the book, but it was easy to figure out how the ending would be.

Amy Knackstedt, a widow, moves herself and her three children to a new town after the death of her husband.  Her neighbor, Tim Roper, is not at all happy about his new neighbors. As a former Mennonite, he is not happy about the reminders of the life he previously lived. When circumstances force Amy and Tim to interact, they are both surprised by the friendship that develops. They must decide if this friendship will develop into something more or if Tim will hold on to the hurts of his past.

This story has a sense of adventure and a twist of romance to it. It is a light and fluffy read, as most stories like these are. Like I said, I did enjoy it even though it was very predictable in general. I will give it to the author that she throws in a few “surprises” in the story line to make it a more interesting read.

*I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a review. I am not required to write a positive review.*

A Season for Tending--Book Review

A Season for Tending

Cindy Woodsmall

This is another Amish fiction story, written by one of my favorite authors. I do not often have the opportunity to sit down and read a light-fiction story, but I always enjoy it. I always enjoy reading books by Cindy Woodsmall. She has such an easy-flow to every book she writes.

Rhoda Byler has an unusual gift and is handy in her herb garden. There are those who believe that her gift is hurtful to the community. She chooses to spend all her time in her garden and canning business and try to avoid those who think bad things about her. Meanwhile, miles away, Samuel King works hard to keep the family apple orchard going. Through a series of events, everything takes a turn for the better through a bad decision by Samuel’s sister, Leah.

This book has a sense of mystery, a tiny bit of action, and even a bit of romance. This is a perfect book to curl up on the couch and read during a rainy afternoon, while the children sleep, and the housework is caught up. Another book that can be hard to put down until you reach the end.You can read the first chapter here.

*I received this book for free, in exchange for a review, from WaterBrook Press. I am not obligated to write a positive review.*

Cruel Harvest--Book Review

Cruel Harvest

Fran Elizabeth Grubb

I don’t often find biography-type books that interest me enough to review them. When I saw this book on the list of options, I thought about it and decided to get it and try it. I am glad I did. While it is most certainly not a sappy, feel-good book, it will tug at your heart strings. Just the thought of what some children go through everyday with nobody from the outside world knowing.  It is a story that may make you cry, so be sure to have some tissues close by should you decide to read it.

This is the true story of Fran and her six siblings growing up with a very abusive father. They lived as migrant workers, traveling from place to place to place. They were poor, they hardly went to school, and they lived a life of fear as night after night their father would come home drunk and beating their mother and them. This is the story of how Fran learned to cope with her problems. This is the the story of how Jesus came into her life and redeemed her from a life of awful living and sin. While no one else may have known what was going on, Jesus knew.

This was a touching story to read. As the mother of a little girl, I cannot imagine any little girl having to go through what Fran went through. To see the power of the Lord in her life made the book a happy ending. To read about her forgiveness was amazing. May every abused child see such a happy ending to their story, the ending that only comes by the grace of God. 

*I received this book for free in exchange for a review from Thomas Nelson. I am not required to write a positive review.*

My Favorite Oatmeal Recipe

Growing up in a larger-than-normal family of 5 children (I don't think we were a large family, but others did!), we were not able to afford boxed cereal. With 4 of the 5 being boys, we could eat through a whole box in one meal! That would get expensive fast, so instead we ate oatmeal or grits for breakfast. On occasion we might also have pancakes for breakfast, or on Saturday we might even have fried eggs and/or venison steak with our grits. Such fond memories! But, oatmeal was not something I really enjoyed. We ate it with cinnamon and brown sugar. It was okay, it was nutritious, but not my favorite breakfast in the world. In fact, until I "grew up" I hated oatmeal.

Recently, I decided to simplify breakfast. There is nothing like starting the day out having no plan for breakfast, and an hour to get it make before Dear Husband has to get off to work. It creates stress, late meals and rushing out the door to make it to work on time. So, I decided to follow my mother's example and have oatmeal everyday--almost. I have since done some figuring and found that the 10-lb box of oats from Costco will feed us breakfast 5 days a week for a month. Of course that will change as more are added to our family, but this is what works for now. On another day, we might have pancakes, muffins, eggs, etc. I have experimented (with help from the Lord) and have come up with a nutrition-packed breakfast that we all enjoy. I start the oatmeal in the evening, after reading the benefits to soaking grain. No, I don't soak flour and everything right now, but oatmeal is something easy to soak and tastes yummy. My children love it and often want oatmeal on the mornings when we have something else! I am thankful for the help the Lord gives in providing nutritious things for our family to eat. :)

Here is the recipe I use:

5 cups water, divided
2 1/2 cups oats
2 T. apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup organic sugar or 1/2 cup honey
3 T. butter or 1/4 cup coconut oil (coconut oil gives a nice flavor!)
cinnamon to taste
dash of salt
Ground Flax seed 
Raw Milk

In small container pour in 2 1/2 cups water and apple cider vinegar. Mix together. Add oats. Cover and let it sit at least 7 hours, longer is better. In the morning, pour oats into small to medium size pot with remaining 2 1/2 cups water.  Bring to boil and cook until most of water is absorbed, stirring frequently so it doesn't stick to the pot. I haven't actually timed to see how long it takes, 5-7 minutes? I usually get tea started and grind my flax while it is cooking. When it is done cooking, add salt, sugar or honey, cinnamon and salt. You can add flax now if you desire, but I usually spoon it in everyone's bowl. I grind probably 1/4 cup of flax seeds, but have not measured for sure. You can do as much or little as you like. Serve with milk, fruit, or whatever else you desire. Enjoy! Edited to add: This is the perfect amount for our family of 4. Two adults, a preschooler and a toddler.

Linking up at Growing Home,
Whole-Hearted Home, 
A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Rejoicing in Motherhood

When I see my children acting so incredibly happy, as they are in the picture above, it is easy for us all to have a good time and enjoy each other. Yesterday was not one of those days. Crying, whiny children, stressed out and irritated mother trying to get water for Daddy before he went to work while dealing with said whiny children, made this mother realize that the day had NOT started out right at all. What did I neglect? To start my day with the Lord. In this season of life, getting up at 5am is not always possible, but attempting to rise before the children and have a few minutes of quiet time is so important. Yes, there are mornings that start a bit more chaotic and I do not get a chance to read until the afternoon while the children nap. But I am realizing the importance of a  daily Quiet Time, thanks to Judith over at WholeHearted Home for her encouraging posts on this topic.


What does this have to do with rejoicing in motherhood? After my husband went to work, I told the children that Mommy needed quiet time for a few minutes and to please play quietly. They sat down on the couch and "read" their Bibles as well. I started praying and reading, and the following verse caught my attention. "Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy all ye that are upright in heart." Psalm 32:11. I remembered that 1 Thessalonians 5 had a verse which reads "Rejoice evermore.". I went to that passage and read, amongst other things, "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19. It all became very clear--we are to be rejoicing and giving thanks always and for everything! I know I wrote a similar post last year, but sometimes we all need a reminder--mostly myself! So while my children are not acting their best, I can rejoice, when they are whiny and clingy I can rejoice, when they are cheerfully helping Mommy I can rejoice, when they are throwing tantrums I can rejoice! Not just CAN rejoice, but we are commanded to rejoice continually! May the Lord help me with this part that my children may see the joy of the Lord in my life in every situation.

Did my day get easier after I read my Bible? No. But, I had a better outlook on the day, one that caused me to remember to rejoice and rely on the Lord. My child had an accident in his pants, turned the water on in the bathroom causing the sink to overflow all over the floor, same child also acted not-very-obedient when we took lunch to Daddy. A 2+ hour nap was welcomed for all of us! Today, I am apparently still learning this lesson as it is another trying day, but I know that I can rejoice in the Lord and He will be my strength.

Sharing with: WholeHearted Home , A Wise Woman Builds Her Home , Growing Home

Changes coming soon!

I think everyday about different things going through my head that I want to share. I am also hoping to "dress" up the blog a bit. Of course some more book reviews are coming. But in the mean time, I have a baby due in 7 weeks and since my last one was 2 weeks early, I am not allowing myself 7 weeks to get everything done! So, bear with me and I will post as soon as I get a chance, when the dishes are caught up, laundry is folded, and some sewing is finished. :)

Here are some of my favorite verses to meditate on while you wait :

"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled  In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: " Colossians 1:9-22

The Fiddler, by Beverly Lewis

I was excited to see another Beverly Lewis book available for review. I have been a follower of her books for about 10 years, and this book was no disappointment. I have grown to love the simple life of the Amish, and Beverly Lewis writes about it in such a wonderful way.

When Amy DeVries is tired of all the practices, touring, and concerts, she sets out on an unknown path through the Pennsylvania mountains. Through a series of events, she has a car breakdown and inevitably ends up at the cabin of a young Amish man, after searching for help in an area where there is no cell phone reception. Finding this Amish community may be just the solitude she is seeking. 

This is a book that I had a hard time putting down, as is often the case with Amish novels.  It is definitely a good read for that rainy afternoon, or for one just needing a quiet afternoon away from the stresses of life.

*I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a review. I am not required to write a positive review.*

Great Giveaway!

Click on the link to go to Growing Home and check out the great giveaway she has going on

Complete in Thee

*I love this song. So encouraging and true!*

Complete in Thee, no work of mine
May take dear LORD the place of Thine;
Thy Blood hath Pardon Bought for me,
And I am now Complete in Thee.

Complete in Thee no more shall sin,
Thy Grace hath Conquered, reign within;
Thy Voice Shall bid the Tempter flee,
And I Shall Stand Complete in Thee.

*Chorus
Yea Justified! O Blessed Thought
And Sanctified Salvation Wrought
Thy Blood hath Pardon Bought for me,
And Glorified I too Shall be.

Complete in Thee each want Supplied,
And no good Thing to me Denied;
Since Thou my Portion LORD will be
I ask no more, Complete in Thee.

*Chorus

Dear Savior when Before Thy bar
All Tribes and Tongues Assembled are,
Among the Chosen will I be,
At thy Right hand, Complete in Thee!

I couldn't find the author, but I know Ben Everson sings it, and I believe Ben Nyce wrote the music to it.

The Truth About the Lordship of Christ, John MacArthur

The Truth About the Lordship of Christ

John MacArthur

My husband and I have recently started listening to sermons by John MacArthur. We have found them to be Biblical as he is a man who fears God and has studied the Bible for many years. We enjoy listening to his expository preaching and find we agree with him on most matters. So, when this book came up as available for review, I was excited to read it.

This book teaches about Lordship salvation—what it truly is, not what some people think it means. John MacArthur teaches us about living the Christian life, sanctification and God’s sovereignty. He also talks a bit on assurance of salvation, a topic that many Christians have or do struggle with.

Growing up in a denomination that rejected the idea of Lordship salvation, I was unfamiliar with this topic until recently. But this is a true and Biblical teaching. After all, how can we truly become followers of Jesus Christ if we don’t make Him the Lord of our life? This book presents salvation as I have not often, heard or read, taught. To also read about assurance of our salvation is a wonderful and comforting thing. Reading about the process of sanctification and realizing God’s grace in our lives is very encouraging. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone.

*I received this book for free in exchange for a review from Thomas Nelson Publishers. I am not required to give a positive review.

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