Christ is Write - Tessa Emily Hall

Inspiration Monday

2012-02-27T04:22:00.007-08:00

“Evening, morning and noon

I cry out in distress,

and he hears my voice.

He rescues me unharmed

from the battle waged against me,

even though many oppose me.”

~Psalm 55:17-18

"Do not be drunk with wine, which will ruin you, but be filled with the Spirit.

Speak to each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,

singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord.

Always give thanks to God the Father for everything,

in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
~Ephesians 5:18

"If your little boy asks for a serving of fish,

do you scare him with a live snake on his plate?

If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider?

As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing—

you're at least decent to your own children.

And don't you think the Father who conceived you in love

will give the Holy Spirit when you ask him?"
~Luke 11:10-13

Playlist:

"Furious" ~Bethel Live ft. Jeremy Riddle

"Freedom Is Here" ~Hillsong United

"Where I Belong" ~Building 429

Quotes:

"Since the days of Pentecost,

has the whole church ever put aside every other work

and waited upon Him for ten days, that the Spirit's power might be manifested?

We give too much attention to method and machinery and resources,

and too little to the source of power."

~Jeremy Taylor

"This is how God works.

He puts his people in positions

where they are desperate for his power,

and then he shows his provisions

in ways that display his greatness."

~David Platt

"This new season looms and I don’t know what is next.

But He doesn't need me to be ready for this season because He is ready.

He just needs me to be clinging to His feet."

~Katie Davis

A Radical Change

2012-02-22T12:52:00.003-08:00

The past few weeks I've been reading the book Radical by David Platt for the new college group my boyfriend has started called Scope.

Wow.

If you haven't read this book, I recommend that you do. It really puts some things in perspective.

Like how small this life on earth is in comparison to eternity. How we (Christians) have made God more suitable to us according to our own comfort, focusing only on his love for us rather than the fact that we were created to live for and to love Him.

Reading this has made me realize how selfish we really are.

"Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'"
~Luke 9:23

The group is currently doing a two week fast from social media as well as television. I'm really excited about it. Instead of getting on Facebook during my free time, I can spend more time with God. I have a feeling it'll really put my priorities in order. I'll be able to get more things done as well as draw closer to God during the process.

I'm so ready for a radical change. To live this life for God... not for myself. No more wasting time but instead live each day like it's really my last.

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."
~Matthew 7:21

Inspiration Monday

2012-02-20T06:38:00.006-08:00

"If all you want is your own way,

flirting with the world every chance you get,

you end up enemies of God and his way.

And do you suppose God doesn't care?

The proverb has it that 'he's a fiercely jealous lover.'

And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you'll find."

~James 4:4-5

“I don’t see many of 'the brightest and the best' among you,

not many influential, not many from high-society families.

Isn’t it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women

that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses,

chose these “nobodies” to expose the hollow pretensions of the “somebodies”?...

Everything that we have... comes from God by way of Jesus Christ.

That’s why we have the saying,

'If you’re going to blow a horn,

blow a trumpet for God.'"

~1 Corinthians 1:26-31

"Knowing the correct password—

saying 'Master, Master,' for instance—

isn't going to get you anywhere with me.

What is required is serious obedience—

doing what my Father wills.

I can see it now—at the Final Judgment

thousands strutting up to me and saying,

'Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons,

our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.'

And do you know what I am going to say?

'You missed the boat. All you did was use me

to make yourselves important.

You don't impress me one bit.

You're out of here.'"
~Matthew 7:21-23

Devotion:

"Manuscripts Of Love" ~Emii

"Be Constant In Prayer" ~Jess

"The Write Stuff" ~Max Lucado

Playlist:

"I Am Free" ~Newsboys

"Perfect Love (Father Of Lights Reprise)" ~Jesus Culture

"Shout Unto God" ~Hillsong

Quotes:

"Jesus made it clear

that the most essential thing you can do

is to learn to sit at His feet and listen to His words.

God doesn't necessarily need you to do anything for Him.

He doesn't need your time, service,

money, or talents to accomplish His will.

He wants your heart and devotion first."

~Ben Young

"Your perspectives should be eternal,

and the way you define success

should be based upon God's standards."

~Dr. Samuel Adams

"I have one good reason

why you should walk away from temptation right now.

One reason:

God. Is. Better."

~Francis Chan

Is It Wrong For Christian Teens To Date?

2012-02-15T15:51:00.006-08:00

It was the beginning of summer after eighth grade, and my two best friends and I were having a sleepover. We were all three newly single since I had just broken up with my first real boyfriend, so they were excited that we could now “flirt” with guys over the summer.

“I don’t know,” I told them. “I want my next boyfriend to be my future husband.” I remember so clearly the look on their faces. They thought I was crazy.

“How are you going to know for sure when you meet him?” they asked. “I don’t know if I could have that much faith.”

I was shocked at their reactions. I thought it was simple… you just know when you’ve met “the one.” Why go out with someone when you know it won’t last and you’ll eventually be with other guys?

They did make me wonder, though, how I could have so much faith. How would I know for sure when I meet my future husband even before I start going out with him?

(Continue reading on author Laura Kurk's blog by clicking here.)

Inspiration Monday

2012-02-13T04:25:00.000-08:00

"Live a life filled with love,

following the example of Christ.

He loved us."

~Ephesians 5:2

"The fire of love stops at nothing—
it sweeps everything before it.
Flood waters can't drown love,
torrents of rain can't put it out.
Love can't be bought, love can't be sold—
it's not to be found in the marketplace."
~Song of Solomon 8:7-8

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.

And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers."

~1 John 3:16

Playlist:

"Love Is Not A Fight" ~Warren Barfield

"Always Forever" ~Phil Wickham

"Love Never Fails" ~Brandon Heath

Devotion:

"The Greatest Love Story Ever Told" by Katie Ganshert

""Not Your Average Valentine" by Katy Kauffman

"The Wealth Of Love" ~Cindy Sproles

Quotes:

"God loves each of us

as if there were only one of us."

St. Augustine

"The world takes us to a silver screen

on which flickering images of passion and romance play,

and as we watch, the world says, 'This is love.'

God takes us to the foot of a tree

on which a naked and bloodied man hangs and says,

'This is love.'"

~Joshua Harris

"Though our feelings come and go,

God’s love for us does not."

C.S. Lewis

Inspiration Monday

2012-02-06T05:26:00.001-08:00

"The Lord is with you

while you are with Him.

If you seek Him,

He will be found by you;

but if you forsake Him,

He will forsake you."

~2 Chronicles 15:2

"And since Christ is so much superior,

the Holy Spirit warns us to listen to him,

to be careful to hear his voice today

and not let our hearts become set against him,

as the people of Israel did.

They steeled themselves against His Love

and complained against him in the desert

while he was testing them."

~Hebrews 3:7-8

"Keep the rules and keep your life,
careless living kills."
~Proverbs 19:16

Playlist:

"Garden" ~Needtobreathe

"Arms That Hold The Universe" ~33 Miles

"Forever Reign" ~Newsboys

Devotions:

"Something Beautiful" ~Emii

"Who Is Really In Control?" ~Jeanette Hanscome

"Everyone Has A Story" ~Lexi

Quotes:

"If we have the true love of God in our hearts,

we will show it in our lives.

We will not have to go up and down the earth proclaiming it.

We will show it in everything we say or do."

~D.L. Moody

"We are never stronger

than the moment we admit we are weak."

~Beth Moore

"I became very aware of one very important

concept I had missed before:

my attitude - not my circumstances -

was what was making me unhappy."

~Vonette Bright

Currently...

2012-01-25T07:33:00.000-08:00

Currently Reading...

"So Over It" by Stephanie Morrill

"Glass Girl" by Laura Anderson Kurk

Currently Watching...

"God Loves You": My boyfriend talking about God's love for his new ministry
"Why I Hate Religion But Love Jesus": Jefferson Bethke discussing the difference between having a religion versus having a relationship with Jesus Christ

Currently Working On...

Finishing Purple Moon
Brainstorming for my next book

Currently Listening To...

Kari Jobe's newest album "Where I Find You"

Currently Drinking...

Hot chocolate

Currently Looking Forward To...

Valentines Day =)

~~~

What is it that you're currently reading, listening to,

watching, working on, etc.?

Leaving The Pen In God's Hands

2012-01-23T15:42:00.000-08:00

Many authors like to outline before they write a story. Chapter by chapter, scene by scene, detail by detail. I'm not that writer. Yes, I do like to have at least a general idea of where my story is going. I brainstorm a lot before writing the book, but I don't outline as much as some authors do. Because I like the journey of writing, the thrill I get of seeing how the details of the story will unfold.

I'm the same way in "real life". I can't start from page one and write an entire book without brainstorming or planning the least bit, nor can I not have at least an idea of what my life will be like six months down the road. I do like to plan. To dream about my future every now and then, which could be compared with brainstorming a brand new book.

But I've realized that the pen of my life is in God's hands, not mine. So when there's a twist in my story that I wasn't at all expecting, I have to trust him. I have to remind myself that God is the author of my life, that he knows where I'm going and how I'm going to get there. He knows the ending. And even though I can set the course of my life to an extent, it's ultimately the Lord who will direct my steps (Proverbs 16:9).

God doesn't want the ending to be spoiled for us. He also doesn't want us to know how we're going to get to where we dream of being. He just needs us to trust him. To know that he's still in control even when things happen that we weren't expecting.

We tend to wish life was always easy, always happy. Everything the same. No need for changes or for growth. But how boring would that be? In a book, the main character doesn't grow unless the author throws in a few challenges for him/her to deal with. A conflict that the protagonist was not planning on happening to them eventually happens. But they learn. Every author includes conflicts in their story because they know it'll bring about a better ending. Same with God.

"Outlining" the details of our lives will only bring about dissapointment. Because sooner or later, we realize that our life has not at all been going the way we originally thought it would. Then God ends up getting blamed for it. Although he does want us to at least have a general idea of where we'll be headed in the future, we shouldn't know right away the steps we take to get there. We don't need to. Because life is much more exciting when we read the story page after page. When we follow God and watch where he leads us - step by step - as we walk in faith with our hand in his.

To become the person that he wants us to be - to get to the point you need to be in order for him to use you - we have to be stretched at times. Go through trials when we have absolutely no idea what God's doing, or wonder at times if he still even knows that we exist. But in the midst of it all, we grow. We learn to rely on him rather than ourselves. And when the storms blow over, we can look back and see how God held our hand through it all and see how nothing that happened was a surprise to him. In fact, it was all written for a purpose.

So when rain comes, don't let go of his hand. Actually, hold on even tighter, trusting that the storm will turn into a rainbow. And when you get to those times when you aren't pleased with how things are turning out and are determined that you can write your story better, leave the pen in God's hands. Watch and see what he does.

Because no one has the ability to write a story better than the Author of Life himself.

ALREADY THERE
Casting Crowns

From where I’m standing
Lord it’s so hard for me to see
Where this is going
And where You’re leading me

I wish I knew how
All my fears and all my questions
Are gonna play out
In a world I can’t control

When I’m lost in the mystery
To You my future is a memory
Cause You’re already there
You’re already there
Standing at the end of my life
Waiting on the other side

From where You’re standing
Lord, You see a grand design
That You imagined
When You breathed me into life

And all the chaos
Comes together in Your hands
Like a masterpiece
Of Your picture perfect plan

When I’m lost in the mystery
To You my future is a memory
Cause You’re already there
You’re already there
Standing at the end of my life
Waiting on the other side
And You’re already there
You’re already there

One day I’ll stand before You
And look back on the life I’ve lived
I can’t wait to enjoy the view
And see how all the pieces fit

~~~

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD,

'plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.'"

~Jeremiah 29:11

Inspiration Monday

2012-01-16T08:22:00.000-08:00

"We do not want to become lazy.

Be like those who through faith and patience

will receive what God has promised."

~Hebrews 6:12

"Live by following your Spirit.

Then you will not do what your sinful selves want."

~Galatians 5:16

"I will pour my Spirit into your children

and my blessings on your descendants...

'I am the beginning and the end.

I am the only God.'"

~Isaiah 44:3

Playlist:

"You See Through Me" ~Chris Taylor

"Indwelling Sin" ~Lecrae

"Come Holy Spirit" ~Among Thorns

Devotions:

"The Ultimate Goal" ~Katie Ganshert

"White As Snow" ~Cindy Scinto

"Non-Resolutions For The New Year" ~Betsy St. Amant

Quotes:

"Jesus Christ is the One by Whom, for Whom,

through Whom everything was made.

Therefore, He knows what's wrong in your life and how to fix it."

~Anne Graham Lotz

"Judging a person does not define who they are.

It defines who you are."

~Unknown

"When Lucifer came to Eve in the Garden of Eden,

he came as a cunning enchanter with silver-tongued craftiness.

A serpent will find the path of an animal

and stay in one spot until the animal returns.

It waits patiently for the perfect time to attack its victim.

Lucifer worked that way in the garden

and he still works that way today."

~Ronald Posey

People & Characters Weren't Meant To Fit Into Boxes

2012-01-10T06:32:00.001-08:00

This is something I see so regularly with Christians, as well as authors: stereotyping people. Fitting people/characters into boxes.

Sure, there are people (and characters) who consider themselves a certain label. If a character of mine is black from head to toe and has several piercings on their face, then it might be safe to describe them as goth. And in this case, I think it's fine to describe to the reader what kind of "label" they would be considered. The same goes for real life as well. If there's a guy who plays sports and whose life revolves around working out at the gym and his athletic ability, he himself would probably consider himself a jock.

But that doesn't mean we should fit people/characters into boxes. And by this I mean, don't make stereotypical judgments without getting to know a person. Someone who homeschools may be considered a "homeschooler". But someone shouldn't automatically think that person is sheltered because of that label. And it can go both ways - not everyone who goes to public school is a troublemaker.

There are several things we should consider before automatically placing someone in a box:

Not all of us have been raised the same way. We each have different morals and backgrounds. For example, not all Christians are going to have the same beliefs on tattoos and piercings as you may have. The same goes with a Christian who listens to secular music. Something that is wrong for you may not be wrong to someone else.
God has made each person differently. We're unique. And because of that, we shouldn't all follow the same kind of pattern. No, I don't believe that every Christian should homeschool their kids. But I also don't think that all kids were meant to attend public school.
God works in many ways. His plan for our lives will not be the same as others. For example, not every teenage dating relationship is wasteful. Most of them seem to be. But this does not mean that everyone is supposed to wait until they're in their twenties to find the one they're going to spend the rest of their lives with. And, no, I do not believe that it is wrong for Christian couples to be only friends/court and stay completely clear of "dating". However, you may think so. And that's okay. Just keep in mind that God has written a different story for each of us, and focus on your's alone - not on someone else's.

When I read a YA book, I can't stand it when I can tell that the author is putting all teenagers in a box by having their characters do/say things that is not what normal teenagers these days would do/say, or when an author seems to be "talking down" on us and apparently assumes that every teenager is naive. I'm sure if you're a writer you have heard somewhere to avoid giving your characters a label, but rather make them all unique. However, I believe it's alright to give them a label. Because that's real life. But don't let that be all. Make them unique, because we all are. That's what makes a character and a person different in real life. We aren't all carbon copies of one another. Thank God. =)

Labeling someone automatically is considered judging, no matter what way you look at it. And by judging someone you are acting as if you're holier than that person. No, just because a person wears tons of makeup and clothes that are in style doesn't mean they are materialistic or immodest. It may just mean they like expressing themselves in their appearance, or they may just be using fashion as their creative outlet. There's usually a lot more to a person than what meets the eye. So instead of trying to fit people into boxes, let's do as Christians should do and show love, focusing on our own paths rather than judging another's.

~~~

While reading, have you ever felt as if an author
was putting a certain group of people (or their characters) in a box? Why do you think people try fitting others into boxes, even Christians, even though the Bible clearly says not to judge (Luke 6:37, Matt. 7:1)?

Inspiration Monday

2012-01-09T12:12:00.000-08:00

"I will make you wise and show you where to go.

I will guide you and watch over you."

~Psalm 32:8

"And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you.

I will take out your stony, stubborn heart

and give you a tender, responsive heart."

~Ezekiel 36:26

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth

comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."

~Romans 8:18

Playlist:

"Sweep Me Away" ~Kari Jobe

"Open Your Eyes" ~Desperation Band

"Savior" ~Worth Dying For

Devotions:

"Worship: Psalm 29:2" ~Katy Kauffman

"He Leads Us" ~Max Lucado

"True Happiness" ~Joshua Biggar

Quotes:

"There are only two types of people in the world:

slaves to sin and slaves to Christ."

~John Piper

"A little rain can straighten a flower stem.

A little love can change a life."

~Max Lucado

"When it comes to walking with God,

there is no such thing as instant maturity.

God doesn't mass produce His saints. He hand tools each one,

and it always takes longer than we expected."

~Charles Swindoll

What's God Doing In Your Life? ~ Lexi's Story

2012-01-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, my name is Lexi. I am a seventeen year old - freshman in college – photography crazy - pretzel loving - girl whose full ambition in life is to love the Lord with all I’ve got and make the people around me know how special they are.

I’m what you’d call a dreamer. I read. I write. I laugh. I strive to live out each day so that I look back with no regrets. I mess up. A lot. But I know that I’m here for a purpose, something that’s bigger than my mistakes, fears, and insecurities.

This post will only take minutes to read, but I hope it will be a post that will leave an impact that lasts far beyond the boundaries of this blog. In these moments I have you as my audience, I don’t want to try and prove myself/anything to you. I don’t want to share what’s bugging me about today’s culture. I just want to be REAL and leave you all with a piece of the girl whose writing this.

I’m only 17 years old, but my life has been flipped, flopped, and scrambled more times than I can count. I’ve had really bad days. Days where all you want to do is crawl in bed and pretend that when you come out, all the wrong will suddenly become right. Days when no matter how bright the sun shines, your heart still feels like a tattered mess. I hated those days. I still hate those days. But one of the main reasons why I hated them so much is because I never had the courage to face them. Confront them. Tell them to “get the heck out of here because I wanted a good day.”

About a month ago, I realized that one of the biggest problems in my life was that I put off confrontation. With just about everything. Mostly, I was insecure. I wanted those things to change themselves because I didn’t believe I had the ability to make anything better. Recently, through a lot of prayer and a really hard decision, I realized that I DO have the ability to make a situation better by simply being in it. I can’t change people. I can’t change fate. But I can change how I deal with the problems I face and make it a GOOD day by first changing myself. I only have the power to change me. And you know what? That takes off such a big load that I was trying to carry for so long! It’s not easy to let go of, and it certainly takes time/discipline/and a whole lot of God’s help – but trust me when I say that it’s worth it. Oh so worth it.

If you are currently struggling with a heavy load that you should not be carrying, I know this sounds so incredibly cliché, but LET GO AND LET GOD. Seriously! I’m not even kidding you; it really does work. Your insecurities, the problems you face, the words people throw your way, the situation you are living in – none of it defines who you are and what you are capable of accomplishing. God gave you this life. He wants you to enjoy it and make the most of it for His glory. He didn’t make a mistake when He made you, and even though we all doubt it every once in a while… He honestly did not make a mistake when He put you where you are. Yeah, it can be 100% difficult and draining, but it is for a purpose…maybe one we’ll never completely know or understand until heaven.

But even on those yucky days that I hate, I want to live them out like days that I LOVE because in everything I do I want to make sure that I’m living, and not merely existing, in the best way that I can. With no regrets.

"And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

~Romans 5: 3-5

~~~

Visit Lexi's personal blog at I Got Sun

and her photography blog at Alexis Nicole Photo.

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Lexi!

If you'd like to share what God's doing in your life,

click here for details.

Keep Moving Forward

2012-01-05T11:30:00.000-08:00

It's 2012.

The year I graduate high school and start college. The year my first book is scheduled to release.

I have a feeling this year is going to bring my changes into my life. And to be honest, I'm a bit - actually, way more excited about my first book getting published than I am about graduating high school. The day I receive my copies of Purple Moon in the mail is going to be so surreal for me... it's what I've been dreaming of for years. And it's actually going to come true!

Every new year, I try seeing where it is I want to be, where it is that I'm going. And where I've been.

Right now, I'm sort of in between the two. Literally. In between my past, and getting ready for my future. Graduation. The official start of my writing career.

Don't allow yourself to become overwhelmed or intimidated at the size of your goal. Ever since I was very young I wanted to get published early in life. I had a lot of faith as a kid, so I don't think I realized how unlikely it really was. But with God's help, the dream is coming true.

Think about a car. If it's not going forward, then it's either staying still or moving backwards. It's the same with us. We must keep our eyes focused on the goal ahead. Whether it's an addiction you're trying to get rid of, a level you're trying to reach in a relationship (including your relationship with God), or a dream you're trying to achieve. Yes, we may become tired, impatient, have doubts. But remind yourself that God is with you and can help you. No, it may not come easy or quickly, but as long as you keep taking the necessary steps and focus on Jesus, you will reach your destination in God's timing.

It's not easy reaching for a dream. At all. And it takes way longer than you had anticipated, too. But what I've learned is this: if God has placed the desire in your heart, you will get there. As long as you keep moving forward.

Inspiration Monday

2012-01-02T09:09:00.001-08:00

"The faithful love of the Lord never ends.

His mercies never cease.

Great is his faithfulness,

His mercies begin afresh every morning."

~Lamentations 3:22-23

"Give your attention to what God is doing now,

and don’t get worked up about

what may or may not happen tomorrow.

God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up

when the time comes."
~Matthew 6:34

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge

crowd of witnesses to the life of faith,

let us strip off every weight that slows us down,

especially the sin that so easily trips us up.

And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us."
~Hebrews 12:1

Playlist:

"Start Over Again" ~Addison Road

"Ocean Floor" ~Audio Adrenaline

"The Glory Of It All" ~David Crowder Band

Devotions:

God Of Second Chances by Shannon Meieres

Changing Seasons by Jeremy Biggar

Setting Priorities by Victoria Osteen

Quotes:

"Look not back on yesterday

So full of failure and regret;

Look ahead and seek God's way-

All sin confessed you must forget."

~Dennis DeHaan

"If this is to be a Happy New Year,

a year of usefulness,

a year in which we shall live to make this earth better,

it is because God will direct our pathway.

How important then, to feel our dependence upon Him!"

~Matthew Simpson

"We will open the book.Its pages are blank.

We are going to put words on them ourselves.

The book is called Opportunity,

and its first chapter is New Year's Day."

~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Inspiration Monday

2011-12-19T10:41:00.000-08:00

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign.
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and shall call his name Immanuel."
~Isaiah 7:14

"And she will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus,
for it is He who will save His people from their sins."
~Matthew 1:21

"And suddenly there was with the angel
a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
'Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace
among those with whom he is pleased!'"
~Luke 2:13-14

Playlist:

"Twas The Night Before Christmas" ~Family Force 5

"Christmas Shoes" ~Newsong

"A Christmas Prayer" ~Nicholas Jonas

Quotes:

"What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb.
If I were a Wise Man
I would do my part.
Yet what can I give Him?
I give Him my heart."
~Christian Rossetti

"Christ traveled from limitless eternity

to be confined by time in order to become one of us...

When he saw the size of the womb, he could have stopped.
When he saw how tiny his hand would be, how soft his voice would be,

how hungry his tummy would be, he could have stopped.

At first whiff of the stinky stable, at the first gust of cold air...

At any point Jesus could have said, ‘That’s it! That’s enough! I’m going home.’

But he didn’t.

He didn’t, because he is love.”

~Max Lucado

"God grant you the light in Christmas, which is faith;

the warmth of Christmas, which is love;

the radiance of Christmas, which is purity;

the righteousness of Christmas, which is justice;

the belief in Christmas, which is truth;

the all of Christmas, which is Christ."

~Wilda English

I will be on a blogging break until the first Monday in January. I hope you all have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Currently...

2011-12-15T07:43:00.000-08:00

Currently Reading...

"Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers

Currently Watching...

Many Christmas movies =)
This video on Youtube

Currently Working On...

Christmas shopping
Completing the edits for Purple Moon
Trying to come up with a few changes I can make to this blog when the new year comes

Currently Listening To...

My Christmas music station on Pandora
The Air1 Christmas station

Currently Drinking...

Seasonal Starbucks lattes =)
Eggnog

Currently Eating...

Amazing chocolate covered peanut butter balls

Currently Looking Forward To...

Completing Purple Moon
My youth's Christmas party tomorrow =)
Seeing all of my family
Christmas!

~~~

What is it that you're currently reading, listening to,

watching, working on, etc.?

Inspiration Monday

2011-12-12T09:26:00.000-08:00

"He used a virgin who was a nobody

to give birth to a Somebody

who could bring the Gospel to everybody."
~Luke 1:26-38

"For every thing there is a season,

A time for every purpose under heaven."

~Ecclesiastes 3:1

"Sing to the Lord a new song,

His praise to the ends of the earth."

~Isaiah 42:19

Playlist:

"I Celebrate The Day" ~Relient K

"Christmas Together" ~Jamie Grace

"Mary And Joseph" ~Dave Barnes

Quotes:

"In the same manner in which we clean and prepare our homes i

n the anticipation of welcomed guests and family members this Christmas season,

let us also prepare our hearts

in anticipation of the Lord's coming.

Christ, our most honored and eagerly anticipated guest

desires to meet with us in a heart prepared for his arrival.

So eager is he to meet with us that he offers to help us

with our spiritual housecleaning, working with us;

creating a resting place for Himself within our hearts."

~Katherine Walden

"The star of Bethlehem was a star of hope that

led the wise men to the fulfillment of their expectations,

the success of their expedition.

Nothing in this world is more fundamental for success in life than hope,

and this star pointed to our only source for true hope: Jesus Christ."

~D. James Kennedy

"During Advent opportunities for works of charity abound

calling out for Christians from every side:

a sack of food for a needy family, money dropped in a Salvation Army kettle,

a donation to an Indian school, a toy for 'Toys-for-Tots,' etc.

Unfortunately, these works of charity so easily can assuage the Christian conscience,

while doing nothing to being about a solution to the root causes of the problem."

~Brian Cavanaugh

Coffee Recipe: Gingerbread Latte

2011-12-10T21:11:00.000-08:00

Did You Know?:

Special studies conducted about the human body revealed it will usually absorb up to about 300 milligrams of caffeine at a given time. About 4 normal cups. Additional amounts are just cast off, providing no further stimulation.

(Source: Cocoa Java)

Gingerbread Latte

Note: I did not come up with this recipe. All credit goes to www.recipecircus.com.

Ingredients:

Gingerbread Syrup
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh espresso
8 ounces milk, steamed (with a little foam)
Garnish
Whipped cream
Ground nutmeg

Directions:

1. Make the gingerbread syrup by combining water, sugar, ginger, cinnamon and vanilla in a medium saucepan. Be sure the pan is not too small or the mixture could easily bubble over.

2. Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat and simmer syrup, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Remove the syrup from the heat when it's done and slap a lid on it.

3. Make a double shot of espresso (1/2 cup), using an espresso machine. Use the machine to steam 8 ounces of milk, or heat up the milk in themicrowave if your machine does not foam and steam milk.

4. Make your latte by first adding 1/2 cup espresso to a 16-ounce cup. Add 1/4 cup gingerbread syrup, followed by the steamed milk. Stir.

5. Top off the drink with a dollop of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

~~~

"Only one thing is certian about coffee....

Wherever it is grown, sold, brewed, and consumed,

there will be lively controversy, strong opinions,

and good conversation."

~Mark Pendergrast

Inspiration Monday

2011-12-05T04:43:00.000-08:00

"Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the earth."

~Matthew 5:5

"God says:

I will save those who love Me

And protect those who acknowledge Me as their Lord,

When they call to Me, I will answer them;

When they are in trouble, I will be with them.

I will honor and rescue them.

I will reward them with a long life;

I will save them."

~Psalm 91:14-16

"Most important of all,

continue to show deep love for each other,

for love covers a multitude of sins."

~1 Peter 4:8

Playlist:

"I Need A Silent Night" ~Amy Grant

"Christmas Must Be Something More" ~Taylor Swift

"His Favorite Christmas Story" ~Capital Lights

Quotes:

"The very purpose of Christ's coming into the world

was that He might offer up His life as a sacrifice for the sins of men.

He came to die.

This is the heart of Christmas."

~Billy Graham

"The spirit of Christmas needs to superseded by the Spirit of Christ.

The spirit of Christmas is annual; the Spirit of Christ is eternal.

The spirit of Christmas is sentimental; the Spirit of Christ is supernatural.

The spirit of Christmas is a human product; the Spirit of Christ is a divine person.

That makes all the difference in the world."

~Stuart Briscoe

"Whatever else be lost among the years,

Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing:

Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears, Let us hold close one day,

remembering Its poignant meaning for the hearts of men.

Let us get back our childlike faith again."

~Grace Noll Crowell

What's God Doing In Your Life? ~ Clare's Story

2011-12-03T12:56:00.000-08:00

Hello! My name is Clare Kolenda. I'm seventeen years old and I'm number seven in a family of nine. I love all things hockey and jazz music and I like to dance almost as much as I love to write. Almost. Writing is my passion, but my heart's desire is to help Christ change the world.

But I didn't always know that. Even at the beginning of this summer I had no clue what God had in store for me. To be honest, I was pretty annoyed with Him. My best friend had moved away, I had no job, no car, no money. I though my summer was doomed. I felt like Rapuzel stuck and confined... only without the awesome hair.

After moping around a little bit, I realized I shouldn't waste the time. That I should give it to God and see what He did with it. And what did He do? He helped me write all summer long. He gave me contests to enter, and helped me place in several of them, and He showed me in countless ways how much He loved and cherished me. It was a period where I was showered with grace. And it was during this summer that God showed me that He wanted me to help Him change the world with my stories. My favorite part about writing is the fact that I have the ability to touch someone somehow. Whether it just makes them laugh, gives them a reason to smile, or offers an escape, if one of my stories can do that for someone, it's completely worth it. Knowing that God wanted to use my writing, I thought that was wonderful, but He wasn't finished yet.

I applied for a job at the end of the summer for a seasonal position at a Christian bookstore nearby. Again, God opened the right doors and I was hired later. Becoming an employee, part of my job is to ask our customers if they will be willing to sponsor child who could live from any part of the world so they can have a better future. It helps change the kids lives. It could even be the difference between them getting sick and dying, to staying healthy and strong. When I ask customers, I hear a lot of "no's". Either the customer says they don't have enough money to commit to a month-to-month plan, or they already support another charity organization, or some other personal reason. Hearing a "yes" is like a spotting a jewel shining among coals. Sometimes an employee will go months without getting a child sponsored.

But just this week, I've gotten three sponsorship's for three different children. And it's all because God is asking me to help Him change the world. By helping these kids get sponsored I am helping change their lives. I'm transforming a part of the world. How cool is that?

It's quite hard to believe that just 6 months ago I was still mad at God because I was bored and alone. I'm so grateful that I gave my summer to God to use, and He gave me the opportunities He did. Because at seventeen, I am fulfilling my heart's desire, my life's work. I am changing the world.

~~~

Visit Clare's blog at United In His Love.

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Clare!

If you'd like to share what God's doing in your life,

click here for details.

Inspiration Monday

2011-11-28T12:31:00.001-08:00

"You make beautiful things out of the dust,

You make beautiful things out of us."

~Ecclesiastes 3:11

"Keep watch and pray,

so that you will not give in to temptation.

For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

~Mark 14:38

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy

and peace as you trust in him,

so that you may overflow with hope

by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
~Romans 15:13

Playlist:

"Who Is this Babe?" ~Serving6

"The Heart Of Christmas" Matthew West

"The First Noel" ~Toby Mac Ft. Owl City

Quotes:

"The Son of God became a man

to enable men to become the sons of God."

~C.S.Lewis

"The only blind person at Christmastime

is he who has not Christmas in his heart."

~Helen Keller

"Let's approach Christmas with an expectant hush,

rather than a last-minute rush."

~Unknown

What's God Doing In Your Life?

2011-11-21T11:50:00.000-08:00

Everyone has a story. This is the main reason why I love writing so much, as mentioned in my recent post. Because every one of us is unique - created by God to live out the life that he has planned for us.

I've been having this idea stirring in me for a while, but have yet to act on it since I've been so busy with school and Purple Moon. However, I am going to try it for a while and see how it goes. Every now and then I'd like to start featuring different people on here to share your story, what God is doing in your life, or just anything that you'd like to share. I'm hoping this will be an opportunity for you to encourage others while sharing your testimony.

If you would like to be featured, all you have to do is leave a comment below or send me an e-mail. You have to be ages 13 - 23 to participate. I will be asking you a few questions about yourself, then you will be asked to send me "your story", as well as a photo of yourself.

Please let others know about this. Since I'm not yet sure how many people will contact me about this, I can't make a commitment right now to post this once a week - but I will definitely try doing that eventually.

We are all so unique... different hobbies, different stories to tell. Why not share these stories?

~~~

"God is writing it out, sometimes with a heavy pen;

but when complete, it’ll read like one great poem,

magnificent in its plan and perfect in all its details."

~Charles Spurgeon

Inspiration Monday

2011-11-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

“Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering,

for He who promised is faithful.”
~Hebrews 10:23

“Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting,

God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along.

If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter.

He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs,

our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves,

knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God.

That’s why we can be so sure

that every detail in our lives of love for God

is worked into something good.”

~Romans 8:28

"When doubts filled my mind,

your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer."

~Psalm 94:19

Playlist:

"Whatever You're Doing" ~Sanctus Real

"Through It All" ~Jonathan Phillips

"The Healing Has Begun" ~Matthew West

Quotes:

"Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better."

Samuel Beckett

"Whoever you are, whatever your condition or circumstance,

whatever your past or problem,

Jesus can restore you to wholeness."

~Anne Graham Lotz

"Unless you let go of the old,

God will not bring the new."

~Joel Osteen

The Significance Of A Story

2011-11-08T11:04:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered what it is about reading that captures the heart of people? Why is it that we fall in love with printed words on a page that creates a story in our imagination?

Recently I've had to think about "future decisions"... where I'm going to college, what I'm going to study. Of course, the last one has never been a complicated decision for me. I've pretty much known that I've wanted to be an author ever since I was about seven years old. There isn't any other career I'd be more interested in pursuing for the rest of my life.

Why is this, though? Of course, I could go on and on explaining all the reasons why I love writing so much. I love the feeling of getting swept away in a story - either through writing or reading, fiction or nonfiction.

It's because everyone has a story. And everyone's story is written by the hands of God... He's the author of life in general, the Creator of every person and the writer of each of our individual stories.

This is why I love listening to music, not only Christian. This is why I love reading, both fiction and nonfiction. And the reason I love watching movies so much. It's because of the beauty that comes from a story... written either by a human or God himself.

Each of our own lives' is a story written by Him. And I love it. That sounds crazy, but every chapter is significant and has a purpose that contributes to the entire story. It's interesting watching where God leads me, watching how he takes the brokenness and ends up turning it into something beautiful. It's amazing to see how much He's matured me throughout everything, how all that's happened has happened for a reason. Yes, including the pain. Because every story has to have some kind of conflict. Without it, there'd be no lessons to be learned... no reason to grow and draw closer to God.

It's a reflection of life, that's why I think we fall so in love with writing and reading. A reflection of the whole purpose why God put us on this earth to begin with. Not to mention, I won't ever have to worry how my story will end. Because as long as the pen of my life remains in God's hands only, I'm basically guaranteed a happy ending.

~~~

Why do you think people fall

in love with writing and reading so much?

What's your favorite thing about these two?

Inspiration Monday

2011-10-24T14:34:00.000-07:00

“God rewrote the text of my life

when I opened the book of my heart to His eyes.”

~Psalm 18:24

"God is not a secret to be kept.

We’re going public with this,

as public as a city on a hill."

~Matthew 5:14

"If you don't take your stand in faith,

you won't have a leg to stand on."

~Isaiah 7:9

Playlist:

"Bless The Lord" ~Jason Morant

"Headphones" ~Britt Nicole

"Beautiful Things" ~Gungor

Quotes:

"The deepest level of worship is praising God in spite of pain,

thanking God during a trial, trusting Him when tested,

surrendering while suffering,

and loving Him when He seems distant."

~Rick Warren

"The spiritual life does not remove us from the world

but leads us deeper into it."
~Henri J.M. Nouwen

"God’s love never ceases. Never.

Though we spurn Him.

Ignore Him. Reject Him.

Despise Him. Disobey Him.

He will not change.

Our evil cannot diminish His love.

Our goodness cannot increase it.

Our faith does not earn it anymore

than our stupidity jeopardizes it.

God doesn't love us less if we fail

or more if we succeed.

God’s love never ceases."

~Max Lucado

Currently...

2011-10-19T13:06:00.000-07:00

Due to my lack of time to write a post recently, I've decided that from now on I'm going to try to write a "currently" post. This will consist of what I am currently reading, writing, listening to, etc. Feel free to share your own as well in the comments below. =)

Currently Reading...

"There You'll Find Me" by Jenny B Jones

Incredible book so far by one of my favorite Christian YA authors. If you have an interest in Ireland, music, romance, and possibly vampires, then check out this book by clicking the link above. The genre, by the way, is YA contemporary Christian fiction. It is not a Christian version of Twilight. In fact, it has nothing to do with vampires. Well, maybe just a little bit... ;)

The Message Bible

I think the Message Bible actually does a pretty good job at presenting scripture in a more up-to-date perspective and language, but still is able to keep the original idea the same. This can sort of be compared to two preachers who are preaching on the same topic and saying the same sort of stuff, but one preacher preaches in more of modern way that will relate more and capture the attention of those who may otherwise have fallen asleep through the sermon of the other pastor. I don't use the MSG Bible as my main translation, but it is definitely one of my favorites to read, especially when I am confused about a certain passage.

Currently Wearing...

Boots. Many boots. And cardigans from Anthropology. =)

Currently Watching...

Courageous. Oh my goodness, you have got to go see this movie! It is definitely one of my new favorites. Very emotional, but also very humorous. I loved it.
This video on Youtube of a 29-year-old hearing for the very first time.

Currently Working On...

Editing Purple Moon
Making journals! I will hopefully post more about this soon.

Currently Listening To...

Needtobreathe new album "The Reckoning"
Switchfoot's new album "Vice Verses"
My Taylor Swift Pandora station. =)

Currently Drinking...

Pumpkin spice lattes =)
Coffee from Italy

Currently Visiting...

Currently Looking Forward To...

Thanksgiving, my birthday, winter break, Christmas... my favorite time of year =)

~~~

What is it that you're currently reading, listening to, watching, working on, etc.?

Inspiration Monday

2011-10-17T12:25:00.000-07:00

"Live footloose and fancy free -

You won't be young forever."

~Ecclesiastes 11:10

"How can a young person live a clean life?
By carefully reading the map of your Word.
I'm single-minded in pursuit of you;
don't let me miss the road signs you've posted...

Open my eyes so I can see

what you show me of your miracle-wonders.

I'm a stranger in these parts;

give me clear directions."

~Psalm 119:9,18-19

"We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog,

peering through a mist.

But it won't be long before the weather clears
and the sun shines bright!

We'll see it all then,

see it all as clearly as God sees us,

knowing him directly just as he knows us!"

~1 Corinthians 13:12

Playlist:

"You're Beautiful" ~Phil Wickham

"Open Me" ~Shawn McDonald

"Bless The Lord" ~Jason Morant

Quotes:

"Joy comes from knowing God loves me
and knows who I am and where I'm going...

that my future is secure as I rest in Him."

James Dobson

"Shake the dust from your past,

and move forward in His promises."

~Kay Arthur

"Make the least of all that goes and the most of all that comes.

Don’t regret what is past. Cherish what you have.

Look forward to all that is to come. And most important of all,

rely moment by moment on Jesus Christ."

~Gigi Graham Tchivifjian

Fighting The Spiritual Battle

2011-10-15T15:23:00.000-07:00

If you've been reading my blog, I'm sure you know by now that I love fall. There isn't anything about this season that I don't like... that is, except one. And that is football.

I don't enjoy watching football - not because I'm not a big sports enthusiast (which is true) nor the fact that I don't know what's going on in the game (which is also true), but simply because of how obsessed some people become when pulling for their team to win. I've just never really "gotten" this whole concept. Why is it that some people put all of their faith into a certain team, and then are completely destroyed when they might lose a game or two?

The answer is actually pretty obvious. It's because everyone wants to be on the winning team. No one likes to feel defeated. What's the point, then, in people putting so much time and energy into rooting for their favorite football team, when they don't even consider the fact that they might be losing the ultimate war—the spiritual battle within?

This spiritual battle is not a sport, nor is it the kind of fight you might watch on television while eating popcorn. It's real. And it's the only competition that will count in the end if you win or lose. Because it could cost you your life. For eternity.

But people don't get this. It's a very easy thing to forget, considering it's a spiritual thing rather than a physical thing. However, we need to remember that as long as we're on this earth, we're in a battle. Our opponent is very powerful, but as long as we're on God's side we can never and will never be defeated.

It's so easy, though, to become distracted in the physical realm with the physical games. It's because it's the only thing that we can see with our physical eyes - the only ones that we have open. Distraction is one of Satan's greatest tricks in becoming victorious. However, having your spiritual eyes shut is like a football player standing around in a game with his eyes shut. The other team could easily sneak by him without the guy even realizing it. If we don't open our eyes and prepare ourselves spiritually, we may not be strong enough for all that Satan might try to throw at us.

So to prepare ourselves for these battles, we must:

Soak ourselves in God's Word daily, confessing scriptures and praising Him throughout the day. This is our weapon, and according to Hebrews 4:12, it is "sharper than a double-edged sword". Satan becomes very weak when we step into God's presence.
Open our spiritual eyes. Think about it. Why is it that we traditionally pray with our eyes shut? So that we don't become distracted on all that's going on around us. It is very easy to lose focus during these battles.
Pray throughout the day and without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). One reason it's so easy to lose focus on God is because our attention is focused on the physical things in our lives that we can see. However, we must continuously talk to God in order to keep our attention fixed on Him and on the spiritual realm.

The good thing is, you can completely trust that God won't let His team down. Just keep in mind that you may go through some tough seasons feeling beat up and weak. You may even be tempted to give up and quit, forfeiting your victory. However, 2 Timothy 6:12 says:

"Fight the good fight of faith, grabbing hold of the life that continues forever."

So call a time out to regain your focus and then keep on pressing forward, fighting the good fight of faith. And when Satan attempts to deceive you with his lies in an effort to convince you that you're too weak to continue, just remind him that the ending score is already established. =)

"Our fight is not against any physical enemy;
it is against organizations and powers that are spiritual.
We must struggle against sin all our lives,
but we are assured we will win."
~Corrie Ten Boom

Inspiration Monday

2011-10-03T09:24:00.000-07:00

"No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening - it’s painful!
But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living
for those who are trained in this way."
~Hebrews 12:11

"…so that you may become blameless and pure,

children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation,

in which you shine like stars in the universe
as you hold out the word of life."

~Philippians 2:15-16

"With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends,
stand your ground.

And don’t hold back.
Throw yourselves into the work of the Master,
confident that nothing you do for him

is a waste of time or effort."
~1 Corinthians 15:58

Playlist:

"More Than A Friend" ~Jeremy Riddle

"Give Me Faith" ~Elevation Worship

"Cry In My Heart" ~Starfield

Quotes:

"God changes caterpillars into butterflies,

sand into pearls,

and coal into diamonds.

Using time and pressure.

He's working on you too."

~Rick Warren

"If God is preparing you to make an impact on this world for His kingdom,

chances are He will take you though a season of solitude.

This is a season when you learn that

you can’t lean upon anyone but Him for your confidence

and when you gain the strength to stand alone

even when no one stands with you."

~Leslie Ludy

"There are far better things ahead

than any we leave behind."

~C.S. Lewis

Allowing Your Imagination To Run Wild

2011-09-26T13:46:00.000-07:00

I can’t remember a time when I was little and writing a story that I simply stopped writing because I was out of ideas. The quality of my writing never crossed my mind either. To me, writing was fun… it was almost like playing Barbies, except it was with a pencil and a paper. It was magical, being able to go anywhere and create anything just by having a pencil in my hand. But the older a person gets, the less imaginative they tend to become. Adults just don't imagine the same endless possibilities in playing with a toy train that a five-year-old would. I can’t imagine why… (no pun intended).

There are a lot of lessons we can learn from kids. One lesson in particular that writers can learn from kids is their willingness to allow their imagination to run wild.

Yes, willingness. Because once you get older, you don’t allow your imagination to run wild anymore. However, this can't be the case if you ever plan on having your name in print one day. As writers, we need to continuously have our imaginations running… just like when we were five. And yes, even when we’re not writing.

One of the main causes of writer’s block is from not letting your imagination to flow. It isn't possible to write a story if you lack imagination. I think sometimes writers tend to view writing as a job, doing their best to write without error. However, doing this can hinder your imagination and your true writing ability because you begin to see your story through critical eyes rather than imaginative eyes. While you write, keep your imaginative eyes on. Don’t use your critical eyes until you have reached the editing stage.

Let's learn a lesson from the five-year-old who would have his train jump the track to make his play more exciting before he would ever allow himself to get going around in circles, never venturing to new and more exciting territory. Begin viewing situations and places around you from a writer’s eye and take advantage of every opportunity you have to allow your imagination to run wild.

Inspiration Monday

2011-09-19T12:16:00.000-07:00

"I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances.

I'm just as happy with little as with much,
with much as with little.

I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry,

hands full or hands empty.

Whatever I have, wherever I am,

I can make it through anything
in the One who makes me who I am."

~Philippians 4:12-13

"Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;

you formed me in my mother's womb.

I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking!

Body and soul, I am marvelously made!

I worship in adoration—what a creation!

You know me inside and out,

you know every bone in my body;

You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,

how I was sculpted from nothing into something.

Like an open book,

you watched me grow from conception to birth;

all the stages of my life were spread out before you,

The days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day."

~Psalm 139:14

"For we are well able to overcome it."
~Numbers 13:30

Playlist:

"The Original" ~Switchfoot

"Busted Heart" ~For King And Country

"Turn Around" ~Matt Maher

Quotes:

“God didnt make a mistake when He made you.

You need to see yourself as God sees you.”

~Joel Osteen

"Happiness is not a feeling, it is a choice.

To be happy, one must choose to be happy,

not respond to a circumstance that now controls your happiness."

~Joyce Meyer

"The more we let God take us over,

the more truly ourselves we become - because He made us.

He invented us.

He invented all the different people

that you and I were intended to be.

It is when I turn to Christ,

when I give up myself to His personality,

that I first begin to have a real personality of my own."

~C. S. Lewis

Update & Lovely Blog Award

2011-09-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

First of all, I would like to apologize for the lack of update recently! I started my senior year a month ago and apparently my teachers don't think we should have a life outside of school.

Just to update you all with my writing, my debut YA Christian fiction novel, Purple Moon, is still planned to be released next spring. I am currently working on the edits with this manuscript and will begin promotion for it probably in late fall/early winter. I am very, very excited to say the least!

Anyway, I would like to thank Faye at Labor Not In Vain for giving me the Lovely Blog Award. =)

There are 2 rules you must follow to accept this award:

Rule #1 - Tell 7 facts about yourself
Rule #2 - Pass the award on to 15 "lovely blogs"

Random Things About Me:

1. I have a six month old Shihtzu puppy named after a character in my book.
2. I only have to go to school for four hours each day since it's my senior year. =)
3. I've been in love with coffee, writing, and reading since I was a toddler.
4. I got my nose pierced a few months ago.
5. My boyfriend and I got "married" when we were toddlers thanks to my older sisters. =)
6. A lot of things that occurred in my novel has happened to me this past year. It's actually kind of strange since it seems as if it should be the opposite...
7. I could never get tired of listening to Taylor Swift.

The honorees, (in no particular order)...

1. Katie at HEllo HighLIGHTS

2. Monica at Fearless

3. Valerie Lynn at Joyful Passion For Jesus

4. Emii at Girlz 4 God

5. Katie at Whisperings Of The Pen

6. Georgianna at Before My Penn Has Gleaned

7. Hannah at Irrelevant Beautiful Happenings

8. Annie at Lilly For Rest

9. Jeremy at The Storms Within

10. Beth at In Word

11. Shelley at Being Shelley

12. Chelsea at Yours Forever

13. Sierra at Keep Growing Beautiful

14. Anna at Insanity Comes Naturally

15. Sylvi at Luv True Beauty

So to claim you award all you have to do is follow these 2 rules and post a link to your blog post about the Lovely Blog Award in the the comment form below :)

Start Of A New Season

2011-08-31T15:45:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe it’s almost time for fall and school has already started back. Even though I am a little disappointed at how quickly summer went by once again, I’m starting to get really excited about my favorite season that will be here next month. Each season that God gives us is a gift. Not only seasons that weather brings such as fall or spring, but also the seasons of change that God brings to us in our lives.

The end of summer is always bittersweet for me. I start getting really excited for fall, but at the same time I wish that summer didn’t have to end. Isn’t that how it often is in life too? We sometimes act as if change is a bad thing. We like just staying put where we are in life. Why? Because we’re used to it. It’s familiar. It’s safe, and we feel like if there is a change—a switch of seasons—then we’ll miss the season that we’re currently in too much.

This time next year is when I will be leaving home for the first time. God will be bringing me into a new season of my life. It will probably be difficult. But also exciting! Change, for the most part, is a good thing. Where you are in life now is not where you’re supposed to remain. We need to continue to grow, continue to do the things that God is calling us to do. You may be going through a painful or challenging season of your life now, but keep in mind that you won’t be there forever. This is a season of growth. And as you grow spiritually mature in God, you will eventually blossom when the time is right.

So instead of longing for more days in the sun, begin thinking about all that you have to look forward to in the fall. And instead of longing to be back in the comfort of your home where you’ve lived for the past eighteen years, get ready for all that God has in store for you in this new chapter of your life. Keep in mind that each season relies on the previous season in order for God's perfect plan of growth and rebirth to continue its cycle. No, it may not be easy moving from one season to the next. But you have to remember that God sees the bigger picture and only wants what's best for you. And if you remain in Him, then what lies ahead will never compare to anything you leave behind.

"There is a time for everything, and everything on earth has its special season."
~Ecclesiastes 3:1

Inspiration Monday

2011-08-22T11:03:00.001-07:00

"Rejoice, and be exceeding glad:

for great is your reward in heaven..."

~Matthew 5:12

"What I don’t understand about myself is that I decide on way,

but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise…

I obviously need help! I realize I don’t have what it takes.

I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it;

I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway…

I’m at the end of my rope.

Is there no one who can do anything for me?

Isn't that the real question?

The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does."

~Romans 7:15-25

"God's paths get you where you want to go.

Right-living people walk them easily;
wrong-living people are always tripping and stumbling."
~Hosea 14:9

Playlist:

"Slow Fade" ~Casting Crowns

"Power Of Your Love" ~Worth Dying For

"Give Me Faith" ~Elevatioin Worship

Quotes:

"Our fight is not against any physical enemy;

it is against organizations and powers that are spiritual.

We must struggle against sin all our lives,

but we are assured we will win."

~Corrie Ten Boom

"Faith... means knowing something is real,

this moment, all around you,

even when you don't see it.

Great faith isn't the ability to believe long and far into the misty future.

It's simply taking God at His word and taking the next step."

~Joni Eareckson Tada

"Finish each day and be done with it.

You have done what you could;

some blunders and absurdities have crept in;

forget them as soon as you can.

Tomorrow is a new day;

you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit

to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

This day is all that is good and fair.

It is too dear, with its hopes and invitations,

to waste a moment on yesterdays."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Inspiration Monday

2011-07-25T10:23:00.000-07:00

"From now on every road you travel
will take you to God.
Follow the Covenant signs;
read the charted directions."
~Psalm 25:10

"But he most surely did listen,
he came on the double when he heard my prayer.
Blessed be God: he didn't turn a deaf ear,
he stayed with me, loyal in his love."
~Psalm 16:19-20

"But the seed in the good earth - these are the good-hearts
who seize the Word and hold on no matter what,
sticking with it until there's a harvest."
~Luke 8:15

Playlist:

"Always" ~Passion Worship Band
"Saviour King" ~Hillsong
"Spend It All" ~Ascend The Hill

Quotes:

"The feet of the Christian
need to tread the narrow path that the Savior trod,
keeping in step with Him."
~Billy Graham

"God, who has led you safely on so far,
will lead you on to the end.
Be altogether at rest in the loving holy confidence
which you ought to have in His heavenly Providence."
~Francis de Sales

"Guidance is a soverign act.
Not merely does God... guide us by showing us His way...
whatever mistakes we may make,
we shall come safely home.
Slippings and straying there will be, no doubt,
but the everlasting arms are beneath us;
we shall be caught, rescued, restored.
This is God's promise;
this is how good He is."
~J.I. Packer

Where To Go From Here: Choosing Your Next Step

2011-07-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

It’s shocking to me to think that it’s now time for me to start considering different colleges and figuring out where to go after I graduate from high school next May. I get nervous even thinking about it. It’s such a big decision, such a big turning point in my life. I already tend to over-analyze every decision I make, scared that I’ll end up making the wrong one. Not to mention there are so many different options to consider. Which school should I go to, and for how long? Or should I even go to college? What happens if I don’t like my major or the college that I choose? What should I major in?

Philippians 4:6 says “Be anxious for nothing, but with everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus.” I’ve had to learn recently that God directs each and every step that I take, which means that I don’t need to worry about where to go from here or even when I’ll be arriving. All I need to know is that God is with me and He knows what will ultimately be best for me.

Have you ever driven somewhere, unsure of where you were going, but the person in your passenger seat was giving you directions and knew exactly where you were going? That’s how it is with us and God. Although we’re the ones driving, he’s the one that’s guiding us. We don’t need to ask Him which direction we should take five minutes from now. Why should we ask that? All we need to know is where to go from here. Continue straight on the path that we’re on, or turn right onto a new road?

Our Father is completely trustworthy. He knows the destination very well and he knows which roads that we need to take in order to reach that destination. So why do we worry so often, as if we’re GPS-less and in the car by ourselves with no idea as to where we’re going? No, we may not have a clue where we’re going. But we certainly are not on our own. We have the ultimate GPS leading us and telling us where to go-one step at a time, one turn at a time. Trust that your Father, who will always be with you, knows exactly where you should go and exactly how you should get there.

“I am God, your God, who teaches you how to live right and well. I show you what to do, where to go.”

~Isaiah 48:17

Also, keep in mind that in order to receive an answer you must first ask. Be obedient to obey God’s answer no matter how strange it may sound, and resist the temptation to take the route that yourself or others might think is best. Yes, there will be times when you’ll feel lost. But you won’t be—just trust God. You’ll reach the correct destination eventually. And the good news is that He will be by your side every step of the way.

"God's Sunrise will break in upon us,
Shining on those in the darkness,
those sitting in the shadow of death,
Then showing us the way, one foot at a time,
down the path of peace."

~Luke 1:79

~~~
Do you also get nervous thinking about where you should go after school? Do you sometimes feel as if you’re the only one in the car, without a clue of where you’re headed? Have you experienced the panic of being completely lost and unsure if you are headed in the right direction?

Inspiration Monday

2011-07-11T11:37:00.000-07:00

"Make me want to keep your rules

instead of wishing for riches.
Keep me from looking at worthless things.
Let me live by your word."
~Psalm 119:36-37

"By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created,
people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can't see:
eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being.
So nobody has a good excuse.
What happened was this: People knew God perfectly well,
but when they didn't treat him like God, refusing to worship him,
they trivialized themselves into silliness and confusion
so that there was neither sense nor direction left in their lives.
They pretended to know it all,
but were illiterate regarding life."
~Romans 1:20-23

"If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ,
if his love has made any difference in your life,
if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you,
if you have a heart, if you care—then do me a favor:
Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends.
Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top.Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead.
Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage."
~Philippians 2:1-3

Playlist:

"Chosen Generation" ~Passion
"You Love Me Anyway" ~Sidewalk Prophets
"A Beautiful Exchange" ~Hillsong

Quotes:

"God is not blind. He knows about you and your problems.
He knows of those who are suffering...
and His love for His children will never leave in times of trouble."
~Billy Graham

"Worship is when you're aware that what you've been given
is far greater than what you can give."
~Max Lucado

"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."
~Abraham Lincoln

How Passion Can Provide Determination To Reach Your Destination

2011-06-26T13:27:00.000-07:00

I’ve never quite understood people who participate in running “for fun”. How can running for a long period of time, even when it's scorching hot outside and your legs are cramping as sweat is trickling down your forehead possibly be considered as fun? Apparently these difficulties that come from running a race is nothing compared to the passion that runners have. And that’s what keeps them going. Without this passion, it’s impossible for them to persevere. But how is it that passion is what keeps us going?

Passion provides perseverance. And although the process of running may include broken ankles and tired legs, runners continue to run—no matter how hot the sun may be, no matter what obstacles may get thrown along their paths. Why? Because the fire that’s inside of them is bigger than the challenge they may have to face in order to reach the finish line.
Passion is enthusiasm,and enthusiasm is what energizes a person to keep on running. It’s also determination to reach your destination, and to continue going even after you’ve arrived.
Passion creates fire. It’s what drives a runner to keep on running. But the flame that’s inside of someone won’t get bigger unless it’s fed. If you fail to feed your fire, it’ll die, and you won’t have the strength to get over the obstacles nor will you reach your finish line. Those who are seriously passionate about what they’re doing will reach the finish line, no matter what it takes.

How can one achieve their dream if they lack passion? As writers, passion is a necessity not only to keep going, but to connect with our readers and keep them reading what we write. This quote by Eleanor Doan explains this clearly:

“You cannot kindle a fire in any other heart until it is burning within your own.”

Think about the finish line illustration again. Now imagine that there are two people running a race against each other—one that is passionate about running and reaching the finish line, and one who is only running the race just so he can receive a shiny trophy to display. The road that they must run on is long and the race is very challenging with many obstacles thrown along their path. However, the person who is passionate about running is going to enjoy the journey more and it will be less-difficult for that person than for the other one who has no passion for running whatsoever, but is only in it for the prize.

Once you find what it is that drives you, take the steps needed in order to feed that fire. Because although your dream may seem glamorous, I highly doubt the road to any finish line is going to be easy. That’s why you must keep feeding your fire. If your dream is to become a published author one day, then read books. Listen to music. Take walks. Observe other people. And most importantly, spend time with your Creator.

I’ve always been a big believer in dreaming big. If you don’t dream big then the chances of you ever succeeding in life are very slim. So go after what your heart desires and pursue what it is that drives you. If you obtain this kind of perseverance, I’m sure that you’ll reach the finish line just as long as you keep God first and never quit running.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

~Hebrews 12:1

~~~
What does having passion mean to you? What is it that drives you to keep running? What steps can you take to feed that fire?

EDIT: There will be no post Monday, July 4th. Happy Independence Day!

Inspiration Monday

2011-06-20T09:39:00.000-07:00

"You need to use your head and test your feelings
so that your love is sincere and intelligent,
not sentimental gush.
Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary,
a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul,
making Jesus Christ attractive to all,
getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God."
~Philippians 1:10-11

"Make sure there's no evil unbelief lying around
that will trip you up and throw you off course,
diverting you from the living God."

~Hebrews 3:13

"So brothers and sisters, since God has shown us great mercy,

I beg you to offer your lives as a living sacrifice to him.
Your offering must be only for God and pleasing to him,
which is the spiritual way for you to worship."
~Romans 12:1

Playlist:

"You Can Have Me" ~Sidewalk Prophets
"Captivated" ~Shawn McDonald
"Mighty Breath Of God" ~Jesus Culture

Quotes:

"God is not looking at what you've done wrong;
He's looking at what you've done right."
~Joel Osteen

"Since God made us to be originals,
why stoop to be a copy?"
~Billy Graham

"Let him who would move the world,
first move himself."
~Socrates

Book Review: "Beyond Talent" by John C. Maxwell

2011-06-16T13:04:00.000-07:00

Back Cover Blurb:

New York Times best-selling author John C. Maxwell shows that talent is just the starting point for a successful impact in any organization. It's what takes you beyond your talent that matters.

People everywhere are proving him right. Read the headlines, watch the highlights, or just step out your front door: Some talented people reach their full potential, while others self-destruct or remain trapped in mediocrity. What makes the difference? Maxwell, the go-to guru for business professionals across the globe, insists that the choices people make--not merely the skills they inherit--propel them to greatness. Among other truths, successful people know that:

Belief lifts your talent.
Initiative activates your talent.
Focus directs your talent.
Preparation positions your talent.
Practice sharpens your talent.
Perseverance sustains your talent.
Character protects your talent. . . . and more!
It's what you add to your talent that makes the greatest difference. With authentic examples and time-tested wisdom, Maxwell shares thirteen attributes you need to maximize your potential and live the life of your dreams.

You can have talent alone and fall short of your potential. Or you can go beyond talent and really stand out.

My Thoughts:

Beyond Talent by John C. Maxwell provides step-by-step motivating principles to help one become a “talent-plus” person with extraordinary results. If you’re looking into buying this book, be sure that you have a pen and/or highlighter around as you begin to read, as this book is packed full of useful strategies as well as quotes relating to each method that Maxwell provides. In every section he also gives real-life stories to help the reader see clearly as to how and why these principles work. Beyond Talent is in an easy-to-read format with application exercises at the end of each chapter to help the reader apply what they have read. I very much enjoyed this thought-provoking book and feel as if I should go back and read it again just to make sure that everything has sinked in.

Final Comments:

I would recommend Beyond Talent for teens and adults alike. This book will inspire you to stretch and challenge yourself as well as your talents, whether you're a student or already involved in a career. This is the first book that I’ve read by John Maxwell but definitely will not be the last!

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers Group as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.

~~~
Has anyone read Beyond Talent
or any other books by John C. Maxwell?
If so, what did you like or dislike about them?

How To Avoid Boredom This Summer & Spend Time Wisely

2011-06-13T16:46:00.000-07:00

Have you ever gone to sleep one early June night, looking forward to all the possibilities that the summer could bring—only to wake up one August morning, wondering what happened to the amazing summer that you had planned? So have I. It’s easy to allow the freedom that summer brings to cause us to become lazy and watch summer just pass by.

Instead of having the same thing happen again this year, I’ve decided to go ahead and take action with what I’d like to pursue this summer. No, I’m not talking about hanging out at the pool with my friends and watching chick flicks until early morning. I’m talking about choosing to be productive rather than bored or lazy this summer by using my time wisely and creatively, while at the same time expanding my horizons.

For instance, instead of only focusing on my writing this summer, I’ve also decided to take ice skating lessons, study the art of acting and learn how to make journals. As teenagers we need to get our feet wet in many areas so we can find what it is that we're gifted in and have a passionate for. All of the things we take on eventually create who we are and can also be used as a form of worship.

Stretch yourself to your full potential this summer. Take on different responsibilities and branch into various activities. Take a step out of your comfort zone to take risks and try things that you would normally never try. You may be surprised at what you discover about yourself. If you aren't sure where to begin, here are a few suggestions:

Learn to play the guitar.
Try out different forms of writing, such as short story writing, song lyric writing, poetry, etc.
Study the art of photography.
Make jewelry.
Learn to bake.
Take swimming classes.
Make scrapbooks.
Be more involved in your church and/or youth group.
Learn to sew.
Get a summer job.
Volunteer at homeless shelters, nursing homes, charity organizations, etc.
Learn how to make blog templates.
Read more books than you normally do.

Now that you have a few things in mind that you'd like to get started in this summer, how can you take action rather than just fantasize?

Make a list of these things. It doesn't matter how long of a list you write or how far-fetched those things may be. You can’t achieve something without first having the idea. The more you can think of, the better.
Put a star next to the ones that you would like to try out the most, or the activities that would involve more of your focus, such as volunteering.
Prioritize. Do you have some school that you need to finish or work on this summer (like I do)? Be sure to focus on your priorities first and do these new things only in your spare time.
Set goals. What are the things you’d like to spend most of your time pursuing, and how can you excel in that area? By setting goals you will give yourself something to strive towards. Allow yourself some space to stretch to your full potential rather than be stuck in your comfort zone.
Discipline yourself. Although these things may seem fun to do, think of them as something that must be done. Discipline yourself by setting aside a certain amount of time each day to focus on your goals. This can be great practice and useful so that you won’t waste the summer away.

Since summer could be classified as the “in between” stage (in between last school year and next school year), I believe it’s the most perfect opportunity to prepare for the upcoming school year and pursue the things that you have always wanted to try, especially if you're a teenager. You have almost three months to venture out into various areas of art and different forms of physical exercise. To discover yourself, be creative, prepare for tomorrow, pursue new things and grow in your relationship with God. And no matter what new activity you envelop yourself in or whatever new responsibility that you commit to, be sure that you are doing it all for the glory of God. (1 Corin. 10:31)

"Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life."

~Galatians 6:4-5

~~~

Have you ever felt as if the summer ended before you were ever able to take advantage of it? What new things would you like to try out this summer that weren't mentioned in the above list? What actions have helped you in the past in achieving your goals rather than allowing yourself to become lazy?

Inspiration Monday

2011-06-06T11:23:00.000-07:00

"The Day is coming when you'll have it all—life healed and whole.

I know how great this makes you feel,
even though you have to put up with
every kind of aggravation in the meantime.
Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure;
genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine.
When Jesus wraps this all up,
it's your faith, not your gold,
that God will have on display as evidence of his victory."
~1 Peter 1:5-7

"Rejoice in our confident hope.
Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying."
~Romans 12:12

"Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always.
Remember the wonders he has done,
his miracles,
and the judgements he pronounced."
~1 Chronicles 16:11-12

Playlist:

"We Were Made For You" ~Aaron Gillespie
"Faithful To The End" ~Cory Asbury
"The Battle Is Raging" ~Laura Hackett

Quotes:

"We must accept finite disappointment,
but we must never lose hope."
~Martin Luther King Jr.

"There are no hopeless situations;
there are only people who have grown hopeless about them."
~Clare Boothe Luce

"Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter.
Who would think that those branches would
turn green again and blossom,
but we hope it,
we know it."
~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Refreshing Iced Coffee Recipes

2011-06-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

Did you know?:
Coffee reduces your risk of diabetes and can improve memory.

What’s more refreshing than drinking an iced coffee on a hot summer day in the sun? Below is a list I put together of my favorite iced coffee recipes (although I haven’t tried all of these recipes—but believe me, I will!) Instead of going to Dunkin’ Donuts to buy your iced coffee this summer, why not try out one of these easy recipes for yourself? (Click the coffee name to be directed to it’s recipe.)

~~~

“Caffeine is my shepherd; I shall not doze.
It maketh me to wake in green pastures:
It leadeth me beyond the sleeping masses.
It restoreth my buzz:
It leadeth me in the paths of consciousness for its name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of addiction,
I will fear no Equal™:
For thou art with me; thy cream and thy sugar they comfort me.
Thou preparest a carafe before me in the presence of The Starbucks:
Thou anointest my day with pep; my mug runneth over.
Surely richness and taste shall follow me all the days of my life:
And I will dwell in the House of Mochas forever.”
~Author Unknown

Inspiration Monday

2011-05-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

"And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love,

you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus
the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love.
Reach out and experience the breadth!
Test its length! Plumb the depths!
Rise to the heights!
Live full lives,
full in the fullness of God."
~Ephesians 3:17-19

"Be good to me, God—and now!
I've run to you for dear life.
I'm hiding out under your wings
until the hurricane blows over.
I call out to High God,
the God who holds me together.
He sends orders from heaven and saves me..."
~Psalm 57:2

"Your life is a journey you must travel
with a deep consciousness of God.

It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end,
empty-headed life you grew up in.

He paid with Christ's sacred blood, you know...

It's because of this sacrificed Messiah,

whom God then raised from the dead and glorified,

that you trust God,

that you know you have a future in God."

~1 Peter 1:18-19,21

Playlist:

❤ "This Place" ~Serving6
❤ "Deathbead" ~Relient K
❤ "Remedy" ~David Crowder Band

Quotes:

"We may run, walk, stumble, drive, or fly,
but let us never lose sight of the reason for the journey
or miss a chance to see a rainbow on the way."
~Gloria Gather

"In the spiritual life,
whoever doesn't go forward goes backward.
It's the same with a boat that must always go forward.
If it stands still,
the wind will blow it back."
~Padre Pio of Pietrelcina

"What do you reveals what you believe about God,
regardless of what you say.
When God reveals what He has purposed to do,
you face a crisis - a desicion time.
God and the world can tell from your response
what you really believe about God."
~Henry Blackaby

Homeschooling & It’s Benefits For Young Writers: “The Destiny Of One” by Sarah Holman Blog Tour

2011-05-25T08:49:00.000-07:00

If you’ve been reading my blog previously then you probably already know why I believe that teen/young writers should not feel like they have to “wait” to pursue their dreams, even if this means missing out on their high school experience. And for most teen authors, this is a sacrifice that they have had to make. Sure, there are those who perhaps could publish a book as a teen without having to homeschool. But why is it that most teen authors are, in fact, homeschooled? Perhaps it’s because of the many benefits that homeschooling provides, like being able to have a flexible schedule. There are also advantages such as getting to work at a coffee shop, library, book store, etc. Homeschooling has worked for every teen/young author that I’ve come in contact with, including Sarah Holman. She’s a homeschool graduate whose Christian fiction novel, The Destiny Of One, has been recently self-published. View the trailer to her debut novel below.

Though this is Sarah’s first book, she has been writing for years. Her articles have been seen in many different magazines, including Homeschool Enrichment, His Wonders, The Kings Blooming Rose and more. She also posts regularly on her blogs The Destiny of One and Meditations of His Love. She is a homeschool graduate and lives in central Texas. When not pursuing her passion of writing, she can be found taking long walks, reading, sewing or spending time with her family.

Be sure to order The Destiny Of One by clicking here. Want to know where The Destiny of One Blog Tour will be next? Click here.

~~~
If you’re also a homeschooled teen writer, in what ways has homeschooling benefited you
in pursuing this craft? Have you had to sacrifice anything by doing so? Why do you think that the majority of teen authors are homeschooled?

Inspiration Monday

2011-05-23T09:11:00.000-07:00

"Didn't he set us on the road to life?

Didn't he keep us out of the ditch?

He trained us first,

passed us like silver through refining fires...

Road-tested us inside and out,

took us to hell and back;

Finally he brought us

to this well-watered place."

~Psalm 66:9-12

"Keep and live out the entire commandment

that I’m commanding you today

so that you’ll live and prosper and enter and own the land

that God promised to your ancestors.

Remember every road that God led you on

for those forty years in the wilderness,

pushing you to your limits,

testing you so that he would know what you were made of,

whether you would keep his commandments or not.

He put you through hard times... You learned deep in your heart

that God disciplines you in the same ways a father

disciplines his child... God is about to bring you into a good land,

a land with brooks and rivers, springs and lakes,

streams out of the hills and through the valleys...

make sure you don’t become so full of yourself and your things

that you forget God, your God."

~Deuteronomy 8:1-3,5,7,9

"I'm sitting in the dark right now,
but God is my light...
it's not forever. He's on my side
and is going to get me out of this...
He'll turn on the lights and show me his ways."
~Micah 7:9

Playlist:

Y "Move" ~MercyMe

Y "Suitcases" ~Dara Maclean

Y "Galaxies" ~Owl City

Quotes:

"The strengthening of faith

comes from staying with it in the hour of trial.

We should not shrink from tests of faith."

~Catherine Marshall

"The simple fact is that if we sow a lifestyle

that is in direct disobedience to God's revealed Word,

we ultimately reap disaster."

~Charles Swindoll

"When life is difficult,

God wants us to have a faith that trusts and waits."

~Kay Arthur

Book Review: Departures: Two Rediscovered Stories of Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen

2011-05-20T16:38:00.000-07:00

Back Cover Blurb:

“Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen cross paths on their way to summer vacations that reveal what a gift it is to have a true Forever Friend.

Now Boarding at Gate 10

After her high school graduation, still aching from Todd’s departure, Christy joins her family on a trip to Wisconsin to visit relatives. While there, she reunites with Matthew, an old friend from junior high. When Matthew starts to show a romantic interest in Christy, she realizes this summer vacation could change everything she thought her future would be.

In the Event of a Water Landing

Fifteen-year-old Sierra Jensen can’t wait to spend her summer vacation with her friend Jana at a pristine lake in Montana. But when they arrive, it becomes clear that Jana’s only interest is acquiring a boyfriend. Sierra just wants to hang out with the guys as friends, but Jana turns every encounter into a possible romantic relationship. As their friendship begins to suffer, Sierra wonders if it’s possible to find a Forever Friend who will listen to you, laugh with you, and keep your confidences.”

My Thoughts:

Departures contains two novellas about the adventures that Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen go on during one of their summers. Since I’ve read all of the books in the Christy Miller series, I was really able to enjoy and connect with that story more than the Sierra Jensen one. One of the many reasons I continue to read Robin Jones Gunn’s books is because she provides such spiritual refreshment and creates characters that can relate to teen girls, no matter the generation. Although it does seem that some of the things in her stories are outdated—for example, the conversations that teenagers have—she is still a brilliant writer and has a knack for showing God’s love through her stories, relating to teens and their journey to adulthood.

Final Comments:

Departures would especially be a nice summer read, preferably for the fans of Christy Miller and/or Sierra Jensen series. I feel that this book would relate best to ages 13 – 15 or 16.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

~~~

Have you read either of these series,

or the novellas in Departures?

If so, what did you like or dislike about them?

Which character can you relate to the most - Christy or Sierra?

What To Do When Your Drain Gets Clogged & You Can't Stop Thinking Of Ideas

2011-05-18T07:19:00.000-07:00

Many times I have blogged on how to find inspiration when you run into a writer’s block or run out of ideas to write about. But what about those times when you have too many ideas and you simply can’t think straight or focus on what you’re doing at the moment?

That’s what’s been happening to me since returning from my third writer’s conference, Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s Conference. I came back with an overdose of inspiration—a notebook full of notes and a brain overflowing with ideas. And now I can’t think of what to do next. My wheels are spinning fast... but going nowhere.

Many times this is not the case. Many times as writers we stare at the computer screen, just waiting for something to pop into our heads. But what happens when the door to inspiration finally opens, and out comes an overflow of ideas?

Pour the ideas out of your brain and into a notebook/new Microsoft Word document.
Choose only one of those ideas to focus on for now and try to come up with more ideas that branch off from the first. This way, instead of using this inspiration to create brand new ideas, you’re using it to only create new ideas for your current WIP.
Avoid multi-tasking, such as commenting on a few blog posts while trying to write one of your own. Focus on what you’re doing at the moment and invest all of your energy into that one project.
Give yourself a certain amount of time to focus on what you’re doing. Be sure to eliminate all distractions and do not let your mind wander elsewhere until your time is up.
Always put your priorities first. It’s fine coming up with new story ideas while already in the middle of writing one, but keep them all in the same file and make sure that they stay put and are not messed with until your current WIP is complete.

Of course, having too much inspiration and ideas is certainly better than not having enough—but it can become a bad thing if you aren’t sure what to do with these new ideas. Clean out the clog to unstop the drain, and the flow will once again start pouring at a steady pace.

~~~

What about you?

Does your "drain" often get clogged with too many ideas?

How do you put them to the side and choose only one to focus on for the moment rather than allowing yourself to get distracted with the others?

Inspiration Monday

2011-05-16T10:56:00.000-07:00

"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord All-Powerful.

His glory fills the whole earth."

~Isaiah 6:3

"God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons.

He's set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much,

the Son who got us out of the pit we were in,

got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating."
~Colossians 1:13-14

"We live under wide open skies and know where we stand.

So let's not sleepwalk through life like those others.

Let's keep our eyes open and be smart.

People sleep at night and get drunk at night. But not us!

Since we're creatures of Day, let's act like it.

Walk out into the daylight sober,

dressed up in faith, love,

and the hope of salvation."

~1 Thessalonians 5:5-8

Playlist:

Y "Never Saw You Coming" ~Bebo Norman

Y "Listen Up" ~Brandon Heath

Y "Beauty Of The Cross" ~Jonny Diaz

Quotes:

"God has designs on our future...

and He has designed us for the future.

He has given us something to do in the future

that no one else can do."

~Ruth Senter

"What you get by reaching your goals

is not nearly as important

as what you become by reaching them."

~Zig Ziglar

"Life is God's novel.

Let him write it."

~Isaac Bashevis Singer

(Images sources: Tumblr)

What Are You Feeding Yourself?

2011-05-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

(The post I wrote last week on why there aren’t more teens reading YA Christian fiction lead to the discussion of media and the affect that it has on our culture today. This is another topic that I feel strongly about and wanted to share a few of my thoughts/opinions about it in today’s post.)

I like having junk food every now and then. It’s a nice snack when I’m bored or simply craving something to eat. But those are the only two things that junk food is good for. It may look good, may even taste good and satisfy my craving for the moment—but if you look at the food’s nutritional value, you’ll see what you’re eating really consists of. And if you eat too much junk, you’ll be left with a sick and nasty feeling in the pit of your stomach. Why? Because junk food isn’t nutritious, which is why our bodies shouldn't consume a big portion at a time. If you do, you just may throw up.

I feel that eating too much junk food is the same as “eating” too much secular television, movies, books, and music. These things may satisfy me for the moment, and it may be a really good movie, TV show, book or song—it may even satisfy the “craving” I have for entertainment at the time. But it is nothing compared to healthy food that provides nutrients, energy, long lasting benefits, and even more fulfillment. Sure, I’ll have junk food every now and then... but if I eat too much I’ll feel completely disgusting afterward and am sure to regret it.

Believe it or not, what we “feed” ourselves does have affect our spiritual health. If you want to get rid of excess depression and fear, stop “eating” media that will make you feel that way, such as the news. If you’re tired of throwing up (thinking, acting, and speaking in ungodly ways, regurgitating what you've "taken in") then turn off your iPod. Or better yet, replace the secular music on your iPod with Christian music. Our bodies - physical and spiritual - cannot eat all that junk and it not have some sort of negative affect on us.

I admit, healthy food such as vegetables does look boring and probably isn’t considered as “tasteful” as junk food. However, the more you eat it, the more lasting benefits you gain and less of a chance there is for your body to be unhealthy. Eventually you won’t even crave the junk food anymore because you’ll find that the health food is way more rewarding and you feel much better afterward. Of course, a bite of junk food every now and then may not hurt. But it’s not to take the place of health food.

The way we think and act is a direct response from what we’re feeding ourselves. The lifestyles displayed on television are not the kind that we should model our lives after because eventually what we watch will rub off on us. This is why I believe that movies, television, music, and books are so powerful. Which is also why I only read/write Christian fiction, listen to mostly Christian music, and only watch a few television shows. It’s because I don’t like eating trash. I’d rather use my time eating things that will do me good in the long run, not harm.

When people are trying to lose weight, they eat smaller portions than what they’re used to and include more health food into their diet. We should all take the same careful consideration into what we allow into our bodies. Too much of anything that is not of God is never good for our spiritual systems.

~~~

Why do you think it’s so important to not spend much of our time investing in secular media? Have you noticed a change in the way you think, speak, act, and respond to certain situations because of the things you’ve watched/listened to/read? What things would you cut out of your “diet” if you wanted to clean out your spiritual system?

PS: I will be at a conference next week so there will be no posts until Monday, 5/16. See all of you then! =)

Inspiration Monday

2011-05-02T10:56:00.000-07:00

"But that's no life for you. You learned Christ!

Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance,

everything—and I do mean everything—

connected with that old way of life has to go.

It's rotten through and through. Get rid of it!

And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life,

a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct

as God accurately reproduces his character in you."

~Ephesians 4:20-24

“Take a good look at God’s wonders—

they’ll take your breath away.

He converted sea to dry land;

travelers crossed the river on foot.

Now isn't that cause for a song?”

~Psalm 66:5

"Be cheerful. Keep things in good repair. Keep your spirits up.

Think in harmony. Be agreeable.

Do all that,

and the God of love and peace will be with you for sure."

~2 Corinthians 13:12

Playlist:

Y "Majesty (Here I Am)" ~Delirious?

Y "Waiting Here For You" ~Passion Band

Y "How He Loves" ~John Mark McMillan

Quotes:

"Knowing God involves an intimate, personal relationship

that is developed over time through prayer and getting answers to prayer,

through Bible study and applying its teaching to our lives,

through obedience and experiencing the power of God,

through moment-by-moment submission to Him that results in a

moment-by-moment filling of the Holy Spirit."

~Anne Graham Lotz

"I could go through this day oblivious to the miracles all around me

or I could tune in and 'enjoy'."

~Gloria Gather

"If you concentrate on finding what is good in every situation,

you will discover that your life

will suddenly be filled with gratitude,

a feeling that nurtures the soul."

~Harold Kushner

Why Aren’t There More Teens Reading YA Christian Fiction, & How Can Authors Change That?

2011-04-27T06:59:00.000-07:00

It seems as if every time I go to a bookstore it’s always such a struggle for me to find the YA Christian fiction section. And once I do find it, there are only a few shelves holding books from this genre. I then look at the YAF section and notice rows and rows of books, the covers of these novels filled with filthy images. For teens. And most of them contain all of the same storylines: teen drama, love stories, summer, and change. And vampires, of course. But most of these books are doing nothing but infecting the minds of teenagers. The authors are providing teens with the stories that we adore because it’s what we dream of or can relate to. If YAF is so popular now, then why isn’t YACF? Many teens have told me it’s because the books they have read in this genre have been cheesy, preachy, or boring. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Most of the time, a teen's view of Christianity and God is going to be based on the Christians around them, including the YA Christian fiction books that they read. And if they're boring and preachy, then they'll want nothing to do with Christianity. They'd rather read the YA fiction that doesn't preach to them, that reaches them on their level, that satisfies their desires accordingly. If they read even just one book in YACF that is cheesy/preachy/boring, they're not going to give this genre another try. Think about it. If you were a nonbeliever and knew someone who was a Christian who always tried preaching to you, shoving religion down your throat, and whose life is so boring because all that she/he does is read the Bible - would that attract you to God? No. That would only leave you with a bad impression of Christianity. And you’re going to want nothing to do with that religion.

I believe one of the reasons that YACF isn't as popular as YAF is because of these types of books. We have to keep in mind that it's not just Christians reading this genre, it is often non-Christians who pick up the book not realizing that it is Christian—or pick it up because of great reviews, a cool cover with an interesting back cover blurb, a recommendation from a friend, etc.

You don't want to preach to them. You want to offer them a story that believers and nonbelievers alike can both enjoy. But how can authors do this? How can we present Christianity in YA fiction without sounding cheesy, boring, or preachy?

Provide the same elements that teens love, except offer a clean alternative with a Christian perspective. I'm not saying that Christian YA fiction books should be nothing but teen drama and vampire stories with the mention of God every now and then, but that we need to reach the teen culture on its level.
Reach out to the hurting. There are many teens who have grown up in a broken family, teens who are barely getting through in life because they don’t know Christ. They may want to find encouragement by reading a book where the character is going through some of the same struggles as they are, because readers like to read stories that they can relate to. And they want to see how the character coped with the struggle and also to feel as if they’re not alone. So they pick up the book, and they find that the character deals with this situation by turning to God. Also keep in mind that not every teen is rebellious and against Christianity. There are some out there who are lost, confused, and hurting. Our books can offer the hope and encouragement they may be looking for.
Craft role-model characters. Notice that I did not say craft perfect-Christian-unflawed-characters, but role-models that teens can look up to. This can be a very useful tool since we already tend to follow the lifestyle of those in movies and in books subconsciously. The character Christy from The Christy Miller Series by Robin Jones Gunn is a great example of a Christian role model that a teen may want to follow the footsteps of.
Don’t write YACF for the sole purpose of teaching youth how to handle situations in a Christian way. As a teen,we can tell when an adult is trying to preach through fiction. And because of this, we’re reminded that it’s a made-up-story that we’re reading that was written by an adult. Instead, pretend that you’re a teen. Write because you want to write, not because you want to preach. Talk to a few teenagers and read other YA books to get a deeper understanding of the youth culture and teen struggles that are current to this time period—please don’t just go by your own view of the reputation that teenagers have. It annoys me so much when I read a book that I can tell is written by an adult, simply because it’s the perspective of the high school life from someone who hasn't been a teenager in years. It’s one of the things that makes YACF cheesy. However, I'm not saying that it's cheesy for any adult to write from a teen's perspective - just don't assume that you already know everything about the teen life based on the reputation we have.
Plant the seeds, but allow God to do the growing. Although someone may not get saved just by reading your book, they probably will return to the genre and check out a few more books because of the fact that the story-lines are cool and they closed the book feeling inspired. The more one reads this genre, the more seeds that are planted. And the more seeds that are planted, the more God can work in them. Also, think of the new movie “Soul Surfer.” It reaches nonbelievers and believers. Why? Because it's an inspiring story with elements that people love. And even though a nonbeliever may not ask Jesus into their heart because of watching this movie, a seed was planted. The purpose of writing in this genre shouldn’t be only to get teens saved, but rather to plant a seed which can minister to them. It’s God’s job to do the rest.

The decisions teens make during these crucial years can affect us for years to come. It’s during this time of our life that decisions are made to set the course of our future. This is why I believe YA Christian fiction could be such a powerful ministry—if only authors knew which elements to include in their stories and how to use fiction to reach all of our youth culture in a subtle, yet profound way.

~~~

Why do you think this genre is small and not so popular?
If you’re teen, do you read YA Christian fiction?

Why or why not?
What other elements should YACF authors include
in their stories—or perhaps leave out?

Inspiration Monday

2011-04-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

"How? you ask. In Christ.

God put the wrong on him who never did anything wrong,

so we could be put right with God."

~2 Corinthians 5:21

"Don't just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily,

as Christ's servants doing what God wants you to do.

And work with a smile on your face,

always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders,

you're really serving God.

Good work will get you good pay from the Master,

regardless of whether you are slave or free."

~Ephesians 6:6-8

"But the hour is coming,

and now is when the true worshipers will worship the Father

in spirit and truth;

for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him

must worship in spirit and truth."

~John 4:23-24

Playlist:

Y "Why" ~Nicole Nordeman

Y "Two Hands" ~Jars Of Clay

Y "You Won't Relent" ~Jesus Culture

Quotes:

"Nails didn't hold God to a cross.

Love did."

~Max Lucado

"You are God's created beauty and the focus of His affection and delight."

~Janet L. Weaver Smith

"You may not control what happens to you,

but you can control how you respond."

~Nick Vujicic

Book Review: "Praying For Your Future Husband: Preparing Your Heart For His" by Robin Jones Gunn & Tricia Goyer

2011-04-22T05:54:00.000-07:00

Back Cover Blurb:

“From when we were small girls, most of us dream of ‘The One,’ our future husband. We think about what it would be like to be a bride. We wonder who that special guy is and when we'll find him. The great news is that what you do now can make a difference in your life and the life of your future husband!

Authors and good friends Robin Jones Gunn (Christy Miller series) and Tricia Goyer (author and former teen mom) believe God answers women's prayers for husbands—even husbands they may not meet for years. They invite young women to pray boldly for their future mate … while also asking God to prepare their own hearts.

In Praying for Your Future Husband, Robin and Tricia share their two vastly different experiences, including the things they did right and the mistakes they made on the path to meeting and marrying their husbands. Each chapter includes helpful Bible verses, prayers, and practical application, along with true stories of women who prayed for a husband and how God answered in remarkable ways.

God has a beautiful romance prepared for you. Prayer is the key to unlocking the love story … with your future husband and with God, the lover of your soul."

My Thoughts:

I’ve read many books on Christian dating and why you should wait for “The One”, but this one brings something new to the table: the benefits one reaps from praying for your future husband and waiting for him. Instead of describing specifically why you shouldn’t date around and how those kind of relationships are not healthy, Praying For Your Future Husband explains why it is so important to pray for your future husband and his relationship with Christ as well as yours, so that God can go ahead and begin preparing your hearts for each other.

Each chapter of this book is filled with true stories written by girls who have prayed and God answered, journal entries/poems written by others, inspirational quotes and scriptures, as well as a section for the reader to write down their thoughts on the chapter’s topic at the end of the book followed by ten discussion questions.

I absolutely loved the entire idea of Praying For Your Future Husband. It doesn’t just give specifics on what you should pray for your future husband, but it opens your eyes on to how waiting seasons are fragile and beneficial to your relationship (and eventually marriage) with your future husband and each of your relationships with God. Robin Jones Gunn and Tricia Goyer are very personable to the reader and have an obvious passion on this subject. Not only could this book help those waiting for “The One” and wanting to save themselves for someone special, but also to those who have made mistakes in the area of dating in the past.

What I Disliked:

Honestly, I can’t name one thing that I disliked about this book.

Final Comments:

Praying For Your Future Husband is a must-read book for all teens/young adults, whether you’re in a dating relationship or not.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

~~~

If you’re a teen, are you for the idea of dating or waiting for

“The One”? Why or why not?

If you’re married, did you pray for your future husband before you got married?

If so, how did your prayers make a difference?

Rejection Before Resurrection, Rain Before Blossom

2011-04-20T06:20:00.000-07:00

Jesus knew what was about to come. He was about to face the worst rejection and pain a man could face. He knew it would be unbearable, but he also knew that it had to be done. Sure, he could have called on his Father to come and stop everything from taking place. He could’ve called on angels to come and save him. But he knew that the only way to be raised from the dead was first to die. It was worth it to him. How horrible would it have been if Jesus just decided to give up to avoid and put an end to all of the rejection and persecution?

But he trusted God completely. He had faith that this wasn't the end, but rather a new beginning was yet to come—one night of rain would turn into years and years of blossom. He pressed on through the pain. Through the hurt. Through the rejection caused by his own children.

Why is it that we don’t have the same perspective that Jesus did when we go through trials of pain and rejection in our own lives? Our society has gotten so accustomed to giving up. We've allowed ourselves to become spoiled, wanting only what we want and when we want it. The word "patience" has vanished from our vocabulary. We tend to assume that if pain is involved then it must not be meant to be—if we aren’t there yet then that must mean we’ll never get there. That’s what Satan wants us to believe. But that’s not what God wants us to believe.

“When you go through persecution and rejection, it’s not always because somebody has it in for you. Sometimes, that’s God’s way of directing you to his perfect will. When we [focus on what didn’t work out], we inhibit the opening of new doors. When one door closes, if you keep the right attitude, God will open a new door… keep pressing forward… you may not understand it, but trust God and move on with your life. Don’t look at it as the end. Look at is as a new beginning… He has something better in store… Give birth to what God has placed on your heart… Let God do a new thing.”

~ Joel Osteen

It’s not just a coincidence that we celebrate Christ's resurrection during this season. Be determined to keep pressing forward toward your dream like He did, remembering that the beauty of spring cannot be reached until you have gone through the cold of winter.

~~~

Why do you think our culture tends to give up so easily?
Have you ever felt like giving up after being rejection during the process of reaching towards your dreams?

Why do you think that God allows for trials to happen

before we finally reach a season of blossom?

Inspiration Monday

2011-04-18T10:52:00.001-07:00

"What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him,

this Father of our Master Jesus!

Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life

and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—

and the future starts now!

God is keeping careful watch over us and the future.

The Day is coming when you'll have it all—life healed and whole."

~1 Peter 1:3

"Could it be any clearer?

Our old way of life was nailed to the cross with Christ,

a decisive end to that sin-miserable life—

no longer at sin's every beck and call!

What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ's sin-conquering death,

we also get included in his life-saving resurrection.

We know that when Jesus was raised from the dead it was a signal

of the end of death-as-the-end. Never again will death have the last word.

When Jesus died, he took sin down with him,

but alive he brings God down to us.

From now on, think of it this way:

Sin speaks a dead language that means nothing to you;

God speaks your mother tongue, and you hang on every word.

You are dead to sin and alive to God.

That's what Jesus did."

~Romans 6:6-11

"I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally,

experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering,

and go all the way with him to death itself.

If there was any way to get in on the resurrection from the dead,

I wanted to do it.

I'm not saying that I have this all together,

that I have it made. But I am well on my way,

reaching out for Christ,

who has so wondrously reached out for me."

~Philippians 3:10-12

Playlist:

♥ "Christ Is Risen" ~Matt Maher

♥ "All For Love" ~Hillsong United

♥ "People Get Ready... Jesus Is Coming" ~Avalon

Quotes:

"The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction

and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances."

~Robert Flatt

"Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone,

but in every leaf in spring-time."

~Martin Luther

"The great gift of Easter is hope -

Christian hope which makes us have that confidence in God,

in his ultimate triumph, and in his goodness and love,

which nothing can shake."

~Basil C. Hume

Focusing On Strengths Rather Than Weaknesses

2011-04-13T06:11:00.000-07:00

During my spring break last week, my friend and I went to go see “Soul Surfer” in theaters. This new movie is based on the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a teen surfer who lost her arm in a shark attack but eventually reached her dream of becoming a professional surfer. It was an incredible movie, to say the least.

One of the many things that I took away from this movie is that it’s so easy to sometimes focus on your weakness rather than your strength – what you don’t have in order to succeed rather than what you do have in order to succeed. Bethany could have simply given up her dream of becoming a professional surfer because of the fact that she lost an arm. But how horrible would it have been if she had allowed that one weakness hold her back from her dream?

I think all of us can learn something from this story. We should quit looking at the disadvantages we have - whether it’s age, height, lack of talent or knowledge. It’s your decision if you’re going to allow that weakness to keep you from reaching your dream.

“You may not realize it now, but your DNA is filled with strength, courage, ability, favor and determination. You are full of can-do power. It doesn’t matter what your current condition looks like… you may not think you have what it takes to succeed, but that doesn't change what God put within you… God has already crowned you a champion.”

~Joel Osteen

If you haven’t seen this movie, I encourage that you do. Bethany was able to reach her dream of becoming a pro surfer, despite the fact that she had only one arm. How? Because she focused on the one arm that she did have rather than the one she didn’t have. Because God was on her side – and she kept reminding herself that she could do all things through Christ who gives her strength. (Philippians 4:13)

"What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight - it's the size of the fight in the dog."

~President Dwight D. Eisenhower

~~~

Have you seen the movie “Soul Surfer” yet?

If so, what’s something else that you learned from it?

Why do you think it’s so easy to focus on our weakness rather than the strength we have in God?

Inspiration Monday

2011-04-11T08:46:00.001-07:00

"Following after the Holy Spirit leads to life and peace."

~Romans 8:6

"Because of Christ we give off a sweet scent rising to God,

which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—

an aroma redolent with life."

~2 Corinthians 2:14

"They were all trying to frighten us, thinking,

'Their hands will get too weak for the work,

and it will not be completed.' But I prayed,

'Now strengthen my hands.'"

~Nehemiah 6:9

Playlist:

Y "Runaway" ~Mat Kearney

Y "Being Small" ~Jimmy Needham

Y "Don't Waste Your Life" ~Lecrae

Quotes:

"Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve.

You don't have to have a college degree to serve.

You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve...

You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love."

~Martin Luther King Jr.

"It is difficult to say what is impossible,

for the dream of yesterday is the hope of today

and the reality of tomorrow."

~Robert H. Goddard

"Greatness lies not in being strong,

but in the right use of strength."

~Henry Ward Beecher

Book Review: "Unlocked" by Karen Kingsbury

2011-04-02T16:27:00.000-07:00

I post my book reviews a little differently. Instead of creating another summary of the novel in my words, I post the back cover blurb, what I liked about the book, what I disliked about the book, and final comments. Every book has it's pros and cons, and I will be reviewing from my point of view - based on my opinions, my taste, and the author's writing style.

The novel I'm going to review today is "Unlocked" by Karen Kingsbury in honor of "World Autism Awareness" day today.

Back Cover Blurb:

"Holden Harris is an eighteen-year-old locked in a prison of autism. Despite his quiet ways and quirky behaviors, Holden is very happy and socially normal---on the inside, in a private world all his own. In reality, he is bullied at school by kids who only see that he is very different. Ella Reynolds is part of the 'in' crowd. A cheerleader and star of the high school drama production, her life seems perfect. When she catches Holden listening to her rehearse for the school play, she is drawn to him ... the way he is drawn to the music. Then, Ella makes a dramatic discovery---she and Holden were best friends as children. Frustrated by the way Holden is bullied, and horrified at the indifference of her peers, Ella decides to take a stand against the most privileged and popular kids at school. Including her boyfriend, Jake. Ella believes miracles can happen in the unlikeliest places, and that just maybe an entire community might celebrate from the sidelines. But will Holden's praying mother and the efforts of Ella and a cast of theater kids be enough to unlock the prison that contains Holden? This time, friendship, faith, and the power of a song must be strong enough to open the doors to the miracle Holden needs.”

What I Liked:

Well-rounded, believable characters and dialogue. Honestly I couldn’t put this one down. “Unlocked” is very moving, inspiring, uplifting—especially to those who has a child struggling with autism. I love Kingsbury’s writing style and the metaphors that she used to describe Holden’s situation throughout the entire story. Holden’s point of view was very convincing as well—his thoughts, his actions—it was almost like being inside of an autistic teen’s brain. Although this novel is fiction, it reminds us that God can do miracles even when our circumstances seem absolutely hopeless.

What I Disliked:

The beginning was a bit depressing and slow, but eventually everything picked up and it honestly became a challenge for me to put down. The story was a bit predictable, but there were a few surprises along the way.

Final Comments:

Overall, “Unlocked” by Karen Kingsbury is a novel that I would recommend to any age. This is the first book that I’ve read by Karen Kingsbury but it will definitely not be the last.

~~~

Have any of you read "Unlocked"?

Do you think the author did a nice job at portraying the struggle that autism brings?

What did you think about the plot, the themes conveyed, the writing style, etc.?

PS: There will be no posts Monday through Friday due to my spring break. See you guys Monday, April 11th!

Tips For Teen Writers

2011-03-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

If you’re a teen who loves to write, there’s no point in waiting to begin crafting your talent. In fact, establishing early in your life what you are interested in pursuing is a huge benefit—as long as you know what to do and how to do it. Just be careful that you’re using this time of honing your writing skills the right way. So if you’re an aspiring author, here are a few tips I suggest to steer yourself in the right direction:

Read. Have you ever heard of a recording artist who doesn’t listen to any music except her own? The best way to learn to write is to read other’s work. Read more than just one author and read more than just one genre.
Write. Whether it’s short stories, poems, writing prompts, lyrics, journaling… even if you feel that your writing is horrible. Keep doing it.
Research. If writing is something you know you’re going to want to eventually make a career out of, you need to research how to write the right way. Buy writing how-to books. Learn the techniques of whatever it is you’re most interested in (fiction, nonfiction, short stories, etc.) Follow blogs that post writing tips. There are even some websites that are solely for the purpose of encouraging and teaching young writers, such as Go Teen Writers, Teenage Author, and Today’s Teen Writer.
Write a “practice” novel. Know that this most likely will not be the one you will end up getting published. No matter how good you think it is, after learning more about this craft, your writing and story-telling skills will improve. Eventually you’ll look back and laugh at your first book. You have to start somewhere. Establish the genre that you’re writing on and read books in that genre. Write your first book for fun, as a way to learn—not with the intention of getting it published.

Now ask yourself this question: Am I writing just as a hobby, so that when I do decide to pursue this career after school I’ll already be prepared? Or am I writing because I want to go ahead and get a head-start and pursue this early in life? Know that not everyone will go the same route in their writing career. Being published as a teen may sound appealing to you right now—but it may not to God. Pray. Move according to His timing, not yours. But most importantly, make sure that you’re not forcing a path in your life where God didn’t intend for there to be.

If you feel as if you’d at least like to try to get published early, don’t jump in without getting your feet wet first. This will take time, no matter how bad you want it now. Desperation in this industry, especially if you’re a “newbie”, isn’t good. If you really want to be a good writer, you must take time and know that this isn’t a “snap your fingers” kind of thing. You were not born with the know-how to write. You may have been born with the God-given talent of writing, but that doesn’t give you the freedom to skip the learning process of writing techniques, researching the industry, and studying the craft. Never be so desperate that you do this, confident that you’re writing is “good enough”.

When you are ready to begin taking your writing seriously—meaning you’ve already been through the long process of research, you’ve written a couple of practice books, and of course prayed about this—here’s what I recommend:

Start a blog. But before making one, research how to do this. You can’t just jump in, thinking that you’ll magically gain an audience. Know what your posts are going to be about, establish your posting schedule, and the overall purpose and target audience of your blog.
Attend a writer’s conference. This is the best way to get your feet wet, make connections in the industry, get your manuscript critiqued and present your story idea to agents and editors. However, just as everything else, you must research before going to one. Know which conference you should attend, everything that you should bring, and who will be teaching which classes. I wrote a post last year about things I learned from attending my first conference if you'd like to take a look.
Make a list of agents to query. You must first know how to write a query letter, a proposal, what the agency is looking for, etc, etc, etc… Remember: rejection is only redirection. Don't be disappointed when you receive one. Instead, be thankful you know that it’s not who God wanted you to go with. And most likely, you will receive a rejection. Don't mention your age. Make sure to come across as professional, not prideful or as an amateur.
Don’t listen to advice from adult writers/authors who suggest that you wait to pursue writing later in your life. I realize that they mean well, but everyone's situation is different. Most of the time, when people tell you this, it’s because it took them forever to finally get published and they don’t think teens have reached their full potential yet. I think teens have advantages—and disadvantages, of course—but if this is your passion, then you should never allow for the disadvantages to outweigh the advantages.
Lastly, spend your waiting time wisely. Pray. Read. Write. Research. Make sure that God is directing you and not the other way around. The best thing to do during a waiting season is to grow—in God and in your passions, trusting that He has placed the desire in your heart for a purpose. And when you do receive an offer, don’t get so excited that you immediately accept it without carefully reading and understanding the details. I held onto my contract for months before making the final decision to sign it. I needed time to educate myself about contracts and the publishing industry before I made a commitment. Now I'm more prepared so that next time I won't need to wait.

Also, don't think that you have to go with the first offer. I've always heard that good writer's will get discovered. Pray about it. Research the agency/company to make sure that they and their contract is legit. During your waiting season, continue honing your writing skills, improving your manuscript, and researching the craft. Remember, it’s not a race.

~~~

Are you a teenager who is seeking publication,
and if so, what stage are you in right now?
What would you recommend to a teenager who loves to write and
may be considering it as an early career?
Do you think it’s best for a teen to spend their youth
focusing on writing only as a hobby for now,
or going ahead and getting an early start,
if that’s where they feel that God is calling them?

Inspiration Monday

2011-03-28T07:46:00.001-07:00

"You are a chosen people...

a people belonging to God,

that you may declare the praises

of him who called you out of darkness

into his wonderful light."

~1 Peter 2:9

"Teach us to number our days

and recognize how few they are.

Help us to spend them as we should."

~Psalm 90:12

"O Lord, You have examined my heart

and know everything about me.

You know when I sit down or stand up.

You know my thoughts even when I'm far away.

You see me when I travel

and when I rest at home.

You know everything I do.

You know what I am going to say...

You go before me and follow me.

You place Your hand of blessing on my head."

~Psalm 139:1-5

Playlist:

Y "Blink" ~Revive

Y "Dear Heart" ~Sanctus Real

Y "Marvelous Light" ~Charlie Hall

Quotes:

"God views your life the way you view a movie

after you've read the book. When something bad happens,

you feel the air sucked out of the theater.

Everyone else gasps at the crisis on the screen.

Not you. Why? You've read the book.

You know how the good guy gets out of the tight spot.

God views your life with the same confidence.

He's not only read your story...

he wrote it. His perspective is different,

and his purpose is clear."

~Max Lucado

"I like to describe worry or anxiety

as spending today trying to figure out tomorrow.

Let's learn to use the time God has given to us

for what He intended."

~Joyce Meyer

"Failure is one of life's most powerful teachers.

How we handle our failures determines whether we're going to

simply 'get by' in life or 'press on'."

~Beth Moore

The Key To Your Heart

2011-03-25T10:48:00.000-07:00

A heart is more than just an organ that keeps us alive - it's the center of who we are and what we are. The dictionary refers to it as "the vital source of one's being, emotions, and sensibilities." The heart is fragile, and should always be treated that way.

Unfortunately, many people act as if our hearts are worth nothing. You may blame the guy who broke up with you for breaking your heart, when really you're the one that should be blamed for giving it to him in the first place. And hearts, especially if you're a teen, should never be thrown around like that.

As young Christian girls, we're constantly searching for "the one". But while doing so, we're giving bits and pieces of our hearts away. When we finally do meet the Prince Charming of our dreams, we'll only have a few pieces left to offer. And it'll be no one's fault except ours.

Our youth culture has brainwashed us into thinking we’re a loser if we aren't in a relationship. And teens especially do not like being left out of anything, so we’re going to always be searching until we find someone who will allow us to change our relationship status on Facebook from “single” to “in a relationship”. Someone we can go places with, say “I love you” to, cuddle up and share our secrets with, and someone we constantly think about and give our hearts to.

We're worth way more than this! Our hearts are worth way more than to be bounced from one guy to the next.

1 Corinthians 7:17 says:

“And don’t be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God’s place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. God, not your marital status, defines your life.”

Our purpose as a teenager should be to focus on our relationship with God rather than a relationship with a guy/girl. By playing the high school dating game, you’re telling God that you don’t feel like waiting for Him to send you “the one”, that you would rather just date in your timing and trust your own instincts instead of His.

“During my entire romance with Eric, I was so aware of the fact that it was God who was leading each step, guiding each conversation, painting each sunset, and standing over us with a smile. The cheap, imitation romance I’d known before simply could not be compared to this new kind of love I had discovered… I had discovered a kind of divine love that can’t even be found in fairy tales, simply by giving God the pen of my life’s story and allowing him to write each chapter.”

~Leslie Ludy

Doesn’t that kind of relationship sound much better than dating someone you know will most likely be with another person in a year—or even a few months or weeks from now? Your heart is saved through grace. So keep the lock on it. Your future spouse is the only one who has the key. And the key is a cross. They key is Christ.

Interview With Teen Sisters, Author Jennifer Freitag & Abigail Hartman

2011-03-23T06:34:00.000-07:00

First of all, can you each give something about yourselves? What's something interesting you'd like to share about each other?

Jenny: Obviously, we’re both Christians. I assume that is evident from both our blogs and our writing. Our faith doesn’t just massively impact our writing, it is the essential undercurrent of it. Also, we both have a great love of history, something that our father, an avid reader, and our mother, who taught us at home, instilled in us from an early age. More particularly, ever since my mother read The Eagle of the Ninth to us, I have been greatly intrigued by Roman culture, especially as it has been brought back to life in Rosemary Sutcliff’s works, and my interest has expanded from there.

Abigail: History plays a significant role in my novels, either by setting up the background of a world (in a fantasy), or by playing a major role in the whole plot (in a historical fiction). I also love classic literature—a passion which began about the time I first read Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice—and it has influenced my writing by setting up magnificent writers to learn from.

What's it like being a teenage author, which is very unlikely, but also having a teen sister doing the same thing?

Jenny: Frankly, it feels kind of surreal. I have to stop and tell myself “You are a published author,” and even then, I feel as if I am talking about someone else, not myself. Having Abigail published along with me is a comfort because it’s a whole new, strange world, and it makes it easier to learn by trial and error with someone else in the comedy of errors with me.

Abigail: My experience is much the same as Jenny’s. We’ve both been writing for so long that being published was just the next step of that—something that we are very thankful for, but that hasn’t really changed much for us. It has been a blessing that both of us were published at the same time, not just in that we’re both venturing out together, but because neither one of us was first in this. There’s no room for any rivalry.

How did the road to publication come about for each of you, and how long did the process take?

Abigail: Jenny and I both began to seek out publishers in earnest between 2009 and 2010. I had finished my novel The Soldier’s Cross after National Novel Writing Month (November of 2009), and Jenny was touching up The Shadow Things to get it sent out. We spent a lot of time culling through the Writer’s Market Guide and looking up countless publishing houses, writing and sending out query letters, etc. In the early summer of 2010, Ambassador Emerald accepted my submission, and hard on the heels of it, took and accepted Jenny’s as well. At the time they didn’t know that she and I are sisters, nor were they aware of our young age. It was as much a pleasant surprise for them as it was for us when they found out.

That's crazy! I'm sure your parents are very proud of each of your successes. What was their reaction when they found out that both of you had been offered to be published at such a young age?

Jenny: Both Mom and Dad have always supported our writing and had been encouraging us throughout the process of submitting our manuscripts, so they were prepared; but they were also very glad and proud. Their help and support has really been a blessing all our lives, in all areas.

What sort of challenges have you faced from dealing with your career as an author and being a student as well?

Abigail: Being homeschooled has been a very helpful in affording time for me to write during the day, and my mother is very flexible; I am able to arrange my schedule and do both schoolwork and writing with relative ease, although during some parts of the semester I have to focus more on reports and exams. Also, now that I am published, my writing counts toward Grammar as a school subject.

Jenny: I completely ignored my schoolwork and drove Mom crazy. Honestly, as soon as I was reasonably done with a subject, I would scamper back to my computer and bang out some more on a story. Or, even worse, I would procrastinate like nobody’s business on my schoolwork in favor of writing on a story. I did, however, manage to graduate with decent grades, and now that I am married I do a manageable job juggling writing and tending the home.

I'd like to know how this dream came about in the first place. Did each of you plan to write a novel at the same time and try publishing them through the same publishing company, or did it just sort of "happen" that way?

Abigail: Jenny began writing years before I did, and my longing to write came as much from reading her stories and watching her as it did from my love of books and story-making. She actually wrote The Shadow Things some time before I wrote The Soldier’s Cross, but, Providentially, was only ready to send it out at the same time I had completed my novel. Because they are both historical fiction and Christian, we submitted to a lot of the same publishing houses, but that was more because of genre than our trying to be published at the same time. So, I suppose you could say that it just “happened”.

What's it like having a sister going along the same writing journey as you are? Do y'all set aside a certain time to write together, bounce ideas off each other, and exchange manuscripts once in a while to give each other some advice and suggestions?

Jenny: We will occasionally show each other bits of our writing in our little “Inklings” group, and we will commiserate on the difficulty of writing, but largely we write alone without reference to the other’s work. Both of us usually have a good idea of what is going on in the other’s novel at any specific time, though.

Abigail: Having someone else in the family who is a writer is a great blessing; it’s like having your own personal writer’s group, without having to venture outside of the family. But though we do have a good time talking (or complaining!) about edits, plot ideas, characters, and all the rest, we don’t set aside a certain time to do so. Writing simply factors in as part of our lives.

What inspired you each to write a Christian historical novel?

Abigail: The Soldier’s Cross is one of those stories whose inspiration is very difficult for me to pinpoint and analyze. The plot itself is particularly difficult for me to say, “Thus-and-such inspired me here,” and “So-and-so gave me this idea.” The theme, however, is easier. It grew first out of a desire to show that Christianity didn’t just begin at the Reformation (as many Protestants seem to think), but that there were true believers before; and secondly, it came from the disturbing similarities between the ignorance of the Middle Ages and the attitude of the Church today. Then there was a prevalent belief that it was the Church that saved a person, and that if you were part of Christendom, your soul was safe. And today there is a mindset that believes the same thing: If I live a “good” life, my eternal destiny is safe. This is not true Christianity, and so came the theme of The Soldier’s Cross.

Jenny: As Abigail said, it’s very hard, at the end of the road, to remember what one’s first steps on it were like. I don’t remember what first drove me to write The Shadow Things, other than a simple love of writing Roman Britain, and a desire to show what life could have been like for a young Christian living all alone in the face of a pagan society. The Shadow Things gave me a chance to write an emotionally charged story with a familiar setting, and, hopefully, I will have been able to make a setting that is familiar to me seem familiar to the reader, while at the same time expounding situations which, until Christ returns, will remain familiar to us throughout time.

Would you mind both sharing a little bit of what each of your novels are about?

Jenny’s The Shadow Things:

The Legions have left the province of Britain and the Western Roman Empire has dissolved into chaos. With the world plunged into darkness, paganism and superstition are as rampant as ever. In the Down country of southern Britain, young Indi has grown up knowing nothing more than his gods of horses and thunder; so when a man from across the sea comes preaching a single God slain on a cross, Indi must choose between his gods or the one God—and face the consequences of his decision.

Abigail’s The Soldier’s Cross:

1415 A.D. Fiona’s world is a carefully built castle in the air, made up of the fancies, wishes, and memories of her childhood. It begins to crumble as she watches her brother march away to join in the English invasion of France. It falls to pieces when he is brought home dead.

Robbed of the one dearest to her and alone in the world, Fiona turns to her brother’s silver cross in search of the peace he said it would bring. But when she finds it missing, she swears she will have it and sets out on a journey across the Channel and war-ravaged France to regain it and find the peace it carries.

What projects are you working on at the moment?

Abigail: I recently “finished” (it’s not really finished until it’s published) my fantasy novel Wordcrafter, the tale of a man as he comes to grips with the fact that all things come with a price, and that the price of true friendship is your life. It is in the querying stage. I am currently writing my next historical fiction, The White Sail’s Shaking, which is set in the early 1800s and deals with the young American Navy during the First Barbary War. There is more information about both novels on my blog.

Jenny: At the moment I’m working on editing the first draft of a fantasy centered around the story of Beowulf. Hundreds of years after the epic end of the hero's life, a young Victorian lady, Adamant Firethorne, is given a vision of the old warrior and an enormous diamond, a diamond encasing the key to every world ever made. Charged with finding the diamond and the heir of Beowulf, Wiglaf, Adamant finds herself flung into the world of Faerie, fighting against time and her enemies to find Wiglaf and put the worlds to right at last. With each step her faith is tried and refined, at each turn the love of her God revealed more reckless and wild than her snug Victorian life had ever allowed for. And her faith is rewarded beyond all that she could have thought to ask for.

Thanks for interviewing with us, girls! Just one last question. What advice would you like to give aspiring teenage authors?

Jenny: Read dead people. Time will tell if a book is any good, and chances are, if a book has survived the death of its author, it may be worth your while to read. So read dead people.

Read prolifically. Authors are some of your best mentors, and the more you read, the more you will learn about styles, about places and people you could never otherwise have met, and the more your understanding of good literature will expand. If you don’t read, your work isn’t worth reading itself.

Abigail: Along with what Jenny said, anyone who truly wants to write and to write skillfully must have perseverance. It can be a very discouraging path to follow, especially when you look at the literary greats and compare them to your own writing, and it can be a lot of work; but it is also rewarding if you keep at it. Your writing will only improve with practice, not with giving up. (And if you want proof, go and read Jane Austen’s Juvenilia and compare it to Pride and Prejudice. Progress doesn’t get much more obvious than that.)

~~~

Connect with Jenny by following her blog. You may order her novel, The Shadow Things, by clicking here.

Connect with Abigail by following her blog and becoming a fan on Facebook. You may order her novel, The Soldier's Cross, by clicking here.

Inspiration Monday

2011-03-21T07:15:00.000-07:00

"The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"
~2 Corinthians 5:17

"I will make them and the area around My hill a blessing:

I will send down showers in their season -

showers of blessing."

~Ezekiel 34:26

"Let us not become weary in doing good,

for at the proper time we will reap a harvest

if we do not give up."

~Galatians 6:9

Playlist:

Y "Everyone To Know" ~Bethany Dillon

Y "Turn, Turn, Turn" ~Adie Camp

Y "7 x 70" ~Chris August

Quotes:

"Live for today but hold your hands open to tomorrow.

Anticipate the future and its changes with joy.

There is a seed of God's love in every event,

every circumstance,

every unpleasant situation in which you may find yourself."

~Barbara Johnson

"We do not understand the intricate pattern of the stars in their courses,

but we know that He who created them does,

and that just as surely as He guides them,

He is charting a safe course for us."

~Billy Graham

"Your life is not a boring stretch of highway.

It's a straight line to heaven.

And just look at the fields ripening along the way.

Look at the tenacity and endurance.

Look at the grains of righteousness.

You'll have quite a crop of harvest...

so don't give up!"

~Joni Eareckson Tada

The Similarities Between Writing & Acting

2011-03-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Since I was a little girl, writing and acting have been my two very favorite passions. It hasn’t been until I carefully studied each craft that I have I realized the similarities between the two.

Writing involves acting. Writing is acting. And when you write, if there is no passion involved, the story won’t come across as believable. The same goes with acting. You have to pour your heart and soul into both of these crafts. Even though it’s just “pretend”, it’s self-expression. You’re pulling emotions from past experiences into the pages or into your performance.

Many of the same techniques you use for writing can also be used for acting, and vice versa – such as listening to music to get “in the mood”, writing character journals to get to know a character more, studying a certain time period, location or occupation, etc.

Both acting and writing—whether you’re working on a book or a film—involve a lot of time and a whole lot of work. Many nights of staying up late just to get a scene complete along with drinking many cups of coffee to keep yourself awake, rewriting/re-filming a scene until it’s perfect, making sure everything—everything, is just exactly the way you want it to be. And making sure that the characters are seem real. And making sure that the dialogue flows and everything is working together just right to convey a certain message or emotion.

Both are also an escape from reality, an escape from yourself for the moment. I love the feeling of being in front of the camera, and I also love the feeling of being alone, typing away on my keyboard as music plays through my iPod and a cup of hot coffee is waiting set down next to me. Staying up late, traveling, meeting amazing people in both industries.

I love putting myself into different characters’ shoes. I love the fact that stories can heal, encourage, and minister. I love characters. I love dialogue. I love thing situations that people can relate to and feel as if they’re not alone. For the writer. The actor. And for the reader/viewer audience.

~~~

Do you love both acting and writing as well?

What are some other similarities between the two?

Why A Teen Should Read More Than Just Text Messages, Twitter Updates & Facebook Statuses

2011-03-16T08:12:00.000-07:00

Reading isn’t a very popular “hobby” in our youth culture. In fact, it's considered “uncool” among most teens. Reading doesn't have a very good reputation anymore, unless it involves texting, Facebooking, or some other social media. Why would you want to read, anyway? Here are four common excuses a teen may use for not having the desire to read:

I’m not much of a reader. I’d rather watch the movie instead. Reading doesn’t have to be so much of a task. It really isn’t. Perhaps you should start by watching the movie, then buying the book and comparing the two.
I just don’t have the patience to read. If you’re one of those ADD people who can’t sit in the same spot for longer than five minutes – unless you’re on the computer or watching TV, of course – then maybe you’d like to buy a book on tape and listen to you as you’re working out or cleaning your room.
I just don’t have time between school, sports, chores, my job, etc. This excuse is understandable. However, it’s also ridiculous. You do have time to read. You just have to find it. Carry a book in your purse with you throughout the day. Read chapters (or just a few sentences) here and there, whenever you have any free time on the way home from school or right before you going to bed at night. Maybe replace your evening Facebook time with reading. Or just read on the weekends when your time is more flexible.
I don’t like reading because the books school assigns us to read are so boring. This is an excuse that I can agree with. I used to also be sort of a non-reader in middle school, only because the books that we were forced to read didn't exactly grab my attention because of the flowery writing styles and pace of the story. Therefore, I never had the patience to read, much less actually know what was going on. Realize, though, that these kind of books are from different eras. Those kind of books aren't the only books in the bookstores. Writing styles have changed. Not to mention, young adult fiction is not half as dreadful. YA fiction is just like watching a chick flick in most cases - except it's in print. On paper. In your hands rather than on the television screen. And instead of killing brain cells it actually increases them.

Now that you don’t have anymore excuses not to read, back to the question. Why should a teen read more than text messages, Twitter updates, and Facebook statuses?

Reading provides a sense of escape from the real world and is an invitation into a fiction world. Of course, this may not always be healthy – but we all need a little escape at times.
You can learn a lot of knowledge and wisdom from reading Christian fiction.
By reading, you may learn how to deal with a certain situation in your life when those issues are presented in the novels. This is mostly why I love Christian fiction, because you learn how to handle situations in a Christian view.
Reading gives you the ability to pause and think. You can pause a movie, of course. But who pauses a movie just to reflect on what just happened?
Reading helps you to see from all different point of views. Books have various perspectives – the underdog. The popular cheerleader. The emo kid. Instead of seeing people and judging them based on the surface, books give you the ability to dig deeper into their lives and give you a sense of understanding and sympathy towards them rather than judgment. I love having a window into characters lives - characters with all different personalities who have gone through situations I've never been through.
Unlike watching a movie, reading allows you to get inside a character's head. Hear their thoughts and feel what they feel. People become more connected to the characters on pages than they do to characters on screens.
Reading helps improve writing, whether or not you're considering pursuing writing as a career. Many schools don't teach writing as much as they should, and it's something that we'll continue having to do throughout our lives. Writing texts to your friends doesn't help improve your writing – if anything it worsens your writing. Read more, so that you can learn the correct way to write.
You’ll feel better about reading a book instead of watching a movie. At least I do. Watching a movie is effortless. All you have to do is sit down on the couch, pop in a DVD and bring out the popcorn – only to fall asleep by the end of it. When you're reading, you're not only enjoying a story, but you're also helping your reading comprehension skills which will help you in your school work and on tests.
Stories you read stay with you for a long time. You have more time to fall in love with the characters and the setting. You get to stay longer instead of having to be rushed through the story and eventually forget what the whole thing was about.
You can bring a book and read anywhere. You can’t exactly do that with a movie, unless you’re planning on carrying around a television with you as well.
And the most obvious - reading helps to stretch the imagination, which is always a good thing.

Yes, reading can be even more enjoyable than watching a movie: cuddling up with a book in hand and hot coffee to sip. In silence. Only you and your imagination, and the words on the page.

The next time you’re tempted to buy a chick flick, I dare you to go to a bookstore instead. Read a novel rather than watch a movie. Find the type of genre that seems more appealing to you, which will probably be YA fiction if you're a teen. You’ll become so lost in the book that you’ll forget that you’re actually reading instead of watching a movie. You won’t even realize that you’re sitting in your quiet bedroom.

That’s the magic of reading. It can take you to some other place, all because of words. Not film. Not actors. But words.

~~~

Are you a teen reader, or a teen non-reader? Why or why not?

What are some other advantages someone could gain from reading a book rather than watching a movie?

Do you think YA fiction is becoming less and less popular since it seems there aren't many teenagers who read anymore?

Inspiration Monday

2011-03-14T08:06:00.002-07:00

"Let us hold firmly to the hope that we have confessed,
because we can trust God to do what he promised."
~Hebrews 10:23

"My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth."
~PSalm 121:2

"Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn,
but the world will rejoice; you will have pain,
but your pain will turn into joy."
~John 16:20

Playlist:

Y "Cry On My Shoulder" ~Overflow

Y "For Those Who Wait" ~Fireflight

Y "Be Still" ~Kari Jobe

Quotes:

"God knows everything about us. And He cares about everything.

Moreover, He can manage every situation.

And He loves us!

Surely this is enough to open the wellsprings of joy...

And joy is always a source of strength."

~Hannah Whitall Smith

"Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope

that if you just show up and try to do the right thing,

the dawn will come.

You wait and watch and work:

You don't give up."

~Anne Lamott

"I want to encourage you in these days with your family

to lighten up and enjoy.

Laugh a little bit;

it might just set you free."

~Dennis Swanberg

The "Me, Just Different" by Stephanie Morrill Giveaway Winner!

2011-03-11T08:47:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all who participated in this giveaway!

The winner of the “Me, Just Different” by Stephanie Morrill giveaway is…

Nicole!

Congratulations! Make sure to respond to my email so that I can get your mailing address. If you do not respond within three days then I will have to choose another winner.

Also, there’s only three more months left until DevoFest youth conference! Hurry and sign up before space is filled. Visit www.devofest.com for more info.