Looking Back...and Feeling in Awe Once Again

I'm one of those people who has tons of journals, many of them partly used. I love having them around for writing down ideas, feelings, plans, lists. :)

While cleaning house and putting away Christmas decorations this past weekend, I delved into a box with several journals and other memorabilia. And, of course, I got sucked into a period of reminiscing.

I think we need those moments of looking back.

"Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders and the judgments of his mouth." - Psalm 105:5 (emphasis added)

I was deeply touched to come across an entry from a time when I was feeling really uncertain and worried about my future. I'll leave out a bit with some more personal details, but I wanted to share most of it with you...

* * *

January 15, 2013

Tonight is one of those nights... I'm feeling so uncertain about my future, and so afraid of my own fears and of never moving forward in love and life.

[...]

I don't know what's wrong with me. I think perhaps I'm being too prideful - I want to have a legacy, to see and know that what I'm dong has an impact on others, is meaningful, successful. I suppose that I want to be successful... And yet I'm lazy, and I'm scared of change. 

Do I really think God's hand is not strong enough or long enough to guide me, to help me? Heaven help me if I do. I know He can work His will for my life no matter where I live. I know He can give me the strength to take the steps I need to take. I just wish I knew what those steps were!

Am I like that second girl on Joe vs. the Volcano? She was afraid of declining her father's money and leaving to go live on her own. Joe told her, "See! You know what you're scared of doing. If you have a choice between ending your life and doing the thing you're scared of doing, why not take the leap and do the thing you're scared of doing?"

What am I scared of doing? I'm scared of applying for jobs. I'm scared of getting a job and having to work and maybe hating it. I'm scared of getting my license. What if I can't pass the test? I'm scared of the freedom - and the added responsibilities. I'm scared of taking the step between the sheltered life I have here at home and the life I can have out there. What if I'm rejected? What if I have to work in a negative atmosphere? What if I fail? What if I hate my job? I'm scared of having to make choices. I'm so impulsive, and my choices haven't always been the wisest. What if I make horrible choices?

What if I've been making excuses? What if I'm hiding from life? God help me, please, because I just don't know how to take another step. I don't know if I can make the right choices, and I'm scared of having to live with the consequences of wrong choices. Please, God, please guide me. My heart is quaking within me. 

"We'll jump, and we'll see." Make my crooked paths straight, please, God. Don't let me live in fear of the life you have given me.

"Thank you for my life. I forgot...how big... Thank you."*

* * *

I looked back at that time, almost exactly three years ago, and was moved by how God has worked in my life since then.

It would still be another year and a half after I wrote this journal entry before I'd be offered my current job.

A year and a half in which my editing business finally found traction and brought in some amazing clients who gave me wonderful work experience.

A year and a half in which I became an indie author.

A year and a half in which I got the driver's license that so terrified me.

And now, three years later, I'm living away from home. In my own little apartment, having survived job applications and moving and acclimating to a new job and life in a new town. While there have certainly been some rough patches and many, many learning experiences, God has brought me to a wonderful place.

Amazingly enough, I've even come to enjoy driving. My parking skills have greatly improved. :)

It's easy for me to caught up in the new journal entries. The ones where I stress about work and what I feel I'm lacking and the next step. Always the next step...

But the God who brought me this far, who faithfully helped me take those scary steps in His time, hasn't changed.

How could I doubt that He's just as much at work in this season as He was in the past?

Wherever you are in your own journey, I hope that you'll be able to look back at those previous journal/life entries soon and remember God walking beside you. You've come a long way, dear friend.

*These quotes are from the movie Joe Versus the Volcano with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan (although likely not word for word). Yes, I do love to quote movies!

Persuasion and Prayers Read-Along: Day 10

Welcome to Day 10 of the Persuasion and Prayers Read-Along! You can follow along on this three-week discussion of Persuasion and The Prayers of Jane Austen by checking out the read-along tag or by clicking the button in the sidebar.

Today we're discussing the second part of Jane Austen's prayers from The Prayers of Jane Austen (the lovely book that inspired this whole read-along!). But first, here are a few links you should definitely check out...

• In addition to the read-along giveaways (you still have today to enter this week's giveaway - see the form at the bottom of the post!), there's another giveaway of the book happening on Harvest House's Facebook page. More chances to win this lovely book for your nightstand or for a friend? Why, yes! 

• Kara of Flowers of Quiet Happiness has been participating in the read-along with posts on her blog - lovely, thoughtful, and really fun posts! Check them out: Days 1 & 2, Days 3 & 4, Day 5, Day 6, Pictures!, and Day 7

• Did you know this read-along conversation can also be found on other social media sites? Check out the hashtag #InspiredByAusten on Twitter to chat with us, and/or visit the Inspired By Austen Pinterest board to take a visual journey through the read-along and all things Austen. (Leave a comment if you'd like to be added to the board!)

(Have you been participating in the read-along via your blog? Or have you written a review of Persuasion or The Prayers of Jane Austen that you'd like to share? Leave a link in the comments, and I can include it in one of next week's posts!)

~ ~ ~

You're Invited to a Twitter Watch-Along!

Kara (@flowersquiet) and I have had an absolute blast in recent months with events we like to call "watch-alongs." :) Basically, we meet up on Twitter and begin watching a movie at the same time, proceeding to tweet our observations and favorite quotes and all the goodness of the characters and story. Fun, am I right?? It's the next best thing to actually getting all your blogging friends together in front of the TV in your living room!

Well, we'd like to invite you to join us for a special viewing of Persuasion (1995 version) next week! Here are the details:

Who: You, me, and whoever wants to join in!
What: A watch-along of Persuasion (1995), with commentary to be live-tweeted during the viewing
When: Tuesday, July 21st at 5:30 p.m. PST / 8:30 p.m. EST
Where: Twitter (#InspiredByAusten; I tweet with the handle @SeasonsHumility)
Why: Because you know you want to watch the movie now! ;)

*Note: I hope this time works all right for everyone! Because I work until 5:00, I can't really start much sooner, and I know we wouldn't want to start any later, or we'd be keeping the East-Coasters up all night! But if the details change, I'll be sure to let you all know.

~ ~ ~

The Prayers of Jane Austen: Part II

Discussion Format: One quote to ponder, one observation, and one question for each day's reading.

Quote to Ponder

"We bless Thee for every comfort of our past and present existence...imploring their continuance from They Fatherly goodness, with a more grateful sense of them, than they have hitherto excited."
- Jane Austen

Observation

I think this line sums up this poignant prayer well: "We are helpless and dependent; graciously preserve us."

Austen's humility rings clear in her desire for mercy and the strength to do better...in her gratitude and her longing to be even more grateful in the future...in her requests for the preservation of herself and her loved ones. The attitude of this prayer is admirable, and I could certainly learn from its example of honesty and reverence!

I believe I tend to take way too much for granted and don't appreciate my blessings as I ought. Austen's reminder to have a heart that's growing in its sense of gratitude is much-needed.

And not only does this prayer serve as a reminder to speak words of gratitude and praise to God, but it also reminds me that I should live in a way that expresses my gratitude. Does my life reflect the excitement of a thankful heart? Do I show my gratitude to God in the way I spend my time and through the choices I make?

Those last questions strike a nerve for me. The way I spend my free time and prioritize my activities and exercise generosity - those are all areas where I especially need God's mercy and strength to do better, to develop "a more grateful sense of [my blessings], than they have hithero excited."

Question

Did this prayer speak to you and your current situation in life? If so, how?

Giveaway!

Today's the last day to log your entries for this week's giveaway! Fill out the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win a hardcover copy of The Prayers of Jane Austen. (You'll have one more chance to win this book next week!)

(Giveaway open to US residents only. Prize donated by the book's editor, Terry Glaspey. Thanks, Terry!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We'll resume our Persuasion read-along on Monday (discussing chapters 17 and 18)!

Persuasion and Prayers Read-Along: Day 5

Welcome to Day 5 of the Persuasion and Prayers Read-Along! You can follow along on this three-week discussion of Persuasion and The Prayers of Jane Austen by checking out the read-along tag or by clicking the button in the sidebar.

Today is a special day, as we'll be discussing the first of Jane Austen's prayers from The Prayers of Jane Austen (the lovely book that inspired this whole read-along!). But first, I have a few links I'd like to share...

Reviews of The Prayers of Jane Austen:

• "I truly can't find words to describe how deeply this book blessed me! If you have read any of Jane Austen's other books you will recognize her delightful writing style and voice. These are prayers that I will read and pray over and over again!" - Caitlyn @ Just Your Average Reviews (Click HERE to read the full review.)

• "[The prayers] are beautifully written and show more of Jane's insights into human nature. They are filled with humbleness before God.... If you love all that Jane Austen has written, then this is definitely an addition that you will want to get for your collection." - Julie @ My Favorite Pastime (Click HERE to read the full review.)

Many thanks to Caitlyn and Julie for their reviews! If you've reviewed the book (or will be reviewing it in the next couple of weeks), leave a comment and let me know. :) I can link to it in next week's prayer post.

Blog post by the book's editor:

• The Forgotten Side of Jane Austen: A Woman of Genuine Faith

~ ~ ~

Introducing The Prayers of Jane Austen...

As an introduction to this discussion, I'd like to talk about the book for the moment. You might have heard of Jane Austen's prayers before - or possibly even read them elsewhere. But for a sweet little prayer book to have on your nightstand or to give to a friend, this hardcover suits the purpose perfectly. :) It includes images from the British Library's collections, as well as an introduction and essay from Terry Glaspey that discuss the nature of Austen's faith. 

I freely admit I work for the publisher that released this volume, so yes, I can hardly claim to be unbiased! But people who work for publishers can get excited about books, too, right? :) And I take particular delight in the style and care in which this book is presented. On a purely tangible level, it's a precious book to hold in your hands.

But on a deeper level, beyond pretty covers and illustrations, the prayers themselves are even more precious. I've only scratched the surface of Austen's work by reading Northanger Abbey and now getting into Persuasion (and watching various Austen movie adaptations - that should count for something, right?), but I can see that the keen insights and observations on human nature which have made her famous are also the key to what makes these prayers so moving. 

Terry mentions this in the book and in the blog post linked above, but it's worth repeating: Austen was heart-wrenchingly honest in her portrayals of humanity's flaws and desperate need for God's grace. I see her honesty in Persuasion: the way she describes Anne's fears and heartaches, Captain Wentworth's bitterness and frustration, and their true-to-life awkward meetings. And I see Austen's honesty in these prayers. 

Let's discuss the first one, shall we?

~ ~ ~

The Prayers of Jane Austen: Part I

Discussion Format: One quote to ponder, one observation, and one question for each day's reading.

Quote to Ponder

"May we now, and on each return of night, consider how the past day has been spent by us, what have been our prevailing thoughts, words, and actions during it..." - Jane Austen

Observation

This prayer covers so much, moving inward to outward: touching on our relationship with God, our need for mercy and honesty with ourselves, what we have to be grateful for; then moving on to praying for others and seeking awareness and appreciation of God's work. The parts that especially resonate with me right now are the ones regarding sin and repentance. Austen pushes the theme of sincerity: sincerity in how we view ourselves, in how we feel the weight of our sin, and in how we go about the task of doing better.

Austen appeals for mercy, refers to salvation, and writes with tenderness in addressing God - so I don't think she's overlooking God's grace and the freedom He gives. I think perhaps her words offer a much-needed reminder of just how costly sin is. It can affect the way I spend my time, possibly hurt others, and pull me further away from God.

And the thing is, sin isn't as clear-cut as a laundry list of bad behaviors. As Austen alludes to, sin is also wrong thoughts and habits and attitudes. Something that's harmless to someone else can become a harmful obsession for me that absorbs my spare time and finances and heart. It's all in where my heart is at, and I've been feeling convicted of having my heart in a selfish and greedy place. Austen's prayer reminds me that sincerity with God and myself, each and every day, is crucial in realigning my heart.

Side Note: This "observation" is already long (sorry!), but I have to add that reading the Made to Crave Devotional by Lysa TerKeurst has also been a big help to me in this area. It's reminding me to check my heart motives and to recognize what (or rather Whom) my heart is really craving when I overindulge in things. I'm far from constantly living by that philosophy right now, but I want to be better.

Question

Did this prayer speak to you and your current situation in life? If so, how?

Giveaway!

Today's the last day to log your entries for this week's giveaway! Fill out the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win a hardcover copy of The Prayers of Jane Austen. (You'll have two more chances to win this book over the next two weeks!)

(Giveaway open to US residents only. Prize donated by the book's editor, Terry Glaspey. Thanks, Terry!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We'll resume our Persuasion read-along on Monday (discussing chapters 9 and 10)!

Announcing a Special Jane Austen Read-Along

Occasionally a special project comes along that sneaks up on you and begs to become a labor of love.

When you're in marketing, it's sadly easy for individual books to get lost in the vast list of upcoming releases. It's just the nature of the ever-hungry, never-satisfied beast that is the world of publishing (pardon the cliché).

But The Prayers of Jane Austen is one delicacy I'd like to take the time to savor with you. To pause and ponder and enjoy for a little while.

So many of us have been inspired by Jane Austen in one way or another. By a heartfelt moral lesson embedded in a character's journey. By the hope of her brilliantly conceived happily-ever-afters. By being a part of the welcoming community of her many fans. (Looking at you, #BookBesties!)

Now we can be inspired in a whole new way (at least for many of us). Jane's prayers are not nearly as widely known as her novels, and we don't have a large collection left to us. But the few samples we do have are rich and sweet and certainly worth mulling over together.

So won't you join us for a thoughtful celebration of the release of this precious gift book?

I'm delivering you a formal invitation...

Dear Friend,

The honor of your presence is requested at the read-along of Persuasion and The Prayers of Jane Austen. 

This event will begin Monday, the 6th of July, and conclude Friday, the 24th of July. Gifts to be awarded and inspiration to be had by all. 

To clarify...

• The read-along will last three weeks.

• We'll discuss Persuasion Monday through Thursday of each week. (If I've done my division right, that means we'll discuss 2 chapters a day for a total of 24 chapters. Do let me know if that's not adding up for you with your copy of the book!)

• We'll discuss one prayer from The Prayers of Jane Austen on Friday of each week (for a total of three prayers). 

• One hardcover copy of The Prayers of Jane Austen will be given away to a U.S. participant each week of the read-along, with winners notified on Saturdays (the 11th, 18th, and 25th). With thanks to the generosity of the book's editor - huzzah!

So pen this event in your planner or note it on your calendar, and get ready to get further inspired by the beloved Jane Austen.

P.S. Feel free to take the button above and share it on your blog or social media page to announce your participation in the read-along! You can also join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #InspiredByAusten or tag along on Pinterest via the Inspired By Austen board. (Just leave a comment here or there if you'd like to be invited to pin on the board.)

P.P.S. The Prayers of Jane Austen officially releases on July 1st. You can order your copy now on the Harvest House website, Amazon, BarnesandNoble.com, Christianbook.com, or another e-retailer. Available in hardcover and ebook formats.

Disclaimer: I am employed by the publisher of The Prayers of Jane Austen, but this read-along is something I'm doing in my free time because I want to. :)

"It's the Simple Things"

There's a song at the beginning of one of the short Mickey Mouse cartoons from the 1950s ("The Simple Things") with a line that goes like this...

It's the simple things that give my heart its wings.

The past few weeks haven't been the easiest, with the gravity of life pulling down and the winds of heartache blowing through the days, but my heart has been given wings by some of the sweetest and simplest things.

Seeing the room where my grandpa stayed during his last week on earth. 

He had a beautiful view outside his window, reminiscent of his own home, and beautiful care from both my mother and uncle's steadfast company and the kind hospice and care-home workers who made him as comfortable as they could. The way everyone fought for my grandpa - to give him the best possible treatment and going-home experience - touches my heart.

Watching my grandpa's memorial service come together. 

His heart of service, his kindness to others, his big smile for all, his devotion to his one true love and his family, and the faith that meant everything to him - it all was so evident in every part of our celebration of his life.

African violets and a lovely evening on the coast. 

My coworkers in marketing got together and had a basket of beautiful African violets sent to me at work after they heard about my grandpa passing away. I was incredibly blessed by their thoughtfulness and care.

As for the book pictured here, I returned home by way of the coast and enjoyed a delicious dinner and some shopping in Florence's (Oregon) Old Town. One of the items I picked up  in a cute little shop was this "Reading Journal for Book Lovers."

Returning to the red-carpet treatment. 

One coffee break, for some random reason, my coworkers and I discussed how I should have a red carpet leading to my cubicle, curtains around the opening, a body guard, white tiger, and whatnot. (The imaginings got a little carried away. :)) 

When I returned to work after my long weekend away, I discovered a "red carpet" leading to my cubicle, a tree creating some ambiance, and a "white tiger" gracing my chair. (Not to mention the fact that my cubicle had been "magnet-bombed" and the books and knick-knacks playfully disorganized...but the bag of chocolate made up for that!)

* * *

You can't help but feel loved with a red carpet and chocolates - and a new nickname like "White Tiger."

And your heart can't help but fly when God showers you with love through things like...

• unexpected messages from blogging friends saying they felt prompted to pray for you,
• flowers and cards from coworkers who are true friends beyond the office,
• dinners and conversations and moments with family that help bring healing, and
• a million other simple things from movie-watching to agate-hunting, texts and phone calls, solitary drives and the power of fond memories.

These things aren't really that small - and certainly their impact is far from simple. Listing them here, remembering all the ways God has provided for me and my family in just these past few weeks, is eye-opening. 

My heart has wings, indeed.

He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lᴏʀᴅ is gracious and full of compassion. ~ Psalm 111:4

Meet the Marketing...Snowmen?

Happy 2015, dear friends!

The New Year snuck onto the blog rather quietly this time around... On the one hand, I'm disappointed that I haven't caught up on more blogging obligations and rung in 2015 with a thoughtful resolutions-type post or two. But the past few days were filled with shopping, movie-watching, puzzle-completing, a Nancy Drew computer game, and much tummy-filling eating with my mom and sister, who came to visit me. (There was some work in the mix, too, on Monday and Tuesday - in case you were worried I was having a little too much fun!)

We had a blast!
It just went by so fast.

(I'm a poet...and I know it!)

Anywho, I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season with your loved ones, too!

To start the New Year off on a fun note, I'd like to finally introduce you to my coworkers in Marketing Services:

(Click the image to enlarge)

Aren't we adorable?? :)

One of my good friends (who also became one of my coworkers at Harvest House!) created these fabulously cute snowmen, which represent the people in our department based on things we like and ways that we see one another.

Supportive, kind, creative, and fun - there's (s)no(w) better group of marketers around!

Think you know which snowman represents me?

From those who correctly guess my "Mini Me" snowman, I'll draw one winner to receive their choice of two of these Cinderella retellings (Kindle ebook versions), which were recently spotlighted on Anne Elisabeth Stengl's blog:

I greatly enjoyed reading each of these (and writing one of them :)), and what better way to start off the New Year than with a happily-ever-after or two?

The winner will be announced next week. Have a great weekend!

My Bookish Reality

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that when your mom comes for a visit, lots of shopping will be involved.

I had such a wonderful time with my mom this past weekend - taking a day trip to the coast, seeing new-to-me places, eating out, and yes, doing some shopping. ;) My mom very generously bought me a new couch, and though I've been claiming to be fine without one, I must admit I'm excited to have a comfy place for me and my guests to sit while watching movies and reading! 

A happy side effect of the new couch is that I got to move my bookshelf in preparation for the couch's arrival. Why is that news-worthy? Well, in my living room I used the bookshelf for knick-knacks and whatnot - more of a decorative piece. But now that it's in my guestroom, I've actually filled it with *gasp* books!

For now, I decided to use it as a place to put my TBR books. I think this will help with the whole Mission: Contentment thing, as I'll now be able to actually see how many books I have to choose from, as well as browse them when I'm feeling in the mood to try something new. :) Check it out...

Besides the two "filler" book boxes at the end of the top row, these are all books I have yet to read! I may have started a few and then set them aside, but for the most part, I have all these lovelies to enjoy from cover to cover sometime.

And yes, there is sort of a system!

Currently, the top left is for review books, the top middle has the Love Inspired/Heartsong Present books, and the top right has some Harvest House Amish books that I might want to read for AmishReader.com.

The second shelf begins my Christian fiction (alphabetical order by author's last name)...

...which continues into the third shelf. The right side of the bottom shelf is for my YA books.

Will I keep that system? *shrugs* I like the way it looks for now. :)

I should add that:

1. I bought a couple of these books this weekend when I went into Barnes & Noble (Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade - I've heard such good things! - and Love's Fortune by Laura Frantz). A mama's visit is a special occasion, no?
2. There are a few stragglers in boxes in my closet that didn't fit into my neat little categories (or on my shelf). 
3. This doesn't even include all my Kindle books... 

In other words, I have a lot of reading to do! *laughs*

Tell me, friends, where do you keep your TBR books? Any books we have in common?

P.S. While visiting Barnes & Noble, I went on the hunt for Harvest House books - and I didn't have to look too hard! Loved seeing these Harvest House books and more in the wild...

Get Unstuck, Be Unstoppable by Valorie Burton

Choose Love by Stormie Omartian

P.P.S. Speaking of Harvest House books... I'm guest-blogging over at Seekerville tomorrow (Tuesday), talking about marketing tips - and we're going to be giving away four new Harvest House releases in honor of the company's 40th anniversary. Hope to see you there!

Time for Candy—Cover Candy, That Is!

Inspired by Rissi of Dreaming Under the Same Moon and her awesome posts, The Enchanted Inkpot's clever cover posts, and the desire to show off a few Harvest House books, I bring you a mixed bag of delicious cover candy...

Bright and Beautiful

Tears of the Sea on Goodreads

Bonus: I saw a note on MaryLu's Coming Soon page that there's going to be a 5th book in the Legacy of the King's Pirates series, coming Fall 2015—and it's going to be a time-travel romance!! How fabulous is that??

The Tomb on Amazon

 The Dandelion Field on Amazon

 Between Us Girls on Amazon

Summer by Summer on Amazon

The Art of Losing Yourself on Goodreads

Clever, Cute, and Classy

The Last Heiress on Harvest House's website

 A Cliché Christmas on Amazon

Rough Around the Edges Meets Refined on Goodreads

Pierced by Love on Amazon

Son of War, Daughter of Chaos on Amazon

My Heart Stood Still on Amazon

The Unexpected Bride on Amazon 

Bonus: Lena Goldinch (my cover designer and indie mentor) is getting ready to take the sweet historical romance genre by storm! Want to be one of the very first to read and review her brand-new novel in a brand-new genre for her? You can email me at amberstokes@corban.edu for details! 

Peachy in Purple

An Unexpected Match on Amazon

Both of Me on Amazon

Becoming Beauty on Amazon

Corral Nocturne on Amazon

Sway on Amazon

Which of these treats most appeals to you? Would love to hear your thoughts!

Note: Some of these are available now, but most are going to be released later this year or early next year. You can see more of my cover finds on my Cover Candy board on Pinterest.

"I Have Confidence in Me"

My dad nailed it when he told me the one thing that might hold me back in my new job is confidence - or the lack thereof. I'm at the point where I've got a full plate, with a number of exciting possibilities and responsibilities...but I have the tendency to keep seeking approval on every little step instead of moving forward in strong strides. Can you relate?

Then this song and these notes of advice are for you, as well as for me! (Snippets of lyrics from "I Have Confidence" by Rodgers & Hammerstein are in italics.)



Oh, I must stop these doubts, all these worries....

I must dream of the things I am seeking: 
I am seeking the courage I lack -

The courage to serve them with reliance;
Face my mistakes without defiance;
Show them I'm worthy, and while I show them,
I'll show me!

Note to Self #1:

You're going to make mistakes. You're young, you're new - and you're not perfect. Be humble enough to face them and be better for them. Remember what your coworkers and supervisors have told you: Some things just aren't worth sweating over. Let the little things go so you can focus your energy on all those exciting projects you have to tackle.

*

So let them bring on all their problems - 
I'll do better than my best.
I have confidence they'll put me to the test,
But I'll make them see I have confidence in me.

Somehow I will impress them....

Note to Self #2:

You were hired for a reason. This is what you've studied and warmed up for. And your supervisors believe in you, as they've said in both their words and the very fact that they've hired you. So have confidence! You're where you need to be, with the skills and grace and support you need to do your very best.

The longer you work here, the more they'll "put you to the test." What sort of place would it be without room to grow and improve - not only yourself, but also as part of the company? Don't get overwhelmed. Stay organized, and do "better than your best" because you're grateful to be here and you're excited to be doing what you love. Don't forget that!

*

With each step I am more certain,
Everything will turn out fine.
I have confidence the world can all be mine.
They'll have to agree I have confidence in me!

Note to Self #3:

Celebrate the victories, big and small. Let confidence breed confidence. Trust that God's taking care of you, and trust that He's caring for your coworkers and the company. As your supervisor said, this isn't life and death. (God's already got that covered.) So take charge of the tasks you've been given, and let your confidence shine. You and the company are going places!

*

Strength doesn't lie in numbers.
Strength doesn't like in wealth.
Strength lies in nights of peaceful slumbers....

Note to Self #4:

...get some sleep. You'll thank me in the morning.

"Let's Get Down to Business..."

Well, it's finally time! With the generous and unfailing support of my parents, I have settled into my lovely new apartment, and my first day of work is tomorrow...

It's both exhilarating and a tad bit frightening to think of starting out at a new place. Despite the fact that I already love the company and their location (so gorgeous!), it's nerve-racking to realize I'll be "the newbie" in my department. But I've found comfort in the common knowledge that everyone has to start at the beginning.

I discovered an example while watching Disney's Mulan the other night back at home. Mulan desperately wanted to know where she could be true to herself, where she could be who she was meant to be. And she ended up making a big difference and excelling in the army. Yet, we all know and love this song and the scene that goes with it:



Mulan didn't join up one day and then immediately save China. She made some mistakes. It took her time to build friendships. She went through a lot of pain and grief in order to develop the strength she needed to do her job well.

Now, I believe my experiences have truly helped to prepared me for this career. And I've already had the opportunity to meet some of my coworkers, and they all seem so nice and fun! Even still, I know it's going to take time and hard work to learn all the ins and outs of my new position, and to reach beyond my introversion to connect with others and find a community.

So I'll get up and go to work tomorrow with the reminder that, even when you're planted where you belong, you still have to grow. You still have to lift your face to the sun, take care of yourself, work well with the garden around you, and give yourself time to bloom.

I'll also go with the reminder that the One who does the planting, the growing, and the harvesting - the Son who gives me what I need to blossom - is with me. And only through Him can I take my employer's motto to heart: "Grow True."

(Mulan images from the Mulan Facebook page.)

A New Season: My Job News and What it Means for My Books, My Business, and My Blog

A new season is about to begin in my life - one that might make me a bit scarcer in my usual corner of the blogosphere, and one that signals the end to Editing Through the Seasons (my freelance editing & publicity business). I'll still be around, though - just in a different capacity, which I couldn't be more excited about!

As you might have noticed through posts such as "Life Lessons from Lupines," I've been going through a season of waiting and uncertainty. Here's what I noted toward the end of that post:

I currently feel like I'm at a crossroads, where a huge dream lies just beyond my grasp, and the alternative scares me because it feels "less" and unimportant and monotonous. I'm afraid to hope - to open myself up to being badly crushed. And I'm afraid not to hope - to face new seasons of fire and waiting without knowing when they might end. I have no idea if this next step is going to be a time of glorious blooming or a time of continued preparation. Perhaps I shouldn't make those two ideas mutually exclusive, though. Because, as the last few very enjoyable lupine outings have reminded me, the number of the blooms (or lack thereof) couldn't take away the joy of the experience unless I let it.

My mom and I were unexpectedly blessed this year with the purple carpets we had so longed to see. I'm grateful for the reminder that trials that bring growth eventually bring rewards. And I'm thankful for the fact that God is merciful and loving, blessing us in all sorts of ways - even in something so "small" as a day among the lupines.

As you now know, I did end up finding a part-time job at a grocery store for about six weeks...and it was very different than my working experiences up until that point. I had a lot of new skills to learn, as it were, including finding purpose in tasks that have to be re-done every day (vs. working on a project-by-project basis). Do I regret it, though? Not one bit! The reasons for that are deserving of their own post, as this post will probably end up long enough as it is - so perhaps sometime soon I shall share a little about how God prepared me and blessed me in unexpected way through my brief time there. :)

But now I'll no longer be working part-time, as I've been offered a full-time job. It is with absolute joy and gratitude that I introduce you to my new employer:

Starting this July, I'll be the new content writer in the marketing department at Harvest House Publishers!  

I tell you, if I thought I was excited about the job when I first got the offer, I am indescribably and incandescently happy now that I've had the chance to visit Harvest House, meet my coworkers in person, and see firsthand the type of company I'll be working for...

The lobby at Harvest House

A copy of the Bible buried in their foundation - to remind everyone who works there that they're "built" on the foundation of God's word

My soon-to-be corner cubicle :)

My sweet Mom and I at the entrance

My mom and I were very kindly given the grand tour this past Monday, so we had the opportunity to see the lunch room (with such a beautiful view!), the marketing team's section (everyone was so incredibly nice and fun, and the area is open, fostering an atmosphere of cooperation and camaraderie), the warehouse (oh, you guys! It goes on forever and smells of books!), and the various other departments (yes, the editorial section is rather large!). The property and the building are simply stunning, and everyone I met made me feel welcome and at home. Interestingly enough, Harvest House's new blog is titled "Welcome Home" - and that's exactly the message I got when I arrived there. I really feel like Harvest House and its little corner of Oregon could be my new home. 

So, what does this all mean for my readers?

My Books:

As far as I know right now, I plan to continue self-publishing on the side. For certain, I've got to get Morning Glory out there to complete "The Heart's Spring" series! And I do have some other little ideas I hope to pursue. However, the majority of my focus needs to be on this new job, of course, so it might be a while between publication dates, and I'm sure my stories will continue to stay on the short side, as that's just how I roll. ;) And in all honesty, the fact that I'll be writing in this new position comforts me, so that even if I had to set aside my books, I'd still be doing something that involves the written word. :) We'll see how it all works out in time! For now, you can follow The Heart's Spring blog for any little publishing updates, and I do hope to create a new blog (which will link to that one) to encompass any new stories in different genres. 

My Business:

Editing Through the Seasons will be soon be shutting its doors. I'll probably still run blog tours for my own books and possibly some for my cover designer, but for the most part, I really feel like I need to simplify so that the majority of my focus can be on my new job. I've had an absolute blast with this business, and I know that my experiences with my clients helped prepare me for this career path. I'm so grateful for each and every author who entrusted me with editing and/or marketing their stories, and for every blogger who joined me in those marketing endeavors. You helped prepare me for this new season, and words can't express how much your support has meant to me.

My Blog:

While I do plan on cutting back a bit on some of my online endeavors, I hope to maintain Seasons of Humility. I might review less, in time (though you all know I probably won't be able to stop reviewing cold turkey, haha!), and there won't be as many blog tours and the like. But I'm sure I'll still be talking books here, and now I'll have plenty of new material for blog posts as I embark on this journey of relocating to Oregon and working for a traditional publisher. :) I hope you'll enjoy being a part of it all!

I also hope you'll consider following Harvest House on Facebook, Twitter, and/or YouTube, as well as through their Welcome Home blog. As a content writer, I'll be writing different marketing materials, from back cover copies to print/web ads and the like, and I believe I might also be involved in some of the social media aspects. :)

God is so good to guide us in His perfect timing to the places we need to be and into the passions He's placed on our hearts. When I graduated from college, I didn't have some grand plan - all I knew was that I thought I should go home, but I was scared to feel so aimless. I just had to trust that God would lead me one step at a time. And ever so slowly but sweetly, He took my hand and led me to this place: through starting my own business, to finally getting clients, to self-publishing my own books, to expanding the business to include publicity projects... Now, two years later, the direction makes perfect sense, and those times of uncertainty have blossomed into complete satisfaction and purpose. I couldn't have imagined how wonderfully, how beautifully, God would bless me with the desires of my heart. ♥ No matter what comes in the days ahead, just reaching this point has been a glorious gift.

Dear friends, may you rest in the hope and joy of knowing God has a plan for your life, and He will guide you Home in His perfect way and timing. Blessings to you all in this season!

My Review of Ring of Secrets

Here's a description of the book from Harvest House:

"This exciting romantic spy novel from Roseanna M. White combines fascinating cloak-and-dagger secrets with a tale of love and intrigue during the Revolutionary War.

Winter Reeves is an aristocratic Patriot forced to hide her heart amid the Loyalists of the City of New York. She has learned to keep her ears open so she can pass information on British movements to Robbie Townsend, her childhood friend, and his spy ring. If she's caught, if she's hung for espionage…well, she won't be. Robbie has taught her the tools of the trade: the wonders of invisible ink, drop locations and, most importantly, a good cover.

Bennet Lane returns to New York from his Yale professorship with one goal: to find General Washington’s spy hidden among the ranks of the elite. Searching for a wife was supposed to be nothing more than a convenient cover story for his mission, but when he meets Winter, with her too-intelligent eyes in her too-blank face, he finds a mystery that can’t be ignored.

Both believers…and both committed to a separate cause. Will their faith in God lead them to a shared destiny or lives lived apart?"

My Rating

Spring/Summer

My Review

Ring of Secrets is one well-choreographed masquerade, but the high stakes and the desperate situations make the story anything but a party for Winter Reeves. Longing to make a difference for her father's cause, Winter endures abuse from her grandparents, overtures from high-society men who don't understand her true nature, and suspense brought about by her role as a spy as she delivers messages via her childhood friend, Robbie. But as her life becomes more and more complicated - and dangerous - Winter must decide how far she's willing to take her act, and how much of her heart she's willing to give to the men vying for her affections.

Historical romance is generally my genre of choice, especially when it comes to Christian fiction. So White caught my attention with Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland - a story set in the early years of the United States that is intellectually stimulating, sweet, and well-written. But Ring of Secrets might just have one-upped that story in my book, as White injected more excitement and intrigue into this story! There are some great twists, great romance, and great historical tidbits (with an author's note at the end that tells the fact vs. the fiction), all tied together with an emphasis on God's overarching plans and provisions for our lives.

Rings of Secrets showcases some interesting characters and an engaging romance. Fans of the Christian historical romance genre, the American Revolution era, and authors like MaryLu Tyndall and Maureen Lang, should find this to be an enjoyable read!

*With thanks to Harvest House and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC e-copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Note: This book will be released March 1, 2013.

My Review of The Face of Heaven

Click HERE to read the book description and learn more about the author!

My Rating

Fall/Spring

My Review

The Face of Heaven is a book that is grand in scope and appeals to the intellect. I found the history of the American Civil War presented within the pages to be detailed and well-researched (as is also shown by the acknowledgements page). Numerous instances in the story give rise to little tidbits about the era or varying perspectives on why things happened the way they did or clashing beliefs that caused so much turmoil. So as far as the setting and the context goes, this book is thorough.

I wish I could say the same for the characterization. This could very well just be a personal thing, but I had a difficult time truly caring about the characters. At times the omniscient narrator seemed to be holding me back, helping me to remain an observer rather than a "participant" in the events. There were some really sentimental things that happened in the book, but for some reason I just never completely got into the minds of the characters, and it made it more of a struggle to push through the pages. Plus, I wish the interactions between the hero and the heroine could be more authentic. It's not that I want people to fight more, but I just don't think that relationships are generally so "perfect" - especially during a time when emotions and tension would have been running terribly high.

So while the story is interesting, the characters' struggles real, and the history intriguing, there was just a missing ingredient for me. I also think that the last two chapters of the book were too much; I think a lot of the content could have been summed up in the epilogue to keep the story from dragging. (I know that they brought a sense of completeness in showing what happened during the rest of the war, but it didn't feel necessary to me in terms of the characters. In fact, I ended up being especially frustrated with the hero and the heroine because of their attitudes and choices in those two chapters.)

As far as being a "snapshot in history," as this series claims, The Face of Heaven portrays debates and details well. But as far as being a love story, I was left disappointed.

*With thanks to Harvest House through CFBA for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

My Review of Angel of the Cove

Here's a description of the book from the author's website:

"Before Anna Prentiss can start nursing school in New York, her brother sends her to Cades Cove, deep in the Smoky Mountains, to spend a summer apprenticing to the local midwife. Anna is determined to prove herself and then head to the big city. But nothing could have prepared Anna for the beauty of the Cove, the community and friendships she finds there, or the feelings Simon Martin, the handsome young minister, arouses in her. Has God’s plan for Anna changed? Or is she just starting to hear Him clearly?"

My Rating

Spring

My Review

For a sweet summer setting, Cades Cove is the place to visit! Tucked away into the Smoky Mountains (a setting reminiscent of Christy by Catherine Marshall), Cades Cove is a delightful retreat with a dear community and lovely, rustic scenery.

Anna Prentiss' experiences as an apprentice to the well-beloved midwife of the Cove, Granny, are informative, suspenseful, and uplifting. The "summer-lovin'" drama feels a bit over-exaggerated at times, but overall the romance is enjoyable to read about. And the tidbits of wisdom from the kind and generous Granny, as well as the lessons on friendship and understanding, round out the story in a meaningful way.

While perhaps not extremely original (after all, Christy fans will find the setting, the pastor-love-interest, the attitudes of the Cove residents, and the strong female mentor to be nothing new), Robbins' story has its own charm. The details regarding midwifery are interesting, and Anna's challenges as a newcomer to the Cove are unique.

*With thanks to the author and Harvest House for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Book Trailer