We have a winner!

I had someone help me draw a name and the winner is . . . Ariel!

Congratulations! Be looking for my e-mail, Ariel!

Thank you to all those who entered the drawing, and to all those who left comments! It was fun hearing about your Easter memories.

This week, be looking for my review of Once in a Blue Moon, and (hopefully!) an interview with the author, Leanna Ellis. Also, don't forget to take a look at the new poll posted in the sidebar!

Have a great day!

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:23-25; NKJV)

"Sharing a Smile" Saturday

Happy Saturday!

On Saturdays, I would like to share something with you that will hopefully make you smile and brighten your day, even if just a little bit! These two pictures were taken last night before heading to an all-girls dance at another dorm. My friends are so wonderful, and so much fun!

From left to right: my fabulous roomie (Lindsay), Novela and Annie (roommates), and Brenna (our amazing RA!).

Aren't they adorable? Novela and Annie won the "twins" competition--no surprise there!

Have a wonderful day!

Seasons

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Change is expressed so well in the seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Each season has its own unique characteristics, and while some may not be our favorites, they all have their hardships and their own unique beauty. Each season of our life is a reminder that God is at work, and that their is hope when we trust in God. After winter comes spring. After summer comes fall. While we are in this world marked by time, seasons will continue on in their cycle. But someday, we will no longer be living in this world, and (if we believe in Jesus and are saved by grace) we will live with God forever--eternal life, beyond the constraints of time!

The question I asked in the poll was: "What is your favorite season?" Of the nine who gave their answers, here's how the breakdown went:

Spring--3
Summer--4
Fall--2

Winter--0

While this is only based off of nine people's responses, I believe it's interesting (but not surprising!) that many people favor spring and summer over fall and winter. We enjoy those warm, hopeful, blossoming months. And isn't it interesting that my rating scale for reviewing (see the sidebar) follows the same pattern? Fancy that! Hopefully this poll helps you see how my rating scale works!

I'll be posting a new poll soon (in the sidebar), and I'll try to connect what the poll is about to a post that I write, so take a look if you're interested!

Also, exciting news!!! I have been communicating with several different authors, and because of their kindness I plan on having two author interviews for you in the next couple of weeks! And the summer should offer some excitement, as well! I'll let you know more later, but I thought I would give you a taste of some fun coming up soon!

My Review of Love Finds You in Sisters, Oregon

Here's the description of the book from Summerside Press' website:

"Hope Bartolli has avoided Sisters for years—both her hometown of Sisters, Oregon, and her two sisters who live there. But when the thirty-two-year-old corporate lawyer returns home to attend her beloved grandmother’s funeral, she’s surprised to learn that she has inherited Nona’s old house, her little dog, Andy, and an unexpected friendship with Nona’s handsome attorney. If she had any hopes of burying the hatchet with her sisters, these “gifts” from Nona aren’t going to help. Hope wants more out of life—but is she willing to take the risks to get it? And can she trust her family to stand by her side?"

My Rating: Spring
(For my rating system, please see the sidebar.)
My Review:
This book was a fun read! And I'm not just talking about the laughable quotes, such as, "And was it just her imagination or could he pass for George Clooney's younger brother?" The sweet dog Andy, the helpful and trusting niece and nephew, and a handsome and compassionate attorney all made me smile. Melody Carlson really made these characters feel real, so much so that it was easy to be both angry with and have compassion on certain characters, such as Hope's sisters.
The issues that were dealt with in the book were real: divorce, jealousy, anger, pain, love, etc. And many of the attitudes toward these issues (such as divorce) seemed contemporary. That is to say, for example, divorce was treated as something that is shocking when it is happening to people you know and love, but also as something that happens quite often. I appreciated the fact that the author did not shy away from these issues, even if it did seem like a lot was going on to this poor family! And yet, the author showed elements of love that does not judge, but rather shows care and understanding. It is a good lesson to express to readers.
All in all, while the book was not heart-pounding, it turned out to be a sweet romance with some surprising lessons taught about family. And while I did not feel that the language was overly beautiful in the sense that it really resonated with me, I truly did enjoy my time reading this! The author did a great job of making the characters and their lives real to me, and for that I have no qualms with recommending this book!

Consider Your Perspective

This is a video I made to the song "Job" by Huckleberry Flint. It is a beautiful song, and I see it as a reminder to consider one's perspective on life. The pictures are ones that I took on family vacation in Oregon last summer. I hope you enjoy the video, and may it remind you of God's goodness and mercy!

Easter Giveaway!

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

Several years ago I was privileged to go on a trip to Israel with a wonderful group of people. While we were there I was able to see the Garden Tomb--the possible sight of the tomb where Jesus was buried. As our guide told us, it is uncertain where Jesus' tomb is (or was), but whether or not it is the exact place, the Garden Tomb shares the right message. On the door that has been placed there, there is a sign which includes these words from Matthew 28:6--

"He is not here: for he is risen."

How wonderful, how marvelous, are those words! Jesus is risen! And in Him we have hope!

As for the title of this post, I thought it appropriate on such a grand occasion (as well as to celebrate the beginning of my blog) to have a giveaway for my readers! I have a new copy of A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers to give away to one lucky reader!

From the Tyndale House Publishers website:

"This classic series has inspired nearly 2 million readers. Both loyal fans and new readers will want the latest edition of this beloved series. This edition includes a foreword from the publisher, a preface from Francine Rivers and discussion questions suitable for personal and group use. #1 A Voice in the Wind: This first book in the classic best-selling Mark of the Lion series brings readers back to the first century and introduces them to a character they will never forget--Hadassah. Torn by her love for a handsome aristocrat, a young slave girl clings to her faith in the living God for deliverance from the forces of decadent Rome."

In order to enter the giveaway you must have a U.S. address, and answer one or both of the following questions:

1. What is your favorite Francine Rivers novel? If you have not read any of her books yet, which book of hers might you be interested in?

2. What is one of your favorite Easter memories? (This one's just for fun!)

Entries into the drawing will be accepted through Sunday, April 11. The winner will be announced on Monday, April 12. Good luck to everyone, and have a wonderful day!

(Note: The top picture of the painting is from the Thomas Kinkade website--his painting of the Garden Tomb. Isn't it beautiful?)

Good Friday

Today is the day we commemorate the greatest sacrifice ever made. Today is the day we commemorate the love so great of a God so good, who sent His only Son to die so that He could offer grace to a sinful world. Today is the day we commemorate the pain and agony Christ suffered in order to provide a way--the only way--to be close to God, to have a relationship with Him.

Although today is the day set aside to remember Jesus' crucifixion, it should not be the only day we remember. How many times have I been guilty of taking my salvation for granted? Every day of my life should be a witness to the hope Jesus' death and resurrection gives me.

I'd like to share with you some words from a hymn written by Eugene M. Bartlett:

I heard an old, old story, how a Savior came from glory,
How He gave His life on Calvary to save a wretch like me;
I heard about His groaning, of His precious blood's atoning,
Then I repented of my sins and won the victory.

O victory in Jesus, my Savior, forever!
He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him, and all my love is due Him--
He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.

(Words taken from a hymnal entitled Hymns for the Family of God, copyright 1976 Paragon Associates, Inc.)

In this hymnal 1 John 5:4 is cited along with this hymn. I'd like to share 1 John 5:4-5.

"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" (NKJV)

In Jesus, we are victorious! Our lives should reflect that wonderful news every day. And because Jesus rose again, we have more than enough reason to live joyfully and look heavenward, for He is coming again! And because of God's grace, we can go home to be with Him forever. Now that is news worth sharing and living out daily!

So as you go throughout your day and all the days to come, remember the victory Jesus won for us-- a victory we don't deserve, but one for which we can be eternally grateful.

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills--from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." (NKJV)

(Note: The photo is of my beautiful mother during one of our family vacations in Oregon!)