Life is Good...

Galatians 5:16-23

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Jack in the Pulpit

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;  idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions  and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

As a woodsy, nature loving person, I enjoy looking at the Life is Good t-shirts and hats. I even have one with my orange Jeep on it. Much of the time life is good. But too often life is just plain hard. I struggle with decisions, whether to speak up or keep quiet. Whether to be angry or let it go. Whether to stand up for Jesus or hide in the shadows. Sin bombards our world. Satan runs around pushing temptation at people.  Where do I go for protection?

We sing a song at church about welcoming the Holy Spirit in. As a follower of Jesus, the Holy Spirit dwells in me. He grieves when I sin, and rejoices when I bear His fruit. God gives everyone who accepts Jesus as Savior the gift of the Holy Spirit. I love that the Spirit is a gift. He's given out of love from the Father. I rely on the Spirit to make decisions, to encourage my faith, and to help me produce the fruit Jesus longs for me to bear. Praise the Lord for the Holy Spirit!

Children's Book Review: Big Dreams Big Prayers Bible for Kids

Book Description:

The Big Dreams, Big Prayers Bible forKids, NIV includes the complete New International Version (NIV) of the Bible along with devotions, prayers, and highlighted verses to help kids pray and listen for God’s answers to their prayers.

My Review:
Sometimes prayer is a difficult concept to understand. The Big Dreams, Big Prayers Bible begins with an excellent explanation of what prayer is and how to talk to God. Throughout the scripture you'll find devotions written just for kids. They speak about prayer and give great examples and explanations children can understand. In the back you'll find a list of the devotions and the page number they're on. There are also three reading plans to engage the reader in doable segments. I really like the journal pages in the back where the reader can write down prayer requests and keep track of the answers. Each Bible book has a brief information page. This is a great Bible for students age 10+. Five stars.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.  

Beauty of today 1/13/16

Love this beautiful lavender Hannah brought me for Christmas. 

Scented with essential lavender oil. A little spring in the winter.

Beauty in Today 1/10/16

"Everything's magical when it snows, everything looks pretty."-Lorelai Gilmore

SNOW!!!

Anyone who knows me, knows I love snow. Beautiful, soft, glimmering snow. It's kind of like God's glitter.

 

YA Fiction Book Review: Curio by Evangeline Denmark

YA Fiction Book Review: Curio by Evangeline Denmark

Book Description:
Grey Haward has always detested the Chemists, the magicians-come-scientists who rule her small western town. But she has always followed the rules, taking the potion the Chemists ration out that helps the town’s people survive. A potion that Grey suspects she—like her grandfather and father—may not actually need.

By working at her grandfather’s repair shop, sorting the small gears and dusting the curio cabinet inside, Grey has tried to stay unnoticed—or as unnoticed as a tall, strong girl can in a town of diminutive, underdeveloped citizens. Then her best friend, Whit, is caught by the Chemists’ enforcers after trying to protect Grey one night, and after seeing the extent of his punishment, suddenly taking risks seems the only decision she can make.

But with the risk comes the reality that the Chemists know her family’s secret, and the Chemists soon decide to use her for their own purposes. Panicked, Grey retreats to the only safe place she knows—her grandfather’s shop. There, however, a larger secret confronts her when her touch unlocks the old curio cabinet in the corner and reveals a world where porcelain and clockwork people are real. There, she could find the key that may save Whit’s life and also end the Chemists’ dark rule forever.

My Review:
Curio is the first steampunk I've read. That being said, Evangeline Denmark has an incredible imagination and has created an other world that's both fascinating and frightening. Grey is a wonderful, strong female character who's willing to take risks and step up to do the right thing.  Whit is a sweet young man willing to do what it takes to save the lives of the people he loves. As the two of them seek answers to help their family and friends, they venture into worlds they've never known and make sacrifices and selfless decisions. They're brave young people who want to make a difference. I'd recommend the book for 14 years and up. If you enjoy reading steampunk and fantasy worlds, you'll enjoy this adventure.

There is a prequel available as well, Mark of Blood and Alchemy: The Prequel to Curio.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

What Am I Wearing Today?

Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Working at a public college, I see all kinds of people. Every day I cross paths with folks I don't know; young people just starting their adult lives, weary parents taking classes and working, veterans of the military and veterans of life. I receive many smiles, but I also see sadness and a lot of stress. As I walk my path I'm reminded that everyone of these people has a story.

I read a quote recently that went something like this, If we could look into everyone's eyes, we'd see that each person is wrestling with a challenge. Everyone has their own experience with life and may be facing a battle this very day. I love Paul's reminder to the Colossians and to me. As I get dressed every morning I want to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Sometimes I'm the one in the battle, but even so, I still need to gather these weapons of beauty and make the day better for those I meet. It's a challenge, but with the Holy Spirit's help, it can be done. Will you help me spread kindness? Praise God for the  loving and caring spirits who've ministered to me.

Book Review: Inspiring Words: 30 Verses from the Bible You Can Color

Book Description:
Take time to relax, sit back, and meditate on God’s Word. Inside these pages, you’ll find thirty unique and creative illustrations focusing on key verses from the Bible, each offering an opportunity to connect with Scripture while exploring your creativity. Throughout, NIV verses are paired with detailed line art, and each page is printed on high-quality, thick paper stock that won’t bleed through. And when you’re finished coloring with markers, pens, watercolors, or colored pencils, the completed page can be removed, allowing you to display your work for even more daily inspiration.

My Review:
One of the things I enjoy about reviewing books is finding packages on my porch or in my mailbox. I especially like it when I open the box and find a beautiful book like Inspiring Words. I've seen so many adult coloring books in the stores, but I believe this is one of my favorites. You not only have lovely designs to color, but words from God to meditate on. What a perfect combination for a relaxing, restorative winter activity. This would also make a great gift bundled with a set of colored pencils.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.