Instagram Photos

I love to take photographs. Here are a few of my favorite Instagram shots. If you'd like to see the rest of my Instagram photos, find me under kianna_rose. 

Sunny city scape

Flowers I found the day I got baptized.

A guy I saw whizzing by.

NYC skyline... beautiful!

Shoes and autumn leaves.

Vintage coloring makes me smile :)

A pretty flower fascinator.

Inspiration board.

Play cooking with little sister.

Yummy chocolate cake

I'd love to see your Instagram photos, so comment and leave your username.

A Social Network Christmas

It is the age of Facebook. It is the age of Twitter. It is the age of text messaging. 

What if those of another age, joined this age... and brought glad tidings of great joy?

Homeless For The Holidays

I would like to share a great movie, that's perfect to share with your family this holiday season. 

Let's be grateful to God for all that He has done for us... especially this holiday season. 

May God bless you and your family the rest of this year and the years to come.

Book Review: The Mercy

via

The Mercy written by Beverly Lewis is the heart warming tale of young Rose Ann Kaufman.

Rose Ann's life is taking turns for the worst. After her Mamm's mysterious buggy accident ten years ago, and the many problems that unfold from that point on, Rose Ann is certain that she will never get married. Oh, the ache she feels in her heart to be a "sweet wife and mama." Rose  Ann can't seem to find a husband, even with the help of several family members.  When Rose finally meets a remarkable young man, she continually finds herself thinking about her now, silenced bishop's foster son, Nick Franco. Will the memories of her and Nick's past bring them together or will life change yet again for Rose, detouring her from happiness?

Hen, Rose's prodigal sister has returned to the county against her husband's will. After a nearly fatal car crash, her husband, Brandon needs her help to recover. Their divorce in on hold... until Brandon is nursed to health. Will Hen's and Brandon's love deepen throughout the course of his recovery?

Is God's mercy so big to cover them Rose and her sister, and those in need of forgiveness?

Journey along with Rose Ann and Hen, as they learn to love, forgive, and trust God.

This book was a page turner! After I read The Thorn and The Judgementt, I knew that I had to read book three in The Rose Trilogy, The Mercy. Beverly Lewis wittingly weaves appropriate romance, mystery and emotion into her Amish books. I loved the way this novel ended along with the unpredictable plot twists throughout the book.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves a good Amish tale or a page turning mystery. The romance is appropriate and the need of God's help is prominently mentioned throughout.

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. If you'd like to read The Mercy you can purchase it from Amazon, Amazon Kindle, CBD and E-Reader

Getting To Know Me ~ Part Two

As promised, here is the continuation of Getting To Know Me

13. Where would you retire to? I'm too young to begin to think about retirement. If I had to chose, I would like to retire to a tropical island. This would be a wonderful change from the snow and rain I experience each year around wintertime.

14. What was your most memorable birthday? I have truly enjoyed all of my birthdays. For my 12th birthday, my parents came up with the idea of Kianna's Karnival. There were games, prizes, BBQ food, and what's a carnival without cotton candy? (we couldn't get the machine to work, though)

15. What are you going to do when you finish this? I will watch a movie with my little sister.

16. What is the furthest place you've ever been? When I was 11, I traveled to Ecuador with my family. I've also been to Florida... but that isn't too far from New York.

17. Who do you wish to meet? I'd like to meet Paul, the bible character 

18. When is your birthday? My birthday is in July, 1997.

19. Are you a morning person or night owl? I used to wake up so early, but now I stay up later.

20. What is your shoe size? I can wear a 7.5 or 8. My mom and I have the same shoe size, so if she has a pair of shoes that will make my outfit, I can always borrow them. Score!

21. Do you own any pets? No, my mom and I feel icky around dogs. They make my nose itch. If we had fish, I'd have to clean out the tank every week, and that is gross. Cats aren't my thing because they scratch. I guess I wasn't made to own a pet. :(

22. Any news you'd like to share? I will be opening an ETSY shop soon, so check back for updates!

23. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? I was one of those children who, when she thought of something, it immediately interested her. I wanted to be a fashion designer, a wedding planner, a baker and a teacher. (I'm sure there were more occupations that interested me)

24. What is your favorite flower? I recently discovered a flower by the name of ranunculus. They are gorgeous!

Check back for part three of Getting To Know Me Part Three

A Week With God

Ever so often, I find something on Instagram that makes me smile... and sometimes I find things that make me think. 

this is my image

Do you involve God in your weekly to dos? We should include Him in every aspect of our lives, because He deserves it. He deserves our acknowledgement because of who He is and what He has done for us. 

If we go through our week without God's help or guidance, we will be in the flesh (includes: unpleasant attitudes, words and/or actions). We need to keep in communion with God throughout our day to remain in the spirit (includes: praying, reading the bible and obeying God).

Getting To Know Me ~ Part One

I haven't shared much about myself with you. The short paragraph in my blogger profile can barely describe all of me, so I'd like to share a few of my favorite things. Ali inspired me to share more about my self with this post.

1. High heels or boots? I am a fourteen year old girly-girl. I very much like to "dress up" and high heels are part of that,  but for now I will stick to wearing my boots.

2. What time did you get up this morning? This is embarrassing to answer! I woke up at 10:20 this morning! I know, that is extremely late.

3. What was the last movie you saw in the movie theater? A few years ago, I went with my mom to watch Fireproof.

4. What is your maiden? I am only fourteen... my maiden name is still the same as the one written on my birth certificate.

5. What is your favorite t.v show? Our family does not have broadcast television, but we do watch movies. At times, when we visit my grandmother, we will watch a cooking show.

6. What do you usually have for breakfast? My breakfast varies each day. The menu usually includes either cereal or bacon, eggs and toast.

7. What is your middle name? My middle name is Rose

8. What foods do you dislike? Vegetables that look weird.

9. What characteristic do you despise? Gossiping and lying

10. Favorite clothing? Fun, girly clothing that is still very modest.

11. Vacation? I'd like to vacation somewhere ancient, maybe Rome, Greece or Israel.

12. Are you an organized person? I like the idea of being organized, but sometimes, have trouble keeping all of my things in place.

Check back for Part Two of Getting To Know Me.

Photo Challenge~ The Beauty of Autumn... WINNER

I have to say, all of the entries to my photo challenge were amazing. I am grateful to each young lady who participated in my blog's first photo challenge. Each "photographer" captured an amazing autumn shot. Though I'd like for all of you to win, there can only be one winner. 

Through RANDOM.ORG, the winner is...

Aizess over at Aizess Homeschool Journal.

Aizess' photograph reflects the simple beauty of autumn. The sky depicts the splendor of God's handiwork. Congratulations!

Would you all like to see what Aizess won?

I created a bottle cap key chain for Aizess.  She can string it onto her camera bag, her purse or her keys! I adorned the keychain with her initial and decorative beads in her favorite color...purple.

Aizess, I hope you like your prize :)

If you didn't win this photo challenge, stay tuned, because I will be hosting future giveaways and photo challenges.

Not So Many Words Wednesday

Ever so often, something interesting happens to pop  up in my life.

What interesting things pop up in your life?

Photo Challenge~ The Beauty of Autumn... Extended

Readers, I have decided to extend The Beauty of Autumn photo challenge for another week. I have already received so many amazing entries, but I wanted to give as many people a chance to enter as I could. Thank you all for entering. 

P.s. Don't forget to tell your blogger friends about this extension.

Photo Challenge~ The Beauty of Autumn

Summer has ended and fall is taking form. Forgotten sweaters and mix-matched socks are making their way back into our wardrobes. Heartier and warmer meals are being prepared. Pencil sharpener shavings and burnt rubber erasers fill our backpacks each day as we head off to school. Leaves have turned  vibrant hues of  red, gold, and brown. Calloused leaves crunch as we walk over them.

There is evident beauty all around us and so... I've decided to host a photo challenge in honor of that beauty.

Be creative. Have fun. Breath in the crisp autumn air and snap your camera buttons for that perfect fall shot. Unleash the inner photographer within you, and snap away.

To enter:
**Link up below a fall photograph taken by you. (mandatory)

***Put my photo challenge button on your blog. (mandatory)

<center><a href="http://kiannaskorner.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd415/kianna_rose/Untitled-4-1-1.png" /></a></center>

****Blog hop around and comment on other entries. (optional)

*****Follow my blog and never miss another challenge. (optional)
******Blog about the challenge so that your friends can enter too. (optional)

After you link up your photograph(s), all you have to do now is wait. The challenge ends in three weeks. (Two weeks to link up a photograph and the last week, I will choose via RANDOM.ORG) Every good challenge needs a prize, and there is one here.

Thanks for entering.

'Twas A Beautiful Autumn Day

Autumn is by far my favorite season of all. The air is so fresh, so crisp, and filled with the sounds of leaves crunch-crunching beneath my feet.

What is your favorite thing about autumn?

You Did For Me...

"Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, 

I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, 

I was a stranger and you invited me in, 

I needed clothes and you clothed me, 

I was sick and you looked after me,

I was in prison and you came to visit me,

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’"

~Matthew 25:34-40

Book Review: House of Secrets

About the Book:
Bailee Cooper feels the weight of her sisters lives on her shoulders, even from her earliest childhood recollections. The question Bailee is trying to answer is why? Why does she feel like she has to protect her adult sisters?

When their father plans a trip to the family vacation home, the sisters sift through fact and fable to figure out what happened to their ill mother. How did she die? What really happened the last night of their mother's life? What desperate situation lead to the shocking choice to end a life? The three sisters unanimously decide that they need answers. The only person better fitting to answer their questions is their father. Are the three sisters ready to hear the heart-wrenching facts of their pasts? Are they willing to hear the truth? Or will they try to forget the future that may await them? 

One sister knows more than she is leading on. She is unsure whether she should tell her sisters what they deserve to know or harbor them from pain and anxiety.

Mark Delahunt shows an interest in Bailee but she is not ready for an in-depth friendship... or commitment. Did the secrets of her past ruin Bailee's ability to trust? Caught  between the past and an uncertain future, can Bailee let God guide her to healing... or will she risk losing the chance to embrace love? 

My Review:

In this review, I included many question that I myself asked while reading Tracie Peterson's novel, "House of Secrets." In every chapter, readers are confronted with a ever-twisting plot. I felt the thrill and suspense of Bailee's life while I read this book. I enjoyed the fact the the author included many biblical truths.

Bailee's life is an example of someone who is hurt by life's curve balls, blames God for all of their problems and then is in desperate need for His help. I was pained to see Bailee's resistance to God, but nearly cried a sigh of relief when she finally let Him heal her pain.

I would recommend this book to anyone in search of a thrilling and mysterious novel. The ups and downs of Bailee's life are truly entertaining and passionately written. I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. If you'd like to read "House of Secrets" you can purchase it from Amazon, Amazon Kindle, CBD, and CBD e-Reader. 

Recipes: Apple Oatmeal Cinnamon Cookies.

Do you sometimes crave a sweet treat? Do you always have an hour to bake a cake or pie? Yes and no are my answers. After some recipe research and a bit of testing on my behalf, I've come up with a delicious soft cookie recipe.

• 2/3 cup of softened butter   
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1 tbsp. vanilla
• 1 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cup of flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 2 1/2 cups of uncooked quick oats
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1-2 medium sized apples

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

2. Peel and slice your apples 

3. Mix all of your dry (sifted) ingredients. {flour, sugar, baking soda, oats and cinnamon.}

4. Add the rest of your ingredients {milk, vanilla, and butter} to your dry ingredients.

5. Add the apples to mixture.

6. Butter your cookie sheet

7. Spoon the cookie dough onto the cookie sheet leaving about and inch between each dallop

8. Place your cookie sheet into your oven and let the cookies bake for 10 minutes.

9. After 10 minutes let the cookies cool and serve with a tall glass of cold milk.

Voila! You have a fast, simple, and delicious snack.

Book Review: His Steadfast Love

(via)

"His Steadfast  Love" written by Golden Keyes Parsons is the riveting novel of young Amanda Belle. 

Life was simple for Amanda and her family, until war erupted. The Civil War. Father against son and brother against brother was the fate of America at this shameful point in her history.

Being raised southern, Amanda's family strictly believes in the south's way of life. Daniel, Amanda's younger brother, enlists in the confederate army to protect his home, rights and views. What pride the Belle's must feel for this brave young man entering into the bloody war that they hope to win! Amanda feels fear. Her mother's last wishes were for Amanda to care for her siblings when she died. How was she going to protect her brother out on the bloody battlefields? What's more, Amanda's heart is torn between her father's wishes and the man she loves. She has fallen in love with the enemy, a handsome Union soldier by the name of Kent Littlefield.

I enjoyed the richly entertaining plot of this book. Through out this read, I learned more on the Civil War period, a stain in our country's cloak of greatness. The author intelligently weaved appropriate romance and history into this book. Several questions, though, were left unanswered. A few friends of mine (Alicia and Aizess) and I agree that the author lacked to include which side Amanda Belle was really on. During the war, she seemed to sympathize with the slaves and the future that awaited them if they were freed.

I'd recommend this book to all who enjoy a well-written historical fiction novel. My reason for choosing this book, was for the fact that it covered one of my favorite eras and time in history. I received this book free from Book Sneeze in exchange for my honest review. If you'd like to read this book, I can be purchased from Amazon, Amazon Kindle, CBD, and CBD e-Reader.

Operation Christmas Child

This will be the third year my family and I participate in Operation Christmas Child. This organization is run by Samaritan's Purse. Through this ministry, millions of children in the United States and around the world receive shoe box filled Christmas presents. 

I really enjoy packing gifts each year for children around the world. The first year, our shoe boxes traveled all the way to the Philippines. Last year, children from Ecuador received our boxes along with several children in Nigeria. 

Packing a shoe box is simple. If you'd like to send a shoe box or two, here are the do's and donts of shoe box packing.

Be creative and caring. Most of the children in these countries don't have the basic hygiene items that we comfortably live with. 

Scotty McCreery shows you how he packs his shoe box.

Here are a few pictures of my "shoe boxes" from last year.

Are you ready to pack your shoe box? Here are a few simple things you'll need to know before you get started.

If you can't pack a shoe box, you can still do something equally important. You can pray. Pray that the children may come to know God and the love He has for each one of them. Pray that volunteers can reach these children with no interference from the government. 

We can all be a blessing in one way or another. Will you be a blessing?

Simple Truths

My daily devotions with God in the morning and throughout the day are precious to me. I read the scriptures, and through them, understand deeper revelations. I pray, and through that, I speak with my very Best Friend. 

I recently read Psalm 19. I was amazed at the simple truths I had uncovered.

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 

Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth."

(Psalm 19:1-6)

Have you ever seen a sunrise? Have you ever seen a sunset? Have you ever seen rain? Have you ever heard thunder? Your response is probably, "YES." Have you really observed and listened? God's creation praises him. We tend to take every day occurrences for granted. God is so merciful in allowing the scales of common expectation to fall from our eyes. Then, we are able to see...

Isn’t this beautiful? Don’t these photographs illustrate God’s goodness? Do our lives illustrate God’s goodness? Do our lives paint pictures such as these?

We are told,

“You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody.” 

(1 Corinthians 3:2) 

The world can read us. It sees whether we praise or complain. To give our unsaved neighbors and classmates our good testimony, we must praise God. Through praising God, we show our gratitude to Him.

If a tree, with lifted limbs, swaying back and forth as the wind blows can praise God, I can too. If a cow, before she goes to sleep kneels daily, then I too, can kneel and thank God for the day He blessed me with. If a bird, with it’s sweet tweets can sing, I too, can sing to my King. Praise God! Praising God isn’t only limited to the Sunday service. We must praise everyday.

The Bible also encourages us to praise God. Take a look.

“For it is written,” As I live, says the LORD, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall give PRAISE to God ... “

(Romans 14:11)

“Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name ...

(Hebrews 13:15) 

Praise Him today for you are fearfully and wonderfully made!

What Will You Do?

I saw this image on a blog, and when I read through it, I agreed with the truth it spoke. All around us, there are subliminal messages that pervert minds and change its views on what is know as the truth.

The Bible says,

"I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not fasten its grip on me." 

Psalm 101:3

"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!"
 

Matthew 6:22-23

"Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise,” 

Ephesians 5:15

Did you notice that all of the movies mentioned in the image above are Disney movies? From a bit of research on my behalf, I read that Disney includes inappropriate language and actions. They also incorporate sorcery and other demonic practices. These movies, (in the most obvious manner) teach rebellion against parents and authorities.

I received Jesus into my life at a young age. During the time before that, I watched and owned several Disney movies. As my relationship with Jesus grew stronger, I felt that watching those movies didn't please the HIM, especially with all the magic weaved into the films. Now that I have read this article, I know for sure that it was the Lord guiding me.

Let the Lord guide you in what you should watch. Though there may be sublime messages in shows and movies, HE will point them out to you and quicken you to change the channel.

We need to encourage others to guard their eyes, ears, and hearts against all perverseness. The world often introduces perversity in the most subliminal ways, but we must stand against it.

What will you do? Will you stand against all perverseness? What will you do to stand against rebellion? Will you guard your eyes, ears and heart? Stand up against it all! I dare you...

Colors of Beauty

Colors are beautiful. Alone, each one tells it's own story. Together, they all tell one story.

What story do these colors tell you?

On every drive home from church, I am inspired to take photographs. Even though I've traveled those same highways for the past 7 years, the beauty I uncover each time inspires me. 

What inspires you? What colors inspire you? What places inspire you?