Desert Song

Some songs can inspire us. Some songs can make us cry. Some songs can encourage us. Some songs can even to make us feel the love and presence of God.

Don't you agree?

Farmer's Market Freshness

I love to go to the Farmer's Market. The air is filled with the smells of fresh fruits and veggies. The carrots and root vegetables still have dirt on them. In every direction, there are brightly colored apples, raspberries and pears.

Mmm. I see these apples in an apple pie... made by my mom:)

Book Review: The Choice

"Sometimes, she realized, the very thing we think is a problem turns out in the end to be God's protection."

"The Choice" by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the intriguing story of a young Amish girl. Carrie Weaver is struggling with life and her faith. When three unexpected deaths break her heart and rock her world, Carrie is left to figure things out for herself. Through all of Carrie's struggles, she learns to really trust God.

"The Choice" was the first Amish story that I have read. I was surprised at the interesting tales based on Plain folk.

Carrie's journey is full of tragedy, hope and love. Though there is quite a bit of romance, this book is clean and appropriate. I appreciated the cleanliness of the book because there aren't many wholesome novels worth reading.

My mother and I enjoyed the suspense and "curve-balls" Suzanne threw our way. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, 13+, who is looking for a great Christian read.

Will a mysterious stranger fix all of Carrie's problems? Will Carrie ever find love... again?

If you'd like to purchase this book, it can be found on the sites of the following retailers: Amazon and CBD. If you have an electronic device, you could also receive the book for free from Amazon Kindle.

Have you ever read "The Choice"? If so, I'd love to hear what you thought of it.

photo courtesy of Google Images

A Young Maiden's Daybook

Today… September 19, 2011

Outside my window… the wind is blowing the tree's leaves

I am thinking… about how loving Jesus is

I am thankful for… God's mercy, an undeserved gift.

I am wearing… my pajamas

I am reading… my bible. I just finished a very good book that I'll review soon

I am creating… a poem.

One of my favorite things… sleeping in late, especially on rainy days

For education this week… Algebra 1, English, Spanish, Health...

A keeper at home skill I am using/learning… is properly managing my time. "There is a time for everything" (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

A spiritual lesson I’m learning… is to give God me best, in every situation

A godly character trait I plan to work on… is patience

Scripture I am memorizing… Psalm 139:23, 24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

I am praying for… Kumar, a missionary in Asia

For the rest of the week… I will be working on remodeling my room.

A picture I’d like to share…

Me, apple picking last year.

A Sweet Little Sister

For most of my young life, I had been an only child. I wanted someone to talk to, someone to listen to, and someone to play with. God answered my prayer in August 2009, when a sweet baby girl, came into this world. Her name is Genesis...

As my little sister has grown, I have seen her bloom into a bubbly, funny and beautiful toddler. She talks so much. She loves to cook in her play kitchen, cooking ice cream and french fries together. She loves to pull her stool up to the kitchen counter and "help" me wash the dishes. She joins in singing when the rest of my family is praising in the car. She even knows the words of most of the songs. She loves me... and I love her.

My deary, walking home from the Farmer's Market

Shielding her beautiful, brown eyes from the sun.

At the beach...

Twirling, twirling, twirling

Participating in our library at Toddler Time.

I love her.

Look What Was In My Mailbox

On Tuesday, as I went to check my mail box, I realized that there was a package addressed with my name on it. Receiving mail is a surprise for me, because I don't frequently get any. Then I remembered that I had won a giveaway over at Autumn Bouquet. As the winner, I received the book "The Waiting Place" by Eileen Button. Since reading is a new joy and hobby of mine, I jumped at the idea of entering. Who doesn't like winning a giveaway, especially for a book?

Take a look at my prize:

She even included a lovely note

Along with the package that Autumn sent me came a souvenir from her state. Thanks to her, I now have another stamp to add to my collection.

Baptized in the name of Jesus

On August 13, most of the members of our church were baptized in the name of Jesus. We were also accompanied by our dear brothers and sisters in Christ and neighboring church "Eternal Rock." The baptisim was a blessing and was done according to the Bible.

"Then Peter said to them, Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.' "

Acts 2:38

"When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."

Acts 19:5

I'm beginning to catch up on posts and pictures (and videos) Thank you all for being patient!

Book Review: Love You More

"I want to see her" Mia said.

"See who?" I asked

Mia turned around in my lap and looked into my eyes.

"I want to see the lady whose tummy I came out of"

"We have a picture of her. If you ever want to see it, I can show it to you."

"I want to see that picture," Mia said still looking in my eyes

"I miss her so much," she said beginning to cry... eyes locking on the the image.

Love You More is a moving story of a young mothers journey through adoption. Jennifer Grant and husband David feel God tugging at their hearts to adopt a beautiful baby girl from Guatemala, whom they'll call Mia. Jennifer struggles with the anxiety and obstacles that come with the adoption waiting process but is given precious peace from her Father above. Even though the Grants have three small children, Theo, Ian, and Isabel; Mia is welcomed into this family with open arms. As Mia grows older, she understands her "story" on how she was united with her family, but learns to subsist the fact that she does not know her birth mother, or "tummy lady" 

I really enjoyed this book. The story allows the reader to feel the pain and joy of Jennifer's journey. While reading this book, I laughed when she laughed and cried when she cried. 

Though the book mentions: God, Jesus, and Bible, I disagreed with several of Jennifer's views. She believes, that as a "person of faith" it is ok to drink alcoholic beverages. She baptizes her children in their infancy, when this tradition was formed from pagan religions. Her children are encouraged to believe in Santa Claus and participate in Halloween activities. I don't judge her, but our views and convictions are very different. 

How will this mother of four learn to juggle the needs of all of her children?

If you are interested in this book, it can be purchased atAmazon, or CBD.