Review of He Chose the Nails

Like all of Max Lucado's books I have read so far, this one drew me in immediately with the writing style and kept my attention throughout. Lucado is truly gifted at sharing God's word, and this book certainly tugged at my heartstrings. Lucado has a way of effortlessly changing between bringing tears and laughter. This book did an excellent job of detailing exactly what Christ has done for all of us. Beautiful. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers' program . I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Review of When God Whispers Your Name

Max Lucado’s writings are like a breath of fresh air. His method of storytelling and of sharing God’s word is truly a gift -- one that he does an excellent job of using. I had read a few books of Lucado’s before this one, so I had high hopes for this book. Thankfully, it did not disappoint. Few authors can capture my attention the way Lucado does; he is truly an inspiration and a joy to read, and I always find a great deal of profound wisdom from his books. It is always good to be reminded of God’s love and purpose for mankind, and “When God Whispers Your Name” does just that. I wholeheartedly recommend Max Lucado’s books, particularly this one, to others. You won’t be disappointed!

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Scary & Exciting

I've been using SparkPeople.com for tracking my calories, goals, etc. for my weight loss for a couple of weeks now. Tonight, I was playing around with the "goal weight" buttons where you input your goal weight and how many pounds a week you're trying to lose, and it calculates the date that you're expected to reach your goal weight...

And something shocking happened.

July 29, 2012. That's when I should be at my goal weight.

Sure, it's not guaranteed; it's not 100% certain that I'll lose weight at this rate the entire time. It could take longer... But at first, I thought I must have input something wrong or that I read the date wrong. Surely I can't possibly reach my goal weight this year, especially so soon! July is only 5 months away! No way I can reach my goal weight by then! Surely you mean 2013??

But no... July 29, 2012.

And you know what? That's just the motivation I needed. I can do this. It's hard now, and it's SUCH a slow process, but I can do this.

My Journey Starts Here

It's been a long journey on this road, but I need a change...

I'm beginning my weight-loss journey. Actually that journey started during the summer, but now I'm REALLY working for it.

It won't be easy. It's going to hurt sometimes. I'm going to feel like I can't go on... But I will. I must. This is for me and no one else.

I've been going to the gym three days a week and upped it to four days a week this week, and I've been getting back to counting calories and working hard to eat better. This isn't a diet; it's a lifestyle change.

I have a long way to go, but I'm willing to put in the work. I've lost about 4-5ish pounds in the four weeks that I've been going to the gym so far. It seems better to look at it there in words than to feel the numbers ever-so-slowly ticking down each week on the scale. I have to remember to look at this in the grand scheme of things instead of wishing that it could be faster, easier, etc...

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step," yes? Well, this is going to be one heck of a long, hard journey.

But I'm ready.

Review of Right From the Heart

This is truly a gorgeous book. I've recently been “on the market,” so to speak, for a daily devotional that that could help me get my mind and heart set on God and His purpose for my life, and this was precisely what I was looking for. I personally feel as though this is a good starting point for helping me to actively keep on track with my walk with God each day. “Right from the Heart” is definitely a book to be treasured (and it even looks the part of a beloved keepsake, so that's an added plus!). I can't wait to share it with and recommend it to others.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Review of Stumbling into Grace

Lisa Harper shares her personal experiences in her relationship with God in a very frank, and often hilarious, way. Each chapter ends with a relevant sample prayer and questions for personal reflection and/or group discussion.

From the moment I had this book in my hands, I knew I would love it. I have never read any of Lisa Harper's books before this one, though I had heard good things about her Christian ministry before. Now, I can't wait to read more by her. I really felt i related to this book. It made me laugh and cry, and it kept me hooked from the beginning to the very end.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Review of Treasuring Emma

Emma has been brokenhearted by her mother dying and her love, Adam, leaving the Amish way of life. When Adam suddenly returns, however, she expects that he will leave again at any time, so she cannot easily find it in her heart to forgive him. With financial and familial problems building up, the only thing Emma can do is learn to take her grandmother's advice – trust in the Lord.

I haven't read much Amish fiction before, but Kathleen Fuller always captures my attention and holds it from the first page to the very end. This particular novel is an entertaining and satisfying read, and I look forward to reading more of Fuller's novels.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Review of It's Not About Me

It's not about me. It's not about you. It's about God. To most Christians, this seems to be a given – OF COURSE it's about God... but do we really live our lives as if this were so? Lucado presents his case, allowing us to explore the truth in our own experience.

Max Lucado, one of the most humble Christian authors I have ever read, truly has a God-given gift for writing and speaking the truth in a unique yet simple way that touches my heart every time and often even leaves me in tears. Every Lucado book I have read has truly been a blessing to read, and this one is no exception! I highly recommend this book, and this author, to everyone who seeks the love and truth of God.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Review of Courting Miss Amsel

Edythe Amsel, the new schoolmarm of Walnut Hill, Nebraska, is about to turn the tiny town upside down with her unorthodox teaching methods and strong determination. Almost immediately, many parents try to stand against her, with the prime exception of John Townsend, who finds her contemporary ways – not to mention her rosy lips and pretty eyes – delightful. Edythe must place her faith in God to trust that He will provide a way for her, and He, of course, is faithful to prepare her for plans that are greater than she could ever have imagined.

I love books that surpass my expectations, and this was one of them. I enjoyed it so much that I was a bit disappointed when it ended. I must admit, however, that I started getting a bit frustrated with John and Edythe, and I almost found myself wishing that John would be successful in moving on and finding someone else. All in all, this was a wonderful read, and Kim Vogel Sawyer is a very talented author.

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Review of A Reluctant Queen

This is the story of the Biblical Queen Esther, with a twist. The author takes several artistic liberties to turn the tale into a work of fictional romance.

To be honest, I expected something more – something better – from this book. The book of Esther in the Bible always stirs my emotions and pulls at my heartstrings, but somewhere, I think the author just missed the mark for me on that majestic quality. I really wanted to like it, but I found it quite difficult to do so. I think I'll put this book aside and return to it someday at a later time and see if I change my views about it, because the story itself has so much potential.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Day 5: Favorite Quote

I love quotes that make me think "YES! I couldn't have said it any better!!" They just describe exactly how I feel at exactly that point in my life. This particular quote that I'm going to share today has been my favorite quote for many years now, because it always fits how I feel about life.

"If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." -- Dolly Parton

That's so true. Whatever point I'm at in my life at the time, it may seem like a lot of hard times and a lot of struggle, but I know that it will eventually work out for the best. In fact, that leads me to another similar quote, but this one is Scripture.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

No one promises that all things are good (that would be foolishness), but all things work together for good to those who love God! Praise the Lord for that.

Day 4: Meaning Behind My Blog Name

Ooh, good topic. Actually, my blog name comes from one translation of The Illiad that begins by invoking a mythical Muse this way:

"Sing, O Muse, of the rage of Achilles..."

Muses were typically invoked at the beginning of Greek and Roman authors as they began to write poems/plays/etc. to help the author in telling the story as it should be, so it seems like a good blog name to me! haha. I don't know why, but that line has always resonated very well with me.

Day 3: Favorite TV Program

I've already talked a bit about a few of my favorite television programs, but I'll give you a little list of my current favorites.

Touched by an Angel: My all-time favorite!
The Golden Girls: Lots of good memories with the (former) roommate on this one! It always puts me in an instantly better mood to watch this program, no matter how many times I've seen each episode.
Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman: Such a wonderful show! And woo, is Sully HOT! haha

Here lately, I've been watching a bit of Xena, Warrior Princess (another show used to watch when I was younger), and my mother watches a lot of The Waltons, so I've been watching it with her. Don't tell anyone, but I actually usually enjoy it. ha!

Return to the 30-Day Challenge: Day 2

Day 2: Favorite Movie

Yes, as you can see, I'm finally returning to the 30-day blogging challenge now that I actually have time to do this type of thing. I have a few other things I want/need to blog about as well, but I'll just start with this. So, without further ado, my favorite movie is...

The Sound of Music!! I've watched that movie more times than I can count, and it never gets old! I consider myself to be quite picky when it comes to movies, but this particular one has everything I could ever ask for in a movie: music, romance, humor, life lessons, nuns (lol), and so much more. I adore it, and if I ever have children someday, you can bet that they'll grow up watching this movie and learning these classic songs!

Review of Promises to Keep

Roz is an eleven-year-old girl whose world has been turned upside down when her mother decides to leave her alcoholic father and move the family to a new home. There, the family meets an elderly stranger named Tillie, who makes a significant impact on all of their lives. Despite multiple warnings, all Roz wants is her father back, and she, along with a new friend with a similar wish, is determined for this to happen. Secrets form and grow beyond Roz's control, and the consequences of them teach her important lessons along the way.

I feel as though I can't say enough about how much I loved this book. I hadn't expected to like it this much, but I found almost immediately that once I started reading, I didn't want to put this book down. The writing itself is powerful and beautiful, and the story is a truly captivating one. At first, I found myself annoyed with both Roz and Tillie, each for different reasons, but to my delight, they both developed into lovable characters (despite Roz's constant need to learn her lesson – until the end, of course). All in all, this was an excellent book, and I've already been recommending it to others.

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Review of The Seraph Seal

The Seraph Seal begins with Paul Binder being pulled into a complex mission of a search for answers from apocryphal prophecies of long ago that are finally coming to fruition in the year 2048. The story mixes fiction with fact to bring a new perspective on the end-times prophecies.

I really wanted to love this book. Really, I did... but I couldn't. I found the book long-winded and very slow-paced. I kept hoping that it would get better, but it never did. The basis for the plot line of the book is amazing, but it, very unfortunately, just didn't hold up in this case. I didn't feel that the writing style fit the potential for the story. I couldn't even finish the book, and that rarely ever happens, particularly when my expectations are as high as they were for this book.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Review of Save the Date

Lucy is an independent young woman who is the head of a transitional housing shelter for disadvantaged young women. Because of a painful history with a former boyfriend, Lucy is hesitant to share her heart again. Former NFL star and aspiring Congressman Alex Sinclair appears to be her complete opposite. When the two meet at a gala event, the media claims them to be a couple. Alex develops an idea that will help both Lucy in her efforts to save her home for the young girls and himself in gaining a seat in Congress.

This was a wonderful, well-written, and lighthearted novel from Jenny B. Jones. I had never read anything by Jones before receiving this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers, though I had previously heard of her work. I'm definitely not disappointed! The characters were likeable and realistic, and the story was painted in a way that really draws you in and keeps your attention the whole way through. I loved it.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Review of Max on Life

I was thrilled when Thomas Nelson announced they were releasing a new Max Lucado book. I was initially introduced to Lucado only a short while ago when Outlive Your Life was published, and I fell in love with his writings immediately. In his newest book, Max on Life, Lucado tackles some major life and spiritual questions that he has received over the years concerning issues such as love, death, grief, and the list goes on and on. With his relatable writing style and profound wisdom on a large variety of topics, Lucado definitely does not disappoint.

Max Lucado is the only author I have ever read who literally makes me read his books with a highlighter pen in hand so that I can go back and read certain special quotes over again and share them with others. Highly recommended author and book!

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Review of The Final Summit

I must confess that I was drawn to this book immediately without really knowing much of what it was about – I hadn't read Andrews' previous book, “The Traveler's Gift,” but I thought I would give the book a try anyway. The premise of the book is a fascinating one; seventy-four year old David Ponder is asked to discover the solution that will save humanity. His help for the task are the likes of Winston Churchill, Joan of Arc, George Washington Carver, and other notable historical figures. I've always been fascinated with stories involving historical figures in modern times, and this book was no exception. The solution they discover is a simple one; almost TOO simple, so I would suggest making the effort to keep from over-thinking it, as I am often prone to do. Nevertheless, Andy Andrews is known for the masterpieces he creates with his storytelling, and yet again, Andrews delivers.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

What is This Feeling??

(First of all, let me say that I WILL, at some point, continue the 30-day challenge on here. I'm just currently swamped with sooo much school stuff to do that I haven't managed to work on it!)

Here lately, I've been so stressed and worried about getting accepted into graduate programs that I, at one point, could barely function properly. Since I obviously didn't get through on the first round of grad applications, I'm currently trying for three more programs. Honestly, I'm so scared that I won't get in this time, but I do know that God has control. Even though I'm a little more calm now (for the moment, at least), last week was really rough on me about this. I went to one of my research supervisor's office and talked to her about it, hoping for some advice on what to do (which she gave), and I ended up crying about it -- in front of her! Ugh. I don't cry in front of others like that. Thankfully, though, she didn't appear to be put off by my weeping (yes, weeping. lol). She said she only wished she had a tissue for me. XD But she was very encouraging, sweet, and helpful, and although I hated crying in front of her, I really did find that I felt significantly better after talking to her about it.

If I could just get an acceptance to a good Master's program, I can make this work. I can work hard and do well. I can prove myself and then hopefully get the chance to get into a good Ph.D. program after I get my Master's. And where will I go after I get my Master's? Right now, I can be excited about that, because it's in the future, and those possibilities are still endless. My research professor (the one I cried in front of. ha) always tells me how "exciting" of a time this is for me to be applying to programs. Sure, it would be exciting if I weren't so STRESSED about it! That's why I'm taking the opportunity now to be excited about what I don't have to worry about yet.

The thing is... I've been considering the possibility of getting my Master's (wherever and whenever I DO get accepted!) and then applying for a particular doctoral program... in Ireland! Yes, Ireland... I'm so tempted to it right now, though I'm trying to keep it in perspective, because if I happen to get that idea stuck in my head, then I'll find a way to make it happen. I'm not saying that's a bad thing; I mean, I've always been one to "dream big," but again, perspective, perspective, perspective!! My current goal is to just do as well as I possibly can in the Master's program that I do eventually get accepted into and then go with it afterwards if that's still what I want to do. Obviously, just because I apply, it doesn't mean that I'll get accepted, but I could still try. My thinking is that if I thrive being alone at grad school -- far away from close family and friends (until I make new friends, of course) -- then I can go for it. If I'm a little hesitant about it, then, again, I think I'll know what to do.

Keep on keepin' on, my loves. <3