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Monday, June 27, 2011

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.

Monday, June 13, 2011

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.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

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.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

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.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

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!

Monday, May 23, 2011

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!