Hello! Long time no see! It's been busy around here, but I'm so glad to have some time to bring you a Music Monday post! This is a beautiful new song by Amy Grant from her brand new studio album, How Mercy Looks From Here.
Don't Try So Hard is currently airing on KLOVE and XM The Message, and I think it shares a message that so many of us need to hear. Praising the Lord for His grace, and the gift of His Son.
I'll let the song speak for itself. Enjoy and be blessed, my friends. Happy Monday!
Don't try so hard God gives you grace and you can't earn it Don't think that you're not worth it Because you are He gave you His love and He's not leaving He gave you His Son so you'd believe it You're lovely even with your scars Don't try so hard
About the Book:
Jilted by a fortune hunter, cowgirl Cassidy McClare is a spunky Texas
oil heiress without a fortune who would just as soon hogtie a man as
look at him. Hoping a summer visit with her wealthy cousins in San
Francisco will help her forget her heartache, Cassidy travels west. But
no sooner is she settled in beautiful California than Jamie MacKenna, a
handsome pauper looking to marry well, captures her heart. When Jamie
discovers the woman he loves is poorer than he is, Cassidy finds herself
bucked by love a second time. Will Jamie discover that money can't buy
love after all? And can Cassidy ever learn to fully trust her heart to a
man?
With delectable descriptions and a romantic sensibility,
bestselling author Julie Lessman brings the Gilded Age to life in this
sumptuous new series. Readers will faithfully follow Lessman to the West
Coast for more romance, passion, and surprising revelations found in Love at Any Cost.
My Star Rating: 5
My Review:
We have another winner! I've said it before, and I'll say it again -- Julie Lessman never fails to impress! Love at Any Cost is Book 1 in The Heart of San Francisco series, and it truly does take the reader into the heart of San Francisco at the beginning of the 20th century. All of the elements that I've come to love from a Julie Lessman novel are here, with a new cast of characters! The McClare family comes to life atop the affluent Nob Hill, while we also get a taste of the seedy, dark side of the Barbary Coast.
As with all of Julie's novels, there's always the historical element that I love so much. As a native Californian, who's been to San Francisco many times, I appreciate that I was able to see the city come to life in 1902, through these beautifully penned pages. In the beginning of the book, I found myself stopping to do a bit of research, and I discovered some rich San Francisco history that I was unfamiliar with. I'm always in awe of how well Julie weaves the historical elements into her stories, and makes you feel like you've stepped back in time. It's always a fun history lesson!
This novel has everything I've come to love from Julie's novels -- passion, romance, witty dialogue, laugh-out-loud interactions between the characters, eye-popping twists, and the ever present thread of faith. It's always the perfect mix, and I love how Julie effortlessly weaves key spiritual elements into the lives of her characters. So not only are we entertained by the spunky Cassidy McClare, and the handsome Jamie MacKenna, but we see the power of what God can do in a human life. How He can change a heart, mend relationships, and give us the desires of our heart.
With top notch writing that will keep you turning pages, you don't want to miss Love at Any Cost! It's one for the keeper shelf, and I highly recommend picking up a copy today!
"Available April 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group."
Christy Nockels is one of my favorite Christian artists. Her album, Into the Glorious, is one of my all-time favorites, and if you haven't added it to your worship collection, I highly recommend it! Her voice is amazingly beautiful, and she has such a powerful anointing. I can't say enough good things about it!
Today's video showcases the song, My Delight is in You, from the Passion 2013 album, Let the Future Begin.
It's amazing, powerful worship, and I pray that it blesses you! Hope you each have a blessed week ahead. Hugs, Michelle
***Even though the video says Here I am (Draw me Close), the song is actually called, My Delight is in You. It's track 12 on the CD pictured below.***
Hello, sweet friends! I'm sorry I don't have a Music Monday post today; hopefully next week. I pray that you're doing well, and that your Monday is off to a great start! : )
I'm currently reading Taylor's Gift, and I must say it's an incredible story. I won't go into too much detail now, since I'll be posting a review when I'm finished with the book. For those that haven't heard of Taylor's story, I wanted to get the word out there, since April is National Donate Life Month.
Read on to find out more information about Taylor's Gift from Taylorsgift.org.
Taylor lived her life with joy and brought happiness to all who knew
her. The world lost a vibrant and gifted young person on March 15, 2010,
when a tragic skiing accident changed everything for the Storch family
while vacationing in Colorado. After Taylor’s parents were told that
Taylor would not survive, they made a choice—a prayerful choice they
knew their daughter would want. They agreed to let Taylor give the gift of life through organ
donation. Although their grief is immeasurable, the Storch family has
been transformed by the hope and happiness that have been restored to
other families whose loved ones have been saved by Taylor’s organs. Taylor’s organs went to a number of different people in need: her
heart to a 39-year-old mother of two in Arizona; her pancreas and one
kidney to a 49-year-old husband and father in Colorado; her other kidney
to a 33-year-old man in Colorado; her corneas and liver changed two
other lives in other parts of the country. Taylor’s Gift Foundation was
created to honor Taylor’s many talents and gifts, and especially her
ultimate gift: life for others. Although her life ended too soon, her spirit lives on. Taylor’s Gift
strives to increase organ donation through its mission to Regift Life,
Renew Health and Restore Families. Taylor’s life and her passing have
already inspired thousands of people from around the world to become
organ donors themselves. Taylor was able to give the gift of life to a
few and in turn, impacting many who will need it in the future.
Find out more about the Storch Family's courageous story, and see how you can become an organ donor. Be sure to visitwww.taylorsgift.org
Hello, friends! Praying this day finds you doing well, and resting in His presence. I don't know about you, but last week was "one of those weeks." Oh. My. You know the kind where you feel especially worn out. The kind of week where you've been pulled in so many different directions, it's as if you're a piece of salt water taffy that's about to SNAP! Yes, that kind of week. Whether it's too many errands, too many demands from the kids, or simply too much drama -- we can all relate to that feeling of being stretched to our limit.
I heard this song on the radio last week at just the perfect time. I was feeling weary, worn out, and disappointed in myself for how I'd handled a few situations. This song just seemed to break me, right in that moment. An overwhelming feeling came upon me, as if I'd come right into His presence. The words spoke straight to my heart, and brought my focus back to where it needed to be. I can't do this thing called life on my own, and I'm guilty of letting myself fall away from Him.
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made
perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about
my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
Lord, I ask for a fresh filling of your Holy Spirit. I pray that I would never get so distracted by the busy craziness of life, that I would fall away from a close relationship with You. Lord, I need you, and if someone is struggling with something today, I pray that this song would minister to them wherever they are. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Kerrie Roberts brand-new album released on April 2, 2013! Time for the Show has been playing on repeat for the past week here at my house, and to sum it up in one word . . . AMAZING! I love it, and the following review from New Release Tuesday says it so much better than I could, so please read on, and find the lyric video down below for Kerrie's single, Finally Home. It's an awesome song! Enjoy and be blessed!
kevindavis's Music and Book Reviews Kerrie Roberts [Time For The Show] | Posted March 26, 2013 Staff Reviewer
Florida native Kerrie Roberts has been listed
alongside power vocalists including Kelly Clarkson and Natalie Grant:
unassuming girl, huge voice. Memorable and dynamic yet intimate. Kerrie
is uniquely emotive and soulful. With the release of her sophomore
album, Time for the Show, Kerrie
addresses themes of empowerment, strength, encouragement and joy
delivered on waves of vibrant and contagious music ranging from
high-energy pop to signature ballads beautifully expressed through
tender, undeniable piano/vocal performances. This album Includes the
powerful single "Finally Home" plus "Masterpiece," "What Are You Afraid Of," and more. “Time for the Show” is the best opening track of any
album this year, rivaling “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele as an opener
that sets the pace for an album. It has that same rollicking tempo and
provides insight into Kerrie’s mindset and submission to God as a
believer, especially in the hooky chorus where Kerrie emotionally cries
out to God, “It’s time for the show, turn up your light, it’s time
for the show, let it shine, because you know who you are and know Who
your heart belongs to, they need to know, this perfect love, it comes
through us, don’t wait another minute let’s go, it’s time for the show.” She
clearly loves our Lord and Savior Jesus with all of her heart and wants
to celebrate that fact with every song. In her great new EDM song “Sing,” Roberts belts out, "And
I sing out loud, no I won’t be quiet, I sing and shout, I can not be
silent, You put the music in my heart, I’m screamin’ now, I feel like
jumpin’ feel like dancin’ for You now, can’t keep this Spirit under lock
and key, I need to set it free, no I won’t be quiet I won’t be silent
now!" I sing that line along with Kerrie’s gorgeous and powerful
voice at the top of my lungs and I find it so uplifting in this
troubling time where the earth is groaning, the economy is failing and
the only thing that matters is to “sing Praise our God, praise our God, let His praise be heard.” Amen to that!
"What Are You Afraid Of" includes the personal and confessional lyrics “You
scream at the top of your lungs, when no one’s listening, being the
basket case over anything, giving your whole world for love and the boy
says no, so what are you afraid of, show ‘em what you’re made of, the
shadows that you’re scared of, are usually your own, they’re not the
great unknown, you don’t have to wonder, you’re not going under, Grace
has got your covered, God is in control, go on and let it go, what are
you afraid of?”Amen! I’ll admit that although I’m normally drawn to
the Brit-pop, alternative rock and singer-songwriter genres, these two
ultra-catchy electronic dance-pop songs have won me over to that musical
style, mostly due to the personal lyrics. The mainstream music charts
have been dominated by Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Britney Spears and others
who make the subject matter of their songs as edgy as possible to draw
in listeners. Unfortunately as a father of three young daughters who
love dance-pop style music, there haven’t been many edifying songs I can
offer as wholesome alternatives to those artists, until now. I
literally dance in my chair, my car, or while I’m walking around when I
play these incredible songs. Electronic pop music has made a big mark on
the music scene and Kerrie brings a vocal sincerity to these
ultra-catchy pop songs which could easily be featured in mainstream
music alongside those top-selling mainstream artists. I’ve been enjoying
the powerful and moving ballad “Finally Home” since
the single released and from the moment I first heard the song, I’ve
been impressed by Kerrie’s emotive and strong vocals. I hear an even
deeper yearning for God in the song and throughout this incredible
album. Those opening tracks are the strongest of any album I’ve heard
this year.
As if the beginning of the album isn’t impressive enough, Kerrie takes it up a notch vocally with the middle tracks, especially“Middle Of It All” and “Masterpiece.” “Middle Of It All” features Kerrie passionately praying directly to God these profound lyrics—“I’m
afraid, but I’ll trust You, so I will run into the middle of it all,
and I will come when my heart hears Your call, no I won’t hide behind
the safety of the city walls…I will run into the middle of it all.” “Masterpiece” is a perfect pop song. I hang on every note of Kerrie’s compelling message—“You
know Jesus holds your heart, He made you a work of art, You’re a
masterpiece, even if you don’t believe…when I look at you I see, you’re a
masterpiece.” This song challenges listeners to drop the masks we
all wear to try to cover up our insecurities and lay them at the feet of
Jesus and includes the encouraging lyrics “I wish you could picture you from Heaven’s view.” Kerrie clearly understands the Truth of Psalm 139:13-14—“For
You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will
praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your
works, And that my soul knows very well.”
I love the passionate vocals and strong messages of the songs, especially "Not Real Yet" with the piercing and confessional chorus, "Say
that You love me, tell me You want me, I want to believe it, hear it,
I’m listening, wish I could see You, wish I could touch You, Lord I need
You hear next to me, please remind me, help me feel it, it’s not real
yet." The power ballad “In Your Sight” is totally inspiring and is a great reminder as Kerrie prays, “I
will rest, knowing You are holding me, I believe You will never say
goodbye, I close my eyes, unafraid of what I can not see, because I am
always In Your sight.” We need to have that type of faith that
Jesus describes in the Bible, “Blessed are those who have not seen
and yet have believed.” Amen. “Wake Up” and“Like Jesus Loves” close
out the themes of this album: Trusting God, loving Him and loving
others as He loved us. All of the songs are catchy, exciting and
worshipful. After listening to the album, I am stirred with compassion
to love people as Jesus loves us.
CLOSING THOUGHTS Kerrie Roberts has
the greatest voice wrapped around extremely hooky dub-step electronic
dance musical arrangements I've heard this year. Her vocals are so
strong and pure. Musically and lyrically, her album Time for the Show is
brilliant. I feel like I'm eavesdropping on Kerrie's prayer time during
many of these songs and as I get caught up listening to Kerrie's
excellent vocals, I start praying along with her. My favorite albums all
have that impact on me. This is one of my favorite albums of the
year. Kerrie Roberts is my choice as "the voice" in Christian music. Time for the Show is a five star “Masterpiece” that brings me closer to God.
Happy Music Monday! I pray that you all had a blessed Easter, celebrating and rejoicing in the Resurrection of our Savior, and spending time with loved ones!
This new song by The Afters is uplifting, encouraging, and so UPBEAT! Just makes you want to get up and dance! As my daughter would say, "It's my jam!" :D
Whenever we turn on the TV or read the newspaper, tragedy and suffering seems to be at the forefront, but it's important not to focus too long on the darkness. God has given us so many beautiful gifts, and there are so many things to be thankful for . . . thank you, Lord, that you are the reason for every good thing!
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 (NIV)
Photo Credit: The Best Chocolate Cake (Ever) by Robyn @ Add a Pinch
I made this cake on Monday, and it definitely gets my vote for "the best chocolate cake ever." Yes, it truly is THAT good, and my family loved it! If you're a fan of chocolate, I highly recommend this one!
The recipe calls for espresso powder, which I couldn't find at my local grocery, so I substituted instant espresso coffee. It doesn't have a huge coffee flavor, but just a hint, and complements the cocoa very nicely.
It's a fantastic cake, and very easy to make. It's a 10/10 in my book! Robyn has a lot of amazing recipes on her site, so be sure to check out her website at Add a Pinch.
Photo Credit: Robyn @ Add a Pinch
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
¾ cup cocoa
2 teaspoons baking powder
1½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon espresso powder
1 cup milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
Chocolate Frosting
1½ cups butter (3 sticks)
1 cup cocoa
5 cups confectioner’s sugar
½ cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon espresso powder
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350º F. Prepare two 9-inch cake pans by spraying with baking spray or buttering and lightly flouring.
For the cake:
Add flour, sugar,
cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt and espresso powder to a large
bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk through to combine or, using
your paddle attachment, stir through flour mixture until combined well.
Add milk,
vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to flour mixture and mix together on
medium speed until well combined. Reduce speed and carefully add boiling
water to the cake batter. Beat on high speed for about 1 minute to add
air to the batter.
Distribute cake
batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35
minutes, until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes
out clean.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
Frost cake with Chocolate Frosting.
For the Chocolate Frosting:
Add cocoa to a large bowl or bowl of stand mixer. Whisk through to remove any lumps.
Melt butter and pour into bowl with cocoa powder. Whisk together until well-combined.
Add sugar and milk
to cocoa mixture by adding 1 cup of sugar followed by about a
tablespoon of milk. After each addition has been combined, turn mixer
onto a high speed for about a minute. Repeat until all sugar and milk
have been added.
Add vanilla extract and espresso powder and combine well.
If frosting
appears too dry, add more milk, a tablespoon at a time until it reaches
the right consistency. If it appears to wet and does not hold its form,
add more confectioner’s sugar, a tablespoon at a time until it reaches
the right consistency.
Raise your hand if you're a Duck Dynasty fan! Me, me, me! ::Jumping up and down, waving hands wildly:::
I watched Duck Dynasty on A&E on February 24th for the first time, thanks to my hubby's channel surfing. I wasn't actually watching the show, but probably playing Candy Crush on my iPad, when I heard some VERY funny things being said. My interest was piqued, and I looked up to see what he was watching. I continue to crack up for the remainder of the show . . . and I was hooked! Thankfully, they were running several episodes in a row, so we watched some more. Come to find out, they're a Christian family, that incorporates their faith into their show. No words are being bleeped out, and it's a great show that the entire family can watch together. Amazing! Sign me up for more of this, I say! :D
Over the past few weeks, I've gotten to know the Robertson family even more, by reading their book, The Duck Commander Family. It's a great book, by the way! I highly recommend it if you're a fan of the show (or even if you haven't watched it yet)!
In addition, I stumbled across this LifeWay Christian video on my Facebook newsfeed, and I must say, I'm loving this family more everyday! Their show has more than 4 million fans on facebook, and it just appears to be growing daily. I don't know about you, but I think this is HUGE. I'm so happy to see that this family is using their platform to bring glory to God, and that they appear to be staying grounded. I just can't help but think, how many will be lead to Christ through this family and the example they set? They have a huge platform, and a tremendous influence for Christ. I pray they continue to use it well.
The patriarch of the family, Phil Robertson, has a book coming out on May 7, 2013, titled Happy, Happy, Happy. Here's a little bit about the book . . .
In Happy, Happy, Happy: My Life and Legacy as the DUCK COMMANDER, author Phil Robertson, the founder of Duck Commander,
shares his inspiring stories of creating the first duck call, beginning
the Duck Commander business, becoming a Christian, and living his
faith.
Two romances weave together in one novel. When a woman discovers old
letters that reveal a tender love story, she is convinced to reignite
her romance with a former flame. Singer Ginny Marshall is one
signature away from the recording contract of her dreams—a deal that
would guarantee success for the former foster child, who still struggles
to bury the memories of her painful childhood. But When singer Ginny
Marshall travels to the isolated town of Glacier Bay, Alaska, she is
charmed by the town's colorful characters and stunning scenery. She
discovers a box of old letters and is swept up in the love story between
an early missionary to Alaska Territory and his accidental mail-order
bride. When Ginny's former fiance returns to Glacier Bay, will she
discover that the love she always wanted was the one she always had?
My Star Rating: 5 Stars
My Review:
Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss have come together to create a beautiful love story, that warms the heart. They're both talented authors, who draw the reader in, and immerse you into the small town of Glacier Bay, Alaska. I know it may sound cliche to say, but I really did feel like I was there, and I could see everything clearly as if I was right there with Ginny, Brett, and Grandma Ethel. And while the setting was beautiful, the characters were equally enjoyable. I especially enjoyed Brett's Grandma Ethel. What a sweet, precious lady; she added so much to the story, and I love how her character imparted so much spiritual wisdom to Ginny. Truly great stuff!
I found this story to be quite unique, in the fact that there are two stories in one; Ginny's story blends beautifully with Ellie's story through Ginny's reading of the letters that were written in the early part of the 1900's. Ginny has her own struggles, and through Ellie's letters, she's able to relate and work through some of the issues she's having, and it's wonderful to watch how she (and Ellie) grow in their faith.
I love how everything comes together, and how the authors have perfectly woven two time periods, and two love stories. With its amazing setting, heartwarming romance, contemporary aspects, historical charm, and a well-written spiritual thread, I recommend this one with two thumbs up! Definitely a great read!
So many things can happen from day to day that don't meet our expectations; things don't happen the way we think they should, people don't act the way we think they should, and the plans that we've laid out don't come to pass. But Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). When we take the focus off of our circumstances, and we look to Him, and keep our eyes fixed on Him . . . all the rest seems to melt away, and become strangely dim.
I pray that you enjoy Francesca Batitistelli's new single, Strangely Dim, and that it blesses you wherever you are today.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV
The A&E show, Duck Dynasty, has been out for a couple seasons, but I just discovered it about three weeks ago, and I am H.O.O.K.E.D! What a GREAT show! These guys are a HOOT and and half! Love, love, love!
Now, I'm not a big TV watcher, because let's face it, most of what they show on TV is garbage. When I first watched this show, I didn't even realize that they're a Christian family, and that their faith is a big part of the show -- there is a prayer at the end of every show, while the family sits gathered around the dinner table, plus many other times during the show where the Bible and their faith is mentioned. I. LOVE. THAT.
I could go on and on, but suffice it to say, I'm "Happy, Happy, Happy" that I found this show! In the words of Uncle Si, "Hey! That's a fact, Jack!" ;-)
Today's Friday Funny is a montage of funny quotes and "quirky moments," titled "Talkin' My Language." ENJOY! :D
Have y'all seen the show, and do you love it as much as I do? If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it!
Have you all heard this awesome song by Sanctus Real? It meets all of the criteria for a Music Monday song . . . amazing sound, stellar vocals, and a message that will knock your socks off! If you haven't heard it, I think you're really going to love it! It's the perfect reminder to each and every one of us, that when things seem to be falling apart around us we can hold onto God's promises . . . letting his words be our strength. Praise the Lord that we don't have to flounder around wondering where to turn and what to do. He is always there for us . . . He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Enjoy, and be blessed!
Sometimes it's hard to keep believing In what you can't see That everything happens for a reason Even the worst life brings If you're reaching for an answer And you don't know what to pray Just open up the pages Let His word be your strength
And hold on to the promises (Hold tight) Hold on to the promises (Alright) Jesus is alive so hold tight Hold on to the promises
All things work for the good Of those who love God He holds back nothing that will heal you Not even His own Son His love is everlasting His faithfulness unending Oh, if God is for us who can be against us So if you feel weak
Neither life, nor death Could separate us From the eternal love Of our God who saves us
From beloved Christian author, Laura Frantz, comes Love's Awakening. This is Book 2 in the Ballantyne Legacy Series, scheduled for release in September 2013, and if you've read any books by Laura Frantz, you know we're in for a real treat. I can't wait for this one! And look at that beautiful cover . . . WOW! It's stunning, to say the least.
About the Book:
Ellie Ballantyne, youngest child of Silas and Eden, has quit finishing
school. Missing her family, Ellie leaves Philadelphia determined to
never return. But at her family home in up-and-coming Pittsburgh, Ellie
finds her parents are away on a long trip and her siblings don’t seem to
want her to stay. When she opens a day school for young ladies, she
begins tutoring the incorrigible daughter of the enemy Turlock clan. The
Turlocks, slaveholders and whiskey magnates, are envious of the
powerful Ballantynes and suspicious of their abolitionist leanings. As
Ellie becomes increasingly tangled with the Turlocks, she finds herself
falling in love with an impossible future—and Jack Turlock, a young man
striving to free himself from his family’s violent legacy. How can she
betray her family and side with the enemy? And will Jack ever allow her
into his world?
Love's Awakening is available for preorder at amazon.com.
From beloved Christian author, Julie Lessman, comes the long awaited first book in The Heart of San Francisco series. Love at Any Cost is Julie's eighth novel, and is scheduled for release on April 15, 2013. As a fan of Julie's work, and the rich history of San Francisco, I can't wait to read this one! Thankfully, Julie's eager reader friends won't have to wait much longer! It's hard to believe the wait is almost over! About the Book/Series:
From the
glitter and glamour of San Francisco’s Nob Hill and Napa wine country,
to the seedy dance halls and gambling dens of the Barbary Coast, “The
Heart of San Francisco” series is a study in contrasts between the haves
and have-nots, and barriers between rich and poor that only faith can
transcend.
Jilted by a fortune hunter, cowgirl Cassidy McClare is a spunky Texas
oil heiress without a fortune who would just as soon hogtie a man as
look at him. Hoping a summer visit with her wealthy cousins in San
Francisco will help her forget her heartache, Cassidy travels west. But
no sooner is she settled in beautiful California than Jamie McKenna, a
handsome pauper looking to marry well, captures her heart. When Jamie
discovers the woman he loves is poorer than he is, Cassidy finds herself
bucked by love a second time. Will Jamie discover that money can't buy
love after all? And can Cassidy ever learn to fully trust her heart to a
man?
With delectable descriptions and a romantic sensibility,
bestselling author Julie Lessman brings the Gilded Age to life in this
sumptuous new series. Readers will faithfully follow Lessman to the West
Coast for more romance, passion, and surprising revelations found in Love at Any Cost.
Love at Any Cost is currently available for preorder at amazon.com.
About the Book:
Aaron Miller was an old, worn-out Vietnam vet, a handyman in a trailer
park. Forty years ago, he saved the lives of three young men in the
field only to come home from the war and lose everything - including
love, dignity, second, and even third, chances.
But God is a
master at finding and redeeming the lost things of life. Aaron is about
to be found. And the one who finds him just might find the love of his
life as well.
Expert storyteller Dan Walsh presents The Reunion,
a holiday tale filled with the things his fans have come to love -
forgiveness, redemption, love and that certain bittersweet quality that
few authors ever truly master. Fans old and new will find themselves
drawn into this story about how God cares for everyone.
My Rating: 5 Stars
My Review:
Dan Walshis a master storyteller, and has woven a wonderful story of love, friendship, forgiveness, restoration, redemption, and second chances.
I found all of the characters to be likeable and believable, and I especially loved the main character, Aaron Miller. His story is remarkable, and while it's fictitious, I imagine it's one that could easily hold true to real-life veterans. I truly enjoyed everything about Aaron's character: how he lived a humble life, how he found beauty in the world and people around him, and how every life he touched was changed for the better. Everyone who knew Aaron was better off for knowing him. He touched people's lives in remarkable ways . . . and yet he was humble. In my eyes, he's a fantastic example of what it looks like to live a life that looks like Christ. He laid himself aside for others -- back in Vietnam and in his job as a handyman in the trailer park. His heart for others, and his humble character make him one that I'll never forget. I'd say he's one of my favorite characters in any book I've ever read.
There wasn't anything I didn't like about the book. And even though I had a little bit of an idea about which way the story was headed, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. Then of course, there was the "tear factor" . . . I love a book that moves me to tears, and Dan definitely has the skill to provide a heartwarming and emotional read. I highly recommend this one with two thumbs up! Dan Walsh is a talented writer, and I look forward to reading many more of his books.
Yay! Another great, new group! Finding Favour's single, Slip on By, is awesome! I've heard it on KLOVE a few times, and I just love it! It's a song that reminds us to embrace every moment that God has given us. Every moment is precious, and they pass all too quickly . . . We're only here for a little while. God gives us only so much precious time, so don't let it slip on by.
Finding Favours debut album releases on March 12th, and if this song is any indication, I think it's going to be awesome! Enjoy and be blessed, my friends! (P.S. You might need a Kleenex)
It's been a couple years since I've watched American Idol, but when this video showed up on my facebook newsfeed, I was awestruck! You Set Me Free is an original song by Angela Miller (aka Angie K. Miller), and she is a contestant on American Idol this season. She's a young Christian woman, who appears to have a very special anointing on her singing career. The vocals on this song are amazing, and the message is so powerful! I may be a bit late in posting this here, and you may have already seen this video, but just in case you haven't seen it, you're in for a real treat!
If you search her on youtube, you'll find that she has MANY other songs worth listening to. I predict big things for this young lady, and I pray that she stays humble and sings for the Lord to bring Him all the glory. From many of the comments I've read on youtube, she's already making a huge impact on people's lives. Needless to say, I'll be rooting for her! Shine your light, Angie!
I love this, because as much as I've messed up, it's so reassuring to know that God is patient, and His mercies are new each morning.
As I leave my past mistakes behind, I can rest in the fact that from glory to glory (and from mistake to mistake), I'm being transformed. So thankful that God's not finished with me yet!
Thank you for visiting my humble, little place here in the blogging world! I'm so happy that you stopped by! I'm a married, Christian mom of three great kids! I love to read Christian fiction, listen to Contemporary Christian music, and bake "sweet treats" for my family from time to time. I hope you'll find some "inspiration" while you're here!
