Book Review: Peace for Today

Sometimes we just need a bit of encouragement. I don't know about you, but when I am going through a life change (like say.... oh, the birth of my daughter!) ;) I just need something that I can go to for a bit of encouragement and peace. This book is that for me. I actually took it with me to the hospital! It is very true to the title "Peace for today."

I like the layout of the book and that all the devotionals are short - 5 minutes with Jesus. Except that I am a very fast reader, so it's more like three minutes for me. ;) It's great to have available for a quick read when you need some encouragement. It's not a full year of devotions, but it's a good size to have on your nightstand.

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I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.

"Dear friend," a letter to Mothers in waiting...

My dear friend,

I have started this letter to you many, many times in my head. But sometimes it's hard to put into words all I am thinking. I may have met you before, or I may have never said a word to you. But I think of you often. 

I wonder, have I bumped into you at the grocery store? Maybe we are friends on Facebook. If we haven't met, maybe it would help you to know that I was once right where you are. And I have not forgotten how it feels. 

I remember the times when it seemed that every woman I met was expecting a baby. And my arms felt so very empty. So. Many. Times. 

Now it's me. I'm the one chasing a very energetic toddler. I'm the one who has that glow and the telling bump out front. 

If we haven't met, let me tell you a little about myself. For almost ten years of marriage, I was the one with the empty arms. And it hurt. So bad. I have not forgotten the hurt or the many tears. The wondering why? Then a little over two years ago, through the miracle of adoption and the sacrifice of a loving birth mother, God filled our arms. Quite full. :) We adore our busy, strong willed, but sweet and sensitive little girl! Then this fall, we got quite a shock!! In my womb, which I thought would always be empty, God placed a precious little being inside. And there she grows daily. 

I'm in my third trimester, and frankly, I think we are still in shock. It amazes me that there is a little person growing inside me!! 

But I think of you. Maybe I bump into you in the store. Maybe it hurts you to see me. I wish I could share my story with you and give you hope. Hope that through adoption, or pregnancy, or even opening your home to share your love with another's children, that God would fill your heart to overflowing.

I'm praying for you! That this time of waiting will all be worth it. That God would bless you exceedingly, abundantly above all that you could ask or even imagine!

~Charity

(photo credit goes to Brittany Fogleman - a wonderful friend and supporter through many of my ups and downs and a very talented photographer!) 

Book Reveiw: The Photograph

When Jed finds a picture of an Amish girl in a book on a train, he is intrigued. The book itself has many notes written in the margins and he comes to feel as though he knows the writer. Lily and her family are distraught because of the disappearance of her sister. What is the connection between the photograph and the sister?

I normally enjoy all of Beverly Lewis's books, but for some reason I struggled a bit with this one. I did like the premise, but I had a hard time really getting into the book. It may be more the busyness of my life right now than the writing though. Lewis's characters are always memorable though. Great light read.

~Book given in exchange for an honest review by Bethany House publishers. My opinions are my own. 

Book Review: The Love Letters

I love getting the chance to review Beverly Lewis's books! In "The Love Letters," Marlena has moved to a different town to help care for her mennonite grandmother. Some of the things she is learning there have caused her to reevaluate her beliefs and what direction she truly wants to go in life. On top of that, she is suddenly given the care of her estranged sister's newborn daughter.

I really connected with this book and loved it! I think part of my connection with it is identifying the love and care you can have for a child that is not born to you. It isn't exactly an adoption story, but is in some ways. I loved the characters and enjoyed the development of their story.

~Book given in exchange for an honest review by Bethany House publishers. My opinions are my own.

Easy Lotion Bars

It's hard to believe I'm almost 29 weeks with this baby girl!! Time is going so fast and sometimes I just want to hold it still. I'm still in a bit of shock that I am blessed to carry out next child. I love feeling kicks and wiggles!!

When I started growing a bit bigger, I asked one of my good friends what she used to prevent stretch marks. Her answer was olive oil or coconut oil. I figure, since she's had four kids, she probably knows what she's talking about!  So I decided to make myself a lotion bar!! 

It's a pretty simple recipe. I started with a 1:1:1 ratio of beeswax, coconut oil, and cocoa butter, but since I wanted it to be very "oily" I add in extra coconut oil. Then I add in several popped and squeezed E capsules and a few drops of essential oil.

For about one bar, the quantities look like this: 

1 oz. bar of beeswax

2 tablespoons cocoa butter

2 tablespoons coconut oil (plus an extra scoop or two!)

3-4 E capsules

3-4 drops of essential oil

I put it in a glass jar in a pan of water and heat it all up slowly. It just needs to be melted. 

Then I pour it into my mold. I love using silicone, the bars just pop right out when they are done! 

And all finished!! This is my second batch of making these. I've made a similar bar a few years ago, but I like this recipe a lot better. And best of all... No stretch marks!! And baby sure is growing!! Here I am at 28 weeks!! 

I've been just a little quiet....

But with very good reason!! Not only did we move into a new home this year, (YES!!) have to undergo a bit of reconstruction in our living room - because of water damage, had some fun decorating our new home (though I don't feel anywhere NEAR settled yet... with time..)

Just a couple of my wintery touches... ;) 

 BUT our family has had a HUGE surprise!! Something I never expected to happen...

Yes!!! I am expecting!!!! I am in the second trimester, and though morning sickness wasn't too bad, I'm happy to be feeling much better and to be getting some energy back!!

At 19 weeks this past Thursday, I'm finally starting to "pop" a bit and am enjoying my little bump! ;) I have felt a few little flutters, but am excited to really start feeling my little one!!

It was such a surprise to find out that The Lord has sent our next little one to us this way! We were starting to discuss getting geared up for the next adoption! ;) (I had been feeling a bit of "baby fever.") And while we thought we'd wait til our active, very busy toddler was just a tad bit older, God has other plans, and His plans are perfect!! (Even though this Matron of Honor is due just two days before her dear sister's wedding!! YES! God does have quite the sense of humor!!) ;)

So, just a little "catch up" post on my blog... And I've got a few book reviews to catch up on as well. ;) I've been a bit remiss on a couple of my programs and I don't want to be disqualified. It takes me a while to get through a book these days for some strange reason!! :P

Book Review: The Potter's Lady

Ah, yes, once again a return to historical fiction - my first love! ;) I have a true love of history and enjoy books about different time periods. Judith Miller has my respect as a writer and has for quite some while. Some authors just stand out above the rest.

I really enjoyed reading The Potter's Lady. In this story, Rose McKay convinces her brother to invest in a pottery business. She loves designing pottery and wants to help in designing pieces that will make the new business venture a success. When the survival of the new business depends on the outcome of a contest that would result in an amazing pottery contract, Rose isn't sure who she can trust - company designs have been stolen.

I did enjoy this book - so much so, that I am excited to have received another in this series for Christmas! This is a sequel to another book, but knowing that does not interfere with enjoying this one. I also love when covers to books are beautifully designed, as this one is! I look forward to reading more of Judith Miller's books.


Thanks to Bethany House for the review copy. My opinions are my own.

Book Review: From the Start

Yes, with moving and everything else going on this year, I've got a bit behind on my book reviews. :) We'll start with this one. ;)

Kate Walker is in a bit of a slump as a professional writer and returns to her hometown - small Maple Valley. Colton Greene is in his own professional slump as an injured NFL player and he retreats to a friend's home in the small town of, you guessed it, Maple Valley. They are both seeking where to go next in life, will they get a fresh start together?

This was a fun book to read, but honestly, not overly original as contemporary Christian fiction goes. I also found it a bit odd that with a very autumn looking cover and a football theme, this book released in March. Seemed like funny timing to me, but I'm not the expert. ;) Did I enjoy it, yes! Do I recommend it? Sure! Fun read!



Thank you to Bethany House for the review copy... my opinions are my own.