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.

Book Review: Jesus Calling for Little Ones

If you haven't heard of the devotional, Jesus Calling, it is one of my absolute favorites. Based on Scripture, it is often exactly what I need for the day. I was excited to see this little Jesus Calling for Little Ones! It is very sweet, encouraging, and comforting for little ones. Like the adult version, each page and the encouragement comes directly from the Bible and the verses are printed there as well. 

It is a cardboard book, which is perfect for my little one right now. She loves to look at the pages, especially the one with the little girl praying. She loves to say prayers and play with her doll. :) I can see us reading this even more in the future when the words have even more meaning for her. 

Thank you to BookLook blogger program for this review copy. My opinions are my own. 

Book Review: Where Trust Lies

Where Trust Lies is the second book in the Return to The Canadian West series. While this series is meant as a companion to the popular television series produced by Hallmark, I feel the book is excellent on it's own. (And for me, reading the book doesn't pose the disturbing issue of having to watch the characters in a historic setting sporting modern day hairstyles... does this not bother anyone else but me?? ahem. back to the book...)  In this story, Beth is headed back home to her family and on to a steamship cruise of the east coast. They make some friends on the trip but also meet some people of questionable character, leading one of their party into danger! (Ok... no more spoilers here... read it!) :)

Janette Oke, yes she's been writing a while. Yes, some people feel that her stories are a bit formulaic. BUT, I'm really not of that opinion. While she does tend to stick in the same genre, historical fiction, that also happens to be one of my favorite genres and I feel she does a great job! Some of my favorite, re-read/comfort books are Janette Oke. :) This book is a quick fun read and I love the cover art - it can really make or break a book in today's competitive market! :)

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This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review by Bethany House Publishers. Just an aside... I love their review program. It is very personal and they are quick to answer any questions! I also love the quality books put out by Bethany House... some publishers I've had issues with content, but not Bethany. Kudos to a publisher for upholding high standards!

A bit of news and a book review!!

I'll start out with the news... our family is sooo excited! We have a contract on a house! It is a beautiful house with lots of room for our family, for us to (once again... finally) be able to entertain guests, and with a backyard for our little girl to have room to run!! I'm eager for that closing date to get here, but I've been keeping very busy with packing! Can you believe it's been almost two years since we sold our last home? I'm sooo ready to be in a home again!! And we are thrilled to be able to move into the neighborhood that we have dreamed about for years! (it just feels like home!) :) Prayers are very much appreciated though... that all will go well and that the transition will be smooth. :) In the mean time, I have a cute little helper!!! :)

A second item of news, my friends Brittany and Jenny have started a great new blog: Chapel Cottage Chicks!!! I love they're vintage cottage style, and I am working on getting them to make a "house call" after we get settled a bit!! ;)

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And now for the book review: I saw this book and thought, what a fun book to review for the 4th! So what better time to (finally) get this review posted! ;) I grew up with the Berenstain Bears as I'm sure many of you did as well. Both Stan and Jan Berenstain have passed away, but their son Mike continues to write and illustrate new books. These new books, under the Living Light series, are based on Christian principles! (you can read a bit more in this article.) So now, these favorite bears aren't just cute stories, but they are helping kids learn about God!

God Bless Our Country is a very fun book that has a brief overview of our country's history. I love that the illustrations are in part bear versions of famous paintings from America's history (including Washington crossing the Delaware and the signers of the Declaration of Independence.) Is it a history book? no... but it is a fun introduction to our nation's beginning appropriate for young children.

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Thanks to BookLook for the review copy... my opinions are my own. :)

NOT a book review

Goodness... I just looked at my blog and realized like every post for the past almost six months has been a book review...  I really DO more than just read, but who has the time for blogging nowadays? Some do, I know! Just not me, evidently... But I shall try. If there's anyone out there that still reads this. :)

What have I been up to? my #1 job is this little (but growing fast) girl!

She's sooo much fun and learning so much! She loves her books, music, play phones and Baby Signing time. She loves people! So much fun to go to the store because she loves to say "HI!" to everyone we meet... several times! ;) How is it even possible that 17 months has passed already? She is an amazing girl! But yes.... she does keep me quite busy. If she is awake, she is moving. ;)

My second (naptime) job is my business! I love my work as a Lilla Rose Independent Consultant! Mostly I do what I can during naptimes (or occasionally after kiddo is in bed.) I don't have huge requirements to keep my consultant status and if I have a very busy time, my job will be right where I left it. And it's such an amazing product that it sells itself! I did my first vendor event last week with my mom and a young friend (she was our hair model!). We had a lot of fun and got to introduce Lilla Rose to our community. :)

A third thing that is happening is, quite frankly, something that ISN'T. We are still. in. our. apartment. sigh... We ARE very blessed! We live in an older, but VERY well maintained complex with an excellent staff! (Our little one loves going to the office to say hi! And they have known her since she was born!) ;) But apartment living is just that. Apartment living. We have neighbors above us with pets - very sweet neighbors - but it is still close quarters. We're not so much "looking" for a house as we are "waiting" for a house. We are ready in every way to buy our long term home, but our home has yet to open up. I know God is working things out in His perfect timing, but sometimes it's hard to wait - especially when you don't see anything happening... But we keep trusting and praying for His will for our little family.

Ah... what else? VBS planning, helping mom with her recital last week, gearing up to plan my sister's wedding... EEEK!!! my baby sister is engaged!!! So happy for her! ;) And many, other things that just keep happening. I reckon you'd just call it life! :) So yes... I do something besides read books...

Book Review: $10 Great Dates

Hubby and I are saving up for a house (and waiting for the right one to open..) ;) And with a little one, dates don't happen as frequently as they probably should, but when they do happen, they certainly aren't anything fancy. :) So $10 Great Dates by Mr. and Mrs. Larson and Mr. and Mrs. Arp really got my attention. The book is divided into sections by types of dates such as outdoor dates, adventure dates, and even seasonal dates. I love the imagination that the authors put into each date - they are things I wouldn't think of doing - lots of fun ideas! :) The have different sections for each date including tips for prep before hand, questions for during or after the date and a thought to focus on after the date. A fun resource for couples at any stage in life who want to light a fresh spark in their marriage.

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

Book Review: Words To Dream On

Somehow I have a renewed interest in children's Bible story books! :) When I saw the opportunity to review this one, it certainly sounded interesting! I have not been disappointed! I love the structure of the book. Each story has a Scripture verse as well as a bedtime prayer and a blessing. What a wonderful way to end the day with our little girl! The art work is beautiful, very colorful and pictures that a child will enjoy looking at.  I also love that it includes so many stories from the Bible. The last story is taken from 1 Thessalonians and mostly Revelation and talks about looking forward to Jesus's return and Heaven. Such an important part of God's book - the ending! :)


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I got this book in exchange for my honest review from the
BookLook review program. My opinions are my own. 

Book Review: The Sweetest Story Bible for Toddlers

What a fun little story Bible. We gave this to our little one for Valentine's Day. She liked it. The illustrations are very bright and colorful. Fun to look at! The stories are short, lots of detail left out. That bothered me a bit at first, but it IS a book for toddlers, so a lot of detail isn't necessary, and I know we will be getting more into detail as she grows older. I do love that in it's brevity, the book does have the story of Jesus's birth, death and resurrection - the main focus of the Bible. I also like that it is a board book, one I can let my 14 month old play with on her own.

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Book provided in exchange for review by BookLook. My opinions are my own.

Book Review: A Bride in Store

In "A Bride in Store," Eliza goes west to become a mail order bride. Her new life quickly off to a bad start when the train she is traveling on is robbed, she is injured and her dowry stolen. When she arrives in town, her groom isn't anywhere to be found. His business partner is, and allows her to work in their store. Eliza has a good mind for business and merchandising and quickly gets to work putting the store to rights. Unfortunately, when her groom finally shows up, he isn't the man she expected him to be.

This was a fun read, but didn't really grab me like some books do. The plot line did have some interesting twists and turns though. Would I recommend it? Of course! A fun read, interesting story and nothing objectionable. It's the author's second novel, it will be interesting to see what else she comes out with.

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Book provided in exchange for review by Bethany House publishers. My opinions are my own.

Book Review: The Secret of Pembrooke Park

After losing their wealth through poor investments, Abigail Foster's family is given the oppurtunity to live in at stately manor, the home of a distant relative. A home that was abandoned suddenly eighteen years before. Mystery surrounds the home and she isn't the only one searching for answers.

Intrigued? I was too! I love Julie Klassen's books. They do all need to come with a warning though... they are not easily put down! Unless, you're like me and you don't like reading suspenseful stuff at night, so you are worried about reading when you are the only one left awake... However, I needn't have worried. The suspense level is perfect. And like all her other books, once you start it, the story is stuck in your head... even when you're not reading.

I loved the characters in this novel! They aren't straightforward and expected. You might think you have someone figured out, but the character ends up being more complex or perhaps not as "evil" as you originally thought. The house itself is a "character" of sorts and well thought out. You'll feel like you've been there.

I loved the theme of friendship running through the book - enduring friendships past and the hope of future friendships. There is also the theme of righting the wrongs of the past, and the hope that we have in God to restore what has been broken by sin.

A couple of fun things to add to this review:
First my favorite quote that I put into a fun picture:

and a fun tour of the home that inspired the house in the story, done by the author, Julie Klassen.

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A big thank you to Bethany House Publishers for giving me this copy to review... my opinions are my own.

Book Review: Where Treetops Glisten

Wow! So I guess it's a little late for a Christmas book review, but I guess you can look forward to reading this book next year! :) I love having Christmas books to read at Christmastime. It seems very strange to me to read "normal" books at such a special season. A lot of times, I just find quick books to read, very light and fluffy. This year, I was very excited to have "Where Treetops Glisten" especially since one of the contributors is one of my favorite authors, Sarah Sundin!

The book is composed of three novellas each about a sibling in one family and spans most of World War II. This is such a spectacular period in our nations history and I love books set in this period, especially since my grandparents were teens/young adults in this time. My grandpa served in the Pacific in the Army Air Corps. The stories follow Abigail, Peter, and Meredith Turner as they do their part in helping the war effort. Abigail has no interest in romance after losing her boyfriend at Pearl Harbor. Pete is home from the war but suffering from the mental anguish caused by hard fighting. Merry is a nurse hoping to go to the warm Pacific, but ends up in cold Europe. Each of these siblings finds love in unexpected places.

I really enjoyed reading this book! I love the descriptions of the town (especially Glatz candy shop where Abigail worked!) I also loved that each of the stories are connected. The authors are established in their writing and know how to compose excellent stories. I really enjoyed reading this book through the Christmas season!

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This book was provided by Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

Book review - The NKJV Study Bible

A few weeks ago, I was thinking about getting a new Bible. I have one study Bible that I've used, but I was ready for something a bit different. I wasn't sure what yet, and I was going to start looking around. I thought maybe even a small Bible to carry. I wanted a New King James Version for a couple of reasons. I LIKE the version for one thing, and the other reason is that it is the version used in the study material for one of the kids' classes I teach at church. I went on BookLook to check out the new review offerings and would you believe that I had the opportunity to review a NKJV study Bible? :) I was thrilled! I hope you friends out there don't get too tired of my book reviews, but these programs have been such a blessing to me! Especially with something like this! I feel like The Lord just gave me a gift! :)

This is a hard cover Bible with a dust jacket. Honestly, the jacket is a little underwhelming to me. It doesn't really give a good feel for what is inside. BUT... There are many things I love about this NKJV Study Bible! I love all the color! (That's really deep, I know, but it is enjoyable to look at!) It is a beautiful Bible - very well designed and easy to read. I am happy to actually find a NKJV study Bible (very common around here is the NIV, which isn't my favorite). This Bible has a lot of great features and I like the way it is laid out. There are word definition blocks quite often - these include the Greek word and the Strong's number. There also are cultural notes that help explain the context for what you are reading. There are several maps in the back of the Bible, but I love that there are color maps within the text as well. In the study portion, the phrase that is being explained is in bold - makes it easier to find, especially if you aren't reading every note.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thank you to Book Look Bloggers for the review copy. My opinions are my own.

She's Ours

"Is she yours?"

I got asked this question recently. My answer was simple: "Yes!"  I didn't feel the need to explain. Because Joy belongs to me. To us. She came to our family in a very special way, but she belongs here. She's ours!

I was reading in Romans about God adopting us into His family, and remembering this time a year ago when we were waiting for our girl to come to us. At this point, we knew about a little girl, but she wasn't "ours" yet. She belonged to someone else. A very special person that we have grown to love. Joy's birth mom. Her first mom on this earth. And now Joy belongs to us because her first mom chose us.

I remember that first morning waking in the hospital with Joy by my side in her little rolling nursery bed. The door opened early - I think it was about six - and at first I thought it was one of the hospital staff bringing something by. (Remember, I was asleep and I didn't have my glasses on.) It was Joy's birth mom. We were surprised by her visit, we didn't know if she would come by at all, but we were so very glad she did! I asked if she would like to hold Joy, and she did for a moment. I'll never forget what she did next though, after holding her for that brief time, she handed Joy back to me and said, "Go to your mama."

You see, Joy is ours. Not just because a judge said so. Not just because social workers or attorneys said we will be a good family for Joy. But because a very special lady put her own desires aside and made a choice out of a very hard core love. She chose us for her baby. She made the best and hardest decision she knew how to make. Out of strength. Out of love.

Yes, she's ours! Without reservation. without explanation. without qualifications. She belongs to us.

And we are so thankful!!

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November is National Adoption Month. I wanted to share just a bit of our story.