Sunday, December 31, 2017

Relections on 2017

It's been kind of quiet around here lately.

This blank page has been beckoning me, but somehow I keep pushing it aside.

First it was I was too busy...

then didn't feel like I had much to say.

Today, though, is the end of this year, a perfect time for reflection.

To look back at all that went wrong and evaluate, and to pat myself on the back for all that went right.

At the end of last year, I was relieved. My family had went through our own personal war, and we were tired. We were in shock. We stumbled out of 2016 thanking God for new opportunities.

In the face of death and all that it took from me in 2016, I resolved to LIVE.

I didn't know exactly what that would look like... just like I didn't know what purpose would look like in 2016, or love would look like in 2015, or be would look like in 2014, or grace would look like in 2013...

but God did.

He knew I'd need the reminder to pause and appreciate each minute, even if Caleb and Wallace were getting on my ever loving last nerve. He knew I'd need a reminder to get up early and hike, even when maybe I didn't feel like it.

And He knew that in July, there'd be change, and living means embracing change, even if you don't necessarily like it. To live means to fully appreciate every opportunity, and for the most part in 2017 I'd like to think that I did that.

Before the year started, I chose 17 "goals" to concentrate on .
1. Because I've chosen "LIVE" to be my word for 2017, focusing on Galatians 2:20, being crucified to self but alive through Christ, my first goal is to live to the fullest. Embrace life. Die to myself. Take deep breaths and enjoy the experience. Too often we only survive... and while it sounds cliché, this is my year to thrive! (Or at least enjoy the floundering as much as possible).

2. Exercise. Walk 10,000 steps a day, exercising at least a minimum of 30 minutes per day 5 days a week. Also I want to hike as much as possible, do some Pound at least once a week, and just move more in general. Wallace bought us a kayak so that's on the agenda once the weather gets warmer. And I'd love to run a 5K- a goal I've had for several years, so...

3. Read through the Chronological Bible.

4. Bible studies- Scripture memorization through the book Matters of the Heart, and the Scripture Memorization team through Living Proof Live. Other Bible studies I have include All Things New by Kelly Minter, Mark by Lisa Harper, Hosea by Jennifer Rothschild, and Entrusted by Beth Moore. Lifeway is praying through the Psalms the first 40 days of the year.

I want to do it all!

5. Explore KY- visit at least 10 new counties and do something fun and different in each of them, or something unique to that county.

6. Write every day. I'd like to *gasp* write a book. Maybe a devotional, or a collection of stories from my family... I'm debating, but I'm hoping to put some pen to paper and actually get started.

7. Learn something new- Spanish, piano... I don't know. Just learn.

8. And be intentional about learning. Acknowledge what new things I was introduced to. Look for opportunities to learn... about things I didn't really think I'd want to learn about.

9. Random/unrandom acts of kindess- Things that I can do to make life better for other people.

10. Be more intentional about friendship. Reach out to at least one person a week. Facilitate relationships with people of different ages and interests.

11. Read 130 books. This is always my favorite one!

12. Snap a pic every day- make memories

13. Count 1,000 Gifts- Be thankful- and Be the GIFT (giving it forward today).

14. Laugh.  Hard. Everyday.

15. Three 15s a day- 15 minutes to plan, 15 minutes to reflect, using it to grow. 15 minutes of picking up the house every day.

16. Make time for family. My parents. Siblings. In-laws. Grandma. Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. And also those who may not have family.

17. Live out Micah 6:8- Seek justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly with God.

Some of them I completed, some of them I didn't get close to. I gained weight instead of losing it, didn't get as much exercise as I'd like, and didn't complete a 5K. I didn't memorize much scripture or complete as many Bible studies that I had hoped, and I didn't even meet my goal for reading this year... I didn't count 1000 gifts on paper. I neglected this blog and didn't write much in general. I didn't snap a pic a day, and had to stop piano lessons with the move, so there went my something new =)

but I hiked, a lot. I soaked in God's beauty. I kayaked and explored Kentucky- 23 counties (97 to go!) I crossed something off my bucket list when I graduated with my DNP. I visited the beach and our nation's capitol and laughed... a lot. I spent time snuggling with Melody when she'd let me, and took Will to church and watched Caleb transition to a new school in amazement. I took a leap of faith and left my comfort zone to teach at Morehead, gaining some new friends in the process. I looked for ways to intentionally  love others and though I didn't get it right all of the time, I'd like to think I did, some of the time.

I learned that sometimes you NEED to put the book (or Kindle) down and look somebody in the eye to listen.
I was reminded that family is the greatest thing, and that when you don't have anything else left, you've got enough.
I learned that Christmas plays really are the best with lots of kids under 12 to fill in the parts (although my Aunt Dana may disagree).
I learned that every sign in the Red River Gorge has an inaccurate estimate of how long the trail is... and you always end up hiking longer than you thought you would.  Also, hiking in the rain isn't really that bad when it's not too cold outside.
I learned it is NOT  a good idea to take Caleb Bates on his first kayak trip down the river late in the evening when the trip is 8 miles long.
I learned that Kentucky has lots of interesting places.
I also learned one should always google "events close to where I am staying" when traveling to other cities.
I learned that the beach is always beautiful.



















It seems the older I get the more excited I get about the new year. With the advent of social media, it seems all of our posts and pics and reading plans and exercise plans and *insert your form of information overload here... we all seem to be excited.

It's a blank slate.

A new chapter... and I've got my pen ready.
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Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Chautona Havig Scavenger Hunt- Legend of Vengeance Review


 
 
 
Let me start by saying this book is not my typical read.
I signed up for this tour for Celebrate Lit and was the last person to receive a book, so this one was it.
A pirate novel?
Seriously?
 
Yes.
 
And I was pleasantly surprised.
 
I really liked Sebastian, whose father is a pirate. He has been raised on a ship and longs for an ordinary life. His character is well-developed and you feel empathy for him.
I don't like his father, which I guess is to be expected, because he's a pirate.
This book is full of adventure, just as you'd expect, but it is also thought-provoking.
I'd highly recommend it to young lads and lasses intent on an adventure...
and to some older lads and lasses, too.
 
Thank you to Celebrate Lit for allowing me to participate in their blog tours. This will be the last post I make for them, as I've found myself immersed in a new job and a tad bit overwhelmed. I have so enjoyed getting to read new books and become familiar with new authors such as Chautona (who is now one of my favorites!)
 
I did receive a complimentary copy of this book. This is my honest review.
 
About the book:
Son of the feared pirate, Nicolo Soranzo, Sebastian longs for a life on land--a life free of crime, fear, and the embarrassment of wearing dresses during battle. For ten years, their ship, The Vengeance, has sailed through Mediterranean waters, and even the Barbary Corsairs flee in the wake of their arrival. 
To pass the time at night, the boatswain and long-time loyal friend regales the crew with exciting stories of adventure. But when Jaime begins a new tale, Sebastian learns to understand a little of why his father allows his hate of injustice to drive him to seek revenge against those who prey on others.

The only question in his mind: Is it right to seek revenge at all?

This book is the first in the Legends of The Vengeance series.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Legends-Vengeance-Adventure-Chautona-Havig-ebook/dp/B00KWWDT1S/
Blog Post from Chautona Havig about Legends of Vengeance: 
 
“So whatever made you decide to write about pirates? Isn’t that a bit incongruous with a Christian fiction youth novel? I mean, aren’t they your protagonists?”
Part of me wants to agree, you know. I mean, theft, murder, vengeance… what about that is encouraging to youth? How does it deepen faith in younger Christians?
But you see, that’s partly why I wrote it. The world offers the youth of today exciting characters in difficult situations and says, “When it’s hard, that makes it okay to do what you might otherwise not be comfortable with.”
Translation: It’s okay to do what’s wrong if you’re in a difficult circumstance.
Hogwash.
However, one thing I see these books do that I think can be beneficial is teach sympathy—not just for those in difficult circumstances but for how easy it is to justify sin. I mean, isn’t that what we do all the time? Every day. I hear it in stores, as people walk past my house, in my own heart. “Well you made me mad and I…”
Made you? I am not responsible for my response if you are responsible for provoking me? Since when?
You see, so much of Christian fiction geared to young people is rather pietistic—and by that I mean stripped of reality. Sunday school moral lessons of being tempted to cheat on a test, but praying and that temptation is all gone.
Look. That happens. It does. But just as often, kids today see horrors happen that I couldn’t have imagined back when I was in school. The world tells them that their feelings can dictate their actions. And when their only Biblical reference doesn’t seem to apply, they fall prey to those lies.
In the Legends of the Vengeance series, I wanted to set difficult situations in a familiar setting that kids know isn’t right. Kids know pillaging, plundering, and murder are wrong. I wanted to show both how someone could get caught up in such a terrible life… and that there’s never an excuse for it.
Will the story offer redemption? Of course. Will there be confusing moments where it appears characters are doing “good” with their evil deeds? Definitely. Will readers see that “there is a way that seems right to a [kid] but the end leads to destruction?” Absolutely.
And that’s kind of my point.
I also wanted to show how family legacies, both godly and sin-focused leave a lasting impression on later generations. I’m not writing about generational curses that practically trap someone into a life they wouldn’t have chosen—but the effects of one man’s choice, whether good or bad, on the generations to come.
My characters in the first book aren’t Christians… most of them, anyway. And it’s going to take a while for that to happen. But the adventures and lessons that are to come will make a difference in more than young Sebastian Soranzo’s life. And I hope to show the emptiness of a life built on vengeance and the worth of one built on faith.
November is National Novel Writing Month (or NaNoWriMo) and the month where I get to write WHATEVER I want.  Guess what I’m writing this year?  Yep. It’s time for Sebastian to “save the day.”  I think he’s earned that.
Blog Post from Chautona Havig about this book tour:

They talked—my favorite Denny’s server and a guy she met. “Shanetta (she can’t get my name right to save her life) writes in booth 14 every night.”
“Writes what?”
Angela gave him a “duh” look. “Books?”
Again, the guy asked, “What genre.”
I’m sure she didn’t know what she was in for when Angela said, “Christian fiction.”
The man’s response? Priceless. “So, what, she makes up lies about Christians?”

As I said in THIS POST, I used to use Christian fiction as a general explanation of what I write but it wasn’t the “simple answer” that I’d expected. So, then I started saying, “Well, this one is…” and I’d fill in the blank. Mystery, romance, suspense, historical, contemporary, youth—you name it, I’ve probably written it. Well, except for erotica. And true sci-fi? Yeah. That probably won’t happen either. Horror? Not my thing.
Once I’ve explained my odd genre choice for this particular book, I tend to point out that most of my fiction follows under the general heading of Christian fiction. Inevitably the question follows, though. “Why Christian?”
It would be easier to answer why not. I could just say, “As a Christian, I find it almost impossible to leave my faith and worldview out of my writing.” It’s true, but I did manage. Once. Even then, if you look deep into the core of that little story, you’ll still find basic Biblical themes and truths. They’re just less overt.
But people never ask why not write something else. They ask why I write Christian fiction. So I tell them. I start with my purpose. “I write stories to point Christians to the Master Storyteller.” I write about Christians for Christians. I don’t write evangelistic fiction, although occasionally someone comes to Jesus in my books. The reason I do this is because I’m writing to encourage the body of Christ. If I wrote to introduce the lost to Jesus, I’d be writing mainstream to whet people’s thirst for the Word and the Lord.
But that’s not my goal. How I achieve my goal is my website’s tagline. “Christian fiction without apology or pretense—lived, not preached.”
In the books featured in this blog tour, you won’t find people, as a general rule, spouting sermons disguised as prayers. I show a faith-filled life lived… or not, as the story requires. I show you why Christians believe things that I may not even agree with. And I hope, that with each word, I create a desire for just one more minute in the Word. 
My Social Media Links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chautona
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/justhewriteescape
My blog: http://chautona.com/blog/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/ChautonaHavig
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2946954.Chautona_Havig
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/chautona-havig
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Chautona-Havig/e/B0032191W2
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/chautona/videos
My newsletter (sign up for news of FREE eBook offers): https://chautona.com/newsletter
 
Pinterest Board for Legends of the Vengeance (quote images): https://www.pinterest.com/chautonahavig/legends-of-the-vengeance/
 
 
Chautona Havig lives and writes in California’s Mojave Desert. So, if her theology seems a little dry, or she gets a little long-winded, there’s an obvious reason for that. But she loves Jesus and the weather helps keep her on fire for Him! For more about why she writes, visit her website Bio page: https://chautona.com/bio

Blog Stops

September 29: The Scribbler
September 30: Just Jo’Anne
October 1: Quiet Quilter
October 5: Carpe Diem
 





 
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Monday, September 11, 2017

Will Not See


My thoughts:
I couldn't imagine not knowing anything about myself. I often say I don't know who I am, but to truly not remember the basics of everyday life... well, that would be terrible.
Vicki Jeffries wakes up to that reality. Thankfully, though, she has Ella who has recently gone through a similar experience. Both of these characters are well developed and the author shares their personal lives so that the reader feels their emotions... their doubts, their insecurities, their fear...

I enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction with a twist of suspense. I did receive a free copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and this is my honest review.


Release date: August 29, 2017
Genre: Christian Fiction / contemporary / suspense (light)
When Vikki Jeffries wakes up in a Rockland hotel with no idea of who she is and why she can’t remember… well, anything, the Rockland medical community begins to take a closer look at what may have happened to cause a second case of inexplicable amnesia.
But for Vikki, this is more than a medical anomaly–it’s her life. What is she doing in Rockland, thousands of miles away from her home in Apache Junction, Arizona? Who is she? Why is no one looking for her? Or are they?
Will Not See: Not everything is as it seems.
 Author of the Amazon bestselling Aggie and Past Forward Series, Chautona Havig lives and writes in California’s Mojave Desert. With dozens of books to her name, Chautona spends most of her time writing, but when she takes the rare break, she can be found reading, sewing, paper crafting, or sleeping and dreaming of finishing the dozens of books swirling in her overly-active imagination at any given moment

Guest Post from Chautona Havig

The circle of death swirls on the screen and it shifts. The bank balance appears, and with it, my heart sinks. It’s been a tough few months, financially. The bottom line proves it.
My reaction? Inhale. Exhale. “Okay, now we know the worst. We can do something about it.”
My husband, on the other hand, suffers a definite blow. Kevin might not sleep that night. Instead, he’ll mull over what we could have done differently, how we can make changes, if he’s a failure at this thing called life. He’ll pray—for hours.
They say ignorance is bliss. And sometimes, that’s true. It’s also a personality thing, I think. I tend to be a “let me have your worst” kind of gal. But when the negative arrives, I also tend to want to shield Kevin from it all. I don’t know how he can worry so much. He can’t fathom how I can turn it off.
But sometimes those personality things go deeper—into what can be serious faults. It has been said,
“There are none so blind as those who will not see. The most deluded people are those who choose to ignore what they already know.”
Or, in the words of Jeremiah,
“Now hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear.”

What does this have to do with not seeing?

As I work on the Sight Unseen series, one recurring theme happens, of course. Memory loss—the removal of all insight into one’s past. You can hear who you were, be informed of what you did and why others think you did it, but you can’t know your own self the way you once did. It’s a fresh slate, and it can be a good thing in some respects.
Those around you can now see the difference between habits and personality traits—true dislikes and those conditioned by life. What might have been a fear once could be gone if the cause of that fear is blotted out.
But even for these fictional characters, truth doesn’t change. In None So Blind, Ella takes her memory loss and uses it as an opportunity to reinvent herself, if you will. And you know what? If you asked her family about it, they’d tell you that it fits her personality. That take-charge, gotta get ’er done attitude Dani may have used in different ways, but both “manifestations” of the woman had those qualities. Sure, Ella’s was tempered by recent experience, but not much.

Vikki Jeffries, is almost the antithesis of Ella in that respect.

The past is in the past. It scares her. Is it because she doesn’t know it? Because she’s frightened by the unknown? We don’t know. But what we do know is anything associated with that past, even the few very personal items she finds, she rejects. It’s as if ignorance of them will protect her from them. Where Ella runs to face her problems, Vikki runs from them.
But despite those differences, I find it interesting that both women did the same thing, basically—just at different times.
Before her “episode,” Ella chose to blind herself to her faults. She knew them. Lived with them daily, but couldn’t face or address them. So, she “refused to see.”
Vikki—we don’t know. But I think the story shows that she couldn’t blind herself to truth before her episode. As much as she might have ached to, she just couldn’t. Now that the opportunity is here, however, she grasps it and if she insists on squeezing her eyes shut indefinitely, it may cost her everything—her life. Her soul.

Philippians 4:8, “…whatever is true.”

They say ignorance is bliss. Well, “they” also say, “Truth hurts.” And sometimes it does. But so do the consequences of that ignorance. I guess the next time the bank balance dips low, I won’t be handling the fallout alone. Then again, one can always pray that it doesn’t dip low! I think we’ll start there.

Blog Stops

August 29: Just Jo’Anne
August 29: Carpe Diem
August 30: Lots of Helpers
August 31: Genesis 5020
September 1: Quiet Quilter
September 1: Back Porch Reads
September 2: Fiction Aficionado
September 3: A Reader’s Brain
September 4: Bigreadersite
September 4: The Scribbler
September 5: Mommynificent
September 6: Christian Bookaholic
September 6: Moments Dipped in Ink
September 6: Moments Dipped in Ink
September 6: Margaret Kazmierczak
September 8: Pause for Tales
September 10: Pursuing Stacie
September 11: Reader’s cozy corner

Giveaway!!!
To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away a grand prize of the None So Blind Paperback,
the Will Not See Paperback, a Journaling Bible (Choice of KJV or NLT), Prismacolor Pencils,
and a Christian Hymns Album!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/bd17
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Saturday, August 19, 2017

Scavenger Hunt with Molly Jebber

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I'm thrilled to partner with Celebrate Lit for the Scavenger Hunt featuring Molly Jebber. Molly's books are full of great characters and lively action that will draw the reader in.
The word for this blog is TWO.
 
Stop by each blog to collect their special word then input the sentence it creates into the giveaway for NINE extra entries! While you are at each stop, don’t forget to comment to claim your bonus entries in the giveaway (the bonus entries for a comment on a blog can be claimed multiple times but only once in a 24 hour period).

 

August 8: Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses

August 9: Quiet Quilter

August 10: Smiling Book Reviews

August 11: Have A Wonderful Day

August 12: With a Joyful Noise
August 13: Bigreadersite
August 14: A Baker’s Perspective
August 15: Karen Sue Hadley
August 16: Blogging With Carol
August 17: cherylbbookblog
August 18: Baker Kella
August 19: His Grace is Sufficient
August 20: The Power of Words
August 21: Blossoms and Blessings
 
 
 

Change of Heart

A modern new century brings a young Amish woman an unexpected new life—and a chance to discover love’s true way home…
Ohio, 1899. Soft-spoken midwife Becca Yost lived by her Amish faith’s strict rules—until her fiancé jilted her before their entire community. She’s never been away from home, but the bustling Englischer town of Massillon, Ohio, is a welcome unexpected refuge. Especially when she goes to work for Dr. Matt Carrington, who shares her passion for healing those in need. His outgoing spirit and gentle strength show Becca a surprising new world of choices—and irresistible love. But there is one formidable obstacle: Matt’s wealthy mother is determined her son will marry a society woman.
With her newfound resolve challenged, Becca decides that she and Matt must not be destined for each other after all. She accepts that she will have to forge a life alone—until a wrenching crisis and life-changing revelations teach her that true faith lies in all things, especially impossible second chances. . .
 
 

Grace’s Forgiveness

A handsome newcomer with secrets shows a yearning Amish woman a chance at happiness—but their love will need all their courage to keep . . .
Grace Blauch is skilled at midwifery—and crafting quilts that help others pass on messages of enduring family love. But a disfiguring birthmark keeps the young Amish woman from a husband and home of her own—until Mark King arrives from another community. His helpfulness and independent nature earn Grace’s respect. And he finds her outspoken ways and determination to do right irresistibly appealing. Soon Grace is planning a wedding quilt of her very own . . . until her father discovers that Mark’s shunned brother is hiding somewhere in town . . .
Grace can well understand why Mark took such a risk once she hears his wrenching reasons. But she fears even prayer will not convince her father to restore his blessing on their union. She wills herself to face the end of her dreams, but sudden danger and an impossible act of generosity will show her that abiding hope can inspire the most precious of miracles  . . .
 
 

Two Suitors for Anna

In 1903 Ohio, a young Amish woman must choose between the life she has long planned for and a new, very different future…
Since Anna Plank moved to Berlin, Ohio, with her widowed mamm and two schweschders, she’s found a real sense of belonging. As soon as her beloved Noah Schwartz proposes, they’ll begin a new chapter here together. But Noah has a surprise for Anna: once they’re married, he wants them to travel and live in other communities. Anna, who loves her home and her job at the quilt shop, is distraught when he takes her hesitation as rejection—and leaves.
Daniel Bontrager’s arrival adds to Anna’s confusion. Since taking over his late brother’s farm, the handsome roofer has offered friendship and gentle attentions. Yet the pull of first love is strong and deep, especially when Noah returns. Through each revelation, Anna must search her faith for guidance, knowing she is choosing not just a husband, but a life to nurture and to share…
 
 
About Molly:
Molly Jebber’s books have been featured in Publisher’s Weekly, USA Today’s HEA, and Romantic Times has given them a near excellent rating. She’s on RWA’s Honor Roll. She’s a speaker for Women’s Christian Connection, and she offers presentations on writing, publishing, Amish lifestyle and traditions. She has received widespread media coverage, including live interviews, across the United States for her books and speaking engagements.
She’s just signed a new contract for four more Amish books! She loves interacting with her readers. She loves God, her husband, family and friends. She has a hard time saying no to cupcakes, swimming, nine holes of golf, and walks on the beach. Coconut, oatmeal, and onions, on the other hand, are not hard to say

Guest Post from Molly:
In TWO SUITORS FOR ANNA:
Anna and her sisters are hiding a secret. One Anna knows is wrong to keep. The love of her life wants her to leave her family behind and travel with him. Her life is in turmoil, and she isn’t sure which way to turn? What does the future hold for Anna?
Have you read CHANGE OF HEART and GRACE’S FORGIVENESS? The first two books in the Keepsake Pocket Quilt Series? They are available in and online in bookstores.
I love interacting with you, and thank you for participating!
 
Giveaway
Blog Tour Prize is an Amish/English Basket!
One big item: Brand New Coach Purse!
Each day, visit the designated blog, comment, and your name is entered in the contest for a chance to win!..
 
 
Giveaway link:
https://promosimple.com/ps/bd18
 
Promosimple plugin code:
bd18
 
 
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