Hosanna Emily's Blog, page 28

3 Day Quote Challenge--Day 1 +BONUS

Before I do the 3 Day Quote Challenge, I want to give you the links for my novella The Mystery of the Midnight Trespasser which is now released!!  Horray!!  Go check it out, buy a copy, and come back to read my quote! ;)  Lol! I am so excited to have you, my readers, be able to read it for yourself!!!  AND...it is on Goodreads as well!!  You can add it and (please!) leave a review!!!  Thank you for my rambling, and here are the links... =)  **Desperately hopes that my readers won't tear it apart too much...** ;)
Paperback Copy
Kindle Edition

The Challenge!
I was nominated by Katie from Concealed Foundation for the 3 Day Quote Challenge. Thanks Katie!  I was secretly hoping someone would nominate me. =)

Rules:
-Thank the person who nominated you
-Nominate 3 new bloggers everyday
-Post a new quote everyday for 3 consecutive days

And today's quote...



Wow...I just love this quote!!
I nominate:
Alea from Elvish Pens, Fantastical Writings
Mickayla from Pencils Can Change the World
Chloë from A Fangirl's Fantasy
(If you do not want to do this tag, then please do not feel obligated to do it!  And if someone else already tagged you, I'm sorry!!) =)   I promise that I'll get back to more of my "regular" posts one day... =)
See you tomorrow!

"The Mystery of the Midnight Trespasser" Cover Release

I am so excited that today is the day for my cover release!  =D  I can't wait to show you the masterpiece that Alea spent long hours creating for my novella, The Mystery of the Midnight Trespasser! I am so excited for the published book now! =)


Presenting...




About the Book:

  "Rosy growled, and I knew she was pacing the porch. I sensed her uneasiness. Something was wrong. Rosy never barked at cars; why would she choose this one?" 
   13 year-old Emily Kessler believes in God, but when she discovers someone trespassing in the middle of the night, can she learn to trust in Him completely? Will she have the courage to solve the mystery with her friends? And when everything falls apart, will Emily be able to keep those she loves safe?

Release Date:

The Mystery of the Midnight Trespasser will be released on April 26, 2016!  It may be available for pre-order before that date, depending on how everything goes. =)

Participants:

Thank you all so much for joining me in the cover release!!!  And if you haven't visited the participating bloggers at their own blog, please do so!  =)

Abi
Alea
Emily
Hannah
Katie
Lydia
Mickayla
Misti


So...what do you think?  Do you like the cover?! =)

The Get to Know Me Tag

Hello Dear Readers!  Before I get to my main post, I want to have a quick note!  If you signed up for my cover release, you can expect to see an email from me arrive in your inbox sometime soon!  Thank you so much for signing up!  And if you haven't signed up for the cover release and want to, click here!
And now on to my post!
 I was tagged by Mickayla Jansen, author of Pencils Can Change the World, to do The Get To Know Me Tag! Thank you, Mickayla!  Please check out her blog if you haven't yet!  It's lovely! =D  Here is my post!  In it (I hope!)  you will get to know me a bit better! =P (if you didn't already get that from the name...)  If you have any other questions you would like me to answer, ask away in the comments!  Without further adieu, presenting... 



Vital Stats

Name: Hosanna Emily
Nickname: My little siblings call me Neena...
Place of Birth: Florida

Firsts

Best Friend: My first best friend?  Well, of course my mom.  My first friend out of my family was probably Meme--aka Emily S. =)  We even share a birthday!

Award:  Maybe the 4-H fair entry that I won for my homemade bread when I was 8?
Sport:  The first sport I played a lot of was probably tag...if that counts!  =)  And hide-and-go-seek!
Real holiday:  The first holiday I experienced?  Flag Day!  If that counts as a holiday... =)
Concert:  The Lindsey Family! =)
Favorites


Film:  Fireproof,  Beyond the Mask, or Courageous!
TV Show: Sue Thomas FBEye (it's not being shown on TV anymore) =(
Color: Carnation Pink and Deep Brown
Song:  Do Everything (Steven Curtis Chapman) and Lifeline (Mandisa)
Restaurant: Taco Bell...or Subway...or Chic-Fil-A
Books: The Chronicles of Narnia, The Crown and Covenant Series, any series by Janette Oke...and lots of others!
Currently

Feeling:  Relaxed...I just finished spending time with my horses. =)
Single or Taken: Single
Eating:  Nothing?  Am I the only person who doesn't eat while blogging?  =/
Watching:  The computer typing this out...
Wearing:  A Pansy Purple t-shirt and jeans
Future

Want children: Yes!  And adopting would be so much fun!
Want to be married: Yes, if that's God's plan!
Careers in mind: A stay-at-home, home-school mom and author!
Where you want to live: In the beautiful, rolling hills of Kentucky


Do you believe in...
God: YES!  He created me!
Miracles: Of course!
Love at first sight:  Not really...but it worked for my dad... ;)
Ghosts: No.  
Aliens: No.
Soul mates: I believe that God has the perfect person chosen for you (unless you are to remain single).  Is that the same thing?
Heaven:  Definitely!
Hell:  Yes, but we don't have to go there!  Thanks to God's sacrifice, we have a choice!
Kissing on the first date:   NO!  This is such a bad idea!  Wait until your wedding day!
Yourself:  Ummm...not really.  I am imperfect and a sinner!   "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)  But by God's grace I have been saved!


I tag anyone who wants to do this tag! =D


Do you have any questions about me that you would like answered?  Comment below!

The Mystery of the Midnight Trespasser update!

  Good morning everyone! =)  Today I have a surprise for you, my readers!  Don't you love surprises?  Or maybe not?  Well, I'll give you one anyways. =)




   YES!  I am having sign-ups for the cover release for my novella The Mystery of the Midnight Trespasser!  This is book #1 in the Kessler Kids Mysteries!

   Here is a little bit about my novel!!

Genre: Mystery/Fiction/Christian

Age Range: Probably mainly tweens, but anyone can read it! =)

Word Count: Around 21,000

Started Planning:  August 2014

Synopsis: 

"Rosy growled, and I knew she was pacing the porch. I sensed her uneasiness. Something was wrong. Rosy never barked at cars; why would she choose this one?" 

13 year-old Emily Kessler believes in God, but when she discovers someone trespassing in the middle of the night, can she learn to trust in Him completely? Will she have the courage to solve the mystery with her friends? And when everything falls apart, will Emily be able to keep those she loves safe?

   I had published this novella last summer...but a few months ago I took it off so it is currently un-available for sale.  After learning a lot about book designs and correct formats, I saw some errors that needed to be fixed. (and I had a friend advising me as well)  It had a lot of work that needed to be done...as well as a new cover that was created for it!  And now I can say that it is much, much better, thanks to several friends and relatives who have helped me with the editing. =)  And now I am letting you, dear readers, help me in the cover release!
   What is a cover release sign up?  If you want to participate with me (and I hope you do!) then fill out the form below!  I will email you the new cover (that my wonderful friend Alea Harper made for me!) and the information for my novella!  This you will post on your blog on the cover release date:  April 18th.  In addition, you will be entered in a drawing to receive a signed copy of The Mystery of the Midnight Trespasser or an advanced reader's copy!  I will also be announcing the release date soon!
   If you want to participate, please sign up below!  I am so excited, and I hope you are too!!! =)
  Without further adieu...


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His Perfect Gift of Love

   Easter is past...and with it all the excitement, celebration, and chocolate bunnies that anyone could ever wish for!

     But I have a question for you.  Did you waste your Easter?  It might seem like an odd thing to ask.  But really, did you celebrate what is truly important on Easter?  Perhaps during all the organized chaos and colorful eggs you lost sight of what really matters.  If that's you, then maybe this will help you get back on track.  Even though Easter is past, you can celebrate the Gift of Easter all year long!
 



     Most people like being popular. Most people like being the center of attention. And most people like when others praise them.  Everyone likes compliments.   It makes us feel good.

     But imagine those very same people. Your peers. Imagine them looking at you in the face.  Imagine them spitting on you. Mocking you. Hating you.

     That is what happened to Jesus. He let them do it to Him. For us.

     As Jesus entered Jerusalem for the last time, crowds of people surrounded Him. They were yelling, singing, and praising Him. They exclaimed, “Hosanna!” which means “Glory to God who saves us!” They added, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! The King of Israel!” (John 12:13)

     The crowds of celebrators wanted Jesus as their King. They laid down branches to honor Him as such. If He had given the word, hundreds of people would have stormed the city to present Him on the throne of Israel. After all, it was His rightful throne anyway, wasn’t it?

    Imagine how Jesus felt. He ruled the whole earth.  He had created the earth!  This honor must have felt good, after thirty years of living as a regular person, in a human form. Why didn’t He give the word? Why didn’t He let them crown Him King? It was His rightful place.

    Instead, Jesus honored His Father. Days later, the same people who had been singing His name were now hitting Him with sticks. They mocked Him. They spat on His face. They tormented Him. They tore His back open with whips. And they led Him away to face the cruelest death—nailed to a cross.

    I am not going to get into detail. But you probably already know the story. Jesus was hung on a cross, the worst possible death. A death for traitors, murderers, and the likes.  Do you know what Jesus said right before He took His last breath?
     “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34) 
    Jesus’ heart was so full of tender mercy, that He could look down on His accusers and forgive them. He loved them that much.

    He loved US that much!  Jesus willingly laid down His life obeying His Father's will. He did it for us. He did it because He loved us that much. That love is impossible for us to imagine. John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

   That is not exactly what He did for us though. Jesus lay down His life, not for His friends but  for His enemies. He died for those who hated Him. He saved us from an eternal death separated from God.  He could have stopped it.   If you remember, He had complete control over death, even raising someone from the dead! But He didn’t. He died because of Love.

    When was the last time you thanked Jesus for His perfect gift of Love?


How did you celebrate your Easter in a Christ-centered way?  Comment below!  

God is _____? Part 3

A follow up to my post God is _____? Part 2

 

   "Love...does not envy..."  1 Corinthians 13:4

   In this series, we have already gone through two descriptions of God.  God is patient.  And God is kind.  But now we come upon something that God is not.  God does not envy.
   I think "envy" is a word that we don't use a lot in the 21st century.  Maybe it would help if you mentally replace it with "God is not jealous".  Jealousy and enviousness are basically the same thing.  They both involve looking at something or someone and wishing that you were more like him/her. 
   According to one dictionary, envy is... a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, possessions, etc.

   How much do you struggle with being jealous?  Perhaps you are jealous about someone else's gift.  Perhaps you are jealous about someone else's popularity.  Perhaps you are jealous about someone else's physical beauty.  Whatever it is, it is wrong.  Why?  Because God says so!  (See Mark 7:22, James 3:16, or 1 Peter 2:1)

   There are several notable stories in the Bible about people who were jealous...and how it led to their downfall.  Remember Cain and Abel?  Cain's jealousy led to the murder of his own brother!  Or Rachel and Leah?  Their relationship was destroyed by their jealousy of each other.  Or King David and Bathsheba?  Their son died because of their sin together!
   It's easy to see that bad things happen because of envy in people's lives.  But what causes jealousy?  According to François de la Rochefoucauld: "In jealousy there is more self-love than love."  
   Jealousy, or envy, is caused by loving yourself more than others.  By wanting your way.  By wanting your desires above others.
   So how can we get rid of envy in our lives?  I think it's by having the opposite of envy in our life.  What is the opposite?  Contentment.  Peace.  Love.  Generosity.
   Why don't we try (and ask God's help!) to have love for others instead of envy.  When you see someone with something that you want—popularity, intelligence, material possessions, talents—why don't you try to replace the envy?  Consider the other person as more important than yourself.  Become a servant like Jesus.  Instead of getting jealous, complement them.  Be glad for them.  Tell them that you admire their talent, gift, etc.  Show Jesus' love!  Get rid of envy and replace it with something worthwhile.  Something that won't tear people down.  Something that can make a difference.

   What are your thoughts about "Love Does Not Envy"?  How can we replace envy with love in our daily lives?  What is the hardest thing for you to not be envious about?  Comment below!

"Bruchko" review

The Astonishing True Story Of A Nineteen-Year-Old's Capture By The Stone-Age Motilone Indians And The Impact He Had Living Out The Gospel Among Them (International Adventures)
What happens when a nineteen-year-old boy and heads into the jungles to evangelize a murderous tribe of South American Indians? For Bruce Olson it meant capture and torture, but what he discovered revolutionized the world of missions.

My Review:

   Bruchko is the amazing story of how a 19-year-old American gave up his life for Jesus. Bruce Olson left everything--his home, his easy life, his common language--for a mission that changed his life and the lives of others forever. He went into the jungle in places that were "impossible" to survive in. He reached out to South American Indians that killed any white man they met. Olson did the impossible because God was with him.
   Bruce Olson's story is amazing! His dangerous life, his love for Jesus, and his testimony of how he first learned that God was more than religion, is all wound up perfectly in this book! It is a story that shows what happens when God takes the steering wheel of your life. I loved meeting Bobarishora (Bobby) and the other native Indians in this book.
   Though the story is fascinating, the ending is very, very sad. Yet, I loved how Olson glorified God even when everything was falling apart around him.  I would recommend this book to everyone, but I want to warn that there are several parts that are a little gruesome. For instance when he gets wounded by an arrow it goes in depth on the wound and how it got infected.  Other than parts like that, I enjoyed this book and was amazed by Bruchko's faith!

About the Author:



Bruce Olson, born in Minnesota and now a citizen of Colombia, is a linguist and graduate of the University of Caracas, Venezuela. He has won the friendship of four Colombian presidents and appeared before the United Nations. His first book, Bruchko, has sold more than 300,000 copies worldwide. He lives in the jungle on the border of Colombia and Venezuela. 


Have you read Bruchko or any other pieces about life among South American Indians?  Comment below!

How Vast the Love of God Above

Hello Readers!
Maybe you didn't know this, but I love writing poems!  Sometimes I just feel the urge to sit down and write poetry...

Because I have tried writing several different kinds of poems, I enjoy finding new rhyming patterns to use.  Thus, today I am posting my first attempt at an Ode!  I hope I did it correctly, because it's hard to find the exact pattern.
Here is the rhyming pattern I used, for any eager poets out there:
A B A B C D E C D E





How vast the love of God aboveThe One who calls the stars by nameThat He should look on us with loveAs He forgives us from our shameNot one is free from trespass hereWe lie and thieve—brimming with prideSearching for pleasure far from GodWhen life goes wrong we hide in fearYet He yearns for us—thus He diedHe bled for us—we who are flawed
Oh God—the One whom angels bowWho formed life with a single wordWho taught the cat to say her meowWho heard the kitten as she purredThe One who set the moon in placeAnd put the warmth inside the sunWho gently carved the pure newbornHe molds them perfectly with graceHis gift is free to everyoneThe hurt, the lost, and the forlorn
A suckling babe—God sent His SonHe came and lived as we do nowHe learned to play, to leap, to runAnd felt the sweat upon His browYet in one way, different He stoodHe never sinned, had pride or lustHe gave up His blood, pure from guiltFor all of us—not one is goodHe rose again, now we must trustOur lives are His, our freedom built

Are you a poet?  What rhyming schemes do you like to use?  Any poem recommendations?  Comment below!
 

75 Random Acts of Kindness

As a follow-up to my post on kindness, here are 75 ways that you can show kindness in your life!  And in practical ways!  Enjoy!


1.      Say "hello" to a stranger      What if no one had greeted them that day?  2.      Do laundry for your mom        She will really appreciate it!  Trust me!
3.      Give a random gift to someone who does a lot for you         Wouldn't you love to get one?  4.      Make someone’ bed for them      Good for those people like me who forget to  5.      Offer to do someone’s chores      Dishes?  Why not! =)  6.      Send someone a “just because” email      Ooh!  Those are fun!  7.      Tell an author how much your love their book         Because authors LOVE that!
8.      Give someone you love a random hug         Sometimes, that really means a lot.  9.      Recommend a book to someone. =)         So they don't have to spend their time reading not-as-good books!  10.    Pay for the meal/groceries for the person behind you       This would tickle someone!  11.     Tape a bag with coins on a vending machine          Imagine having a free soda/snack!  =D
12.     Drop a penny          My little brothers are SO excited to find pennies on the ground!  Seriously one of the best RAKs out there
13.     Buy a candle and give it to a random person          A good excuse to smell all the candles on the aisle!  *ahhhh*
14.     Buy a bouquet of flowers and give them to a random person          WARNING!  Be prepared to get hugs in return!  =)
15.     Buy chocolate and give it to a random person          Is there a better gift? 
16.     Buy something else and give it to a random person =)       You can include a gospel tract too!  2 RAKs in one!  =D  17.     Send someone a letter telling them how much you appreciate them          Some people don't get any mail!  Why don't you make their day?  18.     Make a meal for someone       Especially a young mom!  19.     Make cookies for someone          With lots of chocolate chips (or M&Ms), of course!
20.     SMILE        All.  The.  Time.  21.     Complement someone       Don't you love getting complements? ;)  22.     Play a game with a little sibling          Like Candy Land...or not...
23.     Do a craft with someone          Even if you are not crafty. =)
24.     Tell a teacher how much you appreciate their help          They do so much for us!
25.     Pray for someone           And keep praying for them!
26.     Go running (a RAK for your body) ;)          Because running is so much fun.  *not* =)
27.    TELL SOMEONE ABOUT JESUS!!!         This is the best RAK possible!!!  PLEASE do it!!!
28.    Clean up your room         A RAK for your mom...and the sibling who shares the room with you!
29.    Give away your used items, instead of throwing them away!        It could be exactly what that other person is looking for!  30.     Make someone laugh        What type of building is the tallest in the world?   A Library!  It has the most stories!  =)  31.     Say NOTHING negative         Lift others up with your words!
32.     Bring someone’s trash back to their house for them          So they don't have to do it themselves!  =)  33.     Encourage someone        Do this more than once.  34.     Do a chore around the house to help out          Even if you don't like doing it?  Of course!
35.     Let someone go first          How many people do this anymore?  =(
36.     Be eager to help someone           Do Not Be Lazy.
37.     Comment on new blog!          Those comments make new bloggers SO happy!
38.     Encourage someone in their walk with God           Ask what they are reading/memorizing/learning in the Bible!
39.     Send someone a gift in the mail          A book, maybe? =)
40.     Encourage a writer to keep writing           That just might make them dust off the papers and keep writing!
41.     Don’t get grumpy if things don’t turn out the way you wanted them to           Um...why did I have to include this one? =/
42.     Forgive someone          Even if ___?  Yup.
43.    Make a video for someone         A gift of time and creativity!
44.    Write a letter to persecuted Christians around the world in their own language    Click here!            Imaging being in prison yourself for Jesus.  A letter would be the BEST!
45.      Write a letter to persecuted Christians in the Central African Republic (CAR)   Click here!           Tell them that you are praying for them, and then PRAY!
46.     Write a letter to children in high-risk Columbia, South America   Click here!          Even children are being persecuted for their faith. =(
47.     Write a letter to displaced women in Columbia, South America    Click here!           Make their day!
48.     Hold the door open for someone           Or for two people.  Or three.  Or ten.
49.     Say “thank you”           And "ma'am" and "sir"!
50.     Be polite          Because so many people forget to be polite. =(
51.     Laugh at not-so-funny jokes         If you have little siblings, you hear a LOT of those!
52.     Offer to baby-sit someone’s kids          How fun!  Until the baby realizes that momma is gone... =)
53.     Be a good neighbor          Invite them over!  Bake cookies!  Don't be too noisy!  Ect.
54.     Invite someone over for a holiday          Some people have no where to go.  Give them one!
55.     Invite someone to your house who might need a friend           And BE a friend!  
56.     Go out of your way to be friendly          Even when it is awkward.  Some people need someone to talk to!  Be that person!
57.     Offer to buy a soda for someone           And share Jesus with them!
58.     Encourage instead of tearing someone down          Basically, just encourage everyone.
59.     Be on time           So others don't have to wait on you!  Good idea?
60.     Send a care-package to someone at college          Or someone at a new job...or anywhere else.
61.     Let someone go ahead of you in line          Show them that you care about their time schedule!
62.     Let someone else get the “bigger” and “better” thing          Even if it is chocolate.
63.     Clean up your messes           And do NOT litter!!  Why are there garbage cans anyway?
64.     Tell someone that God loves them           Tell them over and over if need be!
65.     Send someone a birthday card          Even if it's late!
66.     Visit someone at a retirement center and get to know them           It's okay if they are a little "different"...they still need someone to love them!
67.     Adopt a Compassion child           This might be hard for those of us without jobs...but it changes children's lives!  Our family has done it!  And it is SO much fun!!!!!  Sending letters across the globe!!
68.     Pray for the president           Even if you didn't vote for him. 
69.     Send shoeboxes with gifts to a unprivileged child  Click here!          Toys, soap, coloring books, crayons...what else?
70.     Tell someone that their hair looks great           Don't lie about it...but...be nice.  =/
71.      Donate to the local consignment store           I love going there to find used books! =)
72.     Clean up litter          A RAK for dozens of people!
73.     Tell a little friend (or sibling) a story           And one more than 2 sentences.  *hides face*
74.     Let someone read your unfinished novel in advanced          Even if it is not quite perfect...or even close.  *blushes*
75.     Let someone borrow something that belongs to you                And don't be mad if they don't return it in a timely manner.


Have any other ideas?  What RAKs are you going to do to bless others and show God's love?  Comment below! 

The Liebster Award

Emily from A Purpose and a Promise tagged me for the Liebster Award!  Thank you!  =)    So...here it is!






RULES:
Link back to the person who tagged youAnswer a 11 questionsTag 11 bloggers who have less than a thousand readers Ask them 11 questionsLet them know you've tagged them through social media



Questions:
What's the first word you can think of that starts with R?Rascal...I don't know why though. =/  We did have a dog with that name who was super sweet. =)
What is the last song you listened to?Does it count that right now that my little sister is singing "I Love My Duck" from Veggie Tales?
What is your favorite thing about blogging?I like that I can be in contact with people I normally don't see.  And I can spread God's love around the world!
Is there a story behind your blog's name?Yes!  I was reading the devotional A Heart Like His by Beth Moore.  It goes through the live of David, King of Israel.  At that time, I was considering a blog, and thinking of ideas....and I thought that Having A Heart Like His would be perfect!  I want to have a heart like Jesus, and I want my readers to as well!
Tea or hot chocolate?Tea!
Which do you prefer, snail mail (letters) or email?I love both!  But snail mail is extra special. =)
Guilty blogging habit?Umm...Sometimes I have way too many ideas for blog posts, so I have an email folder for those posts that will one day be allowed to show their faces when their turn arrives. =)
Do you have any social media accounts?Email and goodreads!
What is the next book you want to read? I just got A Searching Heart by Janette Oke in the mail!!!  So, definitely that one!
Dark chocolate or milk chocolate?Dark, of course!
What is your favorite website (not a blog)? Umm...I have no idea.  Maybe Goodreads or Vidangel.

I Nominate:
Wait a second!  I'm supposed to nominate 11 people?  Well, it turns out most of the blogs I read have already done it, or are already tagged.  So...If you do not want to do this or have already done it, then know that you don't have to!
I nominate:
Mickayla from Pencils Can Change the WorldHannah from Completely For HimKatie from A Writer's FaithGuinea Pig Lover from Lord's GirlsAbi from The Left-Handed Typist
(That isn't 11 people, but it will have to do)  =)

My Questions:
Why did you start a blog?What was the last book you read?What is your favorite word that starts with a "t"?Violet or Green?What is a country you would love to visit?Who is the most inspirational blog you follow?Do you have a story behind your blog's name?In one word, describe one of your story's main characters. (and explain why you picked that word!)What is your favorite time period of history?Do you prefer fantasy or mystery?Favorite Bible verse?
Have fun!