Amanda Stephan's Blog: God is Good, God is Great, page 20

Monster of Discouragement

Discouragement: to deprive of courage or confidence: to attempt to dissuade.



We've all been there. Somewhere. Sometime. Discouragement has been a part of our lives at one point. Perhaps you wanted to do something in particular like drive a yellow Lamborghini really fast through your town square and some well-intentioned person told you that you will probably get a ticket. Maybe they even told you they'd call the police on you! just kidding...

But discouragement does happen. You have a goal. You have a dream. You set out to accomplish that dream/goal. You share your excitement with friends or family during a time when it seems nothing could stand in your way. On the flip side, you've shared your disappointment with those same people when things were falling apart and you needed a shoulder to cry on or a willing ear.

One of my not-so-favorite trials in discouragement happened 20 years ago when I met my husband. We worked together, he was in the shop, I was in the office, and when people found out we were dating, everything was fine. I mean, it's only dating, right? That all changed the day I walked in with an engagement ring.
What are you doing? He's not the right one for you.I wouldn't marry him if I were you. He's, well, (looks around to make sure no one's listening) he's different.You do know you're his first girlfriend, right?Your dad is going to disown you if you do this.How many times have you been engaged before and you really think this is going to work out?What are you going to do when he leaves you? You know he will.And we could go on. I'm serious. These are things that were actually said during our engagement. Sheesh! Talk about mind blowing, right? Anyway, those were discouraging words. They hurt. These people, however well-intentioned they were, were pretty much trying to dissuade us from marriage because, for some reason or other, they didn't think we were meant to be.

But discouragement isn't the type of monster that only plays in one area of our lives. Job promotions, job changes, child-raising, homeschooling, sewing, baseball, karate, etc. You name it, the monster of discouragement will be there. It may even be hiding behind someone's nice. little. smile.

I have a dream. I want to be a good writer. I want to use my talents for Jesus Christ. I want to live for God. But, there is a person who is always telling me to quit. This probably isn't for you. I used to want to do....but it never worked out so...God probably isn't helping you because...maybe God has something different...maybe He's only allowed this because it's something you say you want...and again, the list goes on.

I know this person just may be right. Maybe God doesn't want me to do this. Maybe this isn't what He wants for my life. Perhaps I'm just being stubborn.

How to find God's voice in all this chatter? How to find God's will?
Pray. Ask for guidance. Ask for peace that only God can give. And, when that discouragement is pulling you down, remember that He is God and that He has a plan for you and a will for your life.

Be careful for nothing: but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. - Philippians 4:6-8

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. - Hebrews 10:35-36

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. - Galatians 6:9

What about you ~ are you dealing with the monster of discouragement in your life? What do you do to defeat this giant?

Psalm 15 AudioBible Series

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Rosemary Cottage by Colleen Coble Book Review & Tour

About Rosemary Cottage:



Amy came to Rosemary Cottage to grieve, to heal, maybe even find love. But there's a deadly undertow of secrets around Hope Island . . .

The charming Rosemary Cottage on the beach offers Amy Lange respite she needs to mourn her brother, Ben. She's even thinking of moving her midwife practice to the Outer Banks community. It's always been a refuge for her and her family. She also wants to investigate Ben's disappearance at sea. Everyone blames a surfing accident, but Amy has reason to wonder.

Coast Guard officer Curtis Ireland has lost a sibling too. His sister, Gina, was run down by a boat, leaving him to raise her infant daughter. If anyone knew who little Raine's father was, Curtis could lose his beloved niece. Yet he can't help being drawn to Hope Beach's new midwife, Amy. He even agrees to help her investigate what happened to both Ben and Gina.

Can two grieving people with secrets find healing on beautiful Hope Island? Or will their quest for truth set them at odds with each other . . . and with those who will go to any length to keep hidden things hidden?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/mQ63a

Meet Colleen: Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA's RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.

Learn more about Colleen: http://colleencoble.com/

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My Thoughts ~
Another well written book by Colleen Coble. I always enjoy her books, but this one was a little more difficult to get into. The characters were drawn out and flawed, which is a good thing, but I had difficulty in connecting with the main character, Amy. There really were times when I kind of wanted to smack her for naivety and bullheadedness. Someone indicates her brother's death may not have been accidental and she automatically opens her house to a person she's never met before? And then, when she catches that person snooping, she believes the lie she's fed? Hmm. One eyebrow is raised. 

Amy, a naturally optimistic person, has a hard time being transparent with Curtis - a man who becomes more than just a passing fancy for her. At the beginning, the romance felt stiff and pressured as it seemed they were always accusing the other's sibling of dubious deeds and neither were willing to believe that their own sibling wasn't perfect and having flaws. One thing that I very much enjoyed about this book, was the natural way Amy approached life. Using herbs and tinctures, and such like, I found those parts extremely interesting and actually think a little more would have been awesome. If you like plot twists and turns, and don't like being able to figure out an entire ending, this book will deliver.

This was a good book that I would recommend to lover's of Christian fiction. This book isn't overtly Christian, and some non-Christian fiction readers would find it enjoyable as well.

Anamoly by Krista McGee Book Review & Tour

About Anomaly: Thalli has fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds left to live. The toxic gas that will complete her annihilation is invading her bloodstream. But she is not afraid.


Decades before Thalli's birth, the world ended in a nuclear war. But life went on deep underground, thanks to a handful of scientists known as The Ten. Since then, they have genetically engineered humans to be free from emotions in the hopes that war won't threaten their lives again.
But Thalli was born with the ability to feel emotions and a sense of curiosity she can barely contain. She has survived so far thanks to her ability to hide those differences. But Thalli's secret is discovered when she is overwhelmed by the emotion in an ancient piece of music.
She is quickly scheduled for annihilation, but her childhood friend, Berk, convinces The Ten to postpone her death and study her instead. While in the scientists' Pod, Thalli and Berk form a dangerous alliance, one strictly forbidden by the constant surveillance in the pods.
As her life ticks away, she hears rumors of someone called the Designer---someone even more powerful than The Ten. What's more, the parts of her that have always been an anomaly could in fact be part of a much larger plan. And the parts of her that she has always guarded could be the answer she's been looking for all along.
Thalli must sort out what to believe and who she can trust, before her time runs out . . .

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/mLetn

Meet Krista: When Krista McGee isn't living in fictional worlds of her own creation, she lives in Tampa and spends her days as a wife, mom, teacher, and coffee snob. She is also the author of "Anomaly", "First Date", "Starring Me", and "Right Where I Belong". 
Connect with Kristahttp://www.kristamcgeebooks.com

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My Thoughts - 
Book Rating: @@@@@Movie Rating: G all ages admittedSwearing: NoneInappropriate Scenes: None# of Pages: 303 (paperback)Genre: YA DystopianPublisher: Thomas Nelson

     Writing a review for a book I love is a difficult thing task for me because there's just so much I want to say about it but I don't know how to put all it into words (don't laugh. I know it sounds weird.)
     In case you haven't figured it out yet, I loved Anomaly! It was AMAZING! It was the perfect book to curl up with on a rainy day. And the cover, goodness, the cover is so neat! (I'm officially gushing.)
     I loved the light romance, Thalli's sweet, innocent character, and the twist at the end of that made me scream,  "I need the sequel ASAP!" I will not be satisfied until I hold a copy of Luminary is my shaking hands. (which, sadly, will be in 2014. It's only 4 months, right?)
     There really isn't anything in this book I can complain about. The characters were all really well-written. The religious aspect to it wasn't pushy at all. And there were no plot-holes! (extra points for that!)
I recommend this book to lovers of: The Giver by Lois Lowry
**This is a guest review written by The Maniacal Bookworm - the author's intended target audience. These thoughts are my own, and I was not obligated they be positive.**

Monster of Jealousy

I saw a question on one of the groups I belong to, and I wanted to post my thoughts about it here. It was in regards to jealousy. That green-eyed monster that attacks all of us--even if we don't admit it.



When I first started my writing journey, I was green. A newbie. And, I noticed things about authors.
I noticed there are know-it-all authors you can't tell a thing to because they know it already. Everyone loves know-it-alls, right?!

There are short-term authors. Those are nice to you for a short time while you help them. And then they never return the favor.

There are Snob authors. Those that absolutely refuse to acknowledge you as a writer if you're just starting out. Or aren't just like them. Or...you get the idea. There are even a few that will read your book and happily slam it because you're not as good as they are. Trust me. That one hurts...!

Then, there are the Golden Authors. Those that want to help others. Those that want more Christian books out on the market.  Those that instead of looking for fame and fortune, are using opportunities to serve God, because they have a passion. They want to reach the lost for Christ. Some write devotionals that inspire people to live for and love God. Some write children's books because they want to reach the young at an early age. There are those reviewers who love a good book with a message, and they spread that word around. Some write fiction, because let's face it. Fiction books can oftentimes go where preachers and ministers aren't welcome and minister to those that would normally not listen.

So, let's answer the question I've been asked.
Aren't you jealous when another Christian writer obtains something you want?
My honest answer? (like I'd lie to you...!)
At the beginning of my journey? Yes.

As I traveled and have  grown  on this winding writer's road?
Not anymore. In fact, I'm thrilled for them. I root for them. I try to help them promote their books.

Because, frankly, I don't have time to write every Christian book out there and we're using our talents to serve our amazing God. When they have a victory and I've helped, I consider it my victory as well. And I'm glad to be a part of the team!

What about you? Have you ever been attacked by the green-eyed monster? How did you defeat it?

A Bride for All Seasons Book Review & Tour

About A Bride For All Seasons:It All Started with an Ad in a Mail Order Bride Catalogue . . .



Melvin Hitchcock of the Hitching Post Mail Order Bride Catalog isn't dishonest---not exactly. If he tweaks his clients' applications a bit, it's because he's looking out for their best interests.This charming bouquet of novellas introduces four Hitching Post prospects in the year 1870, each one eager for second chances . . . and hungry for happiness. Year in, year out, they'll learn that love often comes in unexpected packages.

And Then Came Spring by Margaret BrownleyMary-Jo has been unlucky all her life. But who would guess she'd travel halfway across the country to meet her match . . . only to find him dead!

An Ever-After Summer by Debra CloptonEllie had no idea she's not what Matthew ordered. And what's wrong with being a "Bible thumper" anyway? She's determined to show him she's tougher than she looks---and just the girl he needs.

Autumn's Angel by Robin Lee HatcherLuvena would be perfect for Clay if she didn't come with kids. But kids are a deal breaker, especially in a rough-and-trouble mining town. The trouble is, there's no money to send them back. . .

Winter Wedding Bells by Mary ConnealyDavid's convinced he's not long for the world. He needs someone to mother his boys when he's gone---nothing more. Can plucky Irish Megan convince him to work at living instead of dying?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/mL2Ln


Meet the Authors:


Margaret Brownley is a NEW YORK TIMES best-selling author and has penned more than twenty-five historical and contemporary novels. @margaretbrownley Robin Lee Hatcher is a Christy and RITA award-winning author. Her books often appear on bestseller lists. @robinleehatcher Mary Connealy is a Carol Award winner, an a RITA, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist. @MaryConnealy Debra Clopton is an award winning author of sweet, heartfelt, western romance that face life with a smile. With over 2 million books in print, Debra has her first book coming as a movie starring LeAnn Rimes. @debraclopton
Follow the TOUR! 
My Thoughts ~ 
Excuse me while I gush.
I LOVE  this book. 
Now, let me go back and tell you exactly why.
My time being limited, I'm careful to only choose books I'm pretty sure I'm going to love to read. There have been times where I've been let down a little, and that comes with the territory. I'm not a big reader of anthologies ~ I don't know why, but these are relatively new to me.

I'm hooked. 
This book, with each individual story written by four different fantastic authors, is a keeper. This will warm any historical romantic lover's hearts whose time is limited, and who doesn't want to sacrifice quality of story. Each short story has its own drama, its own issues that keep the readers interest and will prod them to read on. Way past their normal bedtime.
Heroines that won't quit. Heroes that you'll sigh over. Cowboys, the wild west, and true love. Does it get any better than that?!

Meet Mary-Jo, in And Then Came Spring who stomps into her fiance's...funeral ~> how's that for different, huh?
In An Ever-After Summer, you'll find yourself cheering Ellie on while taking on a stubborn mule that you know you're going to love. And it's not just her husband, either!
Luvena, in Autumn's Angel, will make you wonder if this beauty is indeed cursed with bad luck, as well as a sweet heart, and, then you'll meet my ultimate hero and favorite story,
Winter Wedding Bells with cute and plucky Megan who's fiance is convinced he's going to die. But she's too feisty to give in.

This book is fabulous. I have not only spent a super enjoyable day reading each story, but I have added three very talented authors to my favorite authors list. I say three, because Mary Connealy already was on that list. Way toward the top...

I highly recommend A Bride for All Seasons.

*My thanks to the publisher, Thomas Nelson, who sent me a copy in exchange for a review. I was not required it be positive. It's just really that good.*

Psalm 14 AudioBible Series

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Reflecting on God's Love

As happens every Sunday of the year, my heart was thumping, my thoughts were going a mile a minute, and my ice cold fingers were about to shake right off my hands as I played the intro for our first song. (I've been playing either the piano or the organ in front of a church congregation for 25 years. Yep. Since I was 13 years old and my brother opened his big mouth and announced to the preacher that I could play the organ. I could have choked him, but that's another story for another time. Anyway, I've never. EVER. been comfortable playing the piano or organ in front of people. All too often I see so many mistakes and it scares me to death.)

Victory in Jesus...
we've sang this very song hundreds of times before. I've always loved it, and it's one of my favorites to play.

But something was different.

I heard an old, old story. How a Savior came from glory. How He gave His life on Calvary, to save a wretch like me. I heard about His groaning, of His precious blood's atoning. Then I repented of my sins and won the victory.
O victory in Jesus, my Savior for ever. He sought me and bought me, with His redeeming blood. He loved me ere I knew Him and all my love is due Him. He plunged me to victory, beneath the cleansing flood.
Soprano. Alto. Tenor and Bass all combined together brought sweet, sweet music to my delighted ears. This congregation wasn't going through the motions. They knew what they were singing about, and...they were happy.
When people sing loud, it's an encouragement to me. I play louder. I play better. But still, the terror was present. People I didn't know were there. People that could probably play the piano better than I were there. Oh dear Lord, what if I mess up?
The next song was announced, and I could almost feel Jesus lay His comforting hand on my shoulder.Don't worry... He seemed to say. Don't be scared. I haven't given you the spirit of fear, but of peace. Just serve Me as best as you can. I'm here, and I know you love Me.
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross...
Again, not a new song. A lovely, spirit-filled song, but not new on my playing list. Doesn't seem to matter. The jitters have their claws in my heart, and I have to get through this song. Even if I mess up. The voices swelled in harmony and seemed to float right into Heaven as they began the third verse.
See, from His head, His hands, His feet,Sorrow and love flow mingled down:Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Finally, the last song. Then I can go hunker down and hide in my seat. Please Lord. Please let me get through this next song.
Even today, I wonder how the rafters are still on the roof of our church when everyone started the last song. Moving. Beautiful. POWERFUL and even these words can't describe what it sounded like. The best I can describe it would be that all Heaven stopped and stood still to listen to these redeemed human beings praise the Lamb of God. To worship the real reason for Easter. Jesus's resurrection from the grave. His victory over death to provide a way for sinful man to share Heaven with Him.
The last song? He Lives... 
I serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today. I know that He is living, no matter what man can say. I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,And just the time I need Him,He's always near.
He lives! Christ Jesus lives today!He walks with me, and talks with meAlong life's narrow way. He lives! He lives!Salvation to impart.You ask me how I know He lives?He lives within my heart!
I know Jesus Himself placed His nail-scarred hands over my own to play that song in front of all those people. Because I couldn't have done it any other way.
...Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures: And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

CrossReads Book Blast: One Night With a Rock Star by Chana Keefer, $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

One Night With a Rock StarBy: Chana KeeferFREE TODAY FOR AMAZON KINDLE!
About the BookIt's Anne of Green Gables Meets Rattle & Hum. Worlds collide.

When Esther was a young teen with frizzy hair and too-skinny legs, Sky’s music soothed her through awkwardness and pain. Now she’s a college journalism student and fledgling print model. One chance meeting rocks their worlds.

Will Esther's deep roots in family and faith keep her feet on the ground when a tornado named Sky blows her world apart?

This coming-of-age tale will delight young adult, new adult & adult audiences alike with homespun humor, dazzling celebrity, and a heart-wrenching tale that transports the reader from the wide open spaces of Texas, to the castle-dotted Scottish highlands. Explores themes of spirituality, relationship with God versus religion, and how one can have it all yet still search for meaning and purpose in life.

One Night With a Rock Star is a rich, satisfying journey filled with multi-dimensional, lovable characters, sigh-worthy romance and a tale that will carve itself onto your soul.
See more About this FREE eBOOK at Amazon!(Then Scroll Below to Enter the $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway)

Chana Keefer

This whole writer's journey caught me completely by surprise and, to this day, I'm a bit stunned by the ride.

Blame it all on prayer. In 2004 I committed to pray every day, right out of the sack, for at least an hour. A year later I woke in the morning from a very cool dream. As the week went on, the dream wouldn't let go. It expanded in my brain until I HAD to start writing or just... explode. That story? One Night With a Rock Star. It's the novel that transformed me into a passionate storyteller.

Two years later, in the middle of prayer, I asked a question and God answered. I yelped in shock but also had to admit the answer made so many of my faith elephants-in-the-room make sense. For the next month, every morning began with more mind-blowing insights. When I showed the 250 pages of notes to my hubby and an author friend, they both said, "This needs to be a novel."

The journey of writing THE FALL was much more than writing a novel. It was a pilgrimage that crushed, shaped and changed me; the way I think, the way I pray, the way I love, even the way I view current events.

BTW, I'm a mom of four, married to the best man alive, have a background in broadcast journalism and, many moons ago, worked as a model and actress.

I love old barns, old movies, hot chocolate chip cookies and someday I'd like to sail around the world. Guess I'd better learn to sail first.


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Psalm 13 AudioBible Series

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