Amanda Stephan's Blog: God is Good, God is Great, page 4
November 8, 2014
Change.
I'm sitting here making out a list of things that need to be done in the next 23 days. Cleaning, sorting, packing, getting rid of, storing, etc. and I'm getting a little sad. As everyone's does, our lives are changing. But like most people, we don't even see the change until something big comes up. Like, you know you're getting older but you don't realize it until your birthday smacks you in the face, or your hair has a ton more gray than it used to when you look in the mirror, or you can't see nearly as well as you used to.
Then, when you've finally come to grips with the gray hair, your first child starts college and your youngest is rounding the proverbial bend in school and you know your days of teaching are numbered. Talk about reality check, right?
But for us, another change is coming up.
We're moving. We've lived in our house for seventeen years and now we're packing everything up and moving closer to college, work, and church. And we're watching our children prepare themselves for the adult world. As I'm sitting here throwing stuff away (because hey, let's face it, this is the perfect time to purge, right?!) I realize just how different our lives are about to become.
We'll be living in a city for the first time in 18 years. We will have neighbors we can see. We will have to worry about our cats getting out into someone else's yard. Our kids will have to watch their driving speeds in residential areas. And like most people, I don't do change well. I could sit here and dwell on the fact that our daughter is the age when hubster and I were getting married or that our son isn't going to need me forever and will very soon be getting a real job in the real world, or that I'm further away from my family and our best friends.
Or I can focus on the good things ahead. College, work, and church are closer. Family and friends will now have a place to spend the night when they come visit (yay for bonus rooms! Just sayin), we won't be spending a fortune on gas anymore, and we will have the opportunity to make new friends and make a new home for our family that will, let's face it, be growing with marriages and grandchildren. Ugh! Am I even supposed to be thinking about grandkids at my age?!
Look, this whole growing up thing isn't for the weak. It's for the strong, faith-filled, prayer warriors that know that all these things really pale in comparison to what's really important. Eternity. See, for me, I know where I'm headed. I know that when I pass from this life, I will be spending eternity with Jesus. And thank the good Lord, my husband will be there, my parents will be there, both my kids will be there, and many friends will be there and we will have an eternity together. And that's something great to look forward to!
Now, I'm going to get up, clean up, and start packing because I've got a lot to do. Thanks for stopping by and letting me share with you for a few minutes. Here's a few pictures of our new house before you go...
Then, when you've finally come to grips with the gray hair, your first child starts college and your youngest is rounding the proverbial bend in school and you know your days of teaching are numbered. Talk about reality check, right?
But for us, another change is coming up.
We're moving. We've lived in our house for seventeen years and now we're packing everything up and moving closer to college, work, and church. And we're watching our children prepare themselves for the adult world. As I'm sitting here throwing stuff away (because hey, let's face it, this is the perfect time to purge, right?!) I realize just how different our lives are about to become.
We'll be living in a city for the first time in 18 years. We will have neighbors we can see. We will have to worry about our cats getting out into someone else's yard. Our kids will have to watch their driving speeds in residential areas. And like most people, I don't do change well. I could sit here and dwell on the fact that our daughter is the age when hubster and I were getting married or that our son isn't going to need me forever and will very soon be getting a real job in the real world, or that I'm further away from my family and our best friends.
Or I can focus on the good things ahead. College, work, and church are closer. Family and friends will now have a place to spend the night when they come visit (yay for bonus rooms! Just sayin), we won't be spending a fortune on gas anymore, and we will have the opportunity to make new friends and make a new home for our family that will, let's face it, be growing with marriages and grandchildren. Ugh! Am I even supposed to be thinking about grandkids at my age?!
Look, this whole growing up thing isn't for the weak. It's for the strong, faith-filled, prayer warriors that know that all these things really pale in comparison to what's really important. Eternity. See, for me, I know where I'm headed. I know that when I pass from this life, I will be spending eternity with Jesus. And thank the good Lord, my husband will be there, my parents will be there, both my kids will be there, and many friends will be there and we will have an eternity together. And that's something great to look forward to!
Now, I'm going to get up, clean up, and start packing because I've got a lot to do. Thanks for stopping by and letting me share with you for a few minutes. Here's a few pictures of our new house before you go...
November 7, 2014
THE PROMISE Kindle HDX Giveaway from Beth Wiseman!
In a daring new novel, Beth Wiseman jumps way outside the box. The Promise will take readers far away from Amish country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by actual events, this is the book Beth has been working toward for a long time.
Curious? Click here to read the reviews, and be sure to enter Beth's Kindle HDX giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
A Kindle Fire HDXThe Promise by Beth WisemanEnter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 9th. Winner will be announced November 10th here.
Curious? Click here to read the reviews, and be sure to enter Beth's Kindle HDX giveaway!One grand prize winner will receive:
A Kindle Fire HDXThe Promise by Beth WisemanEnter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 9th. Winner will be announced November 10th here.
November 4, 2014
“Too Loved to be Lost” Kindle HDX Giveaway and Facebook Party with Debora Coty!
In our world a woman’s acceptance so often seems contingent on her looks, behavior, or talents. This can lead to fearing loss of acceptance, trying to outperform one another, and a warped view God as a ruthless, judgmental, stern entity just waiting for us to crash and burn. Debora M. Coty's new book, Too Loved to Be Lost: Discovering God’s Intentional, Unconditional, Without-Limits Love, offers women simple, practical steps for finding healing, security, and revitalization of spirit, body, and faith.
Celebrate being "Too Loved" by entering Debora Coty's HDX giveaway and RSVPing to her Facebook party on November 6th.
One winner will receive:
A Kindle HDXToo Loved to Be Lost by Debora CotyEnter today by clicking the button below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 6th. Winner will be announced at the Too Loved to Be Lost Facebook author event on 11/6 . Join author Debora Coty for a humorous and encouraging evening centered around God's unconditional love. Debora will be hosting a fun chat, giving away prizes, answering your questions, offering an exclusive peek at her next book, and much more!
So grab your copy of Too Loved to be Lost and join Debora and friends on the evening of November 6th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)
Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!
Celebrate being "Too Loved" by entering Debora Coty's HDX giveaway and RSVPing to her Facebook party on November 6th.
One winner will receive:
A Kindle HDXToo Loved to Be Lost by Debora CotyEnter today by clicking the button below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 6th. Winner will be announced at the Too Loved to Be Lost Facebook author event on 11/6 . Join author Debora Coty for a humorous and encouraging evening centered around God's unconditional love. Debora will be hosting a fun chat, giving away prizes, answering your questions, offering an exclusive peek at her next book, and much more!
So grab your copy of Too Loved to be Lost and join Debora and friends on the evening of November 6th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)
Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!
November 2, 2014
Kindle HDX Giveaway and Facebook Author Party with Judith Miller
Don't miss Judith Miller's latest novel, The Brickmaker's Bride. CBA Retailers + Resources raves, ". . . a wonderful story about faith and love throughout life’s trials."
Judith is celebrating with a Kindle HDX giveaway and a "Refined by Love" Facebook author event on November 4th.
One winner will receive:A Kindle HDXThe Brickmaker's Bride by Judith MillerEnter today by clicking the button below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 4th. Winner will be announced at the Refined by Love Facebook Author Event . Connect with Judith for a fascinating evening centered around her new Civil War-era series. She'll be hosting a book club discussion, giving away prizes, answering your questions, offering an exclusive peek at the next book in the Refined by Love series, and much more!
So grab your copy of The Brickmaker's Bride and join Judith and friends on the evening of November 4th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)
Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!
October 31, 2014
A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd - Book Review & Tour
About the book:
Her secret cloaks her in isolation and loneliness. His secret traps him in a life that is not his own.
Cecily Faire carries the shame of her past wherever she treads, knowing one slip of the tongue could strip away everything she holds dear. But soon after accepting the position of lady's companion at Willowgrove Hall, Cecily finds herself face-to-face with a man well-acquainted with the past she's desperately hidden for years.Nathaniel Stanton has a secret of his own --- one that has haunted him from birth and tied him to his father's position as steward of Willowgrove. To protect his family, Nathaniel dares not breath a word of the truth. But as long as the shadow looms over him, he'll never be free to find his own way in the world. He'll never be free to fall in love.When the secrets swirling within Willowgrove Hall come to light, Cecily and Nathaniel must confront a painful choice: Will they continue running from the past . . . or will they stand together and build a future without the suffocating weight of secrets long suffered?
Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/CsnBw
About the author:
Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. The Heiress of Winterwood was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.
Find Sarah online: website, Facebook, Twitter
Follow The Tour!
My Thoughts:Another winner from author Sarah E. Ladd! This story was a welcome respite from everyday life and problems, yet made you feel as though you were part of the story. I love how none of the characters were perfect and each had something they had to overcome before moving forward with their lives. And I very much enjoyed every moment I spent reading about them. These aren't cardboard characters with no emotion and no flair, but these are complicated with deep feelings and issues that every reader can find relatable. The only problem was the story ended too quickly for me. I wish it could go on and on and on...;) I've read all three of the Whispers on the Moors series, and I would highly recommend them to friends.
Her secret cloaks her in isolation and loneliness. His secret traps him in a life that is not his own.
Cecily Faire carries the shame of her past wherever she treads, knowing one slip of the tongue could strip away everything she holds dear. But soon after accepting the position of lady's companion at Willowgrove Hall, Cecily finds herself face-to-face with a man well-acquainted with the past she's desperately hidden for years.Nathaniel Stanton has a secret of his own --- one that has haunted him from birth and tied him to his father's position as steward of Willowgrove. To protect his family, Nathaniel dares not breath a word of the truth. But as long as the shadow looms over him, he'll never be free to find his own way in the world. He'll never be free to fall in love.When the secrets swirling within Willowgrove Hall come to light, Cecily and Nathaniel must confront a painful choice: Will they continue running from the past . . . or will they stand together and build a future without the suffocating weight of secrets long suffered?Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/CsnBw
About the author: Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. The Heiress of Winterwood was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.
Find Sarah online: website, Facebook, Twitter
Follow The Tour!
My Thoughts:Another winner from author Sarah E. Ladd! This story was a welcome respite from everyday life and problems, yet made you feel as though you were part of the story. I love how none of the characters were perfect and each had something they had to overcome before moving forward with their lives. And I very much enjoyed every moment I spent reading about them. These aren't cardboard characters with no emotion and no flair, but these are complicated with deep feelings and issues that every reader can find relatable. The only problem was the story ended too quickly for me. I wish it could go on and on and on...;) I've read all three of the Whispers on the Moors series, and I would highly recommend them to friends.
New Regency from Sarah Ladd AND a Kindle HDX giveaway
Award-winning author Sarah E. Ladd examines how to escape the clutches of a tainted past in the final installment of her Whispers on the Moor series. A Regency-era novel,
A Lady at Willowgrove Hall
cleverly shows that even though our pasts may be shameful or painful, God can take the darkest personal histories and turn them into the brightest futures.
Celebrate with Sarah by entering her Kindle HDX giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
A Kindle Fire HDXA Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. LaddEnter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 2nd. Winner will be announced November 3rd here.
Celebrate with Sarah by entering her Kindle HDX giveaway!One grand prize winner will receive:
A Kindle Fire HDXA Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. LaddEnter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 2nd. Winner will be announced November 3rd here.
September 26, 2014
Tried and True by Mary Connealy Book Review & Tour
About the book: Saddle up for a wildly fun ride with the Wilde sisters!
Kylie Wilde is the youngest sister---and the most civilized. Her older sisters might be happy dressing in trousers and posing as men, but Kylie has grown her hair long and wears skirts every chance she gets. It's a risk---they are homesteading using the special exemptions they earned serving in the Civil War as "boys"---but Kylie plans to make the most of the years before she can sell her property and return to the luxuries of life back East.
Local land agent Aaron Masterson is fascinated with Kylie from the moment her long hair falls from her cap. But now that he knows her secret, can he in good conscience defraud the U.S. government? And when someone tries to force Kylie off her land, does he have any hope of convincing her that marrying him and settling on the frontier is the better option for her future?
Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/AS8Js
About the author: Mary Connealy writes fun and lively "romantic comedy with cowboys" for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Kincaid Brides, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters series, and she has been a finalist for a Rita and Christy Award and a two time winner of the Carol Award. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters.
Find Mary online: website, Facebook, TwitterFollow the Tour! My Thoughts:It's never a chore to read a Mary Connealy book. Without a doubt, she has a gift. True to form, Ms. Connealy has brought us a new series that promises to keep us enchanted with great characters, laughs, and interesting story lines that keep you invested until the end.
In the first of this new series, we're quick to meet spunky and very girly Kylie Wilde. How she ever managed to make it through the Civil War as a male spy, is a mystery - or so land agent Aaron Masterson thinks the first time he meets the beautiful girl. Determined not to let her get away with defrauding the government, he's more than a little chagrined to find she's firmly planted underneath his skin - making things next to impossible. Should he do what's right according to the government - even though she served her country in the war - or do what his heart screams almost from the very beginning? Protect her from all costs, including the attentions of wealthy land baron Gage Coulter?
This book was a fun, quick read and I can't wait to delve into the second in the series. The only problem? I have to wait for it to come out...
Kylie Wilde is the youngest sister---and the most civilized. Her older sisters might be happy dressing in trousers and posing as men, but Kylie has grown her hair long and wears skirts every chance she gets. It's a risk---they are homesteading using the special exemptions they earned serving in the Civil War as "boys"---but Kylie plans to make the most of the years before she can sell her property and return to the luxuries of life back East.Local land agent Aaron Masterson is fascinated with Kylie from the moment her long hair falls from her cap. But now that he knows her secret, can he in good conscience defraud the U.S. government? And when someone tries to force Kylie off her land, does he have any hope of convincing her that marrying him and settling on the frontier is the better option for her future?
Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/AS8Js
About the author: Mary Connealy writes fun and lively "romantic comedy with cowboys" for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Kincaid Brides, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters series, and she has been a finalist for a Rita and Christy Award and a two time winner of the Carol Award. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters. Find Mary online: website, Facebook, TwitterFollow the Tour! My Thoughts:It's never a chore to read a Mary Connealy book. Without a doubt, she has a gift. True to form, Ms. Connealy has brought us a new series that promises to keep us enchanted with great characters, laughs, and interesting story lines that keep you invested until the end.
In the first of this new series, we're quick to meet spunky and very girly Kylie Wilde. How she ever managed to make it through the Civil War as a male spy, is a mystery - or so land agent Aaron Masterson thinks the first time he meets the beautiful girl. Determined not to let her get away with defrauding the government, he's more than a little chagrined to find she's firmly planted underneath his skin - making things next to impossible. Should he do what's right according to the government - even though she served her country in the war - or do what his heart screams almost from the very beginning? Protect her from all costs, including the attentions of wealthy land baron Gage Coulter?
This book was a fun, quick read and I can't wait to delve into the second in the series. The only problem? I have to wait for it to come out...
September 20, 2014
September 13, 2014
September 6, 2014
Home to Chicory Lane Book Review & Tour
About the Book:
Landyn longs for home, but her mother may have other plans.
Audrey Whitman's dreams are coming true. Now that their five kids are grown, she and her husband, Grant, are turning their beloved family home into a cozy bed and breakfast just a mile outside of Langhorne, Missouri.Opening weekend makes Audrey anxious, with family and friends coming from all over to help celebrate the occasion. But when Audrey's daughter, Landyn, arrives, the U-Haul she's pulling makes it clear she's not just here for a few days. Audrey immediately has questions. What happened in New York that sent Landyn running home? Where was Landyn's husband, Chase? And what else was her daughter not telling her? One thing was for sure, the Chicory Inn was off to a rocky start. Can Audrey still realize her dream and at the same time provide the comfort of home her daughter so desperately needs?Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/ApPTf
About the author: Deborah Raney's books have won numerous awards, including the RITA, National Readers Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, and the Carol Award, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. She and her husband, Ken, recently traded small-town life in Kansas---the setting of many of Deborah's novels---for life in the (relatively) big city of Wichita, where they enjoy gardening, antiquing, movies, and traveling to visit four children and a growing brood of grandchildren who all live much too far away.Find Deborah online: website, Twitter, Facebook
My Thoughts:
Home to Chicory Lane gives readers the rare glimpse inside two generations at once. Told in a fabulous way without those pesky flashbacks that always seem to keep readers guessing, this story reaches more than just one group of readers.
Grant and Audrey have remodeled their old family home into a beautiful bed and breakfast in an effort to stave off feeling too empty after the last of their children gets married. I very much enjoyed how, while not always seeing eye to eye, this older couple were willing to work out their differences and compromise on various issues. I loved how they clicked and fit together as a couple and as parents. It was apparent they still loved each other and were happy to be together. Being on the cusp of becoming empty nesters, I was glad to see a story of happy survival and purpose.
Now, meet their youngest daughter, Landyn and her husband Chase. This part of the story was more difficult for me to enjoy primarily because of an intense dislike of Landyn who seemed to be a very big annoying drama queen that couldn't find it in herself to do for others, no matter how much they went out of their way to help her. However, I understood her side of the issue. It was the way she handled herself in the subsequent scenes that irked me. I do have to admit though, that as time went on, I didn't find her as frustrating and I began to like her more. I liked seeing the growth of her character and even could see how this was an honest portrayal of newlyweded children. All in all, I enjoyed this book, especially Ms. Raney's character development, and will be happy to read more from this author.
My thanks to the publisher for giving me a copy if this book in exchange for my honest opinions. I was not required they be positive.
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God is Good, God is Great
A little of this, a little of that. I love doing many different things, but I'm going to share my love of good books, fun crafts, freebies, contests, and scrapbooking with this blog. Enjoy!
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