Sarah Holman's Blog, page 49

Click here to discover why you should be mad too!

I got on my Facebook page. I enjoyed seeing pictures of my friend Kathrine and the kids she nannies.  I loved Alicia and Grace’s posts about how awesome their husbands were. I appreciated Josh’s honesty about the rough time he and his wife have been going through due to poor health. Amanda’s verse art was lovely and inspiring. Oh, and should I mention all the back-to-homeschool pictures that are coming across my page? Love it!

Yet, the majority of my page was taken up with very different aspects. There that person went, posting yet another post bashing yet another Christian book. Yet another update from that author group, talking about how Amazon is ripping off authors. Still another posts yet another post about the horror of abortion. And still another posts about the toxic products that you use daily in your house.

Are these people right? Most of them are, but to me, I am seeing an alarming trend among well intentioned, Christian Facebook users. They want to use their Facebook page for good, to share what they are passionate about and warn people. However, I wonder if they see what their Facebook page looks like as a whole. Most of the titles could be changed to say: “I was angry when I heard about this, and you should be too!’ and it would capture the essence of what the article is made to do.

Yes, there are times for righteous anger. No, I’m not one of those people who thinks you should never share and article on your page. However, I wonder how our feeds would look if for one day, everyone couldn’t share articles or anything on the news that made them mad. What would happen if for one week, you could only post your own thoughts, and no one else’s. I for one would love Facebook so much more. Right now, Facebook makes me sad at the number of Christians who are missing the point.

What if instead of posting an article about why you shouldn’t read this bad book, why don’t we talk about a book that God has used to minister to us? What if we stopped talking about how horrible such-and-such company is and put that same effort into promoting a good one or offering an encouraging word? Why instead of crying against abortion again, we raise awareness of the local crisis pregnancy centers and find ways to help those on the front lines of this battle?

Imagine the impact that if for one day, not a single Christian argued or complained, but simply built up what was good, didn’t give what was evil even the distinction of a mention, and didn’t complain.

Okay, now I am convicted. Yeah, I complain on Facebook every few days. I get a lot of sympathy that way. And isn’t that what we want? Attention. Headlines that make people mad, make them stop and pay attention…and they discourage them, tear them down, and often end up making them think about everything in a negative light. No longer! I refuse to be a part of this problem if I can help it. I am going to change and see what I can do to encourage others to do the same. Will you join me?

Five Fall Favorites Day 6

There is nothing better on a cold morning than to grab a cup of tea, a good book, and cuddle under a warm blanket.
1. The Horse and His Boy The one of the main characters in this book is a horse. And this book had a huge impact on me. This book is fun, and one of the best Narnia books.
2. The Kitten Case Files: The Case of the Tabloid Tattler A cat who can read, write, and understands people? It might sound a bit odd, but this book was so much fun!Read my review HERE:
3. The Kitten Case Files: The Case of the Missing Hero This was as awesome as the first book. I mean, Mia has to save a dog. How cool is that?Read my review HERE.
4. It's a Jungle Out There This is about a missionary kid who grew up in the Amazon. There are a lot of animals mentioned in here. (okay, a bit of a stretch for this list but...)
5. Squeaky  Yes, this is a kids book, but I love it. Being a short girl, I felt a kinship to this tiny kitten.Read my review HERE.
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Five Fall Favorites Day 5

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Fall time is back to school time for many. Backpacks are part of that, hopefully stuffed full of books. Here are a few books by Indapendant authors that I love.
1. From the Dark to the Dawn  This book is powerful and faith-building, I read it when I was going through a rough time, and it was a great blessing.Read my review HERE
2. Tales of the Heartily Homeschooled This book made me laugh so hard. I loved this collection of stories of growing up in a large home school family. It is non-fiction, not long, and a complete delight.Read my review HERE
3. Sufficient Grace All of Greyson's books could be on here, but this is my favorite. This book has adventure, sweet romance, and a powerful message.Read my review HERE
4. The Abolitionist I love Elisabeth Allen's books. This is a story that feels like a cross between a Jane Austen book and the Amazing Grace. It is sweet, satisfying, and a joy to read.Read my review HERE
5. The Heart of Arcrea This is a fantasy that I enjoyed. It is a tale of adventure, excitement, and faith. The characters will stick with you long after the story ends.Read my review HERE
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Five Fall Favorites Day 4

Awww, there is something about the fall air that begs us to get out of doors. How fitting that we are talking about bikes and missionaries today. After all, many missionaries use bikes to get around in some third world countries. I am thinking about some missionaries we support. They work to translate the Bible into some of the many languages of Africa. I have seen the pictures of local pastor, strapping the new bibles to the back of their bikes to take them to their home village. Missionaries are so inspiring. Here are a few of my favorites.
1. Gladys Aylward I read almost excursively non-fiction until I was fourteen. Gladys Aylward was an early favorite of mine. I loved her heart for children and I was amazed at the favor God granted her with the authorities in China.
2. Brother Andrew This man is a hero in my book. I loved the stories of his faith, and smuggling the Bible into places the government had outlawed it. He is a reminder to be bold in our faith
3. A Chance to Die Rose and I read Amy's biography  together when were in our early teens. I picked this book up last year and loved it. Amy's whole-hearted devotion to God is inspiring. Her love for the people of India was beautiful. 
4. Eric Liddell While most people remember this man for his Olympic win, his heart was in China. I was so inspired by his time in China, and his sacrifice in the end. 
5. David Livingstone Tales of African missionaries have captured my attention for years, starting with this one. David Livingstone was man of passion, adventure, and faith. He fired my imagination. I still have a special place in my heart for him.
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Five Fall Favorites Day 3

Fall is the time when all the farmers start getting the barns ready. Even in Texas, where the temperatures don't get that cold, we have to make sure that there is hay and the barns are clean for the animals. After all, it does get cold enough that the animals will need a warm place. For me, I am also getting ready for the cold months as well. Winter means more rainy days in Texas and good books are a must. My favorite thing to do is to read a whole series straight through during the winter months. Here are some good ones.

 1. The Charity's Diary Series This series has been a favorite for a long time. I am rereading them at the moment. A tale of an English girl, living out her faith even when life isn't what she thought it would be.You can read my reviews of book #1, #2, #3
2. The O’Mally Series This is one of those series that you think about even years after you have read it. This is the story of six siblings finding faith powerful, well written, and very memorable.
3.The Firmament series   I like Sci-Fi, but it is hard to find good stuff in that genre. This is a godly series that is very satisfying for my love of sci-fi.Read my reviews of book #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5

4. Heart of India Series It has been several years since I read this series, but it was so good I still can remember scenes vividly from it. This captures the culture of India, has romance, faith, and lots of adventure.
5. Ilyon Chronicles
I'm not a huge fantasy fan, but this series is pretty awesome. It has a strong faith message, a lot of emotion, and characters that are easy to love.Read my reviews of books #1, #1.5, #2, #3, and #4
Enter to win!
 Signed copy of Dylan’s Story by Rebekah A. Morris
• Signed copy of Dandelion Dust by Faith Potts
• Signed copy of Kate’s Innocence by Sarah Holman
• Signed copy of The Twin Arrows by Kate Willis
• Signed copy of Journey to Love by Amanda Tero
• Coffee Nut M & M’s
• Packets of Apple Cider
• Cute Fall Mug

And there might be an Amazon Gift Card in there too.

This giveaway is open to everyone. International as well as US. However, if we have an International winner, they will get kindle copies of all these books, and an amazon gift card. (Sorry, we just can’t mail this internationally.)

If we get more than 75 different people entered into the giveaway, we will add a 2nd place winner, so be sure to tell you family and friends!

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Five Fall Favorites Day 2

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There is nothing like them. The smell, the feel, the sight. As new ones they bring excitement, as old ones they often give us warm feelings. I'm referring of course to books. 

Today, we are exploring sweet and clean Christian romance. Here are my top favorites.
1. By Way of the Silverthorns The very first romance books I ever read were by Grace Livingston Hill. This still ranks as one of my favorite books of all time. It is mainly about two siblings who are living out their faith, and finding love. 
2. A Home for My Heart
I almost put this book down. I was so sure I knew how it would turn out. I'm so glad I didn't! Anne Mateer has become a favorite author, and her romances are among the sweetest and cleanest. 
3. The Messenger
This book didn't even have a kiss in it, yet I loved this romance. Two people with very different convictions trying to work together and finding love is pretty awesome.Read my review HERE
4. Winds of a Dream This book...It is one of those books you just love to hug. It is about how life ruins some dreams...but God often gives us more beautiful ones in their place.
5. Stealing the Preacher This book made me laugh hard, think hard, and give a happy sigh at the end.See my review HERE
I was in the book room today. You know what that means? Yap, a free short story for you: You can pick up a free ebook HERE

Five Fall Favorites Day 1

Fall. The leaves are changing colors, the air is crisp, apple and pumpkin scents are everywhere, and warm drinks are a must. It is at this time of year, when Texas gets a lot of rain and I am ready for reading. Reading is such a peaceful pass time, isn't it? Yes, the book might be emotional, but nothing beats a chilly outside, a warm drink, and a good book to feel at peace.
"Peace, be still."
Those words were spoken into chaos, on a boat. In the midst of that chaos, Jesus created peace. To me often curling up with a book, especially my Bible, is a great way of finding peace in the midst of the chaos of life.
Today, I get to share with you five of my favorite historical fiction books that take place in biblical times. One of my favorite things about them is that they are all, in some way, about how our faith brings peace in the midst of chaos. 
1. Garden of Madness This is amazing. It is dark at times, but I still think about it often. The power of prayer, redemption, and God's grace and all important themes in this story.You can read my review HERE
 2. The Heavens Before I read this book in one sitting, because I couldn’t stop. I started it at eight one night and stayed up until 1:30 to finish it. It was that good.Read my review HERE
 3. The Centurion's Wife This book was beautiful, sweet, and refreshing. I loved this perspective of the people around Pilate trying to figure out what happened to Jesus. 
4. Ruth It has been a long time since I read this book (I think about ten years) but it was so vivid, I can still remember it. This is a fictional account, steeped in both the Bible and research. 
5. A Crown in the Stars This story left my heart aching, but also left me praising God. This is a fictional account of the tower of Babel. It is a very powerful story.

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Fall into Reading

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Adventure Between the Pages: Exlies

Age Appropriate For: 15 and up for violence, mildly scary scenes, and mild romance.
Best for Ages: 15 -25
Description:Exiled after their defeat in Samara, the Resistance struggles to find allies in their quest to restore King Balen to his throne and put an end to the emperor’s tyranny. When the crete people refuse to lend their aid, Balen leads a group to Dorland to reason with them and win their support. However, enemies prove to be everywhere, and they find themselves in a fight to keep Dorland from becoming Daican’s latest conquest. 
Back in Landale, the arrival of a new enemy forces Trask and Anne to tread more carefully than ever. Tensions are rising, and the enemy is determined to test Anne’s loyalty and root out the location of Trask and the Resistance once and for all. 
Feeling trapped within the walls of Valcré, Prince Daniel must contend with an ever-eroding relationship with his father. As their clashes escalate, the situation becomes potentially life threatening when his loyalty is called into question. His sister seems bent on branding him a traitor and actively seeking to condemn him to the fate of those put to death in their father’s new arena. Daniel is certain his father would never execute his only son and heir, but with other forces at work, it might not be that simple. 
One small misstep could prove fatal for all. 

This is one of the few fantasy series that has completely captured my attention and imagination. Anyone who has been reading my reviews for long can guess that I am not really into fantasy. While I will occasionally dip my toes into it, it isn’t normally my thing. This series is different. It has the scope of an epic fantasy, but is so full of faith and lacks so many of the elements that normally make me shy away from the genre (dark feeling, battles every few pages, and magic) that make it amazing. This book was no different.

My favorite parts of the story? Getting to see more of this world. The land of the Cretes was my favorite. I so wish I could visit their city now, it sounded amazing and beautiful. The giants and their land also were interesting. As well as a couple other places that were visited that I won’t mention due to spoilers.

This book was a lot about Prince Daniel (don’t worry, it was a lot about the old gang too). I can’t say I have been one of Daniel’s biggest fans, but I also really did find his story intriguing. It took so many unexpected twists and turns. The ending of this book? It left me gasping and ready for the next.

Of course, Jace and Kyrin’s story continues to be my favorite. Jace continues to grow, and I loved, loved, loved what he discovers in this book. It made me want to jump up and cheer as well as give him a hug. I love how he and Kyrin continue to deepen their relationship and overcome obstacles.

I always feel blessed coming away from Knight’s books. Even her early works (published as Molly Evangeline) always left me blessed and thinking about God and His goodness. I think that she strikes a perfect balance between emotional, realistic, and hopeful. I can hardly wait for the next book.

I highly recommend this series to those who like stories of faith, non-magical fantasy, and adventure.

I recived a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. 

What I have been doing this August

While this blog has been busy, I haven’t posted much about my life since I told you that my sister was not getting married like we thought. I’m not going to lie, I have had a rough time the last month. Not only has there been a lot of emotional stuff related to Rose, I personally have had to deal with some people doing some hurtful things. August was one of those months that just as I think that I am going to be able to take a deep breath, something happened and it felt like I had been punched in the stomach again emotionally speaking.

However, one of the things that always amazes me is that, in the midst of difficult times, God gives us gifts if we are willing to look for them. I was able to go and spend a few days with my dear friend and fellow writer, J. Grace Pennington.

We hung out, watched Star Trek together, talked about dealing with hurt in a godly way, ate awesome food, caught up on each other’s lives, and talked writing. I also got to ride the Amtrak train to go see her. How cool is that?

I also met up with a couple of friends for lunch. God ordained this lunch because, that morning, we all had some difficult things happen and we were able to mutually encourage each other. It was amazing.

I can’t even begin to count all the texts from close friends that just blessed me. They ranged from just telling me how their work day went to saying kind things about me. It is amazing how those texts can turn my day around.

August Amazingness was so much fun to run. I really enjoyed all the enthusiasm, and it was pretty cool to see how many people downloaded things when I had them for free.



Finally, I am reading an incredibly moving book, and was blessed with a new Bible cover that makes it easier to move my quiet time wherever I want. This is one of those small things that end up being a huge thing.



So there are some of the highlights of my month. What were some of yours?