Sarah Holman's Blog, page 80

Faith Basics: Helpful Hint #1

Well, I have to say as I am digging more into the word of God, and once again memorizing verses, I am feeling better and more at peace.

I have found it very helpful to put sticky notes around the room with the verse I am memorizing on it. Every time I see the note, I am not only reading the words, but also finding myself meditating on the verse.

Do you have any helpful hints for memorizing scripture?

Adventure Between the Pages: To Win Her Heart

Buy it Here Description:After completing his sentence for the unintentional crime that derailed his youthful plans for fame and fortune, Levi Grant looks to start over in the town of Spencer, Texas. Spencer needs a blacksmith, a trade he learned at his father's knee, and he needs a place where no one knows his past.Eden Spencer has sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending library she runs in the town her father founded. When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door and asks to borrow a book, she's reluctant to trust him. Yet as the mysteries of the town's new blacksmith unfold, Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart.Eden believes she's finally found a man of honor and integrity. But when the truth about Levi's prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished hero find a way to win back the librarian's affections?
Finally, I read To Win Her Heart! It has taken me so long to get to this story, and I have heard nothing but good things about it. However, even the best of books can be drowned in a to-read pile.
As I read this book, it felt a lot like a beauty and the beast story. Was it just me? I saw all sorts of parallels to that fairy tale, from the arrogant man who was attracted to Eden, to a man who never thinks he can win the love a woman, to the books that Eden loves so much. For me, it made the story even better to have that comparison.
The one negative thing about this book was how steamy it got at times. While I have no problem with physical attraction, some touching and even a kiss or two, I felt that at times the characters thought of little else. However, this was made up for by the strong Christian message and that they truly seemed to care more about character than what the other looked like.
As always, Witemeyer nailed her Christian message and made it very powerful. While I was not as deeply affected by it as I was some of the others, it still got me to thinking about forgiveness, redemption, and being kind to others.
I recommend this book to older readers who enjoy romance, well portrayed messages, and characters that leap off the page.

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Together Again

Last week, I told you how excited I was that my dear friends, Rachel and Jessica were coming to Texas. They are now here and we are having a grand time. We are one week into our two week visit and the time is flying by.
We watched the new Cinderella, Sight and Sound Theater: Moses, The North Avenue Irregulars, and Hot Lead and Cold Feet. We have played Apples to Apples and Swap. We have painted each others nails, made food, and talked late into the night.
I feel so blessed to have two such godly young ladies who encourage me in my faith and have taught me so much. I look foward to many more years of us being friends. 
Today, we have some other young ladies coming to join us and we are going to do something Rachel and Jessica requested as part of their visit... A water balloon fight. Good thing I have had some practice lately. 

Faith Basics: The Bible

God has been working on my heart a lot the past few months. I just haven’t been doing a lot of the basic things that make the Christian life work well. Simple things like daily Bible reading and praying throughout the day. In the past few years I have slowly lost my grasp on the basics of my faith.
Through both some of the books I have been writing, the people I have been fellowshipping with, and still small voice inside, I realized how neglectful I have been. I have forgotten the very basics, which make up the foundation of my faith. I wonder why my heart is not right, only to be reminded I have not been turning to the source of renewal.
Today is the beginning of a series that I have dubbed Faith Basics. I have even created a hashtag (#FaithBasics) so that all of us can share this journey together on social media. I encourage you to join me in this journey back to the basics.
The Bible
I am very guilty of getting up in the morning and starting on my to-do list and forgetting to crack open my Bible. So what are the most important habits when it comes to the Bible?
Reading: Obviously, I cannot expect to know what the Bible contains unless I am reading it often, preferably every day.  For me, I am trying to read one chapter before I get out of bed and one before I go to sleep. This won’t set any reading records, but it is a good way to start and end my day.
Meditating: As I get dressed and started on my day, I try to think about the chapter I read. I am not very good at this, but it is my goal to get better at it. One of the ways I am doing this is working on memorizing.
Memorize: I have not set out to memorize scripture in a long time. To help aid me in my quest to return to the basics, I am using My Scripture Journal: Gratitude. It has already helped me both in learning verses, but also in meditating more of scripture.
Search: Often, I hear people espouse ideas that they say are from the Bible, but when was the last time I searched the scriptures to make sure that was true? Sadly, I rely on my memory or trust the person who had the idea. I want to strive to be better and searching the scripture and checking what others say against it.

Well, are you ready to join me? We are going back to the basics! Feel free to share your thoughts and/or struggles in the comments, or by using #FaithBasics. 

NaNo Countdown: Reseach

November is a big month for writers because it is National Write a Novel Month! Yes, I am already starting to countdown because….

I am writing the sequel to A Different Kind of Courage!

That is right; William and Selah (among others) will make their return in a book sometime next year. November will be the month that there story gets written.
Right now, I am knee deep in research. While some of the main historical characters have been identified for my story, others I am still trying to work out. I am reading a wide verity of books. My favorite sources are first-hand accounts; letters and documents of the people who lived and breathed during that time, such as the letters between John and Abigail Adams.
As you can see from the shelf (pictured above), I have a lot of books to work through. I am planning on rereading 1776 as I think the majority of the book will take place in that year. I am also reading a wide verity of biographies to help identify more historical characters to include, and get a better feel of the time.
As I come across a historical fact that I think I might find useful, I am writing it down on an index card along with the source. I am hoping that this will avoid the issue that I had with the last book, having to go back and find my sources again.
I have also created a timeline so I can easily keep track of the events that were going on and can build my story around it, but more of that next week.

Are you doing NaNoWriMo? Join me for the #NaNoCountdown series! You can even join with posts of your own.

Double book review: Susie Larson

Buy it Here Description:Popular Author & Speaker Equips Women to Live Focused and FreeWomen today are stretched thin, worn weary, and tired of living hurried lives. And nothing drains us more than signing up for things God never asked us to do, even if they are well-intentioned. Yet, all too often that's exactly where we lose our way.In "Your Sacred Yes," Susie Larson shares personal stories and biblical insights to help you:- Learn how--and when--to say "no" without guilt or shame- Say "yes" to "life-giving," not life-draining, activities- Find joy and abundance, fulfillment and freedom, each dayWhen we can't, or won't, say "no," we become captive to our commitments instead of free to respond to God's invitations. Here is your chance to say no to others' obligations and yes to the One who will rejuvenate your weary soul. Will you say "yes"?
I received this book for review back in June, and slowly read through while I was working full-time. I wish I could have read it in one sitting, it was so good, but perhaps reading it during a stressful job did more for me.
While many of the concepts in this book were not new to me, I found that I needed the reminder. Larson’s books feel like a conversation with your best friend over tea or coffee, not some spiritual guru trying to help to fix your life. Larson shares her own struggles and speaks from her own failures and issues, not from her strengths. The style itself is enough to draw you in and help you to be more open to the message.
 The layout of the book is very inviting and pretty. It just begs you to pick it up and read. The chapter lengths are perfect. They aren’t very long, but also not very short. I found them the perfect length to read in the morning during my quiet time.
This book was as good as Your Beautiful Purpose, with the same inviting style. I know that it has changed how I view requests for me to do something. It reminded me of the importance of commitment, doing what is best, and saying no sometimes.
I highly recommend this book to women who have a hard time saying no, are looking for some encouragement, and enjoy Christian non-fiction.
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I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Buy it Here Description:A Blessing a Day from Popular Author and Radio Host This beautiful devotional gift book is for readers who want to start their day with a reminder of God's love and purpose for them. So often we wake up worried about our to-do lists and responsibilities and need a reminder of how God feels about us and who we are in him. Several years ago Susie began posting daily blessings on Facebook, and since then thousands have responded and forwarded the blessings along to others. The blessings take only moments to read, but are packed with biblical promise and perspective. Along with a blessing, each day's spread also includes a related Scripture to point readers back to God's timeless truth.
Are there times during your day that you could just use a little pick-me up? I find that I have few of those each day. How quick I am to go for the tea (since I am not a coffee person) or something else. Yes, I am very slow to learn that what I really need is not found in a cup, but within the pages of a book. This gorgeous little devotional helps remind me.
Each page of this little book is just lovely. The pictures are stunning and the script inviting. The cover just begs to be opened, and the bookmark that is attached makes it easy to keep your place. It couldn’t be a more attractive book.
This devotional sits in my bathroom, and often I will sit there and read one of the entries. While the devotionals themselves are not incredible or deep, they helped turn my focus where it needed to be: on God. If you want something that you can use to study the Bible or be the center of your quiet time, this is not it. But if you need a little something just to turn your focus on God during the day, this is perfect.
I highly recommend this for those who love beauty, short devotionals, and just need a little something to brighten their day. It would also make a wonderful gift.
Was this helpful? Please vote it up on Amazon.
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own..

Today is the Day!!!

Today is the start of a two week visit with my dear friends, the Phillips. I cannot believe that it has been two years since the last time I last saw them, and even more amazed that seven years have passed since we became friends.

I cannot believe that it has been three years since they were last in Texas.


Yes. It has been four long years since the first time we spent two weeks together.

Today is the day we will be back together and get to make some new memories! Well I am off to the airport to pick Rachel and Jessica up. Keep your eye on the blog for pictures coming soon.

Back into the Swing of Things

While I did enjoy my job this summer, I am so thankful to be back to work on my writing. I also am really enjoying being part of the daily home life. There is nothing like it, and I wouldn’t trade the daily trials and joys of living with my family for anything.
I have already made significant progress in my writing. Those who have been waiting for Kate’s Case Files, will be happy to know that editing is almost complete. Those who want to be part of the advanced reader team should be getting an email by the end of the week.
With Kate’s Case Files out of my hands for a time, I am well beginning the first round of editing Emmeline, and writing a Beauty and the Beast retelling.

My writing might suffer a little because two friends are coming to visit me from out of state! 

Back to the Bible!

The last free story of the month is a quick read, but hopefully a powerful one.

Where Destiny Takes You: Once again

This week is a bitter-sweet one for me. I said good-bye to a place that has been a huge part of my life for the last two months. I really didn't think I would take on a full time job, since I was writing full time but God had other plans.

I knew when I took the job that it was temporary, and I knew that I was going to work with some amazing people. I was not prepared for how much God would use the job to grow me. I feel as if in the last three months I have gained three years of spiritual and character maturity. I have connected with some amazing people, and made some amazing memories.

While I will stay involved with Austin Disaster Relief Network, I won't be there everyday of the week. I will be getting back to my writing and blogging, and that is a bitter-sweet feeling.

I never know where God's plans for my life will take me next, but as I have discovered in the last few months, they can move very quickly. I have been very blessed by my time at ADRN and look forward to seeing what God has next in my life.