Lydia Howe's Blog, page 35
August 7, 2015
When Life Hands You Lymes #82
Hey everyone... I know it's late, but I have it up! I hope y'all enjoy this segment of my fictional story,
When Life Hands You Lymes
. We are almost at the end of the story that I've been posting on here for twenty months now. Exciting, right? Anyway, I hope you enjoy!
My music dream began back when I was twelve and our family went to Europe for the first time. Sitting in the cathedrals, I was awestruck at the beauty that poured forth from mere humans. My whole existence was changed in that moment when I realized that I, too, could become something bigger than myself. That I could do something that would inspire people. Something that would compel people to move forward and try their best. The next few years I dedicated much of my time to practicing on the piano and violin. Closing my eyes I could see the music sheets, the technique books, the stern faces of my teachers and the applause of my parents dancing across my memory. Mostly though it was endless hours spent in the practice room, blocking out the rest of the world so I could focus. Then came the sick years. Music became my escape. My companion during the lonely nights. My friend when humans couldn’t understand. Music was my breath of fresh air. The hours I spent with my music increased as my time doing everything else decreased. As I began to seek God more, my music became a wordless prayer, telling Him what my brain couldn’t put into words. Then came the days when I thought my dream was over. When I thought I’d lost everything I’d worked toward and faith became so much more than a word. It was my valley of darkness. The lowest of lows. Yet somehow God resurrected that dream even after it had been embalmed. How it had happened, I’ve stopped trying to figure out. I think there is a time in each person’s life when they need to open their hands, their heart, their soul and offer God the dream they hold closest to them. In His hands the dream will be safe. It will be painful, heart-breakingly painful, but in the end it will be worth it. Once the crevices of the heart having been cracked open and purified in a way only God can, then He replaces our dream. Only this time it’s grown into a God-sized dream. The kind of dream that can’t be accomplished without His help.
I used to dream of my music being able to change people’s lives. Of people finding renewed purpose and extra strength as they listen. I would imagine an ill child in a hospital, sleeping peacefully as my music played in the background. I would imagine elderly couples dancing around a living room filled with fifty years worth of memories as my music gave them something to twirl to. I would close my eyes and picture the soft strains of my music playing as a young man got down on his knee in a romantic, candle-lit gazebo.
My music dream began back when I was twelve and our family went to Europe for the first time. Sitting in the cathedrals, I was awestruck at the beauty that poured forth from mere humans. My whole existence was changed in that moment when I realized that I, too, could become something bigger than myself. That I could do something that would inspire people. Something that would compel people to move forward and try their best. The next few years I dedicated much of my time to practicing on the piano and violin. Closing my eyes I could see the music sheets, the technique books, the stern faces of my teachers and the applause of my parents dancing across my memory. Mostly though it was endless hours spent in the practice room, blocking out the rest of the world so I could focus. Then came the sick years. Music became my escape. My companion during the lonely nights. My friend when humans couldn’t understand. Music was my breath of fresh air. The hours I spent with my music increased as my time doing everything else decreased. As I began to seek God more, my music became a wordless prayer, telling Him what my brain couldn’t put into words. Then came the days when I thought my dream was over. When I thought I’d lost everything I’d worked toward and faith became so much more than a word. It was my valley of darkness. The lowest of lows. Yet somehow God resurrected that dream even after it had been embalmed. How it had happened, I’ve stopped trying to figure out. I think there is a time in each person’s life when they need to open their hands, their heart, their soul and offer God the dream they hold closest to them. In His hands the dream will be safe. It will be painful, heart-breakingly painful, but in the end it will be worth it. Once the crevices of the heart having been cracked open and purified in a way only God can, then He replaces our dream. Only this time it’s grown into a God-sized dream. The kind of dream that can’t be accomplished without His help.
I used to dream of my music being able to change people’s lives. Of people finding renewed purpose and extra strength as they listen. I would imagine an ill child in a hospital, sleeping peacefully as my music played in the background. I would imagine elderly couples dancing around a living room filled with fifty years worth of memories as my music gave them something to twirl to. I would close my eyes and picture the soft strains of my music playing as a young man got down on his knee in a romantic, candle-lit gazebo.
August 6, 2015
Sending When Life Hands You Lymes to Beta Readers
Posting on here has taken a backseat the last two days because I was so close to finishing the second/third draft of When Life Hands You Lymes and therefore I wanted to spend all my computer time swimming through the sea of words, preparing them to set sail into the inboxes on my beta readers.
I had told myself that as soon as I finished the draft of WLHYL I would celebrate by requesting beta readers on my writing group's Facebook Community. I have literally been excited about doing that for a year and a half now.
It was a little before midnight when I finally finished the draft of WLHYL and posted in GTWers asking for beta readers. It took me a lonngg time to fall asleep last night and when I did, I dreamed that I woke up and no one had responded to my request. (The group includes writers from all over the world there is often activity at all hours of the day and night.)
When I actually did wake up this morning and I realized I had only dreamed about having no responses I was pretty happy. I was extremely eager to find out if anyone had requested the book so after I had my devotions I checked and... YAY! My dreams were foundation-less and I just spent the last hour and half drafting an email letting the beta readers know what I am looking for and then sending out the first chapter.
This is an exciting new stage of When Life Hands You Lymes and I'm thrilled to have entered it. It's taken a lot of work to get to this place, but it's been well worth it. I'm eager to hear back from the beta readers and take WLHYL to a whole new level.
And in case you're not familiar with writer jargon, a beta reader is:
I had told myself that as soon as I finished the draft of WLHYL I would celebrate by requesting beta readers on my writing group's Facebook Community. I have literally been excited about doing that for a year and a half now.
It was a little before midnight when I finally finished the draft of WLHYL and posted in GTWers asking for beta readers. It took me a lonngg time to fall asleep last night and when I did, I dreamed that I woke up and no one had responded to my request. (The group includes writers from all over the world there is often activity at all hours of the day and night.)
When I actually did wake up this morning and I realized I had only dreamed about having no responses I was pretty happy. I was extremely eager to find out if anyone had requested the book so after I had my devotions I checked and... YAY! My dreams were foundation-less and I just spent the last hour and half drafting an email letting the beta readers know what I am looking for and then sending out the first chapter.
This is an exciting new stage of When Life Hands You Lymes and I'm thrilled to have entered it. It's taken a lot of work to get to this place, but it's been well worth it. I'm eager to hear back from the beta readers and take WLHYL to a whole new level.
And in case you're not familiar with writer jargon, a beta reader is:
August 3, 2015
July 2015 in Review
What I Focused on in July
1. Spending time with family (visiting family out-of-state, my cousin's wedding, etc...)2. A week at the Creation Museum signing books and all that happiness3. My non-writing job
Birthday Challenge and Dream List Update
Birthday Challenge:
1. Read 23 Non-fiction books {7 = 16}4. Write 23 book reviews {5 = 11} here, here, here, here and here13. Go to bed before 10:30 23 times (not in a row) {Completed June-something + 2}15. No texting for 23 days (not in a row) {Completed June 28th}20. Write a list of 500 things I'm thankful for {Completed July 16th}21. Fill up a physical journal {Completed June 31st}
Dream List:
None
Reading Update:
Fiction: 10Non-Fiction: 7Reviews: 5
Traveling
Nights gone: 11New States or Countries traveled to: None
What I've been Learning
How do I even go into all I've been learning?
I've been learning about speaking out and not remaining quiet. About living in faith. About letting go. About being ok with not-so-perfect. About asking God to increase my influence and then doing my part.
I've been learning about how history repeats itself. About the importance of talking things through. About how much family and friends mean to me. About standing up for the truth and not backing down.
I've been learning about writing and what annoys me in other books. I've been learning about thinking things through and having well-rounded characters. I've been learning about how much work it is to reach excellence.
I've been learning and I've been growing. It's been good. And at times not-so-good.
Other Things
I'm excited that I got so much done on my birthday challenge this month. Most of the things are the list are pretty important to me and I'm fairly certain I'll get 22 out of 23 of the challenges accomplished in time. (And, my birthday is at the end of next month so I really have to crack down on it!)
Going to the Creation Museum this month was extremely nice. I normally spend a few weeks there with my adopted parents each year and so I have a lot of friends there, plus I get to sign my books and talk with the guests and get story ideas and all that goodness.
My first cousin to get married had her wedding in July and so that was nice. I'm happy for her and my new cousin-in-law. They're great together.
I read a lot of non-fiction this month which was challenging and good for me. I enjoy reading non-fiction books but I don't fly through them like I do with fiction. So in July I finished reading three or four that I'd been in the middle of and then added in a few more. Plus reviews. I kinda overloaded Noveltea with reviews, but it was fun letting y'all know what I'd been reading.
I'm currently visiting family out-of-state and therefore my blogging has been a bit sporadic. I have been getting editing done on When Life Hands You Lymes though, so that's been wonderful!
How was your July? I'd be delighted to hear.
1. Spending time with family (visiting family out-of-state, my cousin's wedding, etc...)2. A week at the Creation Museum signing books and all that happiness3. My non-writing job
Birthday Challenge and Dream List Update
Birthday Challenge:
1. Read 23 Non-fiction books {7 = 16}4. Write 23 book reviews {5 = 11} here, here, here, here and here13. Go to bed before 10:30 23 times (not in a row) {Completed June-something + 2}15. No texting for 23 days (not in a row) {Completed June 28th}20. Write a list of 500 things I'm thankful for {Completed July 16th}21. Fill up a physical journal {Completed June 31st}
Dream List:
None
Reading Update:
Fiction: 10Non-Fiction: 7Reviews: 5
Traveling
Nights gone: 11New States or Countries traveled to: None
What I've been Learning
How do I even go into all I've been learning?
I've been learning about speaking out and not remaining quiet. About living in faith. About letting go. About being ok with not-so-perfect. About asking God to increase my influence and then doing my part.
I've been learning about how history repeats itself. About the importance of talking things through. About how much family and friends mean to me. About standing up for the truth and not backing down.
I've been learning about writing and what annoys me in other books. I've been learning about thinking things through and having well-rounded characters. I've been learning about how much work it is to reach excellence.
I've been learning and I've been growing. It's been good. And at times not-so-good.
Other Things
I'm excited that I got so much done on my birthday challenge this month. Most of the things are the list are pretty important to me and I'm fairly certain I'll get 22 out of 23 of the challenges accomplished in time. (And, my birthday is at the end of next month so I really have to crack down on it!)
Going to the Creation Museum this month was extremely nice. I normally spend a few weeks there with my adopted parents each year and so I have a lot of friends there, plus I get to sign my books and talk with the guests and get story ideas and all that goodness.
My first cousin to get married had her wedding in July and so that was nice. I'm happy for her and my new cousin-in-law. They're great together.
I read a lot of non-fiction this month which was challenging and good for me. I enjoy reading non-fiction books but I don't fly through them like I do with fiction. So in July I finished reading three or four that I'd been in the middle of and then added in a few more. Plus reviews. I kinda overloaded Noveltea with reviews, but it was fun letting y'all know what I'd been reading.
I'm currently visiting family out-of-state and therefore my blogging has been a bit sporadic. I have been getting editing done on When Life Hands You Lymes though, so that's been wonderful!
How was your July? I'd be delighted to hear.
July 31, 2015
When Life Hands You Lymes #81
Hey people! If you can't tell from the sporadic posting I've been traveling. Now that I have internet again though, my post is ready for y'all. Please enjoy the 81st (and one of the final!) segment of my fictional story
When Life Hands You Lymes
.
I entered my first music contest several months later after I was well on my way to a healthier life. I had wanted to keep it quiet that I was entering, but somehow the word leaked out and so people started asking me about the results and I started freaking out.
When I finally did hear the results, I didn't know quite how to respond.
“So?” Julia asked as I walked in the room. She opened a file and began to flip through it. “So?” I mimicked her tone as I twirled my chair around and sat down, the pressed the power button on my desktop. It felt so good to be at work, at a regular job, where I knew I was making a difference and accomplishing something real each day. “Oh, so we’re going to act all innocent now.” Julia slammed the folder shut and plopped it on the desk. “How did it go?” Her gaze was so intent I couldn’t keep the news from her any longer. It felt like my lips were about to split from the grin that took over my face without any permission. “Seems like someone might just be beginning to have her dreams come true.” Julia’s response was everything I could have hoped for. Her squeals and enthusiastic hug around my neck did a pretty good job of portraying her excitement. “Oh my goodness. Oh my goodness, girl! You can’t imagine what it’s been like waiting to hear how it went. I’ve been so nervous I have literally been shaking. I just wanted to appear nonchalant when you came in in case stuff hadn’t worked out, you know?” Julia’s pitch and volume is climbing with each sentence, but despite being in the office I can’t shush her. “Look, look!” Julia sticks her hands in my face and I see they are indeed shaking. “Oh my lands, child. I don’t think I’m going to be able to handle this. I just want to scream and yell and fly and jump and dance and twirl off in a sunset.” Julia pulls me up from my seat and dances me around the room. “Do you realize what this means? This is huge! This is what we’ve been praying for and crying over and lying in bed through sleepless nights agonizing about.” I let her pull me around the small space in an awkward waltz, all the time marveling at how I got such a best friend. I’ve dragged her though so much muck and yet she’s stuck with me. “Come on! Aren’t you excited?” Julia drops my hands so she can pump her fists in the air and jump around even more. “Of course I’m excited. I’m just pretty sure you can express it well enough for both of us.” “Have you told everyone yet?” Julia sits back down and begins taking deep, measured breaths. “Just my parents. I wanted you to be one of the first to find out. Besides,” I wave at the office. “I was pretty sure after I told you it wouldn’t be long until everyone else found out, too.” “Hey, hardly anyone’s in today.” Julia gives me a superior look. “Well, when are you going to tell everyone?” “Jason, Katie and Darrick?” I shrug, “Probably some time today. The rest of the world will figure it out eventually.” “Sometimes I wonder how in the world we became best friends,” Julia mumbles as I turn back to my computer.
Deep down inside I am happy. I’m ecstatic. There have been few moments in my life that have been so filled with joy, excitement and promise. I position myself at the computer, ready to begin working for the day, but somewhere between my brain and hands there’s a short circuit and I find myself day dreaming.
I entered my first music contest several months later after I was well on my way to a healthier life. I had wanted to keep it quiet that I was entering, but somehow the word leaked out and so people started asking me about the results and I started freaking out.
When I finally did hear the results, I didn't know quite how to respond.
“So?” Julia asked as I walked in the room. She opened a file and began to flip through it. “So?” I mimicked her tone as I twirled my chair around and sat down, the pressed the power button on my desktop. It felt so good to be at work, at a regular job, where I knew I was making a difference and accomplishing something real each day. “Oh, so we’re going to act all innocent now.” Julia slammed the folder shut and plopped it on the desk. “How did it go?” Her gaze was so intent I couldn’t keep the news from her any longer. It felt like my lips were about to split from the grin that took over my face without any permission. “Seems like someone might just be beginning to have her dreams come true.” Julia’s response was everything I could have hoped for. Her squeals and enthusiastic hug around my neck did a pretty good job of portraying her excitement. “Oh my goodness. Oh my goodness, girl! You can’t imagine what it’s been like waiting to hear how it went. I’ve been so nervous I have literally been shaking. I just wanted to appear nonchalant when you came in in case stuff hadn’t worked out, you know?” Julia’s pitch and volume is climbing with each sentence, but despite being in the office I can’t shush her. “Look, look!” Julia sticks her hands in my face and I see they are indeed shaking. “Oh my lands, child. I don’t think I’m going to be able to handle this. I just want to scream and yell and fly and jump and dance and twirl off in a sunset.” Julia pulls me up from my seat and dances me around the room. “Do you realize what this means? This is huge! This is what we’ve been praying for and crying over and lying in bed through sleepless nights agonizing about.” I let her pull me around the small space in an awkward waltz, all the time marveling at how I got such a best friend. I’ve dragged her though so much muck and yet she’s stuck with me. “Come on! Aren’t you excited?” Julia drops my hands so she can pump her fists in the air and jump around even more. “Of course I’m excited. I’m just pretty sure you can express it well enough for both of us.” “Have you told everyone yet?” Julia sits back down and begins taking deep, measured breaths. “Just my parents. I wanted you to be one of the first to find out. Besides,” I wave at the office. “I was pretty sure after I told you it wouldn’t be long until everyone else found out, too.” “Hey, hardly anyone’s in today.” Julia gives me a superior look. “Well, when are you going to tell everyone?” “Jason, Katie and Darrick?” I shrug, “Probably some time today. The rest of the world will figure it out eventually.” “Sometimes I wonder how in the world we became best friends,” Julia mumbles as I turn back to my computer.
Deep down inside I am happy. I’m ecstatic. There have been few moments in my life that have been so filled with joy, excitement and promise. I position myself at the computer, ready to begin working for the day, but somewhere between my brain and hands there’s a short circuit and I find myself day dreaming.
July 29, 2015
Whatever the Cost - Book Review
Whatever the Cost By David and Jason Benham
Find it on: Amazon Goodreads
First personTwo point of viewsNon-fiction 202 pages
About the BookFrom the backcover Blurb
“Two nationally-acclaimed real estate entrepreneurs share biblical principles to revolutionize your work and family life, and give you the courage to stand up for what is right.”
This book follows the story of highly motivated and entrepreneurial twin brothers, David and Jason Benham, from their formative years and ventures into professional baseball to their rise as owners of a multi-million dollar business empire and securing an HGTV reality series. It’s a journey where the brothers learned how they must die to their dreams not just once, but twice as they walked away from baseball before being called up to the Big Show and later as their TV series was stripped away from them just before airing when the network succumbed to media pressures surrounding their faith. These experiences only helped them realize that the key to powerful living is found when you die to your dreams and face your fears, and choose to live powerfully through it all. The biblical principles they implemented to guide their work and families are revealed in practical terms to apply to our daily lives and give us courage to stand for what is right.Why I Choose this Book
This spring when our family made it's annual trip to hear John Maxwell talk at Ohio Christian University we also had the privilege of hearing the Benham brothers speak. They had the whole crowd in all out laughter basically the whole time they were on stage and yet spoke to us in such a deep way that left a very lasting impression. I came away from that night wishing I could have listened to them a lot longer.
They were selling books after the event and since I didn't have any money with me I borrowed some from my cousin and then ran out in the pouring down rain to get two of my books to give to the Benham brothers for their kids. Their book was well-worth the money I spent on it. (And just so you know, the brothers are pretty nice, too.)
What I Thought About the Book
The book is amazing. Not only is it very practical, uplifting, challenging and interesting, it's also peppered with their competitive twin-ish humor. (As they put it "We're a couple of guys who take our faith very seriously and ourselves not-so-seriously...)
The book starts out when the twins were little kids and continues on devoting a chapter to each period of their lives. It's not about the guys though, it's more about how they've seen God work in their lives and the lessons they have learned over time. I loved how honest the guys were and how they talked about the ups and the downs they've gone through. They even talk about a million-dollar mistake they made in their business when they ran ahead of where God was leading them.
I found it really interesting when they talked about how playing professional baseball taught them how they needed to put their identity in God instead of in what they were able to accomplish because that's been something I've been working on. (I'm planning on re-reading that chapter soon.) The book had so many amazing bits of wisdom that I know I'll have to read it at least once or twice more before I've given it full justice.
I also really enjoyed where they talked about growing their business because I am in the process of trying to grow my business (my books) right now and sometimes (most of the time) I feel like I'm in so far over my head that I'm lost. This book reminded me to trust God with the results and not to lean on my own powers.
Conclusion
It's a good book. You should read it. Yes, you.
Rating
I'm giving Whatever the Cost Five stars and recommend it to anyone old enough to read. I especially recommend it to people who are interested in honoring God with their lives and want to be encouraged by some amazing twins who made me laugh out loud.
About the Authors
David and Jason are former professional baseball players and also nationally acclaimed entrepreneurs. They happily married, and their families live on the same street in Charlotte, North Carolina. Their wives, Lori and Tori, homeschool their combined nine children and are passionate about serving in their community.
Follow David and Jason on Twitter:
@DavidDBenham@JasonBBenhamVisit their website: BenhamBrothers.com
Find it on: Amazon Goodreads
First personTwo point of viewsNon-fiction 202 pages
About the BookFrom the backcover Blurb
“Two nationally-acclaimed real estate entrepreneurs share biblical principles to revolutionize your work and family life, and give you the courage to stand up for what is right.”
This book follows the story of highly motivated and entrepreneurial twin brothers, David and Jason Benham, from their formative years and ventures into professional baseball to their rise as owners of a multi-million dollar business empire and securing an HGTV reality series. It’s a journey where the brothers learned how they must die to their dreams not just once, but twice as they walked away from baseball before being called up to the Big Show and later as their TV series was stripped away from them just before airing when the network succumbed to media pressures surrounding their faith. These experiences only helped them realize that the key to powerful living is found when you die to your dreams and face your fears, and choose to live powerfully through it all. The biblical principles they implemented to guide their work and families are revealed in practical terms to apply to our daily lives and give us courage to stand for what is right.Why I Choose this Book
This spring when our family made it's annual trip to hear John Maxwell talk at Ohio Christian University we also had the privilege of hearing the Benham brothers speak. They had the whole crowd in all out laughter basically the whole time they were on stage and yet spoke to us in such a deep way that left a very lasting impression. I came away from that night wishing I could have listened to them a lot longer.
They were selling books after the event and since I didn't have any money with me I borrowed some from my cousin and then ran out in the pouring down rain to get two of my books to give to the Benham brothers for their kids. Their book was well-worth the money I spent on it. (And just so you know, the brothers are pretty nice, too.)
What I Thought About the Book
The book is amazing. Not only is it very practical, uplifting, challenging and interesting, it's also peppered with their competitive twin-ish humor. (As they put it "We're a couple of guys who take our faith very seriously and ourselves not-so-seriously...)
The book starts out when the twins were little kids and continues on devoting a chapter to each period of their lives. It's not about the guys though, it's more about how they've seen God work in their lives and the lessons they have learned over time. I loved how honest the guys were and how they talked about the ups and the downs they've gone through. They even talk about a million-dollar mistake they made in their business when they ran ahead of where God was leading them.
I found it really interesting when they talked about how playing professional baseball taught them how they needed to put their identity in God instead of in what they were able to accomplish because that's been something I've been working on. (I'm planning on re-reading that chapter soon.) The book had so many amazing bits of wisdom that I know I'll have to read it at least once or twice more before I've given it full justice.
I also really enjoyed where they talked about growing their business because I am in the process of trying to grow my business (my books) right now and sometimes (most of the time) I feel like I'm in so far over my head that I'm lost. This book reminded me to trust God with the results and not to lean on my own powers.
Conclusion
It's a good book. You should read it. Yes, you.
Rating
I'm giving Whatever the Cost Five stars and recommend it to anyone old enough to read. I especially recommend it to people who are interested in honoring God with their lives and want to be encouraged by some amazing twins who made me laugh out loud.
About the Authors
David and Jason are former professional baseball players and also nationally acclaimed entrepreneurs. They happily married, and their families live on the same street in Charlotte, North Carolina. Their wives, Lori and Tori, homeschool their combined nine children and are passionate about serving in their community.
Follow David and Jason on Twitter:
@DavidDBenham@JasonBBenhamVisit their website: BenhamBrothers.com
July 28, 2015
My Top Ten Favorite Posts
Recently I was looking through Noveltea and reading some of my favorite posts from throughout the years. All of these posts have special meaning to me and I can still remember where I was when I wrote most of them and the circumstances surrounding their creation.
I have over 850 posts published so it was a little bit of work to narrow them down. I originally thought that coming up with my top ten favorites would be a quick job but so many moments in my life tugged at my heart begging to be included in the list so it ended up taking a while.
I've tried to number them starting at my very favorite but I'm not sure I totally agree with the rating I gave them. Y'all can at least get a glimpse though, right? I also wrote a little bit about each post and included a link so if any of them catch your fancy you can click over and read them for yourself.
Noveltea has definitely been through a lot over the years and I'm so thankful for all y'all who have stuck around and become a part of my life.
#1 My Week Away : This post is my favorite, hardest, and probably longest post. It marks a turning point in my life. The closing of one chapter and the opening of another. It was one written during one of the most important parts of my life.
#2 My Identity : This is one is a very raw and real form of me. I poured so many emotions into it that it took me days to finally have them gathered up enough to form cohesive sentences. It was written during a difficult time in my writing journey.
#3 Sarah : Who doesn't dream of having a best friend? I've been so incredibly blessed by mine and loved putting together this post that talks about our friendship over the years.
#4 Dear Clara: This. This post. So filled with happiness. And cuteness. Cuteness beyond compare. How could I not feel warm circles when I look at it?
#5 Surprise! : This is one of my extremely happy posts. I have a barrage of happy memories every time I read it or look at the pictures. Plus, I constructed this post in my brain for about two months before I was finally able to post it so it was quite exciting to finally have out in the open.
#6 Fear : This post was written when I was learning some difficult and exciting lessons in life. When something that I've been fighting for suddenly becomes clear it's a rewarding and happy moment.
#7 Making a Difference : Ah yes! I'm not sure if I'm an overachiever or just have an unrealistic view of what one person named Aidyl can do, but this is a very clear picture of my life.
#8 My Immensely Exciting News : Well, I think the title says it all.
#9 Words : Words. The way they ebb and flow and wash over my soul. Words play such a huge part in my life and I delight in placing them together in such a way that they paint a picture.
#10 Twenty-Two : Ah, my birthday. Growing up twenty-two was a milestone that I thought would launch me into a new era of life. Reaching that magical number was an interesting time of looking back on what my life has been like and looking forward to what God has in store for me in the future.
* * *
I would be delighted to hear which posts are your favorite, or if you have a blog of your own you can leave a link in the comment section of your favorite post from your own blog and I'll check it out.
Bonus! Here are a few of those posts I talked about at the beginning of the post that almost made it onto the top twelve:
The Hiding Place Part One & Two
Of Goats and TV Stations
Twenty-One
Celebrating
I have over 850 posts published so it was a little bit of work to narrow them down. I originally thought that coming up with my top ten favorites would be a quick job but so many moments in my life tugged at my heart begging to be included in the list so it ended up taking a while.
I've tried to number them starting at my very favorite but I'm not sure I totally agree with the rating I gave them. Y'all can at least get a glimpse though, right? I also wrote a little bit about each post and included a link so if any of them catch your fancy you can click over and read them for yourself.
Noveltea has definitely been through a lot over the years and I'm so thankful for all y'all who have stuck around and become a part of my life.
#1 My Week Away : This post is my favorite, hardest, and probably longest post. It marks a turning point in my life. The closing of one chapter and the opening of another. It was one written during one of the most important parts of my life.
#2 My Identity : This is one is a very raw and real form of me. I poured so many emotions into it that it took me days to finally have them gathered up enough to form cohesive sentences. It was written during a difficult time in my writing journey.
#3 Sarah : Who doesn't dream of having a best friend? I've been so incredibly blessed by mine and loved putting together this post that talks about our friendship over the years.
#4 Dear Clara: This. This post. So filled with happiness. And cuteness. Cuteness beyond compare. How could I not feel warm circles when I look at it?
#5 Surprise! : This is one of my extremely happy posts. I have a barrage of happy memories every time I read it or look at the pictures. Plus, I constructed this post in my brain for about two months before I was finally able to post it so it was quite exciting to finally have out in the open.
#6 Fear : This post was written when I was learning some difficult and exciting lessons in life. When something that I've been fighting for suddenly becomes clear it's a rewarding and happy moment.
#7 Making a Difference : Ah yes! I'm not sure if I'm an overachiever or just have an unrealistic view of what one person named Aidyl can do, but this is a very clear picture of my life.
#8 My Immensely Exciting News : Well, I think the title says it all.
#9 Words : Words. The way they ebb and flow and wash over my soul. Words play such a huge part in my life and I delight in placing them together in such a way that they paint a picture.
#10 Twenty-Two : Ah, my birthday. Growing up twenty-two was a milestone that I thought would launch me into a new era of life. Reaching that magical number was an interesting time of looking back on what my life has been like and looking forward to what God has in store for me in the future.
* * *
I would be delighted to hear which posts are your favorite, or if you have a blog of your own you can leave a link in the comment section of your favorite post from your own blog and I'll check it out.
Bonus! Here are a few of those posts I talked about at the beginning of the post that almost made it onto the top twelve:
The Hiding Place Part One & Two
Of Goats and TV Stations
Twenty-One
Celebrating
July 27, 2015
The Prayer of Jabez - Book Review
The Prayer of Jabez
By Bruce Wilkinson
Find it on: Amazon Goodreads
First PersonOne point-of-viewNon-Fiction 92 (small) pages
About the Book(Backcover Blurb)
Do you want to be extravagantly blessed by God?
Are you ready to reach for the extraordinary? To ask God for the abundant blessings He longs to give you? Join Bruce Wilkinson to discover how the remarkable prayer of a little-known Bible hero can release God's favor, power, and protection. You'll see how one daily prayer can help you leave the past behind - and break through to the life you were meant to live.
Why I Choose this Book
My dad read this book for the first time nine years ago when I was thirteen. He was immensely inspired and impressed. He bought the book for everyone in our family and hundreds to give away. I've read this book a couple of times but haven't in the last four or five years and decided it was time to pick it back up again.
What I Thought About the Book
Many people think of receiving great bundles of health and wealth and having a perfect life when they hear the words The Prayer of Jabez and while those things might be in store for some Christians, they're not what the Prayer of Jabez is all about.
And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying "Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!" So God granted him what he requested. (1 Chronicles 4:10)
This book goes into how the name Jabez means "pain" and in a time when the meaning of a name played a big part in who a person was we can only imagine how difficult it must have been to have that title.
It also talks about how when we go to God and ask for blessings we aren't asking for them simply to have a better life, and in fact the blessings we receive might not always make our lives better in the way most Americans view the word. Our goal in asking God to bless us is so that we in turn can bless God and bless those around us and live a life that is more awesome for God with each passing day.
The concept that God actually wants to bless us and is just waiting for us to ask Him for blessings (Matt. 7:7, James 1:5, John 14:14,) isn't a new one, but sometimes I forget and it's good to be reminded. Just like a parent enjoys giving gifts to their grateful children, God wants to give gifts to us. That is really exciting to think about.
This book talks a lot about how we as God's children should pray for specific ways to be blessed so that we and turn can go and bless others. It also tells quite a few stories of very clear and amazing answers to those requests. When we pray the Prayer of Jabez we can't just sit back and relax, we then have to jump out and grab the opportunities that God gives to us.
Conclusion
I'm so glad I picked this book up and read it again. In the back of the book is a challenge to pray the prayer for 30 days (the author has been praying it for over 30 years!) and record the changes that take place in my life during that time. I am accepting the challenge and look forward to giving y'all an update in the future.
I want to make sure that y'all get the point that praying this isn't about me (us) at all. Instead it's about opening up my life to be used by God. It's all about Him and asking Him to work through my life to bring Him honor and glory.
Rating
I'm giving The Prayer of Jabez five stars and I recommend it to everyone. I really don't feel like this book review did the book justice so please, go out and buy it and read it for yourself.
About the Author
Dr. Bruce H. Wilkinson is the founder and president of Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, an international organization dedicated to providing the finest biblical teaching, tools, and training. His books include Experiencing Spiritual Breakthroughs, 30 Days to Experiencing Spiritual Breakthroughs, The Prayer of Jabez and many other books. Bruce and his wife, Darlene, live in Atlanta, Georgia, and have three children.
Find it on: Amazon Goodreads
First PersonOne point-of-viewNon-Fiction 92 (small) pages
About the Book(Backcover Blurb)
Do you want to be extravagantly blessed by God?
Are you ready to reach for the extraordinary? To ask God for the abundant blessings He longs to give you? Join Bruce Wilkinson to discover how the remarkable prayer of a little-known Bible hero can release God's favor, power, and protection. You'll see how one daily prayer can help you leave the past behind - and break through to the life you were meant to live.
Why I Choose this Book
My dad read this book for the first time nine years ago when I was thirteen. He was immensely inspired and impressed. He bought the book for everyone in our family and hundreds to give away. I've read this book a couple of times but haven't in the last four or five years and decided it was time to pick it back up again.
What I Thought About the Book
Many people think of receiving great bundles of health and wealth and having a perfect life when they hear the words The Prayer of Jabez and while those things might be in store for some Christians, they're not what the Prayer of Jabez is all about.
And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying "Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!" So God granted him what he requested. (1 Chronicles 4:10)
This book goes into how the name Jabez means "pain" and in a time when the meaning of a name played a big part in who a person was we can only imagine how difficult it must have been to have that title.
It also talks about how when we go to God and ask for blessings we aren't asking for them simply to have a better life, and in fact the blessings we receive might not always make our lives better in the way most Americans view the word. Our goal in asking God to bless us is so that we in turn can bless God and bless those around us and live a life that is more awesome for God with each passing day.
The concept that God actually wants to bless us and is just waiting for us to ask Him for blessings (Matt. 7:7, James 1:5, John 14:14,) isn't a new one, but sometimes I forget and it's good to be reminded. Just like a parent enjoys giving gifts to their grateful children, God wants to give gifts to us. That is really exciting to think about.
This book talks a lot about how we as God's children should pray for specific ways to be blessed so that we and turn can go and bless others. It also tells quite a few stories of very clear and amazing answers to those requests. When we pray the Prayer of Jabez we can't just sit back and relax, we then have to jump out and grab the opportunities that God gives to us.
Conclusion
I'm so glad I picked this book up and read it again. In the back of the book is a challenge to pray the prayer for 30 days (the author has been praying it for over 30 years!) and record the changes that take place in my life during that time. I am accepting the challenge and look forward to giving y'all an update in the future.
I want to make sure that y'all get the point that praying this isn't about me (us) at all. Instead it's about opening up my life to be used by God. It's all about Him and asking Him to work through my life to bring Him honor and glory.
Rating
I'm giving The Prayer of Jabez five stars and I recommend it to everyone. I really don't feel like this book review did the book justice so please, go out and buy it and read it for yourself.
About the Author
Dr. Bruce H. Wilkinson is the founder and president of Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, an international organization dedicated to providing the finest biblical teaching, tools, and training. His books include Experiencing Spiritual Breakthroughs, 30 Days to Experiencing Spiritual Breakthroughs, The Prayer of Jabez and many other books. Bruce and his wife, Darlene, live in Atlanta, Georgia, and have three children.
July 24, 2015
When Life Hands You Lymes #80
Hey everyone!
Can you believe it, we're already on the 80 segment of my fictional story When Life Hands You Lymes. I've actually been using the original story for the last while and I'm happy to announce that we're getting very close to the end of the story!
I hope y'all enjoy this segment. It's one of the ones that makes me smile.
New Chapter “There are times when I’m really not sure what I’m supposed to be doing with my life.” Julia is painting her nails and has a scowling expression on her face. “I take it that bothers you.” “Of course it does. Doesn’t everyone know what they want to do with their lives by the time they are in their twenties?” Julia blows on her fingers on her left hand and then holds them off to study them. “I mean, I know that everyone doesn’t really, but everyone in your family has, so I feel like I’m way behind since I don’t.” I shake my head. “My family is totally unusual.” “You know what it’s like to feel like there is so much to live up to though, right?” I nod. I know the feeling all to well. “I know you do.” Julia looks at her right hand and I join her sitting on the edge of the bed and hold out my hand for the purple nail polish. “I realize that no one is going to look down on me if I can’t decide if I’m going to go back to college or keep doing online courses and of course I would love to continue working with Emerson Airlines, but who knows what I’ll be doing twenty years down the road.” Julia’s eyes sparkle and she lets out a deep sigh. “Sometimes I think you know what you want to do but you’re scared to admit it you yourself.” I begin painting her thumb nail with gentle strokes. “You’re probably right.” Julia’s words are more like a whisper of air than an actual admission. “When are you going to get over that?” I get a little bit of nail polish on her actual thump and use a piece of tissue to wipe it off. “Who knows.” Julia shrugs. “It feels so silly to actually verbalize what I want. I mean, what if people think it’s not a worthy enough venture to peruse?” I look up, my eyes sparkling. “Why do you care what people think? No one besides you is living your life. That means that you’re the one who will have to stand before God at the end of this life and give an account for how you spent your time.” “I think I might remember telling those words to you at some time in the past.” Julia laughs. “I think I might remember you telling them to me, too.” “And how’s it working out?” “Following my dreams and not allowing what other people think of me to stop me from moving forward?” Julia waves her hand. “Never mind, I know how it’s working out for you. It’s hard, but it’s worth it.” “Correct.” “Then what would you say if I told you that I wanted to become a farmer?” I laughed. “I would be quite surprised but if that’s really what you felt like you were supposed to do with your life I would support you fully.” “What if I told you I wanted to become an astronaut?” I rub the back of my neck then pick up the nail polish brush and start on her index finger. “Then I’d be proud to say that my best friend was the prettiest gal that ever went into space.” Julia laughed. “You’re the best. Ok, so what if I told you that I wanted to open a chain of coffee shops?” “Then I’d ask you if you needed a musician to play at the grand opening of the first one.” “And if I wanted to be a stay at home mom?” “That I can’t think of a better girl to take the job and I think your kids are in for a treat.” “What about a business guru?” “I’d tell you that I thought you were already a fantastic one.” “What about a mixture of a business guru and a stay-at-home-mom?” “Then I’d say you learned from the best.” Julia stopped her rapid questions and her shoulders slumped in relaxation. “I really look up to your mom.” “I really look up to her, too.” “I love the way that she’s been able to support her husband and raise her kids and work with a business. I can’t imagine ever being able to do so much, but I would love to try.” Julia tugged at one of her curls. “Oops, my nails are going to turn my hair purple.” “You’re so full of energy.” I shrug. “If you want to give the whole super-woman thing a try, then why not work toward it?” “So, you don’t think it’s utterly hopeless to imagine being able to work at home and all that crazy kind of stuff like your mom did when you kids were little.” I shake my head.
Can you believe it, we're already on the 80 segment of my fictional story When Life Hands You Lymes. I've actually been using the original story for the last while and I'm happy to announce that we're getting very close to the end of the story!
I hope y'all enjoy this segment. It's one of the ones that makes me smile.
New Chapter “There are times when I’m really not sure what I’m supposed to be doing with my life.” Julia is painting her nails and has a scowling expression on her face. “I take it that bothers you.” “Of course it does. Doesn’t everyone know what they want to do with their lives by the time they are in their twenties?” Julia blows on her fingers on her left hand and then holds them off to study them. “I mean, I know that everyone doesn’t really, but everyone in your family has, so I feel like I’m way behind since I don’t.” I shake my head. “My family is totally unusual.” “You know what it’s like to feel like there is so much to live up to though, right?” I nod. I know the feeling all to well. “I know you do.” Julia looks at her right hand and I join her sitting on the edge of the bed and hold out my hand for the purple nail polish. “I realize that no one is going to look down on me if I can’t decide if I’m going to go back to college or keep doing online courses and of course I would love to continue working with Emerson Airlines, but who knows what I’ll be doing twenty years down the road.” Julia’s eyes sparkle and she lets out a deep sigh. “Sometimes I think you know what you want to do but you’re scared to admit it you yourself.” I begin painting her thumb nail with gentle strokes. “You’re probably right.” Julia’s words are more like a whisper of air than an actual admission. “When are you going to get over that?” I get a little bit of nail polish on her actual thump and use a piece of tissue to wipe it off. “Who knows.” Julia shrugs. “It feels so silly to actually verbalize what I want. I mean, what if people think it’s not a worthy enough venture to peruse?” I look up, my eyes sparkling. “Why do you care what people think? No one besides you is living your life. That means that you’re the one who will have to stand before God at the end of this life and give an account for how you spent your time.” “I think I might remember telling those words to you at some time in the past.” Julia laughs. “I think I might remember you telling them to me, too.” “And how’s it working out?” “Following my dreams and not allowing what other people think of me to stop me from moving forward?” Julia waves her hand. “Never mind, I know how it’s working out for you. It’s hard, but it’s worth it.” “Correct.” “Then what would you say if I told you that I wanted to become a farmer?” I laughed. “I would be quite surprised but if that’s really what you felt like you were supposed to do with your life I would support you fully.” “What if I told you I wanted to become an astronaut?” I rub the back of my neck then pick up the nail polish brush and start on her index finger. “Then I’d be proud to say that my best friend was the prettiest gal that ever went into space.” Julia laughed. “You’re the best. Ok, so what if I told you that I wanted to open a chain of coffee shops?” “Then I’d ask you if you needed a musician to play at the grand opening of the first one.” “And if I wanted to be a stay at home mom?” “That I can’t think of a better girl to take the job and I think your kids are in for a treat.” “What about a business guru?” “I’d tell you that I thought you were already a fantastic one.” “What about a mixture of a business guru and a stay-at-home-mom?” “Then I’d say you learned from the best.” Julia stopped her rapid questions and her shoulders slumped in relaxation. “I really look up to your mom.” “I really look up to her, too.” “I love the way that she’s been able to support her husband and raise her kids and work with a business. I can’t imagine ever being able to do so much, but I would love to try.” Julia tugged at one of her curls. “Oops, my nails are going to turn my hair purple.” “You’re so full of energy.” I shrug. “If you want to give the whole super-woman thing a try, then why not work toward it?” “So, you don’t think it’s utterly hopeless to imagine being able to work at home and all that crazy kind of stuff like your mom did when you kids were little.” I shake my head.
July 23, 2015
Questions Jesus Asks - Book Review
Questions Jesus Asks: Where Divinity Meets Humanity By Israel Wayne
Find it on: Amazon Goodreads
First PersonOne point of view (plus lots of quotes)Non-fiction166 pages
About the BookFrom the back cover blurb
Jesus rarely answered questions He was asked, but instead turned the tables by asking a piercing question of His own. Questions Jesus Asks goes through a broad spectrum of these, dealing with issues like morality, suffering, humility, faith, and much more.
- Explore the unique paradox of Jesus’ divinity and humanity
- Be challenged by the questions Jesus asks each of us
- Learn more about Jesus and find the answers to your own life’s questions.
John 17:3 tells us: “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” There is no higher purpose in life than the knowledge of God through His Son. Prepare to learn far more about God and the nature of Jesus than you thought was possible. Jesus asks penetrating questions that cut passed the pretense and reach the target of our hearts.
Why I Choose this Book
I met Israel Wayne and his wife last year when I was hanging out at the Creation Museum. It turns out that they know my adopted parents so it was cool getting to talk about writing for a little while. Since then I've enjoyed keeping up with him via Facebook.
Then, when I was at the Museum at the beginning of this month I posted a picture of me with my new book and Israel commented and pointed out that his book was on the same shelf, which was pretty cool. (We also have the same publisher which is so neat!)
And as if that isn't enough, then Israel's book was rapidly climbing up the Amazon Kindle bestseller list in it's category and was on sale so I snatched it up last week.
What I Thought About the Book
I enjoyed reading this book and I learned a lot from it. It takes different questions Jesus asked during His time on earth and expounds on them. It's easy to tell that Israel did a lot of research while writing this book. I liked it when he would go into the Greek meanings behind the words because he did a great job in explaining them in a way that was easy to understand. Each chapter includes tons of Bible verses and quotes as well as a short personal story to introduce the topic (which were actually one of my favorite parts of the book... I like stories and it made the subject so much more relatable... ;).
Each of the chapters were engaging and easy to read; I especially appreciated the chapters about riches and prayer. Since I was reading the book on my phone I'm not sure how long each chapter was, but they were short enough that I could breeze through them which made it a nice book to carry around and read when I had a few minutes to spare.
Conclusion
There was one or two things I didn't agree with 100%, but that's a given with pretty much any book I read. Overall I really appreciated the book and the message.
Rating
I'm giving Questions Jesus Asked four stars and I would recommend it to people twelve and older.
About the Author
Israel Wayne is an author and conference speaker who has a passion for defending the Christian faith and promoting a Biblical worldview. The author of Homeschooling from a Biblical Worldview and Full-Time Parenting: A Guide to Family-Based Discipleship, Israel is the Director of Family Renewal, and site editor for ChristianWorldview.net. He is a homeschooled graduate, father of eight and author of the previous title, Questions God Asks, which was released in the Spring of 2014 by New Leaf Press.
Find it on: Amazon Goodreads
First PersonOne point of view (plus lots of quotes)Non-fiction166 pages
About the BookFrom the back cover blurb
Jesus rarely answered questions He was asked, but instead turned the tables by asking a piercing question of His own. Questions Jesus Asks goes through a broad spectrum of these, dealing with issues like morality, suffering, humility, faith, and much more.
- Explore the unique paradox of Jesus’ divinity and humanity
- Be challenged by the questions Jesus asks each of us
- Learn more about Jesus and find the answers to your own life’s questions.
John 17:3 tells us: “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” There is no higher purpose in life than the knowledge of God through His Son. Prepare to learn far more about God and the nature of Jesus than you thought was possible. Jesus asks penetrating questions that cut passed the pretense and reach the target of our hearts.
Why I Choose this Book
I met Israel Wayne and his wife last year when I was hanging out at the Creation Museum. It turns out that they know my adopted parents so it was cool getting to talk about writing for a little while. Since then I've enjoyed keeping up with him via Facebook.
Then, when I was at the Museum at the beginning of this month I posted a picture of me with my new book and Israel commented and pointed out that his book was on the same shelf, which was pretty cool. (We also have the same publisher which is so neat!)
And as if that isn't enough, then Israel's book was rapidly climbing up the Amazon Kindle bestseller list in it's category and was on sale so I snatched it up last week.
What I Thought About the Book
I enjoyed reading this book and I learned a lot from it. It takes different questions Jesus asked during His time on earth and expounds on them. It's easy to tell that Israel did a lot of research while writing this book. I liked it when he would go into the Greek meanings behind the words because he did a great job in explaining them in a way that was easy to understand. Each chapter includes tons of Bible verses and quotes as well as a short personal story to introduce the topic (which were actually one of my favorite parts of the book... I like stories and it made the subject so much more relatable... ;).
Each of the chapters were engaging and easy to read; I especially appreciated the chapters about riches and prayer. Since I was reading the book on my phone I'm not sure how long each chapter was, but they were short enough that I could breeze through them which made it a nice book to carry around and read when I had a few minutes to spare.
Conclusion
There was one or two things I didn't agree with 100%, but that's a given with pretty much any book I read. Overall I really appreciated the book and the message.
Rating
I'm giving Questions Jesus Asked four stars and I would recommend it to people twelve and older.
About the Author
Israel Wayne is an author and conference speaker who has a passion for defending the Christian faith and promoting a Biblical worldview. The author of Homeschooling from a Biblical Worldview and Full-Time Parenting: A Guide to Family-Based Discipleship, Israel is the Director of Family Renewal, and site editor for ChristianWorldview.net. He is a homeschooled graduate, father of eight and author of the previous title, Questions God Asks, which was released in the Spring of 2014 by New Leaf Press.
July 22, 2015
Deep Underground
There is something about going deep underground that I can't quite grasp. I don't know how to explain the awing-feeling it creates, but it's one of my favorite things to do.
It all started almost three years ago when I went to the Cumberland Caverns with my adopted parents for a weekend of caving. As I descended the path into the belly of the earth for the first time and the cool air of the deep passageways hit me I was overcome with a feeling of amazement.
It was like entering a new world as I realized how much beauty and intricacies and wonder there was below the ground that we carry out every day life on.
When I went back to the caverns last year for another round of exploring and camping out deep underground I was pleasantly pleased to have all my expectations exceeded yet again. I guess caving only gets better with time.
Yesterday I went with some of my family on a little tour of some caverns near where we live. We were only underground for about 35-40 minutes, but they were wonderful and made me shiver in happiness (and perhaps because it was about 50 degrees down there).
It also made me almost prickly with excitement at the thought of going back to Cumberland Caverns and journeying down, down, down again.
I'm so excited about (Lord willing) going back to Cumberland Caverns this September and drinking in the adventure again. It's a part of my life that I am so glad I've had the blessing of experiencing!
It all started almost three years ago when I went to the Cumberland Caverns with my adopted parents for a weekend of caving. As I descended the path into the belly of the earth for the first time and the cool air of the deep passageways hit me I was overcome with a feeling of amazement.
It was like entering a new world as I realized how much beauty and intricacies and wonder there was below the ground that we carry out every day life on.
When I went back to the caverns last year for another round of exploring and camping out deep underground I was pleasantly pleased to have all my expectations exceeded yet again. I guess caving only gets better with time.
Yesterday I went with some of my family on a little tour of some caverns near where we live. We were only underground for about 35-40 minutes, but they were wonderful and made me shiver in happiness (and perhaps because it was about 50 degrees down there).
It also made me almost prickly with excitement at the thought of going back to Cumberland Caverns and journeying down, down, down again.
I'm so excited about (Lord willing) going back to Cumberland Caverns this September and drinking in the adventure again. It's a part of my life that I am so glad I've had the blessing of experiencing!
