Non-fiction Book Review: Beholding and Becoming: The Art of Everyday Worship by Ruth Chou Simons

Book Description:

Become What You Behold

You are in the process of becoming. Every day is an opportunity to be shaped and formed by what moves your heart…drives your thoughts…captures your gaze. Is it any wonder that where you direct your eyes and your heart matter in your day-to-day?
 

We become what we behold when we set our hearts and minds on Christ and His redemption story here in the details of our daily lives. Not just on Sunday, not just on holidays, not just when extraordinarily hard or wonderful things happen…but today.  

Bestselling author and artist Ruth Chou Simons invites you on a new journey to Beholding and Becoming.  With more than 850 pieces of intricate, original artwork, Ruth encourages you to elevate your gaze to the One who created all things.

Today is an opportunity for God to demonstrate His love and His faithfulness in the midst of your mundane. No circumstance is too ordinary or too forgotten for Him to meet you there in worship. His transforming grace turns your “everyday ordinary” into a holy place of becoming.

My Review:
I absolutely love this book. From the gorgeous watercolor paintings to the heartfelt words, Ruth Chou Simons speaks to the heart. There are so many reminders of how we can live a better life in Jesus. Beautiful quotes are encased in Ruth's artwork. That alone is worth the read. I read a section a day and delighted in each one. If you are looking for a book to read that will encourage and enlighten, buy Beholding and Becoming: The Art of Everyday Worship. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.  

Fiction Book Review: Set the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes

Book Description:

Lucy Clairmont's family treasured the magic of the past, and her childhood fascination with stories of the high seas led her to become a marine archaeologist. But when tragedy strikes, it's Dashel, an American forensic astronomer, and his knowledge of the stars that may help her unearth the truth behind the puzzle she's discovered in her family home.

Two hundred years earlier, the seeds of love are sown between a boy and a girl who spend their days playing in a secret sea cave, while the privileged young son of the estate looks on, wishing to join. As the children grow and war leads to unthinkable heartbreak, a story of love, betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption unfolds, held secret by the passage of time.

As Lucy and Dash journey to a mysterious old estate on the East Sussex coast, their search leads them to a community of souls and a long-hidden tale that may hold the answers--and the healing--they so desperately seek.

My Review:
Amanda Dykes is a gifted writer who pens beautiful stories of mystery, love, and sacrifice. 

Set the Stars Alight is a scrumptious book to be savored. As I slipped from one century to another, the story twined together as a beautiful masterpiece. The setting is incredible and the characters found their way into my heart. I love Dash and Lucy and cheered them on in their search for truth. Dykes gave the folks, who live in the community Lucy and Dash travel to, interesting quirks and stories. I felt like I was sitting at the table with them drinking tea. This is a well done time-slip novel. If you enjoy historical fiction and contemporary fiction this is the perfect read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.  

This!

Historical Fiction Review: The Green Dress (True Colors) by Liz Tolsma

Book Description:

Fiction Based on Strange, But True, History

True, riveting stories of American criminal activity are explored through unique stories of historical romantic suspense. Collect them all (True Colors series) and be inspired by the hope that always finds its way even in the darkest of times.

When Harriet Peters came to Boston in 1882, the Robinson family took her in like one of their own, and Harriet became closer to Lizzie Robinson than her own siblings. Now, four years later, Lizzie is deathly sick, failing quickly just like several others in her family have done over the past few years. How can so many in one family die from the same mysterious illness? Harriet doesn’t have answers, but she is determined to help the family, bringing in a new-to-the-neighborhood doctor, Michael Wheaton.

As Harriet and Michael close in on the answer, putting their own lives at risk, can the cause be found before anyone else dies?

My Review:

They say that truth is stranger than fiction. In this case, truth written as fiction is riveting. Liz Tolsma wrote a fascinating story based on the Robinson family. The story of the Robinsons (true) related through Harriet and Michael's eyes (fiction) draws together an interesting history of a true crime. At times I thought I knew who and how the crime was committed, but then the author threw in something that made me doubt. If you enjoy reading about true crime, mystery, or historical fiction, you may want to give this series a try. Also, there was a thread through the book I found intriguing. You'll have to read it to find out what it was. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Covered With Feathers

Psalm 91:4
He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Faithful to the end.

My daughter, Maggie, raises chickens on their little farm. A while back she added turkeys to her flock of birds. One in particular grabbed everyone's hearts. They call him Bubba. He's a special turkey who has adapted to his crossed beak, that works more like scissors than a scoop, when he eats. As he's grown older, Bubba strives to be a social butterfly. When I pull in their driveway, he hustles out to my car and walks me to the door. But if Maggie is outside, he goes into protector mode. He has taken ownership of their yard and his keeper. As soon as I get out of the car, he takes a watchful stance between Maggie and me. If he could, I'm sure he would cover her with his wing.

In the Psalm the authors often reference battles and war. They sought refuge, a place to find solace, and recharge for the battle. King David turned to God who promised to protect him.

In these times when I feel vulnerable and uncertain, I seek the one who watches over me. Jesus covers me with his love and grace, like a mother hen cuddles her chicks with her feathers, or a new momma swaddles her babe. When I'm afraid, I talk to him. When I need help, I seek him. When hope wavers, I look to him. His love has provided a fortress where I can rest and recharge. The one thing I love more than anything about God, He never changes!

He's always the same. His love never changes. And he draws me to him as I struggle in this life.

Seek Jesus as your protection against a world of grief and sin. He loves you and wants you to love him back.

And God Created Egrets

On one of our trips to Lake Erie, we stopped by the Port Clinton Lighthouse. 

We walked along the beach and searched for lake glass,

 then sat on a bench and watched the waves.

We were preparing to leave when I turned and 

looked toward the two ponds that sit in front of the lighthouse. 

A speck of white caught my attention. 

As I moved closer to the water, an egret stood. 

What a beauty. I am partial to these remarkable birds, with their graceful movements. 

As with any of God's creation, I love to watch them and learn their ways. 

Fun fact: they build their stick nests near the water, but high in the trees. 

Fortunately, this bird was photogenic!  

Am I my Words?

James 3:17

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

I am my words.

When I worked at the library, I hung encouraging reminders above my desk. Many of them have moved to my refrigerator since I retired. One magnet I'd picked up at a book conference said, "You are your words." I thought about that phrase a lot. People observe actions, which are important, but in this world where we chat on social media my words speak for me. When no one can see me—I am my words.

Recently, I attended an online writers' conference. One of the speakers shared about writing on social media. She encouraged us to determine our posting value and to filter our words through these values. She mentioned three I also impose on myself. Be fun, inspirational, and encouraging. One I'd add, teach Jesus' truth.

As a believer in the Bible and Jesus, I find myself clinging to these values and seeking God's wisdom more than ever. You see, I have opinions about the world, but do my opinions speak the wisdom I seek from God. I have thoughts on what might be best, but would my ideas help or hurt? Would they flame an unnecessary fire? James 3:5 says, "Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark."

I am my words. As I pen my weekly devotion, I have to ask myself if my words help or harm. When I respond to a Facebook post am I sharing good news or stirring an already boiling pot.

One thing I've learned and try to practice is to pray before my fingers touch the keyboard. I'm not perfect, sometimes I forget, but I try to put Jesus' wisdom before my own. Opinions are good, thoughts are great, and I value freedom of expression. But I'm called by my Father to be considerate and kind, a vessel for his peace and grace.

What values do you align yourself with? Seek God's wisdom as you express your thoughts and ideas. He loves us and wants us to show Him to the world.