Graced with Grace

 Surprise! I know I never post on here anymore, but when you publish your first short story on Amazon Kindle you kind of have to post about it on every blog you can. So yes, I published a short story on Amazon Kindle. Synopsis Ella has narrowly escaped a fatal marriage once, but she plans to never be caught in that web again. It’s been easy to evade the young men of her church so far, but Joe is different.  Can Ella keep avoiding the ever-persistent Joe, especially when she knows her own heart is pulled toward him? Can she trust Joe and, more importantly, can she trust God? Is she willing to face her fears or will she continue to run, breaking more hearts than one? You can purchase it on Kindle for 0.99 cents or read it on Kindle Unlimited for free. If you read it and like it, please tell your friends and post a review on Amazon! Go check it out Here .

      When I read a good book, I wish I could write as good a book; Be as excited to read my own writing, As the authors I love and admire For their own art of words. When I read a good book, And I laugh and I cry Or I feel just the same way As the author has described But I could never have known To say it in that way, Even though it describes me perfectly. And maybe I am a little jealous For not having thought of it first. When I read a good book And the words they use Are way beyond my own vocabulary use, Yet because they use it well, I still know what it means. And then I wish I could use those words In my own writing, But thy never seem to flow as well. Or I read a good book, Then I try to write, But end up staring for far too long At a white blank screen Till I give up And leave writing To those who really know how, And begin to wash the dishes instead.  

One of my assignments for a couple of my classes is to keep what is called a Commonplace Notebook . So basically it is a notebook where I write down at least 5 quotes from each book that I have to read for that class. This is one of my favorite assignments that I have, except that even that is a little hard for me to keep up with. Haha! But anyway, I thought I would share with you some quotes that I have enjoyed from my readings in the past couple weeks, along with a little explanation why I liked the quote. Hope you enjoy! "Courage, dear brother, this is no time to give in to fear. We have come so far, across so many mountains, and our journey is about to reach its goal." ( Gilgamesh ) This quote stood out to me because I have had a lot of fears coming into this 3rd year of college. Fears that I will fail, fears that I won't be able to finish, fears that I won't understand what is being taught in class, etc.. Yet at the same time, I have already made it thro...

I have started my collection of children's books. Some day these shall be quite necessary in life, particularly that middle one. The middle one was a favorite growing up and I still love it. ;) The other two were my Grandma's. I intend to continue adding to my collection with other childhood favorites. Are there any favorite childhood books that you loved and one to read to your kids someday?

  Reading One Thousand Gifts. Sandy toes and dirty feet. Resting in the shadow of His wings.   gnarly roots. Ancient tree by the river. Picturesque moment.   Tranquil moments  held for eternity. Pausing in a life full of hurry. The blue sky peaking behind clouds. Train chugging down tracks. Sand along river. Mississippi water. Color in nature. A friend by my side. Giggles and laughter. A moment etched in our hearts forever.

Good morning, friends! I was reading in Ephesians this morning and was blessed by these verses. I think I might have shared them before, but I will share it again because God's word is so good and sweet. I can read it over and over again and not get tired of the sweet pureness of His Word. ( " How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" Psalm 119:103) "that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,  may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height--  to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.  Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,  to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:17-21 Soak in God's word today and be blessed! Shi...

The author of 1 Peter is Jesus’ disciple bearing that name. It was most likely written in between A.D. 62-63. The theme of 1 Peter is rejoicing in our suffering and trials. Peter is writing to a people who are suffering, yet he sees that they have joy. He says that their joy comes from the knowledge that their inheritance is not on this earth, but waiting in heaven for them. It is an inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading, and God is the one who is reserving it for us. Therefore, even though we may suffer for a little while, we have that hope of the prize at the end of the race, thus, we can rejoice in our trials. If we suffer for Christ with joy, then He will strengthen us and give us grace for each day, and we will be glorifying Him. A. What is the author telling me in 1 Peter 1:1-2?             Peter begins his letter stating who he is and who he is writing to. He is writing to the pilgrims who ha...

Libraries! I love going to libraries and finding new and interesting books to bring home and read! Our family is known for taking out huge stacks of books when we visit the library, especially if  several of us are in at one time. ;)

Thankful for good authors and writers, such as, G. K. Chesterton, John Piper, C. J. Mahaney, Lori Wick, Joshua Harris, Grace Livingston Hill, and Margaret Jensen, etc. You can see more of my favorite authors at Hannah's Bookshelf   page.  Who are some of your favorite authors?

I am so thankful that we have the Bible in our very own language!

It seems that the most reasonable author of James is Jesus’ brother, James. The most rational time for the writing of this book is probably around A.D. 46-48.             The theme of James seems to be that of tying faith and works together. Apparently there were some who thought that if they had faith then they were good to go and didn’t need to do anything else. Then there were some who did good works yet, they had no faith. James wants to make it clear that faith and good works must go together. If you truly do have faith in Christ Jesus, then your good works will prove it and vise versa. A. What is the author telling me in James 1:1?             This letter begins with an introduction of who the author is and who he is writing to. James is a bondservant of God. He is writing to the twelve tribes scattered abroad. B. How should I respond to James1:1?  ...

Here is a ridiculously long post which I hope someone out there won't mind taking the time to read, like maybe someone who writes long posts their self. ;) I actually wrote this in October of last year for a New Testament class, but I hope you enjoy and are encouraged by it. The author of Acts is Luke, who also wrote the book baring his name. Acts is believed to have been written in the mid A.D 60s. What is the author telling me in Acts 1:1-6:7? Luke begins with a short review of Jesus ascension into heaven. Jesus disciples then chose another disciple to replace Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus and then gone and hanged himself. On the day of Pentecost the people were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues. When some became confused and perplexed, Peter stood up and explained and taught them the scriptures, beseeching them to believe and be saved. God’s Word continued to go forth as the disciples went out healing and preaching the gospel. Even...

Hello Friends, I know it has been a while since I’ve written. I keep on thinking I need to post, but I just don’t know what to write about so I don’t. I was thinking just now about what I should write. Some people write about things that are happening in there life and what they have been doing lately. But do people really want to hear about my not-so-boring life? Then some people have these really deep posts full of profound thoughts. But what kind of deep thought would I write about? You would probably be more confused then ever before. There are some people who like to post what they’ve been cooking recently and found to be especially delicious. But I don’t have any special recipe to share with you at the moment. Then there are the people who just absolutely love posting pictures (ahemmmm! My sister, Prissy , I think might be one of those people.). But I am definitely not that kind of person. (I just don’t have the patiences to let them load.) Therefore, what will I write ...

I was reading A Daily Rate by Grace Livingston Hill the other day and I found this piece of poetry in it and thought I would share it with you because I found it to be very encouraging. I hope you are blessed and encouraged by it, as well. Charge not thyself with the weight of a year, Child of the Master, faithful and dear, Choose not the cross for the coming week, For that is more than He bids thee seek. Bend not thy arms for tomorrow’s load, Thou mayest leave that to thy gracious God, Daily, only, He says to thee, “Take up thy cross and follow Me.” What is something that has encouraged you this week? Maybe it was a song you heard, a poem, Bible verse, a book, or a blog post you read. Maybe it was a friend or an incident that happened. I would love to hear how you have been encouraged this week. Lamentations 3:22-24 “Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faith...

  The author of Ephesians is undoubtedly Paul. He most likely wrote this letter in the early 60s. In his letter to the Ephesians Paul seems to be trying to get across to them the greatness of God’s grace and love towards them. He reminds them of what God has brought them out of and how it was only because of God’s grace. He also reminds them of God’s great love for them, that he would adopt them into His own family and make each one His own child.             A. What is the author telling me in Ephesians 1:1-23? Paul begins his letter stating who he is and greeting his audience. Paul then goes on to tell how and why we have been redeemed. We have been chosen by Christ before the foundation of this world, to be adopted in to his family. It is through His blood that we have been redeemed. We have been redeemed, so that He would be glorified. We, who have trusted in Him, have been given an inheritance by Him. Therefore...

  Unlike many of the letters of the New Testament, Hebrews author is unidentified. The date for when this letter was written is most likely later than A.D. 60, but earlier than 70.                The theme of Hebrews seems to be Jesus Christ as our High Priest. Jesus Christ came to earth perfect, Holy, and without sin. Yet, He was lifted up on the cross to die as a sacrifice for our sins, once for all. The Jews no longer need to have a flawed high priest go into the tabernacle to offer up sacrifices daily for the people’s sins. Jesus Christ is our High Priest and he has offered Himself up as the sacrifice for our sins. The author also continues to warn us against falling away from the truth because of unbelief. A. What is the author telling me in Hebrews 1:1-2:18?                 The author of Hebrews did not begin with a greeting, but mo...

It is hardly questioned that Romans is written by Paul*, the apostle, especially considering he begins his book with “Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ…” It is most probable that Romans was written about A.D. 57*.             The theme of Romans can be summed up pretty well with this short little phrase, “Justification through faith by grace for His glory” We are justified, that is, set free or declared free from sin, by believing in what Christ has done for us on the cross. It is by God’s grace that we are saved and not any works of righteousness that we have done. God has saved us that His name might be glorified and lifted high. Because we now no longer live in the flesh, but have put on the new man, we must live righteously and for God’s glory. A. What is the author telling me in Romans 1:1-17?             Paul begins his epistle to the Romans with a greeting! He makes ...

"A word spoken pleasantly is a large spot of sunshine on a sad heart. Therefore, 'Give others the sunshine, tell Jesus the rest.'"  From Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Chas. E. Cowman. May your day be filled with sunshine. God bless you!

I found this little story in an old devotional book (written in 1925) called “Streams in the Desert”. It blessed me and so I thought I would share it with you so that you also might be blessed by it. I once met a poor colored woman, who earned a precarious living by hard daily labor; but who was a joyous triumphant Christian. “Ah, Nancy,” said a gloomy Christian lady to her one day, “it is well enough to be happy now; but I should think the thoughts of your future would sober you. “Only suppose, for instance, you should have a spell of sickness, and be unable to work; or suppose your present employers should move away, and no one else should give you anything to do; or suppose…..” “Stop!” cried Nancy, “I never supposes. De Lord is my Shepherd, and I knows I shall not want. And, Honey,” She added, to her gloomy friend, “it’s all dem supposes as is makin’ you so mis’able. You’d better give dem all up, and just trust de Lord.”

            The book of Luke, believed to have been written by Luke a gentile, was probably written around A.D. 60 Luke begins his book with an introduction (Luke 1:1-4). He is writing to Theophilus, about Jesus, so that he will believe and know the truth. The life is of Christ is indeed true and we should believe it with our hearts not just our head.             (Luke 1:5-2:52) He then goes on to tell us the account of Gabriel, the angel, appearing before Zacharias and Mary and bringing the good tidings that each will be given a son. Yet Zacharias does not believe and is therefore struck dumb until his son, John, is born, while Mary does believe and is greatly blessed among women, bearing the Messiah, Savior of the world. When we believe the truth, we are blessed, yet disbelief comes with great consequences. When Jesus gets to the age of about twelve He is then seen in the te...