Good book

good book that I have yet to finish. I am not a huge non-fiction person but I think this is a good book that I will be using for general reference. Eric me taxis is a great author. I am excited to read more of it and see his take on various subjects. 

Nothing to Prove ~ a book review

Nothing to Prove, by Jennie Allen is one of those books. For me this is a book that, while the message is wonderful and timely, I can't make myself finish. This will be one of those books I keep around for reference or occasional reading but, for long settings, it is a little boring for my taste. I am not a huge non-fiction fan. Often it feels that she says the same things over and over again. I certainly want to finish this book, but I have had it forever and have not yet finished. I figured it was about time I post a review. This is a great book, just not my taste. I would recommend this book for people who love non-fiction and want to spend long hours reading. I'm a little ADD so this is not exactly in my realm of capabilities. 

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are soley my own. 

Something I Need to Hear

Hello, friends!

I am nothing. I am not a single iota of anything. Nothing I have has any true merit and nothing I will ever do will mean anything. There is nothing in me worth having. I am nothing good. I am human.

He is everything. Not a single iota of him is corrupt. Everything about him is truly valuable and full of intrinsic merit. He is worth having. He is the embodiment of good. He is God. 

These are simple truths that most of us probably know in our heads. (And if you don't, lucky you! Hearing it for the first time is something I long to do over again.) We all know that we have fallen short of the glory of God. We learned that in Sunday School at age five. We know we deserve death. 

But we forget. 

I'm a good girl. I don't do the things that bad girls do and I do do the things that good girls do. I often think that I have a pretty impressive Christian resume. Like if God wanted to pick someone, surely he would pick me. I like to think of myself as pretty cleaned up. I need a little work maybe, but really, I'm not that bad. 

If you are like me, this is your mentality as well. Here is the deal. I am not good. I may not be at a party every Friday night and I may have never even kissed a boy, but I am still dirty. My brain runs to all the places it shouldn't. My mind's eye constructs images it never should even have the material to build. My mouth steals life perpetually.  My heart wanders so far from Christ I sometimes wonder if I should give up. I act like a follower of Christ never should. I am not good. My resume is far from impressive. All my good girl points aren't worth a thing. 

Why?

I do mostly good stuff, right? Even when I do wrong it normally doesn't affect others and I'm not killing people. 

Here is the deal. God is holy. Like that means perfect. He does nothing wrong.

Imagine this with me for a minute. You are a JV volleyball player (I had volleyball practice today, so...) You decide to try out for an Olympic team. Let's say that you were the best player on your team. You scored the most points and your team would have been lost without you. When you messed up it could have been a whole lot worse than it ever was. So you try out. And you fail. 

You probably wonder what my point is. Your not a bad player by your team's standards, just like I am not a bad person by the world's standards. But you aren't good enough for the Olympic team, just like I am not good enough for God's love and affection. You wouldn't expect to be recruited for the Olympic team from your JV team because you know you aren't good enough. You wouldn't be surprised that you didn't make the team even if you are the best on your team. 

According to God's standards, I am a JV player trying to be Olympic. I don't measure up. In fact that analogy pales next to its meaning because there are players that deserve to play Olympic. God's standards are impossible for us to reach, no matter how "good" we are. 

I challenge myself so much with these words that I am typing. I am learning this. I am not enough and none of the things I have are my own. I will never measure up.

He surpasses the mark.

When I fail, he has already succeeded on my behalf. 

He loves me as I am. 

That is grace. 

I am who I am because of him and I have no bragging rights.

So my friends, let this truth sink in. You are not enough and you are not good. But he loves you anyway and he makes you all of those things and more through himself. You don't have to be good enough. Stop trying and stop bragging. You did nothing to earn his love and you don't have to do anything to keep his love. 

I know that this post rambled quite a bit and if you are still with me your are amazingly awesome. I pray that you will grow closer to your Heavenly Father. 

In Christ,

Delaney 

Priceless ~ movie review

     Well hello!

    So I recently watched the movie Priceless. For those of you who know nothing about it, it is made by the Smallbone family (For King and Country and Rebekah Saint James' family). It is not a family produced film but Joel from FKC stars and one of his brothers was the producer. The basic storyline is that James (Joel Smallbone) is a desperate man. His wife died several years ago and his daughter was recently taken from him. Now he is willing to do almost anything to get back on his feet. He agrees to drive a truck across the country for cold cash, no questions asked. When he uncovers the genre of the cargo, however, he is faced with a moral dilemma. James discovers that he is transporting two young girls. He has no idea what is going to befall them, but when he finds out, he is obligated to act. 

     This is a very timely and well-done film. While the accuracy is somewhat lacking in various areas I believe that it is as accurate as a movie could be made on this dark subject. I would give this film a hearty 4.5 stars. While I hoped for a little more, my views are rather biased as the daughter of a woman who is highly involved with fighting to end human trafficking. 

     This is not a family film. The very subject of sex trafficking is not easily glossed over and the producers didn't try to. It is very tastefully done but there are certain things that cannot be left out. We get a view or two of a girl in bed after an implied mollestaion. There are sexual innuendoes througought but always in an unglorified context. We watch a man get shot and die and we see bruises on a young girl. There is also a scene where torcher is implied but not directly shown. Pluggedin.com can shed better light on the content. I would recommend this film for ages 12-13 and up, depending on the viewer. 

     On another note. Please support this film. Everything that happens is real and far worse than portrayed. Most victims are never rescued. The treatment of sex slaves is worse than depicted. This happens today. This happens now. This happens in your city. This happens in my small town. We cannot remain oblivious. 

     Unlike many Christian films, this one lacks the overtly cheesy scenes of conversion. This is not your average Christian movie. 

     I hope that you find this review helpful!

     Delaney 

I am not Enough

I

     

     Hello, friends! 

     It has been a while. I plan to post more often. 

     Today I want to share with y'all what God has been showing me lately. You see, I believe a ton of lies. I have always thought that I had to desire Jesus, that I have to have faith, that I have to do all these things to be a "good Christian." I tend to live in the shadow of my feeble attempts rather than the substance of my savior's supreme victory and power.

      The past couple of weeks I have been going through a study on the book of Colossians (you can find the study at www.shereadstruth.com. I would highly recommend any of their studies.) God has shown me much of himself in the past several days. He has shown me how my pitiful attempts at strengthening my relationship with him are, in actuality, only further distancing myself from him. As I try to have faith, I only fall into disbelief. The more I strive to desire him, the more I see him as a far away concept that I could never love. 

     I'm a very independent person. Ask anyone who knows me. I'm pretty sure it can be very annoying at times. I don't like the idea of accepting help. If I set my mind to it, I accomplish it. This can be a good quality in life, but it has served to be detrimental to my spiritual walk. You see, God never meant for us to do all of these things in ourselves, in fact, I would dare to say that it is a sin to try. 

     Somehow I have forgotten that the God who spoke a word and created light, the God who thought up the universe and then breathed it into existence is the same God that wants to draw my heart to his. The same God that wants to give me an abundant supply of faith, the same God who calls to to rest in his enough-ness. 

     Growing up in church I have heard "God is watching when no one else is" a whole lot. Most commonly it is used almost as a fear tactic to keep us in line. But think about it this way. If he is always watching, that means he is always there. He isn't waiting for us to make a mistake so he can rain down fire and brimstone, he is waiting for us to see that we can't do it alone. He lets us reach the end of our own power so that we can see that we really don't have any after all. 

     We are called to live "in and through Christ." We are not called to make ourselves have faith or make ourselves practice the Christian disciplines. We are called to allow God to do those things through us. We can't make ourselves desire Christ, because our very nature hates him. Our nature is sin and it hates God. We must beg him to do a mighty work in and through us so that we can desire him.   

     So, that is the long version of what God is teaching me. To trust him to work in me. I am called to "be still and know that he is God." I am not called to make my own faith. I am his and I am called to rest in that. Am I saying that our Christian lives require no action? Heavens no! It does. We have to ask for these things, we have to spend time in his word and in fellowship with him. We also have to be willing to let the process of sanctification move at God's pace. That is almost the hardest thing for me. I want to be there over night. I want to be a super-Christian.

But his timing is perfect. 

     When I am faithless ~ he remains faithful.

     When I am prideful ~ he is there to correct.

     When I call ~ he is already there. 

     I am sinful ~ he is holy.

     So, keep asking him for faith, for the desire to know him. He will answer. Perhaps not as quickly as you hope, but he will answer. He does not hide himself to tease us. He will reveal himself in his time. 

      This is what God has shown me. What has he shown you? Go tell someone! don't keep his work in you a secret. 

      Delaney 

Love Conquers All

Hey! So I am a writer. I love you write stories and am embarking on a journey towards what i hope will be a book deal. Below is a story I had to write for school. I had to 'borrow a conflict' and I chose Rumplestiltskin. Hope you enjoy!

 Love Conquers All~ A Rumplestiltskin Story

Once upon a time, a very long time ago, in the year 931 A.D, in a land quite far and different from our own, there lived a young prince by the name of Estevan. Estevan was a very handsome young man with an unswerving sense of duty and loyalty. His love for his father, King Lancelyon, was so devoted that he would hardly leave his side. For Estevan, however, the past fortnight had been one of great sorrow and despair, for is beloved father’s health was failing quickly. He knew that when his father passed, he would be the king of the realm, but instead of excited, because he was wise, lad was hesitant. He knew not how to rule a kingdom. His father assured him time and time again that he would make a fine leader, but he battled most strenuously to accept his father’s words. 

The kingdom, which was called Rivalon, was a place of immense beauty and grandeur. Towering mountains shielded the lush valleys from the glorious rays of sunshine. Streams as clear as crystal laughed and babbled through the fertile valleys and tranquil meadows. The forests were perpetually aglow with the sunlight of a never-ending golden hour. Birds sang the sweetest songs as deer frolicked over the velvety forrest floor and wild boars scuffled through the undergrowth. Even the villages were places of peace and merriment. Soaring castles dotted the serene countryside. It was a place of beauty and the inhabitants adored their peaceful land.

Life, however, even in a land such as this, has a way of casting a shadow over gaiety and this shadow soon came to Rivalon. It was a morning such as the land had seldom seen. The sun seemed to have been dulled by some unseen hand. The birds replaced their joyous sonnets with doleful ballads. The brooks slowed and seemed to be flowing with the tears of the whole kingdom, for her king had just left the land of the living and passed beyond the clouds. Prince Estevan mourned the lost with the utmost heartache. His tears didn't cease to fall for days. Yet, buried beneath his grief, his honor and loyalty were surging and frothing towards the surface. After the time of mourning was completed, Estevan rose, washed his face and embraced his new duties as King of Rivalon. 

One day, several fortnights later, the most disturbing news came to the young king.  Krenelim, who was the King of Texeniastia, was fast approaching with a massive army to take over Rivalon. Now Krenelim was a ruthless man. All he ever entertained in his jaded, fetid mind were plots of treachery and greed. He was feared through all the realm and it was widely known that, when he determined to to do a deed, it would be done to the cruelest extremities. The fearless young king was quite suddenly afraid. How could he save his kingdom from such destruction?  Oh, how he wished his father still lived! After speaking for long hours with his royal advisers, he reached the conclusion that he ought to leave the land under the rule of the queen and go to meet the sadistic king. There was one small problem, however, for the land had no queen. The counsel hastily resolved to fix this problem by inviting all the eligible princesses in the land to a regal ball. The young king could select a queen, and then ride to war. Estevan, although he did not totally adore the plan, thought it to be the best option and agreed. 

The day of the ball arrived and the palace was prepared for the royal event. Regal banners streamed from the ornate ceiling of the ballroom. Servants scurried about placing the finishing touches on each detail. Before Estevan knew it, the princesses began to arrive. 

Prior to the commencement of the festivities, all of the princesses were introduced. There was Her Highness Brunhild of Treacharia and Her Imminence Gertrude of Hammonds. Princess Amelia of Bartorea seemed to be a promising prospect, but her fiancé appeared as her name was called and she fled in embarrassment. 

Estevan was becoming increasingly bored by the pompous parade and was about to simply begin the ball without selecting a queen, when Princess Avonlea Quinn Elowen of Baritania glided into the room. Her beauty immediately took his breath away and he found himself transfixed by her subtle mannerisms. She was dressed in a stunning gown of pale periwinkle with a full skirt reaching to the ground, spreading about her like the ripples from a rock tossed into a pond. Her blue eyes held intense mystery as they stared from her comely features framed by cascading golden locks. Estevan stared after her as she proceeded down the ornate staircase to the dance floor. He mindlessly watched the rest of the royal guests as they were introduced, all hoping to be the queen, and then rose to make an announcement. 

“Ladies and Gentlemen! Today is the day upon which I shall select a queen. Though many a worthy princess is present today, I can only choose one,” he paused while a titter stole through the waiting throng. “I hereby decree, that I would be most honored if Her Highness Avonlea Quinn Elowen Princess of Baritania would be so kind as to join me.” He motioned towards the platform on which his throne sat and then took his seat dutifully.

Princess Avonlea looked stunned as she regally ascended the stairs. She approached the throne and curtsied low before the young monarch. 

“Your Imminence,” Estevan began, “Thou hast caught my eye more that any other maiden and I would be most honored if you would be my queen. There is one stipulation, however, with which you must comply. The queen of this land must possess some special talent or power. Do you possess such an attribute?” His eyes searched hers for hope of a hidden brilliance that would render her eligible to be his bride. 

“You Honor, I am but a lowly princess of a minute kingdom, but I do possess a very special skill. It is no secret as to why you are so hurried in the selecting of a queen. By various arts and means, I can annihilate your enemies in the blink of an eye. Marry me, and you shall be invincible.” Her sweet voice declared with confidence. 

Estevan was indeed impressed and, because he loved her immensely, he announced her to be his royal choice without even making her prove her sayings. 

The day of the wedding arrived and the two were wed most happily. The festivities wore on into the evening and were preparing to cease when a shrill trumpet blast was heard. 

“Enemy approaching!” Called the watchmen. 

Estevan quickly summoned his generals and they summoned their men. The whole castle was astir as preparations to protect it were hurriedly carried out. Suddenly, a small boy called out:

“Can’t the queen kill them all?” 

Silence blanketed the courtyard like a dense fog on a autumn morn as all eyes turned to the new queen. Avonlea was quite obviously flustered and did not wish to answer. She drew a sharp breath and painted on a smile before saying:

“Of course! Fear not, dear people, for I shall slay them all! First, however, I must retire to my chamber for a brief rest, for undertaking this feat shall require my full attention.” 

With this, she bolted to her solar and fell face-down upon her couch. You see, she had done a most horrible thing and lied about her powers, fearing that the king would not want her if she possessed no special talent. Now she was required to use a talent which she did not have and the whole kingdom was relying on her. 

“I would give anything to be able to fulfill my promise!” she lamented loudly. “Would that I had simply told the truth, I wouldn't find myself in this predicament!”

Abruptly, she heard a soft tapping on her door. She dried her tears and opened the door to see an attractive man with a most cunning appearance standing outside. His clothes were an odd mix. He wore a brightly-colored doublet, but his jerkin and leggings were of a drab brown. His unkempt hair covered his head like a living creature. 

“Did I hear you say that you would give anything?” He asked, his tone as smooth as oil. “My name is Alistair Florian and I am in the business of granting, shall we say, wishes. For a fee, I will gladly give you the power to fulfill your promise!”

Avonlea knew she had no other option, so she bade the gentleman enter her chamber. She considered his sayings and decided that there could be little harm in taking this word. She stood less than no chance at this point already. 

“What is this fee of which you speak?” She asked.

  “Not that much, really. You see, I am a knight form a distant land and find myself in desperate need of squire. When your firstborn son turns twelve years of age, I shall come for him and he shall serve as my squire. That is all that I require.”

Avonlea thought it a good exchange, especially since she had no child. She readily consented and the man endowed her with a special horn that he claimed would summon a large dragon to decimate the approaching army. The queen took the article and ran from the room without any further correspondence with the strange man. 

She quickly scaled the battlements and held to horn to her mouth. A hush swept over the busy fortress as she blew a long, low call. From seemingly nowhere, a massive dragon appeared! The watching mass cried out in fear. The dragon let out a furious scream and descended upon the encroaching doom. In a matter of minutes, there was nothing left of the attacking army. The dragon vanished as abruptly as he had come. 

The people raised a shout of praise to the queen, who stood breathless atop the castle wall. Estevan rushed up the stone staircase and embraced his wife. Tears of joy and relief streamed down his cheeks as he held her close. 

“My dearest Avonlea! When you ran to your chamber I thought for sure that you were overcome with fear and when I saw you run to the battlements, I thought that you had lost your mind! But, ho! you saved the kingdom!” Estevan exclaimed most passionately. 

Avonlea Quinn Elowen, once a regal princess, hung her head in shame and sobbed into her husband’s shoulder. He knew not what had transpired and she felt as if she were a traitor. 

Several years passed and, one day, the glad news went forth from the palace that a young boy had been born to the king and queen. Great joy filled the kingdom and a gigantic soirée was thrown to welcome the new prince. Queen Avonlea was sitting under a laurel and rose arbor while her subjects passed by to see the lad, when she looked up and saw the beady eyes of Sir Alistair Florian. He smiled patronizingly down at the child and reached out to stroke its soft cheeks. 

“What’s his name?” he asked smoothly. 

Struggling to speak, the queen stuttered out, “his name? Estevan and I have called him Bayard Sterling. Bayard, for my father and Sterling, for his.”

“A strong name for a strong lad.” he coyly stated. Then, bending down to Bayard’s ear he said, “You are mine, wee lad. All mine! You mother played most fouly for my services.” A devious smile slipped across his crooked face, and with a disturbing wink, he slipped into the crowd and out of view. 

Avonlea was pained deeply over the exchange, but decided to put it behind and focus on the present. 

Many a happy year slipped by. The royal family lived in peace and tranquility. The glades and streams were as joyous as ever and the forests glowed again with a fervor all their own. 

Eventually, Bayard Sterling, who was the young prince, turned twelve. The party was grand and all of the participants enjoyed it immensely. As the night drew to a close,  Queen Avonlea and her son strode out not the night air for a stroll through the garden. They talked of many things. As they neared a large rosebush, Avonlea saw a figure standing in the shadows. She recognized Alistair Florian immediately and a dreadful panic rose up within her. He stepped from the shadows and spoke to her. 

“We meet again, my lady!” he bowed low and kissed her hand, “’Tis time to fulfill your promise. The lad is mine. Don't think of backing out, my dear, for it shall do no good. I shall have my promised payment this moment. Now, hand him over.”

The distraught queen feel to her knees and begged, “No! Please! My life shall be for nought if you take him! I will pay you, make you a lord! Anything! Just please don't take my son!”

Bayard was most confounded by the exchange. Alistair refused to be cajoled and took the lad’s hand to pull him from his mother. 

“Mother! Who is this man? Why does he treat me so? Please! save me from the fate!” the lad screamed. 

“My boy, I can do nothing! For before you were born, I promised you to this man in exchange for the safety of the kingdom. I lied to your dear father and told him i could defeat all of his enemies and now my foul play is catching up to me! I thought that since I had no child it would be of no consequence, but I looked only at the present and refused to look ahead. Now you must pay the price of my foolishness. Go with him, my son, and I shall find a way to come to your aid! Forgive me, I beg you, my child!” This the anguished Avonlea cried out as Alistair cruelly pulled Bayard away and melted into the night. She let out a despairing sob before crumpling to the ground in a depressed heap. 

Estevan heard her cries from his study and hurried to the garden. There he found his wife weeping on the cobblestones. He scooped her up in his arms and held her close till she could speak. Then they sat on the cold ground as she told him all. 

“Estevan, I do not deserve your love, for I sold our son’s life for the sake of my pride. So many long years ago I told you I could defeat your enemies, but I lied! I thought you wouldn't love me for the timid girl I was, so I sought to embellish myself to you. When the army attacked, I ran to my chamber in fear and embarrassment as I had no way of fulfilling my promise. Then a man, Alistair Florian, appeared at my door. He said that if I would give him my firstborn son to be his squire, for he claimed he was a knight from a distant land, but I don’t believe him, he would defeat the enemy for me. I had no child and didn't dare to disappoint you, so I agreed.” Her voice broke and she crumpled not his shoulder, having told all. 

“I see.” Estevan replied deliberately, “My beautiful darling, I didn't love you for your talents. I loved, and still love you, for you. I love the Princess Avonlea Quinn Elowen for herself. It is true that you lied to me and that breaks my heart, but I should have known he would do it.”

He stroked her hair lovingly and a little sadly. 

“Known who would do what?” Avonlea asked.

“Alistair Florian is my brother. He thought that he had a right to the throne, but he left when I was a young boy and news reached my father that he had joined forces with the cruel king who was coming to attack us that evening. My father, therefore, decided that Alistair was not worthy of the crown and so he made me the crown prince instead. He vowed that he would come and take back the throne. Alistair was always a crafty and cunning individual. He took our dear Bayard to eliminate the heir so he could take my place. Bayard hasn't much time. I will ride immediately to his aid!” Estevan recounted this tale with great emotion and then stood quickly and sounded the alarm.

Knights, guards and generals alike poured out of the woodwork at his summons. He barked several orders and, within the hour, a cavalcade of rescuers had pounded over the drawbridge and out into the night. Queen Avonlea waited with her ladies-in-waiting, most anxiously, for news. 

King Estevan led his company through the deep, dark night towards the far reaches of his kingdom. He knew that Alistair couldn't have gotten far, but he would take no chances with his son’s life. They rode for hours. Finally, towards the wee hours of the morning, they saw a lone horseman ahead with an extra rider, who appeared to be bound, behind him. They gave chase and finally caught him just as the sleepy sun slowly peeked over the horizon. One of the knights took hold of the horse’s bridal and several others forcibly removed Alistair from his saddle. Estevan rushed to his son and unbound him. Gently helping him to the ground, he held him close. His men bound the kidnapper and held him captive. 

The noble king strode over to his brother and embraced him. Estevan, despite the pain his brother had caused, still loved Alistair immensely. He held him tightly for a moment and then released him, speaking to him in soft tones. 

“My brother, why would you do this? Do you not know how many times I have sent messengers in search of you that you might come home? Ali, I still love you and I find my heart throbbing with the desire for us to be reunited! Can we not leave our differences behind and move on? I do not desire to gain a kingdom and lose my brother.”

“Don't you think it’s a little late for all that? You are king and I should be.  Need I really say more?” Alistair’s eyes flashed with a deep pain and anger. “You were always father’s favorite and I have no desire to live in your shadow, little brother!  You are the root of my pain and I refuse to bow at your filthy feet.” He spat upon the ground. 

“Alistair, father’s dying words spoke only of you! His deepest desire was to see you before he died. He loved you and I still love you. It matters not your past crimes, for you are my brother.” 

Alistair seemed deeply move by the tidings of his father’s dying remarks. Then, as all looked on, he crumbled into his brothers waiting arms. He heaved heavy sobs as the brother embraced. Estevan fought desperately to keep his emotions intact, but lost all control and a flood of tears, many years old, flowed down his cheeks. The brothers held one another for a long time, for they making up for years of separation. Estevan then turned to his waiting companions and proclaimed:

“My brother is coming home today! My joy is full and the kingdom is now fully restored to peace, for brothers are again brothers!”

A loud ‘Huzzah!’ rose from the soldiers as they all mounted their steeds and headed back to the castle. As they rode, the brothers talked of Alistair’s wrongs and how he could repay the land. Estevan loved his brother and refused to allow him to be brought to ruin. He purposed in his heart to take any punishment the counsel might place on is brother, upon himself. 

They arrived at the castle and called an impromptu meeting of the advisory council. Estevan laid the case before them and they deliberated for quite some time. Finally they had decided upon a punishment. Alistair would be hung for his crimes. He could be released for a bail of two million pounds, but would forever be a marked man. Only a full payment and a pardon from the king could erase his wrongs. 

Estevan could not allow his brother to die. He knew that he could not take from the royal treasury for personal purposes or gain, for he was a just ruler. He went to his personal stores but found only one million pounds. He hadn't the funds to save his brother. He knew what he had to do. He took all of his beautiful furnishings and frills and sold them. When that did not bring in enough, he sold his servants. Finally, He sold his Palace and moved into one of his outpost castles. His brother was far more important. 

Alistair was moved by this generous act. Once free, he attempted to work and pay off his debts, but Estevan would have nothing of it. 

Avonlea was quite elated to have her son back and cared not a button that she had fewer waiting maids and a smaller, less ornate estate. She and Estevan had two more children, another prince and a princess. She taught them the importance of always telling the truth, regardless of how colorless it might be. 

The kingdom grew and flourished and some say that it still exists. Many have searched, but none have found the land. But now you know the story. The whole story of how love conquers all. 

Far Afield ~ a book review

                  

     

     This book is beautiful! I was so excited to receive this book due to its amazing photography. There are stunning photos of dishes from around the world as well as landscapes, homes, people and much more. There are stories to accompany each segment and mouthwateringly delicious looking recipes  for each country featured. It makes a perfect coffee table book. 

     I did, however, have a couple of issues with this book. The writing style was very unique and made the stories difficult to follow. It seems to assume prior knowledge that is not given anywhere. It is seemingly written as a journal though, so the author could have been striving to achieve that style, in which case it is pretty well done. I also found some sprinklings of profanities throughout. 

     Overall, this is a dazzling adventure. As I have mentioned, the photography is STUNNING! I don't know that I would pay the price that the back of the book says the price is, but I do not like to pay a lot for much of anything :) 

     I recieved this book through the Blogging for Books  program at no cost in exchange for an honest review. All opinions contained and thoughts expressed are entirely my own. 

Extraordinary Ordinary Moments - a book review

                 

I've fallen in love. Today, I recieved my review copy of Extraordinary Ordinary Moments - a journal, and was totally thrilled. Jorey Hurley has complied a delightful conglomeration of whimsical illustrations and beautifully random prompts to help you take in the world around you. With this journal, it's all about finding joy in the little things and looking for the silver lining in each and every cloud. This is the perfect place to jot down a favorite part of the day or sketch that intricate design that popped into your head. I adore the flexibility this volume provides. You can literally do anything that enters into your mind. Paste a photo of that sunrise or tape in that feather you found while out walking. Draw, write, whatever allows you to reflect and express. This book is sure to become one of my favorite pastimes. 

You can get more info here:

http://www.randomhouse.com/book/258299/extraordinary-ordinary-moments-by-jorey-hurley

For more about Jorey Hurley, please visit this site: 

http://www.randomhouse.com/author/2085839/jorey-hurley

This book was provided free of charge through the Blogging for Books (www.bloggingforbooks.com) in exchange for an honest review. All opinions contained are my own. 

Punderdome - a Review

Hello!

Based on a live game show, in Brooklyn, New York and run by father-daughter duo, Jo and Fred Firestone,  Punderdome is a very fun game where the most eye-roll-able puns win! Not good at making puns? Don't worry! Sometimes the ones that you would never see as champions end up taking  the cake. It's all up to the host who will choose the most horrible puns to reward. The winner gets to open one of two mystery envelopes you could get everything from a cash prize to a dirty napkin! 

While this game is fun, it is not gonna be a game for you if you don't like puns or generally are not a person who can be in the same room with someone who is incredibly punny. I enjoyed this game for the fist part. It can drag on for a while though, so don't be afraid to shorten rounds to keep the party happy. 

I received this game in exchange for an honest review. All opinions contained herein are my own. 

Blogging forbids.com

Time to Get Real

Hello, friends! So, we all know that I struggle to post regularly. I want to, but I have neither time nor inspiration. So I am officially making this blog a every now and then. I will post when I I can. Thank you for reading my blog. You are awesome! 

Delaney 

Do Hard Things

                     

I recently received and read the new edition of Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris. As mentioned in the book, the only new content is added stories.  I am giving this book four stars because it has an incredible message and the real life stories are very motivating and encouraging. My only qualm is that this book is a touch bland. While it is still incredible, it takes a little while to get into.

The message of this book is that the bar of expectation is set far too low for teens.  Do Hard Things encourages the x-box generation to rise above the low expectations that hold us down and soar into new horizons. A must read for any teen it preteen. 

I received this book free of charge, in exchange for an honest review, courtesy of the Blogging for Books program. All opinions contained in this review are my own. 

Dear Lizzy - an open letter to all girls

     Hello! Here is the promised post...

     Dear ladies. I recently wrote a letter to guys. I promised them that I would write one to us as well. We have all been treated unkindly by guys, but let's face it: we do our share. We like to talk about how rude guys are but we are really rude too! Like when a guy opens a door. Why do we have to act defensive? Smile say thank you an move on.  

     We like to talk about guys and porn. But let's be honest. If we didn't flirt and show them just enough of ourselves to make them curious, would it be as big of a problem? Probably not. Sisters, it is our responsibility to act and dress in a way the doesn't make it harder for our brothers to keep their minds clean. I'm not saying they are not responsible for their own actions, but we are not totally blameless. 

     A sad lie that is being spoon-fed to girls all over the world is that we are only worth what we weigh and look like. We are taught by society that our worth depends on how much guys like us and that how much guys like us depends on how sexily and scantily we are dressed.  

     This is so far from the truth. You are worth so much more than your body. Dear sister, you are a priceless treasure and nothing can change that. So why tarnish your beauty by dishonoring yourself? No matter how tight your clothes or how little you wear, you will always find that the attention you receive does not fulfill the longings in your heart. 

     There is a such thing as a respectable man. A man who values a girl for who she is, not what she is, truly does exist. 

     But we make it so hard for them. Ladies, it is our obligation to not be a stumbling block to our dear brothers. How can we expect the to treat us with respect when we don't do the same? In today's day and age, the term gentleman has been tarnished almost beyond recognition. Some think of a passive pantywaist who opens doors, doffs hats and kisses hands. Other picture a prideful, rich man (often with tails on his tux and a British accent) who "earnestly desires the fair miss _______ to be his wife." And "has a good estate which an woman would be proud to be the mistress of."  Neither of these is correct. A gentleman is merely a man who treats a girl with decency and respect. And they exist. Guys were not created to walk on us, but we were also not created to walk on them. 

     So, my dear sisters, let's start working towards becoming girls that guys can treat with respect. Instead of being angry at them, let's face the truth and woman-up to our own faults. Let's get some clothes on, quit flirting and start treating guys right. 

     And one other thing. Guys aren't the only ones that deal with porn. Ladies, we must fight to keep our eyes and thoughts pure as well. We can't ask it of them and not do it ourselves. 

     So, I hope this post was all that was promised and I am sorry for my delay. 

     Let's stand up and be women of dignity and honor! 

Delaney

Hairstyled - a book review

     Hello, all!

     Hair. It can be such fun but also such a pain. Hairstyled is a fun and easy book to use. From braided chignons to fishtail braids doing your hair is as easy as 1-2-3! It doesn't matter how short or long your hair is, there is a style for you. 

     While I would have preferred a little more variety this book is fun to have on hand. It requires very little skill which is good for amateurs :)

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review through the Blogging for Books program. All opinions contained herein are mine. I was not obligated to give a positive review. 

Dear Prince Charming

     Hello, guys!

     This is an open letter to all the young men, husbands and fathers out there. This is a desperate plea from the heart of almost every Christian young woman in the world. 

      As I am sure you have noticed, there is a sad dearth of upstanding, honorable guys out there. (I am aware that this applies to girls too and I will be writing an article to my own kind soon!) If you are one of the few, I want to say thank you so much for being willing to stand alone. Your courage is not wasted. 

      In my immediate sphere of social interaction, there are at least six girls and four guys who who have either a very poor or nonexistent father. 

      I am one of those girls.

      My dad decided he loved a woman I don't even know and pornography more than he loved my mom, siblings and I. My parents are in the middle of a divorce right now.

      Not having a father has left many scars and wounds on my fragile heart. The pain and rejection hurts. But I have been given a voice in this fight and I intend to use it. 

     Now you know my story. I know that many of you may deeply resonate with my little life. Many of you have had your father fail you. Some of you may have a worse father than I do.

      I know that as guys you want to have a girl see you as her hero, her prince. I know that as a girl, I want a hero and a prince, a man who will love me for ever and always. I know that there are so many struggles facing you as young men that threaten to steal your virtue and courage away. I'm also aware that some of my dear fellow females like to make it rather difficult for you guys. This is not acceptable. 

     But you guys are still responsible for your actions. I have been mistreated by guys from my own church. I have had damaging things said to me. I know what it is like to be treated like a toy to tease and then ignore at will. And so does almost every other teen girl out there. I'm not fishing for apologies and I am glad that I was treated that way because now I am even more passionate. 

     Culture has taken its toll on this gereneration. The wide acceptance of pornography is one of the biggest problems I can think of. I can't count the number of people I know or know of who are currently or used to be addicted to porn or who have in some way been affected by it. Many people think that it is either of no consequence or that it is not as bad as some say. But the truth is  that 'porn kills love.' Somehow it changes the mind and guys start seeing girls as tools, pieces of meat. Females lose our humanity in their eyes. All of a sudden, girls are just toys to be played with and then thrown aside when you get bored. 

     Some of y'all are reading this and are nodding. Some are angry. Some of you guys may not be reading anymore. Thank you to those of you who are still reading. Please know that I am not blanket statementing (is that a word?) all guys. I know that many of you strive to respect girls and I am so grateful for you! 

      Guys like my dad didn't turn into the men that they are overnight. It started when my dad was a young man. Little instances when he decided to let a small moral slip tallied up and now he is who he is. Brothers! Please, strive to be young men of honor. Your purity is the most valuable gift you could ever give the woman you marry. We want our future husbands be sound and strong in mind and heart. We want them to be pure in in actions and thoughts and in what they place before their eyes. 

     The devaluing of girls is also found in what is said to us. Dear brothers, girls are not "hot" we are beautiful. We are more than our appearances and bodies. Just as the real you and the important you is on the inside, our value is found inside as well. So many times, a girl is liked not because of who she is, but because of the fact that she is a girl and what she has as one. 

     I am sure that you all wish I would end  this letter right now and I will. Thank you for reading this far. This was not easy to write. I wrote this because I care about you guys. I know that many times you are not aware of the impact of your words and actions, as is true of all humans . But I challenge you to think about it. You can change this society. You can reverse this curse. 

      Thank you for letting me share this with you. If you would like to share a message with us girls, I would love to post it here. I plan to write a letter to my fellow girls but I would love to hear what you guys wish we would change. 

      Sincerely,

      Delaney

    

God's not Dead 2 ~ a movie review

Hi, y'all! 

I got the privilege of going to so see God's not Dead 2 yesterday. It was fantastic. 

This film is about a teacher who finds herself caught up in a legal battle for simply answering a student's question. When faced with the choice of apologizing for speaking freely of Jesus in her answer, brave Grace chooses the right, and more difficult, path. What will happen to the job she loves? 

This was an amazing course in apologetics for me. I found their reasoning to be very intriguing. It was a lot of fun. 

However, as with most Christian movies, it had its cheese factor. It felt a wee bit as if the were trying to prove that the Newsboys aren't dead. It ended the same way as the first - with a Newsboys concert. Now, I like the Newsboys. They write amazing music and it does go well with the theme of the movie. I found it a little cheesy though, the way that they included the band. 

Would I watch this movie again? Absolutely. It was incredible. 

Go out and support this film!

Delaney

Goodbyes

   

 

     So, it has been an amazing journey and I have been so blessed to have y'all along for the ride. It is my sorrowful duty to disclose this depressing news: Beautifully (im)perfect has come to the end of the line. My friends, I am so very sorry. I will miss you all deeply. Thanks you for making this a memorable journey for me.

Best wishes for the future, 

April Fools ;0)

Why God wants You to be Happy

     "God wants you to be happy!" What a common phrase in the American church. It usually accompanies a pep talk on how we need to reach higher and pray bigger. How God will provide all of our desires, how we will have tons of money and brand new cars. Some scorn this doctrine and take it  to the extreme that God does not want us to be happy and we do not exist for pleasure. Others embrace and teach it.
      Honestly, I believe that we were created to enjoy perfect happiness and joy forever. I believe that we were made to partake endlessly in the bountiful riches God provides. I believe that God's highest desire is for me to be perfectly happy. Now, please don't throw me out as a heretic and ban my little nook of cyberspace from your browser. There is a method to my heresy.
      Let me start a long, long time ago. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. He created light, land, animals, birds, fish, you name it. Then he made humans. When he created us, he breathed us into perfect harmony with him. Mankind was drowning in his beauty and holiness and was perfectly happy. And God saw that it was very good. Then sin came in and ruined mans perfect relationship with the Father. For thousands of years, God yearned for his creation. His heart was broken over their sadness and hardship. He wanted them to be joyous again, but he knew the only way that would happen was through a restored relationship with him. So, he sent Jesus to die a horrible death and in that moment, the curtain was torn in two, signifying that man could now approach God through a perfect relationship again. 

He had finally bridged the gap to our perfect and eternal joy. 

     John Piper said:"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him." 

God wants us to be satisfied, joyful and happy people.

     But, he wants us to have a different kind of happiness. 

     You see, God knows that we will never be fully fullfilled or happy until we are blissfully and completely satisfied and therefore happy in him. 

     So yes, God wants you to be happy. But he wants you to find your happiness in him, not possessions, power, fame or prosperity. God is most happy and glorified when we are truly happy, finding iur joy in him. 

     So, dear friends, please, be happy! God wants you to be happy. You were made for this. From the beginning of time, God has desired a perfect and beautiful relationship with you. This is your destiny. 

Delaney

In all Honesty

Hey y'all!
     So, if you are a nut like me, you listen to a whole lot of Klove. They have been playing  song called "If we're honest" by Francesca Battistelli. It is a really good song about how we need to be transparent. How we need to not hide our scars. About how we need to be open and honest about who we are, because we are all messed up and none of us are perfect.
     My cousin has a friend who is from Germany. I got the opportunity to talk with him and one of the things he said was about how Americans are so fake. He explained that in Germany when someone asks you how you are doing or how things are going, they expect a real, genuine reply, not just a "I'm fine. How about you?" In the american culture, this is a very rare and, often times, scary thing.

         It would change our lives
              It would set us free
         It's what we need to be
            ~ If We're Honest - 

            Francesca  Battistelli ~

     Friends, this is so true! I know this just as truly as the next person. I have been the type that just shuffles, smiles and gives a pathetic "I'm good! How have you been?" I still do it with some people. But in the past year, I have learned that when I am open with someone I trust, I am able to get help on so many levels. I have someone to talk to, have pray for me, to pray for, the list goes on. I have dealt with a lot of things in my little life, things like paralyzing fear that squeezes the faith and trust out of my heart with an icy, relentless grip. I have faced mild depression that made me feel as though my life is a dark, dismal hole that reaches into the outskirts of infinity. I have felt the pain of not having a friend and wondering what is wrong with me, what makes people not want to be my friend. I know what the gaping hole that is left by a father that chooses himself and his passions over me and my family feels like. I know what it is like to stare uncertainty in the face. Y'all, I could easily have a lot to hide.
     But.
     I.
     Don't.
     Want.
     To.
     I have dwelt in the shadows of the perfect girl facade for far too long.  I want to break free. I want to be honest, lay my heart and my struggles bare and simply be myself.
      None of us are perfect. We all have scars, bumps and bruises. We all have struggles and things we would love to have stay buried in the past. Bu you know what? That is okay. That's right, it is okay that you are not okay. It is okay that I am not okay.
      Something I struggle with is seeing myself as a daughter of Christ. Viewing God as my father is not an easy undertaking when I do not have an earthly father that shows me the love that a father ought to show his children. But even in my doubts and fears, God whispers "Come to Me. Rest in Me. I have chosen you and you are Mine. You are my daughter and I am your Father. Stop trying to figure out why I love you and just rest in the fact that I do. There is nothing you can ever do to make me not want you or not love you. You are my child, chosen before the foundation of the world and I love you." He takes my scars and covers them in His blood. He takes my broken pieces and puts them back together, even more beautifully than before. My brokenness is a perfect opportunity for His glorious light to shine through.

   Praise God we don't have to hide scars
            They strengthen our wounds        

              and they soften our hearts

     They remind us where we have been

                     Not who we are 

                ~Scars - Jonny Diaz ~

      Dear friends, please stop hiding your beautiful stories. I know that right now the pain may be more than you can bear, but keep holding tightly to the One who will never let you go. He is making something BEAUTIFUL out of your mess and broken pieces. Your scars don't define you. Jesus does.   Stop trying to be someone that you are not. You don't always have to be okay. Reach out and be honest. You may have heard it said that "the fist step is admitting it" and this is so very true. Admit that you aren't perfect. Say it with me, "I am not perfect and I don't have to be okay." Be honest with the people that love you. Walk in the freedom that comes from not hiding in the shadows of perfection. God never made you to be perfect. 

      I would love to hear your story of how you are letting God's beautiful light shine through the cracks in your heart. Feel free to share in the comment section. 

      It is time to be honest. Time to let down the walls and let people see the real you, because it is beautiful.

Delaney

Cloak of the Light

     Another epic tale woven by Chuck Black unfolds in this fantastic novel. Journey into the life of Drew Carter, a fatherless young man whose senses suddenly go beyond high gear after a devastating accident. Drew makes a disturbing discovery - he can now see the invaders that surround mankind. He begins to question his sanity as does his mother and confidant, Jake. Will he find his friend Benjamin Berg in time? Will Sydney, the enchanting yet mysterious love of his life be targeted by the invaders? You will have to read this amazing novel to find out!

Counted Worthy

     I recently read this book and thought that it had a good story-line. I was, however, somewhat disappointed by the quality of the writing. I expected much better from the rave reviews. It was very obviously written by a Christian, which is great as I am one myself, but a Bible verse on almost every page can get annoying! 
      On a different note, I really liked the fact that it had a strong Christian flavor. Leah was not afraid to allow her faith to shine through, albeit a little too much :). I would probably not re-read this one, but I would recommend it to a friend. This book is a tale of faith, family, love, endurance, and undying loyalty.